A Love Beyond Recall

Chapter 2: The Unruly Maid

The air in the room crackled with tension as Avery carefully placed the silver tea set on the mahogany table. Her hands trembled slightly, not from the weight of the silver, but from the irritation she felt. She glanced at Zack, who sat at the other end of the table, his face as dark as a gathering storm.

"Avery," Zack said, his voice laced with frustration, "I specifically instructed you to use bone china teacups. Why can't you get it right?"

"Oh, dear, Sir, bone china is so difficult to handle! It's so heavy!" Avery replied, her voice tinged with annoyance. "Besides, the silver ones are more elegant!"

Zack furrowed his brow at Avery's response.

"Elegance? Avery, that's not the point. We need to follow the rules in this Mansion. And I prefer the bone china," he said firmly.

"Oh, so many rules!" Avery muttered under her breath, a sentiment Zack didn't catch.

"Avery, did you say something?" Zack asked, puzzled.

"Nothing, sir," Avery replied, trying to suppress her annoyance.

"I just said, the silver ones look better."

Zack shook his head. He couldn't understand this maid. Always with an answer, always with a complaint.

"Avery, please get the bone china. And also, arrange everything on the table. I need to work."

"Yes, sir," Avery replied, a hint of irritation lacing her voice.

As Avery walked towards the kitchen, she heard Zack let out a heavy sigh.

One day, while cleaning her room, Avery found an old box full of pictures.

"Sir, look at this!" Avery exclaimed, her voice filled with curiosity.

"What???" Zack furrowed his brow again.

"Look at this, Sir Zack! You were so cute when you were a kid!" the lady teased.

Zack glanced at the pictures. He saw himself as a child, wearing small clothes and no underwear, smiling broadly.

"Avery, put that back," he scolded the lady.

"Oh, Sir, you were so cute!" she teased. "Get out, now," he said loudly.

"Oh, Sir Zack, don't be shy, this will be our little secret, I promise," she laughed.

Zack tried to control himself. He was on the verge of getting angry with his maid.

"Avery," he said sternly.

"Yes, Sir? Are you okay?" she smiled sweetly.

"Please, leave my room now," he restrained his anger.

"Now?" she innocently asked.

"Get out!!!!" He shouted loudly.

And Avery ran out of the room.

She might be fired for being out of time.

The air hung heavy with the scent of simmering adobo as Avery descended the grand staircase of the mansion. "Hmf, these people are so boring," she muttered under her breath, her steps echoing through the cavernous hallway. She was already used to the quiet monotony of life in the sprawling home of her employer, Zack.

Avery, a bright and bubbly third-year Business Management student at Miller De Manila University, one of the many institutions owned by the wealthy Zack family, found herself balancing her studies with the demanding role of a stay-in maid.

After a long day of classes, Avery hurried home, eager to escape the academic pressure and find solace in the warmth of Nanay Maria, who had become a mother figure to her.

"Nanay Maria," Avery called out, her voice bright with affection.

"You're here, Avery. Come and eat with me," Nanay Maria beckoned, her smile as warm as the adobo bubbling on the stove. Avery had quickly grown close to Nanay Maria, finding comfort in her gentle nature. They had no children of their own and had poured their hearts into caring for Zack, a man as cold as the marble floors of his mansion.

"Hmmm, that looks delicious, Nay. I can smell it from outside, you're cooking pork adobo, right?" Avery grinned, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Oh, you little rascal. Let's eat," Nanay Maria chuckled, her laughter filling the kitchen.

As they ate, Avery's laughter mingled with Nanay Maria's, creating a symphony of joy that echoed through the usually silent house. Avery, with her youthful energy, brought a spark of life into the otherwise somber atmosphere.

"Wow, Nay, if this is my dish every day and you're the one cooking, I'll surely gain weight. You're really good at cooking," Avery exclaimed, her mouth full of adobo.

The two women were oblivious to the approaching figure. Zack, drawn by the sound of laughter, stood in the doorway, his expression unreadable.

"Oh, son, you're here," Nanay Maria greeted him, her voice soft.

Avery, caught off guard, turned around, her mouth still full of rice. She quickly swallowed, then said, "Good evening, sir." She quickly hid her hand, which was still covered in rice grains.

"I'm hungry," Zack said curtly, taking a seat beside Avery.

"Are you going to eat here, Sir?" Avery asked, her brow furrowed with confusion.

"Am I not allowed to eat in my own kitchen?" Zack snapped, his voice laced with irritation.

"Oh, sir, it's not like that. Just wait a moment and I'll prepare it for you," Avery said, turning to leave. She winked at Nanay Maria, her nose flaring as she stifled a laugh.

"Alright, I need to rest, and I'm feeling rheumatic," Nanay Maria said, rising from her chair. "You take care of your master now, my child," she instructed calmly.

"Yes, Nay, I'll make sure your ward is well-fed," Avery giggled, her voice echoing through the kitchen.

"Thank you, my child. Okay, I'm going to my room now," Nanay Maria said, her voice fading as she retreated to her room.

"Son, have you eaten?" she reminded Zack.

"Yes, Nay, go on and rest," Zack replied gently.

Avery returned to prepare Zack's meal. She was his personal assistant, responsible for everything from his wardrobe to his meals. She wasn't used to him dining at the table, as he usually preferred to have his meals delivered to his room or study.

"Sir, this is the menu for you tonight. Wild-Caught Seafood: a simple, yet elegant, grilled salmon served with a light lemon-herb sauce. This highlights the natural flavor of the fish and its sustainable source," Avery explained, her voice filled with a newfound confidence. It was part of her studies; she needed to know the recipes for everything her master consumed.

Zack began to eat, while Avery stood by, waiting for instructions.

"Are you done eating?" Zack asked, his gaze fixed on her.

"No, sir, but I'm full," Avery smiled sweetly.

"Then finish it, don't waste any food," he commanded.

Without another word, Avery sat down and finished the remaining food on Zack's plate. She ate with her hands, savoring the adobo, just as she had done with Nanay Maria.

Zack watched her, his gaze lingering on her as she ate. He seemed unconcerned by her presence, her laughter, her carefree spirit.

From a distance, Marites and Dana, the other two maids, whispered amongst themselves, their eyes wide with curiosity. They couldn't understand the dynamic between their employer and the new maid. Avery, with her vibrant personality and unyielding spirit, was a stark contrast to the quiet, somber atmosphere of the mansion, a breath of fresh air in a world of stifling formality.