Megan woke up at high noon.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sx5O6c2Gv
She sat up on the comfortable bed, stretching and yawning like a lazy cat. She235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QMw7v4TGj
felt energized after her beauty sleep, thus putting her in a good mood. Her235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHan1bYrFbU
stomach grumbled resentfully as if complaining about the lack of substance it235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3AqFYZsLv
hasn’t been given for more than six hours. Megan tried to remember the last235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5NL02wsrv
time she had eaten; that must be the three muffins’ cupcakes she had to force235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uGNS5chG9
herself to choke down on the plane, as her upset tummy wouldn’t give her235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpWsAJdIjP
appetite for anything more. No wonder she feels a headache and was mildly dizzy235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2d7HpL1Oa
when she stood – those were her recognized signs of hunger. Never one to forget235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncJVnRCQQ0
hygiene no matter how hungry she is, Megan moved to the door she presumed to be235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpxf1ZmIQ3
the bathroom to refreshen up. When done, she headed out.
Long hallways stretched out235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZxfFAfFnU
at either side of her, causing her to pause with a small frown. Debating235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ62GvJTqwo
mentally for some secs, she decided on the left hallway. As much as she tried235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSuZBYawpu
not to notice, she still found herself admiring the unusual, yet sophisticated235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5jj1nptTm
interior design of the house. Priceless paintings displaying Scottish history235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LqQtYobLy
with artifacts were mounted on the golden walls. Various-sized vintage vases235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbMgF68Gco
noticeably worth more than she thinks, including the plain-looking ones, stood235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2UemOZxJx
at every corner of the hallways. She’d have spent more time appreciating if her235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlj8JCkY9P
belly didn’t protest again, this time louder.
She walked faster,235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSXVE0c9F1
coming out to a staircase. There was another flight of stairs in front of her235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfOxYpH10I
but she ignored it, choosing to locate the kitchen. Thankfully, she didn’t235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLd7o6Kt5sE
spend much time at all. The spacious, spotless kitchen equipped with modern235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAPoj4Ptcf
utensils almost made her giddy and Megan couldn’t wait to start preparing tasty235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrI3stYpJSM
food on the big counter. She opened the double-doored fridge and grinned235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzYrsb17Ef
broadly at how well-stuffed it is. As someone who enjoys cooking a lot, she235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIHEYIUhd3
always appreciates it a lot when the fridge is filled up with all sorts of235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dzQnbXdWc
varieties of foods.
“Oh.”
Megan glanced behind her235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3lf9dRtNK
shoulders to see a young girl, she doesn’t look more than nineteen years,235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFqOyDlMiI
standing – frozen more like it – at the entrance of the kitchen. Her pale green235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLw4O9S9gEg
orbs were filled with anxiety, reluctance, and tiny curiosity as she held a235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnvUVvW9OX
tray holding an empty bowl and cup. Everything regarding her, from her posture235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQIMQ4EVb9
to her expression, screams she wants to be anywhere but here. Megan felt235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrxV1eC3Pq
strangely fascinated. Shutting the fridge, she faced the girl. She noted how235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FJYIoEeNy
she tensed up immediately and Megan raised an inquisitive brow at her. The girl235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhQXKYaASN
crimsoned. She tried to stammer out something, but under Megan’s bold stare,235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90Dd1CgT8Y
she couldn’t form anything that made sense.
Having a strong impression,235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySWkywKCEi
she was terrifying the poor girl, Megan eased up her expression, putting on the235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUpCoS8mcR
winning, a failsafe smile she used whenever she wants to soothe her235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23kKX6Kga2
not-so-polite, demanding customers of her culinary abilities. “I’m sorry if I235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXMS8Y8YcV
frightened you or anything. Believe me, it’s not my intention.”
The girl gave a brief smile,235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJZHcAowVY
her stance relaxing. “I-I’m the one who’d apologize to you,” she went to the235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdxQeGGwiX
sink to drop the tray. “I shouldn’t have behaved like that. It was incredibly235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXrGr59BPj
rude of me. I’m sorry, ma’am.”
She’s still235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgRAlULcp4
uncomfortable with me, Megan thought. “You weren’t rude. So, there’s no need to235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDaE3anLIE
apologize….”
