CHAPTER 4
862 Words
BRIELLA’S POV
My mother's operation was a success, and for that, I was truly grateful. Just as Gael had promised, he paid the entire hospital bill. Now, Mom was in the process of recovering, and if everything went well, she’d be discharged tomorrow.
Since my conversation with Ma’am Callie yesterday, I haven’t seen her again. According to Miss Baday, she was on vacation, sent away by her parents after falling ill yesterday. I silently breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing that. I wasn’t ready to face her just yet. I could only hope she’d forgotten about the “job” she was offering me.
I finished my chores earlier than usual today. I even asked Miss if she had any extra tasks for me to do, but she said there were none. So, despite it only being three in the afternoon, she allowed me to head home. I didn’t refuse, especially since I wanted to visit Mom at the hospital.
“Ella,” a soft voice called out to me.
I was thankful that I was alone in the maid’s quarters; Gael and I could talk for a moment without worry.
“They said our mom’s okay now. Thank you so much, Gael,” I said with a grateful smile.
He returned the smile. “That’s good to hear. You know I don’t like seeing you stressed. It makes you look... not so pretty.”
I was used to Gael’s teasing, so I couldn’t help but chuckle. “I’m serious, Gael. Thank you so much. Just wait—I’ll pay you back.”
His smile faded, and he suddenly grew serious. He mumbled something too softly for me to catch. I frowned in confusion, but instead of repeating it, he just ruffled my hair.
“I suppose you’ll be able to go to Freya’s place this Sunday?” he asked, changing the subject.
I nodded. “Mom’s getting better, so there’s no reason not to go. What about you? Are you coming?”
“Of course,” he answered quickly.
“By the way,” I said cautiously. “Do you happen to know when your sister’s coming back?”
His eyes narrowed playfully. “Why are you suddenly so interested in my sister?”
I scratched my head awkwardly. “You know, everyone here’s scared of her. Better to be prepared when she gets back.”
“Honestly, I don’t even know. That sister of mine is too obsessed with Nyx, so who knows when she’ll return,” he said, clearly annoyed.
My heart skipped a beat at the name Nyx. So it was him—he was the ex that Ma’am Callie wanted me to seduce. Just hearing his name gave me chills. I could only hope she’d change her mind before returning home.
“I should go. I’m heading straight to the hospital,” I said with a polite smile.
“I want to visit her too. Let me come,” he said in a childlike tone.
I shook my head immediately. While Mom knew Gael, my older sisters didn’t—and I didn’t want him to be bombarded with questions.
“Maybe next time, Gael. Once she’s discharged from the hospital,” I said uncertainly.
“You’re so unfair.”
“Gael.”
“Okay, fine. Next time. Just send my regards to your mom, alright? And keep me posted once she’s home.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll get going now. Bye!”
“Take care.”
I was about to step out of the maid’s quarters when I spotted some of my fellow maids approaching. I quickly glanced at Gael, who was about to exit too. In a panic, afraid we’d be seen together, I grabbed his hand and pulled him into the bathroom. I locked the door and pressed my ear against it.
“What the h*ll?” Gael whispered, startled.
I shot him a look. “Watch your mouth—and don’t make a sound,” I whispered back, irritated.
He fell silent. I returned my attention to the door, pressing my ear closer to hear if the others had passed by.
A few moments later, the hallway went quiet again. I turned to Gael, only to find his face way too close to mine. He was just staring, which made me uncomfortable.
“Stay here. I’ll check if it’s safe to come out,” I muttered.
I stepped out and glanced around. Once I was sure no one was nearby, I let him out of the bathroom.
“I can’t believe I’m hiding in my own house,” Gael joked as he wiped the sweat from his forehead.
“Sorry, but you know no one’s supposed to see us together, right?”
“I know. Alright, I’ll go now before your coworkers come back. Take care. Keep me updated.”
I nodded and watched as he walked out of the maid’s quarters. I exhaled deeply, shaking my head slightly. That was a close call. I didn’t even want to imagine what would’ve happened if we’d been caught together. Maybe it was time for Gael to reduce his visits here, for our sake.
- Writer
