Sylvia shifted her gaze from left to right wondering why David, in all his sexiness was standing right outside her door, clothed in grey pajamas, staring at her intensely like a meal he couldn’t wait to devour.
If he was back for another intense adventure then he had better be prepared to be slapped by a rejection. As far as she was concerned, she was in the mansion to solve the mystery behind her father’s murder not become David’s mistress.
She raised a brow and was about to mumble a word when June slipped out from behind. Dressed in an emerald night robe that barely made it to her knee, June Castello had been standing behind David.
Sylvia’s heartbeat skyrocketed in an instant, and dozens of questions began to flutter in her mind.
Did June come to confront her about her mischief with David? Did David tell June anything? What if he lied that she seduced him? What were they doing by her door at 10 pm?
Sylvia was beginning to slip into a panic.
June cleared her throat loudly, jolting Sylvia back to life. Sylvia crossed her arms across her chest, shielding her succulent breasts, and faked a smile.
“Hi!”
June arched a brow, her lips curled in irritation.
“Hi, Ma’am!” Sylvia corrected.
David remained transfixed in his spot. His forest green eyes were fixed on Sylvia’s elegant legs and soon, he caught himself relishing the intimate event that transpired between them last night.
June slid her right arm into David’s. She then turned to Sylvia with disgust. “Mr. Wells wants to meet with everyone in the servant’s living room this minute. Luna showed me your room earlier so I felt we should inform you since David and I were passing by.”
David pulled June toward him and planted a kiss on her forehead. “Yes.”
“I’ll change and join you guys in the living room,” Sylvia replied and gave a slight nod. “Excuse me!”
She slammed the door at their faces and groaned in frustration. They had to go cozy right before her.
June and David traced their way to the servant’s living room.
Sylvia swapped her night robe for a red maxi. Her hair was already tied into a loose bun so she slapped a hair net on it and stepped into her flip-flops.
By the time she arrived in the living room, Luna, Shane, and all the domestic servants were there standing except for David and June who were seated. A few seconds later, Mr. Wells descended the stairs, clothed in a black men’s overall. Sylvia was standing next to Luna.
“I think you should make the announcement David,” Leonard said after reaching the living room.
“Yes, Dad!”
David stood up hand in hand with June. They moved to the center of the room. David turned to June with a smile. “June and I got engaged tonight.”
June giggled and waved the diamond-encrusted ring at everyone.
Sylvia went numb. Engaged? When? Didn’t she serve them dinner a while ago and they all went to bed? She was lost for some seconds until the loud cheers and applause reigned in her ears. She slowly began to clap with a fake smile plastered across her face.
Soon, the feeling of jealousy began to course through Sylvia’s veins.
Why the hell was she feeling sad? She sighed and went on clapping, concluding that She was just infatuated with David and the feeling would wane with time. However, she couldn’t help but feel sorry for June.
Under the most magnificent chandelier and the brightest light in the living room stood June, flashing her engagement ring before everyone and smiling so hard that her cheeks were starting to hurt.
Sylvia felt sorry for the happy woman even though she had an intolerable character. David wasn’t a man to keep. He might cheat on her with every opportunity he gets and she might never realize it or maybe she did know about him and was cool with it.
June’s eyes met with Sylvia’s. Sylvia quickly turned away.
Luna walked up to the newly engaged couple and was about to immerse them in a hug when June drifted backward giving the chef the look that says be careful not to touch me.
“I’m so happy for you guys. You’ll make a fine couple.” Luna said.
David grinned. “Thanks, Luna.”
“The wedding is in three months!” June spat and flipped her hair.
David had a dropped jaw. Yes, he proposed tonight after they left the table and that was after much pressure from his dad. He had invited June to the mansion that night so that he could propose to her but he never saw the three months ultimatum coming.
Three months? Does that mean he had just three months to try out every curvy girl in New York?
Fuck! He was doomed.
“Why do you look so surprised?” June demanded with a quirked brow. “We are engaged and engagements lead to marriage.” She turned to Mr. Wells. “Don’t they?”
“I agree with June. The sooner the better.” Leonard said taking closer steps toward them.
Sylvia swallowed the lump in her throat. It was all happening so fast and she wished her mission will end sooner so that she could get away from all the drama.
David bite his lower lip and stared in Sylvia’s direction. Somehow, he wanted to know what was going on in her mind. Her eyes were fixated on the floor while she kept rubbing her palms against each other tenderly. David sighed and had to remind himself that she was a goddamn maid who was good in bed of course.
If he was, to be honest with himself, Sylvia remains the best girl he had fucked, maybe for now.
Leonard turned to the domestic staff. “I wanted the announcement to be made before everyone in case the press sidelines any one of you. Tell them the engagement happened in the mansion and you all witnessed it.”
“Got it, sir!” Luna responded on behalf of everyone.
“You may all head back to your rooms. I’ll have a word with my son and my soon-to-be daughter-in-law.”
“Of course!” June giggled.
***
The buzzing of Sylvia’s phone awakened her to the dawn of another day at the Wells mansion. She staggered out of bed and rushed to the bathroom with a clumsy yawn. Her face was covered by her messy hair.