The girl stared at her235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0v0gR4UuUc
blankly. Realizing she was asking for her name, she quickly replied, “Arabel235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYAozGShlw
Shaw, ma’am.”
“Oh. A lovable beauty235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6RBeY5XEx
worth of her name.”
The girl went red, almost235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vQkCn217c
like the gingery curls on her head.
A low growl sounded out of235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwmBPIFsiV
Megan’s stomach, prompting Arabel to turn pale and become frantic. “Oh, my God!235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQpnqacwMe
I’m so, so sorry. I can’t believe I’m such an idiot. How can I not know that235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HEK30dyWu
you’d be hungry when you awake?” She pulled out a pot and pan. Going to the235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYZoI6HrdD
fridge, she was just about to pull out a crate of eggs but was stopped.
“You don’t need to do235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujaUPFAAT7
that. I can make something for myself.”
“But—"
“Even if you cook for235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CJhDFmsRq
me, there’s a high probability I won’t like it. So, to save ingredients and235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhXsaCmz4i
time, let me do it.”
“But—”
Arabel has led away235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbXzv6tVd1
from the refrigerator and lightly pushed one of the stools in the kitchen.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9y9vT1akoY
“Sit.” She complied. Like a three-year-old child who always wants to keep his235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7TbIIlbii
mother within his sight, she trailed her every move with large curious eyes.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NqovSSVcp
Whenever she sees her not knowing where some things she needs are, she bolts up235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡma6fcL3Ppo
like an antelope. Providing said items within a blink. The smile on Megan’s235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiE7IZjFYIW
lips keeps increasing.
“So, what are you235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYF8dUYrZNQ
doing to cook?” The young girl, unable to hold it in anymore, asked. She was235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgoV9EDTyG
standing alongside Megan, taking in the things she was preparing on the235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYeougQ83n
counter.
“Brisket hash with235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcY3LFP1Jiv
eggs."
“Oh.”
Done making ready235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPjw34VXxd
the ingredients, Megan placed a large skillet over medium heat and poured in235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdlVTQAMcT
two tablespoons of olive oil. When it was heated, she added diced onion and235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOc6y8Fztkm
fried it until it was translucent. She put in minced garlic cloves with one medium235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17OWKczRM8
red pepper, which she’d seeded and chopped. She mixed them, leaving it for a235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bcYke3moV
moment. Adding the potatoes she’d cut into cubes to the vegetables, she had235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFKLEpoMj9
everything cooked for fifteen minutes. An eager-to-help Arabel, who had been235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1QePgiD2b
salivating nonstop the instant the mouthwatering aroma spread out, was in235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEV1Sd8SYQ
charge of monitoring and flipping the mixture every few minutes with a flat235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2Ik9Ews7e
spatula so the lot browned evenly while she whisked down the eggs.
When it was time, Megan235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTO2KzEAnXT
tossed in the cubed brisket. She combined it well, afterward seasoning it with235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9K5968FQFV
salt and black pepper. She gave a quick turn after that leave it to cook for235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0ztzKE2tR
some minutes. Until the beef became brown and the potatoes succulently tender,235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxs4Nnwcen0
before removing it from the heat. In a separate pan, she made scrambled eggs235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXIwoeDx0T
and then plated them, not forgetting to add barbeque sauce.
Arabel was genuinely stunned235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtS6I98CUAf
when Megan gave her a sizeable portion of the food. It took a whole minute to235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRdLG0euZl
get her to stop thanking her. The second Arabel took a bite, her head never235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0X9IWzL3s
came up again 'til she’d wiped her plate clean. Literally. Within a few blinks.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyvqGKCyYC
That spoke of how delicious the food is.
Megan had paused from taking235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2vZtlk9dR
lifting her spoon. She googled, half shocked, half amazed. But secretly235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkx4tSNtu3b
pleased. Arabel felt embarrassed, even wished the earth should open and swallow235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYOZ5cbWE9
her up, when a light belch sipped out from her lips, despite her hard best to235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pVABkQd0F
keep it in.
“Here.” Megan handed235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdSr4ndRJu
her the glass of orange juice meant for her, which after small hesitation, she235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDGN61hSrl
gulped down. “I’ve never had anyone react that much to my cooking, and quite235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeX9J2DJngG
frankly. Arabel, I love it.”
