Chapter 4

Estella pov

Esmeralda ,looking brighter in her countenance had called for a staff meeting stating that Don Pablo would be absent for some days due to some business activities .So there would be no need for a large preparation of meals for awhile.I could see the relief on the kitchen staff’s faces.The previous weeks had been tough with making breakfast,lunch and dinner in a large quantity hence Ma Esmeralda’s order.She had also been frequenting eating her meals with her family lately and made sure everyone was present .Well except for Arman whom I hadn’t seen ever since he got back.Simon was fair in his attendance and I couldn’t help but notice that he was back to ignoring my presence .

Now I wondered why the thought of that hurt.I decided to let it be knowing that I was in no place to feel so.

I understood her need to do call for a sudden meeting.I always served Esmeralda’s meals in her room when she didn’t feel like it and Alda rarely ate at home except for dinner.Simon and Arman rarely did so also which led us to having a leisured week.

It was obvious that Esmeralda was the only one that favored her family eating together and her being absent at times made things only worse.

Later on,I was in her room serving her usual green tea when she asked a question that seemed odd from her.

“What do you think about my son Arman”she asked relishing the taste of the tea.

Why would she think I knew anything about her son.I was a stranger even though I worked as her private chef but I had only started working here 3 weeks ago .

But I didn’t want to come off as rude”He’s cool..I..maybe.”I stuttered

She chuckled “I’m so sorry.it’s not like I expect you to know Arman.I just said my thoughts aloud”

“No it’s fine ma.You’re still not over him coming back “

“Yeah right.I know it’s a good one but he only agreed to do so because of my failing health.I just hope he doesn’t change his mind soon”

“I understand.You’re a lovely wife and mother,I hope you know that?”

Her facial expression turned from worry to happiness.

“Thanks Estella.I knew my instinct didn’t lie when it discerned to me that I could trust you “

Trust?

Trust was a strong word and knowing that Esmeralda had used that one made me feel a little relieved.

“You can go have some rest dear.I know it’s been a lot lately working for us”

“And I Never complain Ma.I love my job,I love working for you”I said giving her a reassuring smile before I exited

I decided to have a walk in the garden that always gave a good view from the kitchen windows.I noticed the bodyguards were back to their position giving me hard stares and nodding to me greetings as I walked past them .

The farmers had done a great job weeding the garden and planting rows of potted flowers.I let myself admire the view of it when someone coughed behind me.

I flinched and turned to see the last person I was expecting to see.

Arman Mendez .There he was,looking like a Mediterranean charm.

I took in our surrounding and then it dawned on me,the bodyguards I had walked past few minutes ago were gone like they’d been ordered to do so.I averted my gaze to look back at him ,relieved that we weren’t being watched.

Arman looked so good in the expensive cashmere that he wore .He has this expression of amusement plastered on his face.

“Good day”I said noticing that I was staring too much.

He moved close and slipped his hands into his pocket,towering over me.

“You’re stepping on a plant”he said looking downwards

“Oh””I said and realized that was the result of him being too close to me.

I could perceive his aftershave and it made me want to ruffle his hair all of a sudden.

I knew I shouldn’t be having such thoughts about him but you could see this this beauty of a man and not do so.

“I’m so sorry.”I said softly.Then I remembered my job here “I need to get back to the kitchen”

“Relax.The workers are all in their sleeping quarters and my dad travelled also.My mum should be having a nap by now so there’s no need to go back there for now”

For one who never stayed around,he knew too much about everything going around here.

“My apologies.I never introduced myself last time.Arman Mendez”he said letting out his hand.

Like I didn’t know!!

I took it calmly,his hands were cold as ice and rough.

I felt my heartbeat quicken at the touch of his hand on mine.

Something passed between us like an energy.At that moment .

“Estella Mcintrye”

“Nice name.You a local?”

I nodded

“Words,Estella”

Really .We just started talking and he was already snapping at me.

“Yes.I was raised in a foster home though.”

He nodded and pulled his phone out ,his expression turning sour as he checked it.

“I have to go “he said and turned to leave

“Are you coming back this time?” I asked,regretting my words immediately

He stopped in his tracks .

“Why?you miss me already ?”

“At least I know your mum would be happy seeing you around .She’s been getting better ever since you got back”I said wondering when I had turned so good at lying

Not like it was a lie ,but I knew that wasn’t my reason of asking him that.

His expression softened at the mention of his mum”well thank you for doing a good job also.I just had a lot of catch up to do with business but I’d be home henceforth “he said and turned to leave.

I noticed the wounded look on his face as he walked away.

I watched him leave and motion to a bodyguard to join him.

I didn’t know what to place as my number one fear.

The fact that I hadn’t taken my mind off him since he arrived and also Simon after that night or the fact that he had promised to be around henceforth.

His presence was only going to make me find it impossible to get over him.