Rose....!

julian’s Study

Julian had some unfinished office work. As he tried to focus, his thoughts kept drifting back to the coffee he’d had earlier. It was oddly familiar and he couldn't shake it off. Then it suddenly struck him. It tasted exactly like the tea his old nanny used to prepare. It was twelve years ago but the taste remained fresh in his head. How strange!

She would stir it in a whisk-like manner and use sugar cubes instead of powdered sugar.

"Why do you always use sugar cubes? Isn’t it stressful to whisk them in?" he used to ask.

"Let’s say it’s Mia’s special tea," she’d always reply with a smile.

These were memories he hadn’t recalled in years. It was like fragments of a locked past were finally pushing their way to the surface. Strange things had been happening lately, and he couldn’t ignore them anymore.

He picked up his phone and dialed his doctor.

"I’d like to see you tonight. I have something to share."

He dropped the phone, his eyes narrowing with focus. The meeting with the investigator would be tomorrow. He would uncover the truth and expose everyone behind the nightmare of his past. No matter the cost.

---

Meanwhile, I carried the coffee tray toward Miss Yvonne’s room, and for some reason, my heart was fluttering. I couldn’t stop thinking about the way Mr. Salvatore had looked at me earlier in the kitchen. His gaze wasn’t cold or distant, not like someone meeting a maid for the first time. It had stirred something warm inside me, something I didn’t understand.

He didn’t seem like a stranger. He never had.

I knocked gently on Miss Yvonne’s door, and her soft voice answered. I stepped in, careful with the tray, and found her sitting on the edge of her bed.

She looked a little better today, her eyes glowing faintly as she offered me a tired smile.

"How are you feeling, ma’am?" I asked, walking to her bedside.

She tilted her head. "Really? You’re such an observant young lady, Alexa."

I smiled and placed the tea on her bedside table. "I made you something warm and soothing. It should help you relax. It’s really good for the body."

And I meant it. I’d poured my heart into that cup which is strange, considering I barely understood what affection was. But something about caring for her felt... natural. Like I was made to give love, even if I never really had any.

She took a sip, then another. Her eyes lit up slightly. “This tastes so unique… and strangely familiar. Thank you.”

A burst of warmth bloomed in my chest. That was the second compliment I’d received today. I wasn’t used to that.

"Alexa," she said after a pause. "I need your help. I know Julian can be... a handful. I’ve been sick for a while now, and that’s why he allowed a female assistant for the first time. I asked for you. I hope you’ll bear with him. He’s not as bad as he seems."

I swallowed and nodded. "I'm so sorry you’ve been unwell, ma’am. Please don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything. That’s why I’m here. And about Mr. Salvatore…" I hesitated before adding, "I know he’s not a bad person."

"Thank you," she said, squeezing my hand gently. "When I saw you at the agency, I sensed something different. That’s why I chose you, despite Julian’s rule about not hiring women."

I blinked. That explained a lot… but it also raised even more questions. Why me? What did she see in me?

I didn’t say any of it out loud. I just nodded, deciding to untangle the truth one thread at a time.

As I stepped out of her room, my heart grew heavier with concern. I wish I could stay and keep taking care of Miss Yvonne, but I knew that I didn’t have much time left. I wanted to be there for her. I really did.

This mission was supposed to last only a week.

Still… what if I didn’t leave? What if I stayed?

---

Later That Night

Julian drove to Dr. Patel’s house, needing space to think. Dr Patel wasn't just his regular physiologist, but a close pal. As he stepped in, Dr Patel greeted him with warmth.

"You know," Dr. Patel said with a curious smile, "I kept wondering why you called for a meeting tonight instead of tomorrow."

Julian sat, his expression unreadable. "I think I’m getting some of my memories back."

Patel raised a brow. “Your memories from twelve years ago? Did something trigger them?”

Julian’s voice was low. “I’m not sure. But recently, I’ve started feeling a familiar aura… Like something’s shifting around me.”

“Have the nightmares changed?”

“Yes,” he replied. “And you once said they were memories buried deep. Now, I see someone new. A figure. I don’t know if it’s a man or woman. But I feel like I know them.”

Patel looked intrigued. “Have you met anyone new recently? Someone who could be connected to your past?”

Julian didn’t answer immediately. The aroma of coffee filled the room as Patel poured them both a cup.

That was when it hit him.

The coffee. The aroma.

It reminded him of the one Alexa made earlier.

“My new maid. She stirred the coffee the same way… my old nanny used to stir tea,” he murmured. “And now that I think of it, she feels oddly familiar. Every time I see her, she triggers a bit of my memory.”

Patel leaned forward. “That's interesting, man. Then maybe she’s the key. You should try getting closer to her.”

Julian’s lips curled in disbelief. “Closer? To a maid?”

Patel chuckled. “Julian, maybe it’s not a coincidence that after twelve years of refusing female staff… she’s the first. And she’s the one making your memories return.”

Julian didn’t respond. His jaw tightened. 

"I know it hurts your ego, but aren't you curious to find out about what happened twelve years ago? Aren't you tired of those nightmares that haunt you every night?"

Julian's expression turned brooding, and without another word, he left the house. 

Throughout the drive, Julian's mind was fixed on the possibility that Alexa might be related to his past but he finds it hard to admit it. It might just be a coincidence. 

---

Back at the Villa

Alexa's POV

I saw him walked in while I was heading down the hallway, and we ran into each other.

He looked pale, distracted, almost dazed.

"Are you okay, sir?" I asked, my voice softer than I intended.

He didn’t answer. His eyes met mine, and everything seemed to freeze. Something flickered there; recognition, confusion… something more. And we just stood there staring at each other. 

Then suddenly, he swayed, his face devoid of colour. 

His hands reached for my shoulders, steadying himself.

I didn’t pull back. My hands instinctively found his waist to keep him upright.

We just stood there, frozen in a strange moment neither of us could explain. 

Then he whispered barely audible. "Rose..."

And my heart skipped a beat.