Chapter Six

Chapter Six

Maria's POV

I rushed into the staff restroom, locking the door behind me.

My hands were shaking.

I leaned against the wall and stared at the ceiling.

“Why here..?” I whispered.

My heart pounded against my chest. I closed my eyes slightly.

My breathes shaking.

“No…. He doesn't know.”

“He.. he can't know” 

“You need to calm down Maria,” I muttered to myself.

“He is probably just a guest, he didn't recognize you.”

“Everything is going to be fine.”

Or so I thought.

I took a deep breath and stepped out.

“Where have you been?” Sarah called out immediately I stepped out of the restroom, “I have been looking all over for you.”

“I went for a bathroom break,” I lied, forcing a calm tone.

“Alright, let's go, we still have so much work to do.”

“Uhmm.. Sarah, do you know the guest in Room 701?” I asked as we walked down the hallway.

 

“The executive suite?”

I nodded.

“Not really, I just know that he is someone important. Why do you ask?” 

“Nothing, I just kinda walked into him coming out of the bathroom.” 

“What!” She yelled with her eyes wide open.

“Bring your voice down,” I hissed.

“Sorry, sorry, did you say you walked into one of the VIPs when he was naked?” She gasped.

“Half naked,” I corrected, he had a towel wrapped around his waist.

“Oh no, this is not good,” she panicked. 

“If Madame Elena finds out about this, it won't be nice.”

I groaned. “The universe couldn't spare me one day.” 

 “Let's hope he doesn't say anything.”

“I hope so too.”

Sarah leaned on my shoulder. “So… How was he? Was he handsome?”

“Who?”

“The VIP guest, she added. 

“You can't be serious right now.”

“But I'm ser—

“I don't know, now get back to work and not a word to anyone,” I warned. 

She made a sign to lock her lips and throw away the keys.

I laughed. “That's better.”

The day passed faster than I imagined, and being a housekeeper is no small task. Soon it was evening; my feet ached, and my uniform was soaked with sweat from cleaning. 

“Where do you live?” Sarah asked as I changed. 

“Twenty minutes' drive from here,” I replied.

“Hm…alright. Let's go, my place is just two blocks from here.”

“I can't right now, my daughter is waiting for me,” I said with a smile on my face.

“You have a daughter?” She asked, surprised.

“Yes, and she’s probably searching everywhere for me right now,” I giggled. 

“Awwn… that's cute, I would love to meet her.”

 “Some other time,” I promised.

Home felt warm and welcoming. 

I took off my coat and placed it on the rack, the sweet smell of roasted beef and potatoes hit my nose. Emily has to be cooking something delicious again. 

I met Emily five years ago and ever since then, she has been an irreplaceable piece of my life.

“Mommy!” A tiny person was screaming at the top of her voice with tiny feet running towards me.

With her hands on her waist, she scolded. “You are late!” 

“I know princess, I missed you too,” kissing her on her cheek.

“What's Aunt Emily making?

 It looks like we are having a feast, what are we celebrating?”

“You didn't get fired on your first day!” She yelled from the kitchen.

“How thoughtful of you!” I yelled back.

“Go freshen up, dinner will be ready in five,” she said.

I went to my room, memories of earlier today flashing through my mind, and I still get goosebumps just from thinking of the possibility of running into him again. Putting that thought behind me, I stepped into the bathtub.

The water kissed my skin as I exhaled softly.

 For a moment, the world outside disappeared.

No noise, no rush. Just the faint sound of water shifting, washing away the weight, the thoughts, the pain until there was nothing else but warmth.

“Maria, dinner is ready,” Emily's voice pulled me back.

I changed quickly and joined them at the table. Nicole's laughter lit up my mood. She has been my little source of happiness and I won't let anyone take her away from me.

“Mommy, hurry! Aunt Emily is going to finish all the beef!” She warned with her mouth stuffed.

“You little snicky girl,” I teased.

She giggled.

“I took out a plate and dished for myself.

“Nicole be fast, you have school tomorrow so—

“I have to prepare myself and go to bed early. She cut in quickly. “Early to bed, early to rise, I know Mommy.” 

Emily laughed out loud “Like mother, like daughter,” she teased.

After dinner, Nicole yawned, “Mommy, will you read me bedtime stories tonight?”

“Of course my princess, I will join you after I speak with Aunt Emily.”

“Okay, mommy. Good night, Aunty Emily.”

“Good night Nicole.”

Once Nicole was out of sight, Emily gave me a concerned look. 

“What's wrong Ria? You barely touched your food,” she said as soon as Nicole left.

“Promise me… " You will never bring Nicole to my workplace,” I panicked.

“Maria, you are scaring me,” Emily said softly.

“Promise me, Emily,” I insisted.

“Okay.. okay I promise. Now tell me what's going on?”

“What! Are you sure it was him?”

“He was the one Em, I cannot forget those eyes” I sighed. “They stare at me every day.

“What if he knows about her? What if he is here for her, I can't lose her Em” I broke down.

“Calm down Maria, those are too many ifs, he doesn't even know she exists, it's just a coincidence.

“Did he recognize you?”

“I don't think so, I don't know, I…I ran as fast as I could.” 

“Relax Ria. He couldn't have recognized you, you guys only met once right? Stay calm. Tomorrow at work you can ask to know if he comes by frequently or if he is just here for the first time okay.”

“Nicole must be waiting for you, go to her before she starts sulking. We won't let him take her, now cheer up.”

“Good night Em, I love you so much you know.”

She giggled. “I know and I love you too”

The night went by so fast, like you closed your eyes and in the next second it's already morning.

The morning sun piercing through my curtains woke me up. Looking over my clock Nicole was already late for school.

“Good morning sleepy head,” Emily said as I stepped into the kitchen.

“Good morning, where is Nicole?” I said in haste.

“Since it's my day off I decided to do you the honor of taking my God-daughter to school.”

“You are a lifesaver!” I grinned.

“Yeah yeah… Breakfast is ready, go and prepare or else you are going to be late.”

I grabbed a plate, barely tasting the food, and hurried to the bathroom. There wasn’t time for a proper bath, so I shoved my jacket over my still-wet hair and dashed out of my room.

“Don't forget to pick Nicole up from school. Call me if anything comes up.” 

“I will. Take care and have fun. Good luck.”

 

The morning air hit my face as I ran towards the bus stop.

By the time I arrived at the office, my heart was still pounding, and my clothes were all rumpled from the bus struggle.

Today please be nice, I said to myself as I worked towards the staff quarters.

“Where have you been Maria? Madame Elena has been looking for you.” Sarah said anxiously, “She wants you in her office. 

My stomach dropped, “What happened?” 

“I don't know but it can't be good.”

My chest tightened as I walked towards the office. Each step felt heavier than the last.

I stopped in front of a late door. He hesitated for a second and I knocked.

“Come in.”

I pushed the door open slowly and stepped inside.

“Good morning ma,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

She didn't respond.

“A guest reported an incident that happened yesterday.”

I went pale.

“I'm sorry ma, it was a mistake I didn’t–,” I panicked.

“Relax,” she interrupted. He didn't file a complaint.

I blinked.

“He asked to see you.”

“To see me?”

She didn't get the chance to respond before the door opened and he walked in.

“Oh look, he is here,” She said with a smile. “Maria, meet Mr. Alex Carter. The CEO of The Royale Hotel.”

My head tilted. My feet felt glued to the floor.

“No no.. this can't be” I whispered.

For a moment my whole life came to a standstill.