A LOVE PAID IN LIES

CHAPTER THREE

FALENA BIANCHI

I felt my phone vibrate on the shelf and was shocked to see my boss’s name pop.

“Hello Henry”. I answered.

“Lena, so sorry to bother you, an emergency came up, and I need to know if you can fill in for one of the chefs”. He said hurriedly.

“Do you want me to fill in?? I am not even a senior chef”. I said.

“Can you help me please, this gig is big for the restaurant,” he asked me.

“ Okay, yes, text me the address?" I replied. “Thank you.” He sighed.

“You are a Lifesaver, please come with black heels,” he replied, ending the call.

I saw a text come in and started to prepare, but then it occurred to me, black heels?? I don’t spend my money on stuff like that.

I texted Hailey if she could lend me hers. She asked if I was going on a date. LOL!! A DATE!!!. I told her I had a gig for the restaurant.

I called a taxi who drove me to the address while checking my small purse to see if my emergency makeup kits were there.

It’s not a lot though, just lip gloss and mascara. I had my waist-length hair in a tight bun too with that I was set. I noticed the change of the area the taxi was driving towards was peaceful and reserved.

This was my first time in urban areas like this. We pulled up in front of a beautiful mansion or a castle or an estate. Gosh!!! I didn't even know how to describe the view.

I called Mr Henry to let him know I was there, and he sent a chef to pick me up. On getting to the set-up, a chef's uniform was handed to me and a pantyhose. I see why he asked for black heels.

I went to change in the restroom briefly, but then the uniform was very fitted on my body. It was above my knee by some inches, hugged my body and accentuated my curves. I quickly applied mascara and gloss on my face and stepped back out.

I saw family paintings and pictures on the wall. They were the owners and most likely the host. I got carried away looking at a particular portrait of a man. His eyes were as if they were piercing through mine, his dark hair fell slightly on the forehead, his jawlines were really accentuated. Maybe the artist wanted extra perfection, I thought.

While raising my hands to touch it, my elbow hit the vase in front of me, making it roll!

Fuckkk! Thank goodness my reflex kicked in, making me lean forward to catch the vase before it hit the floor.

"I let out a deep sigh, I should really get back," I said to myself while putting the vase back.

“That was a smart reflex.” I heard a deep bass voice say which made me jump. I turn around and see a long figure dressed in a black tux smirking at me.

“I am so sorry sir,” I said, running off in my heels as I brushed past him before he said another word or asked for my name, which could make me lose my job.

I got back to the rest of the setup.

“ The uniform fits, now let’s get to work,” Mr Henry said as I started chopping some onions. My heart was racing so fast, and I hoped I was not recognized.

I did not even look up to see the face of the man. The event started in full, and we began to serve.