Chapter 10

NATASHA

I was beyond stressed that evening. All the guests left and the mansion looked empty. Mama, the butler, had been the busiest, it seemed. I never saw her at the party but later, I realized she had been in the background, making things work properly.

“I got you peppermint tea. It will help relieve stress,” Mama handed the cup over to me. I collected the cup with a thankful nod and took a sip.

“I expected Chamomile tea actually,” I muttered.

“Yeah, that would have been cool but you're pregnant, you know,” Mama told me. “I once heard that chamomile tea could be harmful to pregnant women. You have to be careful not to have a miscarriage.”

“Oh, thank you,” I gushed.

“I'm doing it for Nicholas!” Mama told me. She looked into my eyes and took a deep breath. “Not many people know but that baby in you is the only one he will father. Did he tell you that?”

“He did,” I replied. “Do you also know the circumstances surrounding our marriage?”

“That's not my business, Miss,” Mama replied. “However, I think you're a good match for him. Count it as an old woman's intuition. What do you think of Nicholas? Does he seem to be the right man for you? Would you marry him on a normal day if not for the pregnancy?”

“That's too many questions,” I muttered.

“You can answer all in a nutshell, Miss. I really want an honest response from you,” Mama said calmly.

“I don't know much about him…” I said faintly. “However, I know he is protective of his unborn child. He acts tough on the outside but yesterday, he seemed just like a baby to me.”

“He is the perfect potato chip! Just like the ones I had during a vacation,” Mama said with a smile etched on her face. “Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.”

“Maybe,” I shrugged. Mama laughed.

“I have things to do, Miss. The maids must be waiting for me by now. You should rest early today,” Mama told me. I held onto her hand, stopping her from leaving.

“Can I come with you?” I asked.

“Why?” She wanted to know.

“Erm… well…” I stuttered. “I am the madam of the house, aren't I? I should meet the maids and introduce myself, you know.”

“You don't have to do that,” Mama claimed.

“I insist!” I said firmly.

“You are not yet the madam of the mansion. I still call you miss just as Nicholas remains a young master. After you get married to him, you'll become madam,” Mama said firmly. She was leaving but I chose not to give up.

“Just take me with you… please…” I said, putting up a cute face. Mama couldn't beat that. She eventually allowed me to tag along. I followed her and truly, all the maids were present. She didn't bother to introduce me and she focused on them instead. I was offered a seat and I watched.

“Bella! You have two strikes. That's game over for you,” Mama said without mincing words. A timid maid came outside. She looked so pitiful.

“I'm sorry, Mama,” Bella cried. “I was sick and that's why I failed at my duties. It wasn't my fault, it was my body's…”

“So your body isn't yours, young lady?” Mama asked.

“I tried to make my quota but I failed, Mama. Please, I can't get fired. I am the only hope of my family,” Bella continued pleading. She got on her knees now. “My younger brother is in college. I pay his fees with my salary. If I get fired, it will be the end for my brother as well. Please, give me one last chance. I beg of you.”

“Rules are rules!” Mama insisted. “You've been working here for two years and within that period, have you ever seen me show mercy on a maid with two strikes? Is it your wish to make me out as a merciless devil?”

“No, Mama. But I…” Bella tried.

“Enough! I will hear nothing more of the matter!” Mama told her firmly. “Do your last duties tomorrow morning, get your wages, and leave the mansion. End of story!”

I felt pity for Bella but I didn't interfere. I feared helping Bella would diminish Mama's authority so after the meeting had ended, I called Bella secretly and offered to pay her brother's college fees.

“Why would you do that for me?” Bella seemed shocked by my offer.

“Nothing…” I smiled. I was telling the truth there. I wasn't the type of person to do acts of goodwill as such. Remember I even had the journalist that went out of script fired today. I could be without mercy but I felt the need to help Bella.

“I’m sorry. I don't deserve such from you!” She replied nervously. I tried convincing her that it was fine but she only took a step back. She looked confused.

“Just think of this as if you just won the lottery,” I told her. “Or better still, believe I am your princess in shining armor.”

I smiled. Bella didn't smile back. That was when I realized that all wasn't well.

“Actually…” She took a deep breath. It wasn't hard to realize that she was pondering on her next line of action. I kept my eyes on her regardless.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Somebody approached me earlier today,” She confessed. “I was in dire need of money since I knew Mama would announce that I would be fired today.”

“Continue…” I muttered.

“I was told…” She paused. “I don't think I can say this!”

I held both hands of hers and looked into her eyes. It had to be something important.

“What is it?” I asked her firmly. She was breathing hard.

“They offered me money…” She went on. “I wouldn't do it in normal circumstances but… I am sorry. I was told to poison your food tomorrow.”

I took my hands off her immediately.