Chapter 2

Estella’s pov

I could feel the avid pressure thrumming through my veins as I tried to make sure everything was perfect tonight.I took in my surrounding .I chuckled at the sight of Heather giving out orders in a stern manner.I loved her that she showed so much zeal when it came to assisting me.I focused more on the meals I made for Ma Esmeralda but ended up vetting the full course meal by the end of a session.

Tonight,Arman Mendez would be arriving and I needed to make sure the family dinner was perfect.

“We have to start plating.”Heather said as she moved close to me,drinking in my face.

“Sure.So we’re done making every meal?”

“Yeah and the family would be back for dinner soon”

Hours later,I helped to prep the dining table glad that I had successfully pulled everything through.

Alda walked in firstly looking elegant as ever.She looked like she could get her own fashion line.She gave her usual snobby attitude to the maid beside her and took her seat typing away on her phone.

Minutes dropped by and Ma Esmeralda walked in with her husband holding hands.He was always gentle around her even though I knew he sucked at being present at home to spend more time with her.

They obliged the pleasantries from the workers around took their seat.

Esmeralda gave a long look to the meals adorned in front of her and gave me a grateful look.

I gave a sharp nod before moving to stand at the end of the room.

It was a tradition for me to stay behind and ensure the maids did their job before I left,more like a ritual.

Heather moved to my side looking pleased at our work.

“That was a tough one”she murmured

I nodded in understanding

During my first week of employment,Heather had brought to my notice that she rarely made large amount of dishes with the old chef .Boss Pablo was always away at the winery or either at his mafia operations that I still had suspicion of.Alda was a part time student and only attended.Simon was off and on also.

Heather had mentioned that Ma Esmeralda absence was unusual,I knew why but it wasn’t in my place to say.I could see she was trying to put some words in my mouth,more like trigger out the truth from me.

But after a gossip went around concerning her failing health,It was never brought up as a topic anymorez

The maids moved to take their position immediately .

“Please hold on for awhile.We would be having a full family dinner”Don Pablo said in a snappy tone.

He was a man of few words but a good benefactor and employee.

Everyone waited .

Minutes later ,Simon walked in with someone else.

I felt my breath seize as I tilted my head to sss his fellow.

I could tell he was Arman Mendez.The first thing I noticed was that he was tall .His dark eyes were intimidating,it almost hurt to look at him.Boss Pablo stood up smiling hard and ready for an embrace .Esmeralda did likewise.

Arman had that effortless Mediterranean look, with sun-kissed olive skin that made his dark eyes stand out.

An athletic man with a sharp, sculpted jawline and skin that looked like he just returned from a coastal vacation.

Arman looked so much different from Simon.Not like they weren’t both good looking.Simon was dreamy .Lord Arman was handsome and a sight for an eyesore

He looked refined and gave old money presence.

I caught myself staring and cursed at myself for comparing him with Simon mentally.

His facial features was what I would think about later because Heather giggling pulled me out of my thoughts.

Alda gave a scream of delight and rushed to hug Simon,saving the last for Arman.

I watched the family have a moment with Ma Esmeralda never leaving Arman’s side.

“You’re home”she said with love dancing in her eyes.

“Yes mama.I’m home”Arman replied

Hearing him speak made my inside tingle ,his voice had a lot of baritone in it.

I had never seen him until now and I was sure he would never look my way.Don Pablo looked different with his eyes smiling from end to end.Blood was really thicker than water.

“Estella”Esmeralda called after everyone settled down.

I jerked in surprise but relaxed when I saw it was time to do my normal ritual.The maids moved to pour some wine for a start.Our movements very much practiced.

I felt everyone’s eyes on me as I moved to the table .Even Arman was looking and he had this look on his eyes.Alda had stopped typing on her phone to prevent father’s wrath knowing they didn’t have a good relationship.

“Good evening everyone .It’s my pleasure to present this meals to you all.The meals before you were specially made by my team and I .Starting from the main dish,Alfredo pasta and some ribs.We also have guacamole and chips as side .Fruit salad for dessert and some wine from the winery .Thank you.”I said and moved to take my former position beside Heather whom gave me a thumbs up.

“Thank you Estella.You can go back to your quarters”Esmeralda said,gratitude lacing her voice.

“You did good”Heather commented as we walked back to the kitchen minutes later.

“I did?I felt like I stuttered “

“Not at all And did you see the Mendez brothers.They’re so hot and Arman is so handsome !!!”

“Yeah right he is” I said in relation.

He was without a doubt .

But then I recalled Ezra’s word of him being a black sheep.I made to hoard Heather on that but thought against it, not wanting to seem desperate to her.

Later that night,as I retired to bed,I had a thought plastered all over my mind,like chewing gum on asphalt.

Back at the dining room,Arman hadn’t taken his eyes off me all through my speech and he had this look on his face.Even when he saw me looking,his gaze had pinned mine like I was the only thing he could look at at the room.

The last time I felt like this,thinking repeatedly over something or somebody,it didn’t end well.

My first date.Manuel ,my first love .We dated for almost a year when he cut things off all of a sudden.I was so hurt that I blamed myself for the breakup.I had just gotten home from school and decided to seek closure.

I remember the sounds she made as I approached the door.My foster sister,Portia,was having a cloud nine experience with my supposed boyfriend.

I thought I was numb to feelings till now but I know how it is when I want something.Insatiable