5 - Five Minute Warning

Sienna POV

“What’s wrong with you? I just went to sleep, and now you’re waking me up at this hour?! Can’t I do whatever you want me to do later—like around noon? Even my breakfast can wait,” I grumbled. My body wasn’t used to waking up this early.

“I’m sorry. Sir ordered me to call you now.”

I rolled my eyes. “Then tell him to wait. I’ll get up later!”

I lay back down. No one could stop me if I wanted to sleep — not even Red, my boss for now, and even if he paid me a fortune. I’m still human. I get sleepy too, especially at this hour! I closed my eyes again, waiting to drift back to sleep, but the same loud noise blasted across the room — even louder than before. Ugh, that butler of Red’s is so annoying.

“I told you already, later—” I stopped mid-sentence when I saw that it wasn’t Nicolas holding the megaphone anymore. It was Red himself, looking as irritated as ever.

“Just a reminder, Sienna. I’m the one in charge of everything here — including the time you wake up. You’re not allowed to complain, because I’m your boss for the next few months,” he said seriously.

I smirked, pushing aside my messy hair that hadn’t even met a comb yet. I stepped closer until I was right in front of him, close enough for him to breathe in my morning breath. If he was going to ruin my sleep, then it was only fair I ruined his morning too.

“Good morning, SIR...!” I said cheerfully — but with all my breath aimed right at his face. I even saw his eyes squint. I smiled proudly before turning to get my comb from the vanity table.

“Did you brush your teeth or use a mouthwash last night?” he asked, looking disgusted.

I grinned wider, glancing at my reflection. “Nope,” I answered.

“Nicolas!!”

“S-Sir?”

“Put all the toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash — everything that can clean her mouth — in her bathroom. It’s so stinky!!”

I just stood there, watching Red lose his temper. I didn’t even feel offended; he was right anyway. Honestly, I don’t believe anyone’s breath smells good in the morning, no matter how much toothpaste or mouthwash they used before bed.

Nicolas winced at his boss’s loud voice. “Yes, sir,” he finally said.

“Better get ready, Sienna. Your coach is already here, and in five minutes, I want you out of this room and in the living room. Understand!!”

I covered my ears. “Yes, yes, you can leave now. I’ll get ready,” I answered seriously — before he transformed into something worse.

“Five minutes, Sienna,” he repeated firmly.

I smiled. “You know what, Red? My name actually sounds so classy when you say it. Almost sounds expensive.”

His fist clenched, and he stormed out of the room. I guess his patience tank was officially empty. I just shrugged and went to my cabinet to grab some clothes.

“Ms. Sienna.”

I clutched my chest in shock. “You scared me! Why are you still here?”

“I just noticed… you look different without makeup.”

I stared at the cabinet door. “Different how?”

“You just look softer without it. But with makeup, you look fierce. Although the way you talk… doesn’t match your face.”

I looked at my reflection. My eyes still looked sleepy — maybe that’s why he said that.

“Well, Nicolas, sometimes you need to keep a little mystery,” I said. “That way, no one can easily put you down — especially people like your boss.”

Nicolas scratched his head. “You two are alike — both stubborn. No wonder you’re always clashing. It’s like destiny put you together just to argue. Anyway, you’ve got two minutes left, ma’am. Good luck.”

My eyes widened. I quickly opened the cabinet — and froze. The clothes hanging inside were… not what I expected. I didn’t notice them last night; I must’ve been too tired. They were all stylish — even the casual shirts and shorts looked expensive. I grabbed whatever I could, including underwear. I didn’t have much choice; these people were clearly more prepared than I was.

I washed my face, brushed my teeth, and even used the mouthwash this time. I let my hair down since I couldn’t find a tie. Once I looked decent enough in the mirror, I stepped out of the bathroom and into the hall.

Then I stopped. Wait—where’s the living room again?

I decided to just follow what I remembered from last night when Nicolas showed me around. If I thought about it too hard, I’d only end up later than I already was.

After walking for a while, I finally spotted some people in the living room. I jogged over and stopped beside Nicolas. A woman looked at me — probably the coach Red mentioned, since she was the only unfamiliar face there.

“I think the training will last for three months,” she said. “The way she walks, dresses, her posture and style — all lacking refinement. Not to mention the way she speaks and carries herself. This is when we’ll start the first session.”

She gave me a head-to-toe look, and when her gaze lingered on my face, I smiled sweetly at her. She just shook her head. Okay, maybe even my smile needed training too.

“Do everything you can to make her look like she comes from an elite family,” Red said. “If it takes three months, fine — but it should not exceed three months, Belle.”

“I’ll do my best, Red.”

I leaned closer to Nicolas. “Psst… can you take me to the kitchen? I need to eat before my brain bleeds from all this.”

“Only if Sir says so,” he whispered back.

I frowned. Even eating required Red’s approval? My stomach growled — loudly. I was sure everyone heard that. At least Red would know I was starving.

“Nicolas, take her to the kitchen,” Red finally said. “Feed her a lot so she can at least learn one percent of something today.”

“Right, Nicolas. Let’s go,” I said, grabbing his arm and pulling him along.

“Oh dear, that’s not proper behavior for a lady,” Belle commented.

I looked down at my hand still on Nicolas’s arm and quickly let go. Okay, maybe I got a bit too comfortable with the butler. But still — Belle seemed like she had way too many rules for one person.

Red’s voice cut through the air again, calm but firm. “Go ahead, Nicolas. Take her to the kitchen.”

I crossed my arms and muttered under my breath, “Why do I feel like you’re planning something again, Red?”