Chapter 5
ALINA’S POV
“Where do you think you’re going?”
What the hell!
How is this even possible? It’s so early.
“Morning. Ace.” I greeted him sheepishly, feeling like I’d just been caught red–handed, doing something I wasn’t supposed to be doing.
“Where are you off to, madame?” Ace asked, his voice cautious, his cold, suspicious eyes studying me closely.
He really was Lucian’s employee, Sometimes, his behavior reminded me so much of Lucian that you’d think they were brothers.
“Can you chill out?” I huffed. “I’m just heading to the kitchen.”
“Where’s Boss?” His gaze darted to the door behind me, as if he was trying to see through it.
Shhh.” I shushed him, feeling annoyed. “Can you keep it down? He’s asleep.”
“Boss is asleep?” He sounded genuinely taken aback.
“That’s what I just said.” 1 gritted my teeth, my irritation flaring up.
His endless questions were really starting to get on my nerves.
“I’ll check for myself.” He tried to sidestep me and open the door, but I grabbed his suit, pulling him back.
“What do you think you’re doing?” I shot him a glare.
“Just making sure the Boss is alive and kicking.”
What the hell?
“What do you think I’d do to him? Smother him to death with a pillow?” I asked, feeling offended.
“I wouldn’t put it past you.” His reply was icy.
Ouch.
I deserved that
I couldn’t really blame Ace for not trusting me. I had done a lot of awful things to hurt Lucian in the past.
“Listen, madame.” His tone turned sharp. “I know Boss cares about you and would give his life for you in a heartbeat. But I don’t trust you and I’m not buying this sudden nice–girl act you’re putting on. So move.”
His words stung, but I stepped aside, letting him push open the double doors.
His distrust hurt, but deep down, I was glad Lucian had someone looking out for him.
Ace stepped into the room and walked out a few minutes later, staring at me with a mix of shock, confusion, and suspicion
“He’s asleep.” He pointed out
Well, duh.
“I told you that.” My tone was flat–as–I–tried my best not to snap at him.
“What did you do?” His voice dripped with accusation.
“Excuse me?” I frowned, feeling a bit lost.
“Boss has trouble sleeping,” Ace informed me in a guarded tone. “That’s why his moods and emotions are always all over the place. Even when he does manage to sleep, it’s only for about three hours al most.”
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427AM P P.
Chapter 5
That was news to me.
“I didn’t know that.” My voice came out soft, tinged with guilt.
121
I understood how cranky I could get without enough sleep, it could ruin my entire day. But Lucian had to deal with this all the time. And all I had done in the past was make things tougher for him.
“Of course, you didn’t” Ace scoffed.
My jaw clenched at his words.
“Okay, listen here, Ace You
It me. I get it. But I’m really trying my best here. The least you could do is meet me hallway.” I let
out a sharp breath. “I’ll be in the kitchen making breakfast.”
Without waiting for his reply. I turned on my heel and walked away, leaving him behind.
I stepped into the massive, high–tech kitchen and started digging through the drawers and cabinets.
“Can I help you with something, madame?” Maya’s voice came from behind me, making me jump.
“Jesus Christ!” My hands flew to my chest as I gasped. “Stop doing that.” I chided her gently.
“I didn’t mean to startle you, madame. I just thought I could help with whatever you’re looking for.” She said, sounding genuinely apologetic.
“It’s fine.” I waved her off. “Where’s the pancake mix at?” I asked as I resumed my search.
“Right here, ma’am.” Maya opened a drawer right in front of me.
“Hmm.” I mused. “I thought I had checked there already?”
That’s what happens when there are tons of cabinets
“Thanks. And where are the pans and the cooking
Dil?
“Madame, are you planning to have pancakes for breakfast? I can arrange that quickly. Maya said, looking a bit puzzled by my actions.
“That won’t be necessary, Maya. I will be cooking for Lucian today. I informed her.
Suddenly, the room fell silent. The kitchen staff paused their tasks, and even the nearby servants stopped what they were doing as they regarded me in stunned silence.
er voice
“Are you sure about this, Madame? I can handle it myself if you’d rather not have the chefs prepare the meal.” Maya said, her tinged with a mix of fear and suspicion.
For one thing, they had no idea I could cook, after all, the last time I stepped into the kitchen, I had deliberately made a meal for Lucian using nuts, fully aware of his allergy. The dish tasted awful just as I wanted, and he nearly died from the allergic reaction.
I shuddered at the memory as another wave of guilt washed over me once again.
“I’m certain, Maya. You can watch me the entire time to make sure I won’t pull any tricks.” I reassured her.
“That’s not what I mea—”
“Come on, Maya, I know that’s what everyone here is thinking” I cut her off, glancing at the guilty expressions on the faces of the nearby staff.
They don’t need to feel bad about thinking that way, though. I was a real pain in the ass back then, so it’s understandable.
Without saying another word, I got to work. Of course I was no stranger to the kitchen. In my previous life, I had secretly taken a culinary course amongst other things because I wanted to be the perfect wife for Adrian. I’m glad I did, because Lucian is going to be blown away,
The kitchen staff kept stealing glances at me, clearly astonished.
“Could you help me set the table?” I asked, not directing my question at anyone in particular. Almost immediately, three kitchen staff members rushed over to assist me in carrying the pancakes and other side dishes I had prepared to the dining area.
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Chapter 56
“You really don’t have to do that, Madame.” Maya said as I started cleaning up after myself
“I can’t just leave my mess for someone else to deal with.” I smiled softly at her.
She looked at me in disbelief. “That’s what they’re paid for, Madame”
*Could you check on something else, Maya? I feel a bit weird with you hovering around. food.” I told her.
“L. Madame
ou’ve already seen that I didn’t poison the
I had never seen Maya stutter before, she was always so confident and professional I kept my expression neutral as I stared at her.
“I’ll just be in the tearoom if you need me.” She finally managed to say before walking away.
I stepped into the kitchen extension to put back the pans I had used when I suddenly heard a commotion.
“WHERE THE HELL IS SHE!!”
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