Chapter 28: ★Must fight the sweetness★

    ~Chapter 28~

    Waking up with a start, my mind still comprehending the events of the previous day.

    I had planned to ask Miss Stella about her health, but as I sat up in bed, she was nowhere to be found. She beats me to it. I looked up at the clock on the wall and was shocked to see that it was already 7:00 am.

    Shit! I had overslept.

    The average wake-up time for the maids was 5:00 am, followed by breakfast at 6:00 am before the chores.

    But Miss Stella as the head maid, had apparently let me sleep in. I wondered why she hadn’t woken me up as usual.

    I quickly threw off the covers ~i didn’t remember putting it on~ and ran out of bed.

    Bed? When had I left the small couch. This was not the time thinking. I sprinted up the stairs and towards my room

    My mind focused on getting ready for the day. As I reached my door, I noticed that my tormentor’s door was open, but I didn’t have time to worry about that now. I quickly jammed my door closed and peeked through the small hole to see him dressed to perfection.

    He was wearing a sleek black suit and a coat over it. His signature mask plastered on his face, and he loosely held a mobile phone in his hand, walking out of the room and towards the elevator, disappearing from view.

    I was taken aback by his calm demeanor. He’s fine now? I thought, remembering his bizarre behavior just some hours ago.

    Unlike some hours ago, when he was acting all weird, shaking off the thought, not having time to dwell on it.

    I turned my attention to the bathroom, my favorite place. Having not taken a proper bath for most of my life, this was a luxury I savored. I took my time washing up and dressing in my maid uniform, which was still a bit too big for me.

    Making my way down to the kitchen, I passed by the other maids, keeping my head down and avoiding eye contact. I didn’t know what the day had in store and I doubt it was going to favor me.

    This mansion was always full of surprises, and I had learned to be prepared for anything. My heart beats a little bit faster as I approached Miss Stella, who welcomed me with a warm smile.

    "Good morning, Katya, How was your sleep, dear?" She was stationed near the stove, expertly preparing the breakfast for the higher-ups, no doubt.

    The aroma wafted through the air, making my stomach growl with hunger. I went over to the sink washing my hands, which was mandatory ~Miss Stella kitchen, miss Stella rules, as she had said.~ Smiling to myself as I scrubbed my hands clean while answering her question.

    "It was good." I replied, moving back towards her, and she gave me a hand towel. I helped her with the things she needed, while pondering on how I would bring up the conversation about her health.

    Noticing that she still looked a bit frail, and I wanted to make sure she was okay and what was bothering her.

    Her usual warm smile looked slightly forced, "Miss Stella," I said, softly. Hesitating to broach the subject.

    But before I could continue, she interrupted me by shoveling a generous portion of scrambled eggs and crispy bacon onto a plate.

    "Eat this, dear," she said, her voice firm but gentle, as she pushed the plate towards me.

    The savory aromas wafting from the plate were enticing, but should i prioritize my concern for Miss Stella’s health over my growling stomach.

    "Miss Stella, I—" She cut me off again.

    "Eat first, talk later," she said, mischievously nudging the plate closer to me. Oh this woman was hiding something from me. I snatched the plate, quickly shoving the food down my throat.

    It was the best meal I’d had in forever- Miss Stella’s cooking was always top-notch, and I treasured every bite.

    While I ate, some of the other maids began arranging the meals onto the trolley, but my attention went over to Miss Stella.

    She was arranging hers, while throwing me some few glances and smile that wasn’t really reassuring to me.

    I could sense her relief that I wasn’t pressing her for answers - yet. But I was far from satisfied.

    As soon as I finished this delicious meal, I’d be back to questioning her, no matter how amazing the food tasted~must fight the sweetness~. This time, I wouldn’t let her evade my questions so easily.

    Finishing up the last bit of food on my plate, I let out a contented sigh, feeling the satisfying warmth spreading through my chest.

    The meal I finished was a masterpiece, a huge pile of food -I was shocked at how my small mouth had been able to finish it all. My stomach must’ve expanded to accommodate the generous portions, but I still crave another bite

    Snap out of it, Katya! That’s exactly what her meal wanted - to distract me from questioning her. I stood up quickly, shaking my head to clear the haze.

    As soon as Miss Stella began pushing the first trolley out the kitchen door, I followed suit, grasping the handle of the second trolley and giving it a gentle push.

    The soft rattle of dishes and the muted hum of conversation from the other maids followed us.

    Miss Stella walked ahead of me, her back straight but what caught my attention was that she wasn’t looking back at me. Why? Was she avoiding me? Did she know that I was onto her. Of course she must have noticed.

    We reached the doors and pushed them open, walking into the hall. We began arranging the table with the food and I stepped closer to Miss Stella.

    But just as I was about to speak, she turned away from me, her eyes avoiding mine. Not this time. My hand reaches out to gently grasp her arm.

    Whispering, in a small voice "What’s going on. Something seems to be really bothering you or is it my question about you being sick?" Miss Stella’s eyes snapped to mine, her expression stern.

    "Nothing is bothering me, dear," Firmly, she replied. The "dear" was a little forced, and There was a warning beneath her words.

    I withdrew my arm, not wanting to push her further.

    She looked like she was holding back a storm, and that’s not what I needed. I stepped back from her, casting my eyes down in a gesture of apology.

    "I’m sorry for asking," I said quietly. "Please forgive me. I won’t ask anymore." Miss Stella sighed, her expression softening as she walked towards me but the door pushed open revealing the higher ups walking.

    All the maids quickly dropped their heads down, and I did too, remembering the last time I didn’t.

    From the corner of my eye, I saw Miss Red walking into the room, her red bright hair unmistakable between the crowd.

    We all~maids~ began leaving, watching as the higher ups walked towards their seats but before I passed through. My eyes met miss red and she exclaimed, "Hi!"