She took a quick shower and wore the pesky uniform. She moved to the large dressing mirror and frowned. If there was one thing that was keeping her in that uniform was justice for her father and she wouldn’t mind wearing it all day till she completes her quest.
She tucked her hair into her chef hat and left for the kitchen.
When Sylvia got to the kitchen, she met Shane and Annabelle whispering. They stopped immediately after she stepped in. Annabelle left to clean the rooms while Shane turned away with a long hiss.
The last thing on Sylvia’s mind was starting a rivalry with her co-workers. She moved to the counter to prepare the food basket.
A few minutes later Luna walked in clutching a glass of water.
“Good morning!” The girls chorused.
“Morning!” Luna replied and gulped the entire water in her glass. She turned to Sylvia. “Miss Castello wants you in her room the moment you wake up.”
Sylvia’s eyes widened in horror.
“Don’t just stand there like a toad. You don’t want to keep her waiting.” Luna alerted.
Shane smirked while Sylvia aimed for the exit wondering why the mannerless witch wanted to see her that morning.
“And you, get these plates cleaned up,” Luna told Shane and pointed at the sink.
Sylvia made her way to the east wing and in a minute, she was standing at the entrance to Miss Castello’s chamber. She pressed her eyes against each other, exhaled, and rang the doorbell.
Sylvia heard the door squeaking. That was fast she thought.
June opened the door. Sylvia noticed the pearl necklace she was wearing. She had already freshened up and was wearing a black skimpy velvet gown that did justice to her curves.
“I wanted to see you before breakfast,” June said and invited Sylvia into her chamber. “Come in.”
The tongue-tied Sylvia stepped into the room, feeling like it was some sort of trap or perhaps because she was still guilty of sleeping with someone’s boyfriend.
Sylvia lowered her head with her hands placed behind her. She was dying to check out the room but didn’t want to be caught staring. In the book of etiquette Luna had drawn up for her, there was a page dedicated to June Castello, and looking at the actress in the eyes was not allowed.
“I’ll want you to head the arrangement for my wedding with David.” June spat.
“What?”
Sylvia lifted her head in disbelief. June was settled by the edge of her kingsize bed, her legs crossed. Sylvia quickly cast her gaze to the floor.
“I understand you are shocked but somehow, I feel like you’ll do a good job compared to all the servants here. I’ll draw up a guideline for you containing the list of vendors I want.”
Sylvia swallowed.
June continued. “Luna barely went to a high school and that other girl dropped at Grade 6. But you, Leonard, told me you have a college degree.”
“Yes ma’am,” Sylvia replied. A college degree in Food and nutrition not event planning she wanted to blurt out.
“You may leave. I just wanted to inform you. I’ll get back to you once preparation hit the rocks.”
Sylvia took a final bow and turned around. Every step she took toward the exit felt hefty. June Castello was the most sought-after actress in Newyork and could have any event planner at her beg and call. Luna had all the experience Juna would need.
Sylvia wondered why June chose her. She had barely spent two days at the mansion. It wasn’t about the college degree. She felt there was something else.
Sylvia was about to grab the doorknob when June spoke.
“Hey!”
Sylvia didn’t turn around.
“I’m watching you,” June stated.
Sylvia gasped and at that point, she knew it was not the degree. June Castello was up to something and she had better be careful.
By the time Sylvia got to the kitchen, color had drained from her face. “Are you okay?” demanded Luna right after Sylvia walked in, looking startled. Sylvia realized that she had unconsciously made it to the kitchen. She lifted her head and gave repeated nods. “I’m good.” “Why don’t you fix dessert? Master David asked for it. I’ll see what Shane is up to.” Luna replied and walked up to Sylvia. She gave her a slight tap on the shoulder with an approving nod and stepped out. Poor girl! Luna thought. She must have not yet gotten over the loss of her dad. Sylvia shifted to the counter and positioned her hands on the table. She began to take deep breaths. Get a grip on yourself Sylvie she told herself. Be brave! A fact about Sylvia was that she was not adequate at masking her emotions. Whether it was fear, anxiety, or guilt. Somehow, her demeanor always communicated it. She clenched her jaw and pulled the fruit basket toward her. If she must carry out her revenge task, she knew that
The doctor checked David’s vitals and turned to June. “He’s stable now and can be discharged immediately.”“Thank you, Dr.”The doctor gave a satisfactory nod and left the private ward. David rested his aching back against the wall. The fall at the dining earlier was causing his back to ache. The last thing he remembered was slumping into a heap after taking several scoops from the bowl of the sumptuous fruit salad Sylvia had served him. He fell out of the chair after slumping. June wanted to speak but he silenced her by lifting a hand. From the moment his brain picked up a burning sensation and blood started gushing through his nostrils before he slumped, David had one thing in mind. Sleeping pills!“I know June. The reaction was caused by sleeping pills.”He had discovered his allergy in London after he took sleeping pills in his second year at college. The result was detrimental. He had always avoided it since then. June settled beside him. “All thanks to that stupid chef, we n
