The aroma of simmering stew clung to the kitchen walls as Valerie stirred the pot gently. Her hair was pinned up neatly, her lips glossed, her dress fitted like she was going on a date, just beneath the apron. The other maid servants had allowed her into the kitchen only for courtesy's sake even when most of them disliked her. She had taken the day off work, telling herself it was a perfect excuse to “surprise” him. A perfect little lunch, a glass of wine, maybe even time alone before the others returned. Her smile flickered as she imagined his face, the way it should’ve softened when he saw her waiting.She was about to add some scented herbs into the stew when the sound of heavy footsteps behind her cut through her fantasy.When she turned, her heart skipped. It wasn’t Ray.It was Don Draco.He stood at the entryway, cold eyes scanning her from head to toe. For the first time, Valerie’s confident mask cracked.“Valerie?” His voice was sharp, disbelieving. “What are you doing here…
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