Chapter 9: The Boss Is Back

Elena's POV

I hurried towards the visitors' restroom near the exit, one hand clamped over my mouth. Why was I feeling like this? The second I reached the sink, I bent over it and threw up.

"Whoa..."

I stayed there a few seconds, gripping the cold porcelain and trying to catch my breath, then slowly straightened up. My own face stared back at me from the mirror, pale and a little shocked.

"What on earth is wrong with me?" I muttered.

Maybe they'd made something I was allergic to. That had to be it, right? I rinsed my mouth, washed my hands and splashed some water on my face. I felt a bit weak, but I couldn't afford to hide in the restroom all afternoon.

"I just need to eat something. That'll fix it."

At least nobody had seen me dash in here. Or so I thought. The moment I stepped outside, I noticed a few workers standing nearby, their eyes following my every move.

"Elena, are you alright?"

I turned and saw Lara, one of the maids, walking over with a worried look.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little tired," I said, forcing a small smile.

She studied my face for a moment. "Are you sure? You don't look so good."

"I'm sure, Lara. Thanks for asking."

She nodded and went on her way, but I could already hear whispers from a group of maids standing a few feet off.

"Did you see that? Elena ran into the visitors' restroom to throw up."

"Really? Why? What's wrong with her?"

"Do you think she's sick?"

I rolled my eyes and kept walking, hoping they'd get bored and mind their own business. They didn't.

"Ohhh!" One of them gasped.

"What is it?" another asked.

"Don't tell me you haven't thought about it. What if she's pregnant?"

My feet stopped on their own. Pregnant? I turned around slowly.

"Stop!"

My voice rang down the hallway and made them jump. They traded nervous glances before looking at me. I folded my arms across my chest.

"I might not go around beating people up, but that doesn't give you the right to talk about my private life. If you don't know something for sure, keep your mouths shut!"

"Elena, we were only talking about ...."

"Talking about what exactly?" I cut in. "My life? My health? Or are you already planning a party over something you know absolutely nothing about?"

Nobody said a word. I took a step closer.

"Stay out of my business and stop spreading rumours. Otherwise, you'll be the first to find out why I usually avoid trouble."

I turned to leave, but one of them just couldn't let it go.

"Yeah, you avoid trouble because you're scared of everyone," Emily said with a smirk.

I stopped. For a second I thought about ignoring her. Then I turned my head, slowly.

"No, Emily. I'm afraid of what my anger might make me say to fools like you."

And with that I walked away before she could dig up another stupid comment. I had bigger things to worry about than a bunch of gossiping maids.

---

The moment I walked into the kitchen, Mrs. Brown greeted me with a warm smile.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Brown."

I crossed the room and climbed onto one of the stools at the kitchen island.

"Good afternoon, dear!" she said cheerfully. She was leaning against the counter with a glass of juice in her hand. "How are you doing today, Elena?"

"I'm alright, ma'am. Please, what do we have to eat? I'm so hungry."

As if my stomach wanted to back me up, it let out a long, low growl. Mrs. Brown laughed.

"My goodness! Somebody is hungry today."

I gave her a sheepish smile. "Don't remind me. I haven't had a proper meal since morning."

"Alright, alright. Let me get you something."

She slipped away for a moment and came back with a plate of fresh pasta, still steaming.

"Here you go, dear. Eat while it's warm."

"Thank you, Mrs. Brown."

I picked up my fork and dug in. Finally, some peace! The food was delicious, and I could feel myself getting better with every bite. A few minutes later Mrs. Brown excused herself to fetch something from the pantry, and I kept eating, soaking up the rare quiet.

Until...

"Everyone, gather up! The boss has arrived!"

I froze, my fork halfway to my mouth. What? I stared at the kitchen entrance.

"Why would he be back so early?" I muttered.

I badly wanted to finish my food, but I knew better than to ignore the call. Damien hated being kept waiting, especially when he came back to the mansion. And since he found reasons to punish me so easily, I wasn't about to hand him another one.

With a heavy sigh, I dropped my fork, slid off the stool and hurried outside with the other maids.

"Hey, clumsy bitch! What took you so long?"

I glanced to the side. Sofia. Of course she had to start something. I ignored her and kept walking until I reached the line, then took my place beside Elsa, who immediately shot me a disapproving look.

"Girl, you almost came late!" she whispered.

"I know. I'll be faster next time."

"You'd better be. You know how the boss..."

She cut herself off as the butler appeared, leading Damien through the entrance. All of us straightened our backs at once.

"Welcome, Young Master!" we chorused, bowing our heads.

I kept my eyes on the floor. Honestly, the last thing I wanted was to see Damien. For the past few days I'd done everything I could to stay out of his way. I'd learned to stick close to the walls, avoid sudden movements and keep my distance whenever he was around. Apparently even my footsteps could annoy him, and I had no desire to find out what else might set him off today.

Sadly, my hope for a peaceful day didn't last long.

A pair of polished black leather shoes stopped right in front of me. My heart skipped. Slowly, I lifted my eyes.

"Huh?"

My breath caught and I dropped my gaze again. Oh, God! Why is he standing in front of me? My heart was pounding so hard I could feel it in my chest. Had I done something wrong? Was it because I'd almost been late? Or had someone complained about me again? I swallowed nervously.

"Hmm."

He made a low, displeased sound. Then his deep voice cut through the silence.

"Not only have you decided to start another fight with the head workers, but you've also forgotten how to greet your master properly?"

My stomach dropped. Another fight? How could he have heard about that already? I clenched my fingers together, trying to keep my voice steady.

"I'm sorry, Young Master," I whispered.

"Sorry?"

He repeated the word slowly, and I could almost picture the mocking look on his face.

"Look at me when I'm speaking to you, Elena."

Oh, no. This was going to be a very long afternoon.