Sylvia stared at the yellow gloves shielding her hands with disgust. She shook her head and continued collecting the dirt she had piled into the rubbish can.She wouldn’t mind cleaning the entire Wells compound daily for weeks. As long as she’ll get to stay at the mansion.Just when she thought her hopes were shattered that morning, Leonard Wells returned to the mansion and told her that she could stay. He simply told her that his son thinks she deserved a second chance for the sake of her father. The statement sparked new hope in Sylvia. She had already packed up when the news arrived.Meanwhile, she had been pondering why anyone in the mansion would sabotage her.Was it Shane or Annabel or any of the servant’s tricks on a new colleague? That trick was way expensive. Were they jealous? That’s impossible because they know nothing about her wild night with David and this leaves her with one option.June Castello!The woman had told her that she was watching her after allWhile she tries
Flashback "Excuse me, miss Castello, you dropped your wallet." Cameron said and swept June's little wallet from the floor. He was about to hand it over to her when a passport photgraph slipped from the already open wallet and landed on the floor. "I'll get that," Cameron volunteered with a smile. They had just wrapped up their shoot for the day and June was packing up. Cameron flipped the photograph and arched a brow "Well, Well, if it's not David Leonard Wells then who is it?"June zipped up her Hermes Birkin bag and snatched the passport from Cameron. "By calling out his full name, I suppose you know him."Cameron gave a mischievous smile. He was the producer working with June on the movie she was shooting in London. She had been working with him for a week and it took her just a few days to realize that he was a loud mouth. "Of course I know him." He hummed and folded his arms across his chest. "Judging by the fact that you have his passport in your wallet, I'll say he's someo
Shane glared at Sylvia and turned away with a smirk. "It didn't take you long to fit into Luna's uniform didn't you?" Sylvia folded her arms across her chest and looked Shane straight in the face. "In this mansion, we fix things and move on and besides, once Luna is cleared of cancer, she'll be reinstated as head chef."Shane broke into a dry laugh. Shit! Sylvia hated the fact that she had to use that line thus sounding like the Wells but Shane was getting on her nerves and she needed to put the girl in her place. "I just hope you don't end up poisoning Mr. Leonard this time."Sylvia giggled. "Well, I hope it doesn't happen but good thing is, I won't get to serve anymore."Shane displayed a blank expression. Sylvia sighed and dusted her uniform. She was wearing Luna's white chef coat on black plain trousers. It was an oversized coat which she wouldn't want to temper with since Luna will return."Henceforth, I'll cook the meals and you'll serve them and do the dishes" Sylvia told S
"Whereis that bitch?" David screamed with clenched fists immediately after he walked into the living room. Haboring the same rage, his father followed closely behind him. "Where is she?" David thundered, putting his thunderous voice into action.June quickly left her chamber upon hearing David's thunderous scream. "Sylvia. Come out here this minute!"The scream alerted Sylvia. She was in her room. She quickly closed her journal and dashed toward the living room. By the time she got there, June and Shane had already assembled.While Leonard was taking off his silk tie, David was reaching for his phone from his jacket. He pulled out the gadget, took aggressive steps toward Sylvia and flashed the phone screen before her eyes. She was confused and had barely said a thing when David withdrew his phone. Her head began to bang and before she could demand the cause of the apprehension, Leonard stood up but instead of facing Sylvia, he walked up to June. "You let that low life speak to t
Fred cast his gaze at the route leading to the kitchen. David and June were seated right next to each other while Fred and Leonard were settled, opposite them. It was dinner time!"Maybe Fred can make the toast." David responded to his father and grabbed a glass of water from the table."Well, Fred is your best friend not mine. Or maybe, he can actually pull it off." Leonard replied with a chuckle. David turned to Fred. "What do you say Fred?"Fred's attention was far from their conversation. He couldn't take his eyes off the kitchen pathway. "Jeez,Fred! Are you that hungry?" David teased him. Fred turned to him with a blank expression. "What? You guys were saying something?"David and his father laughed at Fred's ignorance on the subject matter. "I was thinking maybe you could make a toast to my dad on his 50th birthday party since I'm not into these kind of things but you seem so hungry that you have been staring at the kitchen." David said. Fred grinned and stared at his empt
Morris pulled the van to a halt after reaching the destination. SKITTLES STORE is considered the largest grocery store in New York City. It has a large compartment dedicated to fruits and veggies.Today marks the second time Sylvia was visiting the store. Luna had brought her once and thank goodness the old chef did because she blacked out that day but now, Sylvia can find her way around the store without any assistance.“You want me to come with you?” Morris demanded and shut the door to the front seat. He had parked the van in one of the open parking spaces.Sylvia stared at the tiny paper she was holding. It was a long list and she will be a fool to turn down Morris’s offer. The day she came to the store with Luna, she had to run after the old lady, carrying things and nodding severally when she was introduced to a new compartment.Sylvia turned to Morris. “I could use some help.”The middle-aged driver adjusted his sleeves. “Let’s go!”Sylvia took the lead as they made their way t