chapter 3

After Aunt Rose finished packing her things, it was finally time for her to leave. We walked out of the room together and saw the driver waiting in the living room. "George, please drive Aunt Rose home," Sir Ethan instructed.

"Yes, Sir," George replied respectfully. He picked up Aunt Rose's luggage before they headed outside.

Before leaving, Aunt Rose turned to me. "Arabella, don't forget everything I told you, okay? Take good care of yourself." My eyes welled up with tears, but I forced myself to hold them back.

I didn't want this jerk to think I was a crybaby.

"Yes, Auntie," I replied with a forced smile.

She also bid Sir Ethan goodbye.

"I'm leaving now, Sir. Thank you very much."

Sir Ethan simply responded with a small smile.

So he actually knows how to smile, I thought to myself. "What are you staring at?" he asked sharply. Startled, I immediately looked away.

"N-Nothing, Sir," I answered awkwardly.

"Cook pork adobo for me. That's what I want to eat. I'll message you the other dishes I want from now on. Don't cook anything I didn't ask for. If you do, I'll make sure you're the one who finishes it all."

He paused before adding,

"And only cook enough for the two of us."

After saying that, he sat down on the couch and returned to scrolling through his phone.

Seriously... he's unbelievably grumpy.

"Yes, Sir," I answered briefly.

I quickly walked away before I accidentally said something that would get me into trouble.

I almost forgot he was my boss.

As I made my way to the kitchen, I couldn't help pouting.

Just wait, Sir Ethan. One day, you'll fall for my irresistible charm.

I shook my head at my own ridiculous thoughts before getting to work.

I prepared all the ingredients for the pork adobo. I washed the meat, sliced it into pieces, and gathered the seasonings. Since it was still early, I marinated the meat first to let the flavors soak in.

I left it for about twenty minutes. Before that, I had already cooked the rice so everything would be ready at the same time.

I put on my earbuds and played my favorite songs while cooking. Every now and then, I found myself singing along.

I had always been used to cleaning as I cooked, so the kitchen stayed neat and organized the entire time.

I was so busy singing and cooking that I didn't notice someone had entered the kitchen. If he hadn't opened the refrigerator, I probably wouldn't have realized he was there.

The sound of the refrigerator door made me turn around. It was Sir Ethan.

"What are you doing?" Hearing his voice, I quickly removed one of my earbuds. "I'm cooking and cleaning, Sir." He narrowed his eyes at me.

"And lower your voice. I can hear you all the way from my room. Besides, you're not exactly a good singer." Every word he spoke carried a cold edge.

"I'm sorry, Sir."

Without another word, he turned around and left.

As soon as he was gone, I pouted. I'd love to throw this ladle at him. I pretended to toss the ladle toward the door but stopped myself. If I actually did that, I'd probably be back in the province tomorrow. Shaking my head, I continued working.

A little while later, I finally finished cooking. I grabbed a spoon and tasted the adobo. "Mmm... Delicious." I smiled proudly. The meat was perfectly tender, and the seasoning was just right. I set the rice, the adobo, and a pitcher of water on the dining table. Once everything was ready, I headed upstairs to Sir Ethan's room.

I knocked gently. "Sir, dinner is ready."

After saying that, I returned to the kitchen. A few moments later, he came downstairs. "Um... Sir, I'll clean the living room now. Just call me if you need anything." He simply nodded. He didn't even invite me to eat. Hope you choke.

I quickly held back my laughter at my own thoughts and went to clean the living room.

I put my earbuds back on while sweeping and mopping the floor. As I worked, I glanced outside and noticed the flowers in the garden. Don't worry. I'll take care of you tomorrow, I thought with a smile. I continued mopping until I suddenly felt someone tap me on the shoulder.

Since only the two of us were in the house, I already knew who it was. "Eat after you're done cleaning." That was all Sir Ethan said before heading back upstairs. A small smile appeared on my face. So he does have a heart after all.

Once I finished cleaning, I returned to the kitchen.

My eyes landed on the bowl that had held the pork adobo, and I couldn't help smiling.

It was completely empty. Wow... I really am a great cook. I cleared Sir Ethan's dishes before serving myself. As I was eating, my phone suddenly rang. It was a Messenger video call. I answered immediately and was greeted by my mother's familiar face. "Ara, how are you doing over there?" she asked. "I'm doing well, Mom," I replied with a smile. "I'm eating right now. Come eat with me."

Seeing my family on the screen made my smile even brighter. Even though I was far away, it felt like they were still with me. Suddenly, my younger sibling interrupted. "Hey, Ate! I still haven't gotten even with you!" Lian complained. I laughed at the expression on Lian's face. "You'll get your revenge... five years from now," I teased. Lian pouted even more, making me laugh harder. Our laughter stopped when someone appeared at the kitchen doorway.

It was Sir Ethan.

"Make me a cup of coffee after you're done eating. Bring it to my study room."

That was all he said before turning around and leaving. "Mom, I have to get back to work now. I'll call you later."

"Alright, sweetheart. Take care."

I smiled before ending the call.

After finishing my meal, I left my plate in the sink.

I'll wash the dishes later.

I immediately prepared Sir Ethan's coffee, carefully following the instructions Aunt Rose had taught me to make sure it tasted exactly the way he liked it.

Once it was ready, I placed the cup on a tray and carried it to his study room.

When I reached the door, I knocked softly.

"Sir, your coffee is here," I said while holding the tray. I quietly waited for his permission before entering the room.