In your Arms Again

A Weird Feeling

MJ’s boutique was wide and filled with elegant stuff. The Jones's mansion employees are still choosing the best clothes and dress that suits them.

Meanwhile, Marcus was searching for their new cook’s presence. His eyes scanned the boutique. But before he could find her, someone suddenly grabbed his arm.

“There you are!” Celine’s voice rang in his ears.

Marcus turned to see her smiling up at him, her grip on his arm firm. “I found the perfect tuxedo for you,” she purred, pulling him toward the display.

Marcus sighed, already feeling drained. “Celine, I—”

Before he could finish, she stepped closer, her voice lowering. “Come on, babe. Let’s pick something together.”

Marcus felt a little disappointment. He knew this was only the beginning.

And for the first time, he realized—this engagement was going to be more suffocating than he had ever imagined.

Marcus ran a hand through his hair, feeling restless as he rejoined his mother. His thoughts were a tangled mess, and an unsettling feeling lingered in his chest.

“Hey, son, did you find anything you like?” Aya asked, flashing him a warm smile.

“Nope, Mom. I already have a suit at home,” Marcus replied casually, though his mind wasn’t on clothes. His eyes flickered around the boutique as if searching for someone.

Aya tilted her head. “ It seems that you’re searching for someone else ?”

“Yeah,” Marcus admitted, frowning. “Where’s our cook? Everyone else is picking out outfits, but I don’t see her anywhere.”

Aya chuckled. “Maybe she’s on the other side.” Then, with a teasing smile, she added, “Or maybe you just want to see her.”

Marcus ignored the implication, shaking his head. “It’s not that. I just—” He hesitated. “Ever since she started working for us, I’ve eaten the best meals of my life.”

Aya studied her son for a moment before nodding. “Fine. You go keep your fiancée company. I’ll find Ella.”

At the mention of Celine, Marcus sighed but didn’t argue. He watched as his mother walked off, and he caught sight of Ella sitting alone in the waiting area. Her expression was distant, lost in thought.

“Ella!” Aya called, walking over. “What are you doing here? Come help me choose a dress for tomorrow’s event.”

Ella looked up, her dark eyes filled with quiet worry. “Ma’am, I won’t be attending,” she said softly. “I need to visit my mother. I’ll go home tonight and be back tomorrow.”

Aya’s heart ached at the sadness in her voice. She thought of the pain of losing her husband, the emptiness that never fully faded. She had wished for a daughter, but fate had given her only Marcus. And now, looking at Ella, she imagined her daughter should be at her age if she had given the chance to have one.

“Come with me,” Aya said gently, taking Ella’s hand. “We’ll find you a dress, and Carlos will drive you home afterward. You don’t have to miss the event.”

Ella hesitated, but Aya’s kindness was too comforting to refuse.

A few minutes later, Aya held up a stunning sky-blue dress. “This one is perfect for you.”

Ella’s eyes widened at the price tag. “Ma’am, I can’t accept this. It’s too expensive.”

Aya waved off her concern. “My son owns this boutique. Consider it a small gift for all the wonderful meals you’ve cooked for us.”

Ella bit her lip, hesitating before finally accepting the dress with gratitude. “Thank you, ma’am. This means so much to me.”

By the time the shopping trip ended, everyone was relieved to have their outfits sorted. Aya decided to treat the entire staff to lunch at a fine restaurant, making the day even more enjoyable. Laughter and conversation filled the air as they returned home, smiles bright on their faces.

June 11, 2019.

The Jones Mansion buzzed with excitement as preparations began.

“Ladies! Your beauticians have arrived,” Aya announced, ensuring that every employee, regardless of their role, would look their best.

Fatza, the lively beautician, clapped his hands in delight when he saw Ella. “Come here, darling! I’ll make you look like a Disney princess.”

Ella laughed nervously but let him work his magic. Her hair was braided into a delicate crown, with soft waves cascading down her back. A natural makeup look highlighted her features, and a hint of gloss made her lips shimmer. When she finally looked at herself in the mirror, she barely recognized the woman staring back.

She looked… beautiful.

As everyone changed into their outfits, Ella slipped into her new dress, pairing it with simple yet elegant sandals. Before heading out, she rushed back to her room to grab her phone.

“Is everyone ready?” Aya called.

A chorus of agreement filled the air, but Eden quickly scanned the group. “Wait! Where’s the cook?”

At that moment, Ella stepped out of the mansion.

Silence fell.

Carlos froze, his eyes widening as if he had seen a ghost. Ella’s beauty stunned everyone into speechlessness. The soft blue fabric hugged her figure perfectly, her elegance effortlessly captivating. Even Eden, known for her chatter, took a step back in quiet admiration.

At the Jones’s Hotel, the venue was already alive with music and chatter. Marcus stepped out of his car, his eyes scanning the crowd.

“Marcus!”

Celine’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts as she grabbed his hand. She looked stunning in a daring black dress, her confidence shining through.

“I was looking for you,” she purred, tightening her grip. “Your grandfather is waiting to introduce you to mine.”

Marcus forced a polite smile, though his mind was elsewhere.

Inside, Arthur proudly introduced him to Celine’s grandfather, and they exchanged firm handshakes. Marcus kept the conversation going, but his heart wasn’t in it.

Then, as if drawn by an invisible force, his gaze drifted across the room—

And landed on Ella.

His breath caught.

She stood at the far end of the hall, lost in the grandeur of the event. The soft lighting made her look even more radiant, the blue of her dress making her skin glow. Something deep inside him shifted, tightening in a way he couldn’t explain.

His pulse raced.

What is happening to me?

Was it excitement?

Or something much, much deeper?

As the ceremony was about to begin, Marcus fixed his tie, trying to focus.

But one thing was certain.

Ella was distracting his mind since he saw her in her perfect attire.

And that realization terrified him.