Visiting Aurelia
1193 Words
Ingrid
Not long after ending the call with Aurelia, my phone buzzed once again. She had sent the address of the Mercer residence alongside the contact of the driver who would be picking me up from the company.
I quickly replied with a simple thank you before gathering the remaining files on my desk. Since Cooper had already permitted me to leave early, there was no reason to linger around the office any longer.
Before stepping out, I picked up my phone and sent Richard a text, informing him not to bother coming over after work. I explained that Mrs. Mercer had sent a driver to take me to their house and promised to keep him updated.
His reply came almost instantly.
Be careful. Call me once you're done, and don't leave alone if it gets late.
A smile tugged at my lips.
Yes, hubby.
Locking my office, I made my way toward the elevator and descended to the ground floor. The doors slid open, and I had barely taken two steps when a familiar voice called after me.
"Ingrid."
Turning around, I found Katy standing a few feet away with a folder tucked beneath her arm. Unlike our first encounter, there wasn't hostility written across her face this time.
"I was actually looking for you."
I smiled politely.
"Is everything alright?"
She shifted awkwardly from one foot to the other before speaking.
"I... wanted to apologize."
My brows lifted in surprise.
"I judged you too quickly."
Her shoulders relaxed slightly.
"I thought you got the position because you were trying to get close to Mr. Cooper, but after watching how you've handled work these past few days... I have to admit you're actually competent."
A soft laugh escaped me.
"I appreciate that."
She nodded before lowering her voice.
"Just... be careful around Mrs. Mercer."
That caught my attention.
"Careful?"
Katy hesitated for a brief second.
"I don't mean she's a bad person."
"It's just..."
"Sometimes she acts without thinking."
I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear while listening to her, unknowingly raising my left hand in the process. Her eyes instinctively followed the movement before settling on the wedding ring resting perfectly on my finger.
Her expression changed instantly.
Her eyes widened ever so slightly.
She stared at the ring, then at my face, as though silently putting several pieces together.
A small smile found my lips.
"Thank you for the advice."
Without waiting for another response, I walked past her toward the company entrance. Even from behind, I could almost feel her eyes following me, probably debating whether to call me back or simply let me leave.
Outside, a sleek black vehicle waited by the curb.
The driver immediately stepped out the moment he saw me.
"Mrs. Ingrid?"
"Yes."
"Mrs. Mercer sent me."
He respectfully opened the rear door before helping me with my bag. Moments later, the car smoothly pulled away from Mercer Corporation, leaving the busy city behind.
The farther we drove, the quieter the surroundings became.
Tall buildings gradually gave way to beautifully landscaped streets lined with expensive mansions, each one grander than the last. Security checkpoints appeared at intervals, their officers greeting the driver with familiar nods before allowing us through.
Finally, the car slowed before an enormous black wrought-iron gate.
The words Mercer Estate were elegantly engraved across the stone pillars standing on either side.
The gates opened automatically.
My eyes widened.
A long driveway stretched ahead, bordered by rows of perfectly trimmed hedges and blooming flowers. Decorative fountains sparkled beneath the evening sun while luxury cars occupied different sections of the compound, making the entire place resemble a private resort more than a family home.
"So this..."
I whispered to myself.
"...is where Cooper lives."
The driver smiled through the rearview mirror.
"Welcome, ma'am."
The car came to a gentle stop before the magnificent entrance.
Before I could even step out properly, the front door burst open.
"Ingrid!"
A tiny figure came running toward me at full speed.
I barely had enough time to kneel before Holly threw herself into my arms, wrapping her little hands tightly around my neck.
"You came!"
Her excitement instantly made me laugh.
"I promised I would, didn't I?"
She nodded vigorously.
"I've been waiting!"
My heart softened as I hugged her back.
Thankfully, she looked completely healthy again.
No trace remained of the frightened little girl lying in a hospital bed the previous night.
"I missed you."
"I missed you too."
She proudly grabbed my hand and began dragging me inside before I could protest.
"Come!"
"I have so many things to show you."
The moment we entered the living room, Holly began talking nonstop about her toys, cartoons, favorite dresses and even the drawing she had made that afternoon. I simply listened, laughing whenever she became too excited to finish one story before beginning another.
"I see someone has completely stolen my daughter's heart."
Aurelia approached with a warm smile.
"Holly."
"We should let Ingrid breathe."
Holly pouted adorably.
"But I want her all to myself."
"You'll still have plenty of time together."
Aurelia gently rubbed her daughter's head before looking at me.
"Thank you for coming."
"It's my pleasure."
She smiled before clapping her hands lightly.
"Since you're already here, why don't we begin the cooking lessons we talked about?"
I blinked.
"Today?"
She nodded eagerly.
"Holly keeps asking for the meals you prepared."
"I don't want to trouble you by calling you every single time."
I laughed softly.
"I honestly don't mind."
"I know."
She smiled.
"But I'd still like to learn."
Unable to refuse, I followed her into the spacious kitchen.
The head chef and two assistants immediately stepped aside, respectfully giving us enough room to work while remaining close enough whenever Aurelia needed help preparing ingredients.
We chatted naturally while cooking together.
She admitted she wasn't particularly skilled in the kitchen, making both of us laugh after she nearly confused two similar-looking spices. Even the chef struggled to hide her smile, though she wisely kept her comments to herself.
"I'm hopeless, aren't I?"
She sighed dramatically.
"Not hopeless."
I giggled.
"Just inexperienced."
"I'll accept that."
She grinned.
By the time the meal was almost finished, laughter had completely replaced the awkwardness that once existed between us.
Just then...
The distant sound of a car horn echoed from outside.
Aurelia's face immediately brightened.
"That must be Cooper."
She quickly removed her apron before turning to me.
"You've been in the kitchen all this while."
"You should freshen up."
Before I could decline, she continued.
"I've already asked one of the maids to prepare a guest room for you."
"There are fresh clothes inside."
"You can change if you're comfrtable."
Seeing no reason to argue, I nodded.
"Thank you."
A maid politely led me upstairs before stopping outside one of the beautifully furnished guest rooms. After thanking her, I stepped inside, taking in the elegant décor before closing the door behind me.
I had barely begun washing my hands when a familiar voice drifted up from downstairs.
"Welcome home, hubby."
Aurelia.
A small smile crossed my lips.
Looks like...
Cooper was finally home.
- Writer
