CHAPTER 5
906 Words
5 YEARS LATER
I breathed out heavily as I wiped the table. Working in a restaurant was not bad until you met those annoying jerks who always wanted to offer you something to take you home.
When did becoming a waitress make you a w***e?
“Dahlia, it's boss, she wants to see you,” Kelsey yelled, and I nodded. I dropped the napkin and took off my apron as I headed to her office. I knocked once and entered. She was on a phone call, so I stood there quietly until she finished and gestured for me to sit.
“You called for me, ma'am.”
“Uh, yes. I'm really impressed with how focused you are when it comes to work. You're very hardworking. A friend of mine reached out, saying he needed someone capable of working in his villa.”
My face beamed with happiness. “Really?” She nodded with a smile.
“I recommend you, since you're the most competent, unless you don't…”
“I do. Thank you so much,” I said with a smile.
“I'll send you the address and everything. It was nice working with you, Dahlia.”
“Thank you so much, Mrs Tessa.”
I smiled to myself on the way home. After I got banished from my castle, I began life like a child, figuring things out. Vida supported me immensely. She supported me both emotionally and financially.
She'll be so happy for me when I tell her about my new job.
I dropped the bag of things on the counter and stretched as I yawned. I don't remember the last time I slept for more than 5 hours.
“Mommy, mommy,” Marcel yelled as he rushed towards me. I opened my arms and scooped him from the floor.
He giggled as I tickled him. “How is my big strong boy doing?”
“Very strong, mommy.” He said in his cute voice, and I laughed. “Mm, how strong are you now? Can you show Mommy?” He nodded frantically. I put him down, and he began raising one of the kitchen chairs.
“Look mommy, look.”
“Ohh, very strong.” He jumped around happily.
“Dal.” I turned to meet Vida. We both hugged, and she started helping me sort the bag of groceries.
Vida moved to LA when I told her about my pregnancy. She always took care of Marcel whenever I was away, and I loved her for that.
I told her about my new job and she was so excited.
“So when do you start?”
“Tomorrow.”
“So soon?” I nodded. “Are you leaving, Mama?” I heard Marcel's soft voice as he pouted.
“No, baby, I'm just going to work as usual. Aunt Vida will take care of you.”
“Why? Are you scared that Aunt Vida will chew your toes off?” Vida chased after him as they both giggled. Sometimes, it feels like I'm babysitting both of them.
****
Mrs Tessa sent me all the necessary information. I kissed Marcel goodbye and hugged Vida before I stepped out. A black SUV was parked in front of my house, waiting for me.
Is this normal? I asked myself, but I didn't think much because Mrs Tessa mentioned that they were very rich.
The driver nodded at me as I sat down, and we drove off. We arrived at the villa, and I stepped down. A middle-aged man was standing there wearing a tuxedo.
“Dahlia I presume?” His accent was so thick and refined that he spoke like those British butlers in movies.
“Yes sir.”
“Follow me.” He didn’t greet, but he didn't look rude, nor did he look nice. He just looked neutral and professional.
“I am Fel, butler of this prestigious Villa. I heard you have experience, good, we need it. The master has an expensive taste, so you need to know how to make his food just right.”
“Ye…yes sir.” We toured the house, and he also introduced me to all the maids.
“You shall be part of the cooking team, learn and improve your skills. Your dress will be given to you shortly, do enjoy your stay at the Winston Villa.” I nodded happily.
I immediately changed into my outfit and tied my hair up into a bun.
Learning the menu wasn't difficult at all because all the dishes on the menu were Marcel's favourites.
“We need some oil, it's in the store room, do you know where it is?” Bessy, the head maid, asked, and I nodded and immediately placed my napkin down as I walked to the storeroom. I grabbed the oil and made my way back to the kitchen.
Wow, I can't believe I was able to remember the store room. I turned the bottle, reading the writings and not paying attention when I collided with a hard surface. I stumbled back, almost falling when a pair of strong arms grabbed me. I unconsciously gripped his shirt for balance.
Immediately, his eyes landed on me, and the room felt cold. His eyes, there was something in his eyes I couldn't quite decipher. His eyes were also glued to me, like he had seen a ghost.
Why did touching him feel oddly familiar?
- Writer
