Chapter 2

Estella’s pov

I could feel the pressure of trying to make a large family dinner .I looked around to see the maids and heather moving around to make it a perfection.I couldn’t also deny that I’d heard Lois,a senior maid whispering to her other colleagues about wanting to be the personal maid to Arman.I couldn’t blame her,the Mendez family had great looks and great bank accounts too.

Today was the day of his arrival and it was getting dark.

I smiled as Heather gave orders around,obviously tired from the activities of the day.

“We have to start plating.”Heather said as she moved close to me

“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 have 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 .

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 dinner.Simon was off and on also.

I knew the cause of Esmeralda’s absence which was unusual according to Heather.

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

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 saw 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.

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

His hair ,a darker shade of brown that blended with his olive skin than that of Simon who was light skin .

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 Esmeralda never leaving Arman’s side.

“You’re home”she said with love

“Yes mother.I’m home”Arman replied

Hearing him speak made my inside tingle and I wondered why.

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.

The thought of it made me to recall the importance of family.I thought of mine.

But the only difference was that

I didn’t have one.I was raised in a foster home and lost my foster parents to a bizarre accident.Ever since then I hustled my way till where I was now having no family and friends.

“Estella”Esmeralda called after everyone settled down.

I jerked in surprise but relaxed when I saw it was time to do their normal ritual.The maids moved to pour some wine for a start.

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 be before 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 original position beside Heather whom gave her 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.

“I did?I felt like I stuttered “

“Not at all And did you see the Mendez brothers?I mean seeing them both together was such a lovely sight.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 ask Heather but changed my mind not wanting to appear desperate as her.

But I had one thing lingering in my thoughts as I drifted off to sleep later on that night.

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 stare pinned mine in an intimidating way.

The last time I felt like this,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.