The girl pepped up, looking235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPbseB05po
partly convinced. “Really?”
“Cooking is a great235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKho9TBbhg
passion of mine and as a chef, there’s nothing more that delights my soul than235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3sJaclVN0
seeing my food consumed with such great…. relish.”
Arabel ducked her head.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjoODwYttU
“Okay, whatever you say.”
“I—”
“Arabel!”
A voice called from somewhere235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpsrS9m2Tk
outside the kitchen. The way Arabel jumped from her seat would’ve been comical235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSrkchtvAN
if she didn’t nearly trip over her feet and fallen flat on the floor. “Arabel!235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gqlYfooxX
Where are ye, silly lass?”
Said person had gone235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvp4AFCTBr
pale, as though she’d seen a ghost. In a flash, she was at the sink. Dropping235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdkbPNUju7
the plate, the one she’d eaten with, she packed the bowls and pans used for235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMk4tekRPXc
cooking and began to demonstrate the quickest washing and rinsing known in235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhIFwu7ToL
history. Megan watched like a captivated audience while eating. Drawn to the235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLT4xZrEK9O
clanging of the utensils, footsteps drew closer to where they are. Just as235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLh0x5bmL3
Arabel finished, the woman Megan saw yesterday stepped into the kitchen. An235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SPrlNd1Jr
exasperated frown covered her expression but there was no misreading the235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkGp0BktRX
fleeting surprise and repulsion Megan spied in her gaze. This time, she was235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4tcHqAC2P
certain this sweetishly-looking woman has something against her.
Whatever.
“Ye silly lass! Why235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXeCpZUyGe
didn’t ye answer me when I was yellin’ for you at the top of my lungs? I was235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Q60JLZsYT
expectin’ ye back ages ago!”
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Rhona.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJuiQT6kLY
I-I was busy preparing something for Mrs. Henderson when I saw there’s nothing235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzv3cawONc
left of breakfast for her.”
Both women flinched.
Rhona shot a nasty glare at235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodqXTuTE2Z
the young girl, her displeasure apropos to the way Megan was addressed,235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFkYcFZFuY
however, Arabel misunderstood it. “I didn’t know ye know you’re conversant with235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw24WRMIXn
Amerikie’s food.”
“When I knew Mrs.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OUagPX6hJ
Henderson was an American, I did tons of research on the country so I can serve235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRSY34Sj4t
her needs better.”
Megan felt incredibly235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3qS4JrPHS
uncomfortable being called that title again. She glanced at235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVtQNAShQc
Arabel from the corners of her eyes; seeing her sweaty, bright face and235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDEXxRrW8C
quivering lips, she pitied her and decided not to expose her for her clear lie.
Rhonda observed Arabel235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolNvyvAclc
suspiciously. She’s not convinced of whatsoever nonsense she spewed out. A few235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiI5JNEoiw
seconds later, she waved her to leave the kitchen and the girl readily fled.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4F9w4u5FJN
Giving her head a shake, she turned back to Megan who had gone over to the235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlGCn0g3E8
sink. This time, she didn’t bother hiding her feelings.
“Ms. Michelle, I’d like235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHIPPNl4H0
it if ye don’t make Arabel cook for ye. She isn’t among the maids235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QBrMp3W0s
in charge of cooking, so don’t force the poor girl to do235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4HKNNHzS0
what she doesn’t want.”
Wow. Way to rip off the235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXlGRY1SSj
bandage, Megan sardonically noted. Wiping her hands with a napkin, she met the235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNiJ7FSqkX
angry older woman with the angering smile she uses on the people she doesn’t235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUt0O7qHO4B
like. “Hmm, but I wonder why any food wasn’t left for me?”
“I told the maids not235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKCRqwWzUQ
to leave any because I don’t know whether you’d like what we cooked or not. Ye235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmbk6SmC3Y
were needlessly finicky of what you ate the last time you came here so I took235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZoDBAKdjG
it upon myself to be the one to cook for ye,” Rhona paused, casting a235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQ26gNi5MI
depreciative look over at her figure. “Though if ye don’t mind me saying this,235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23b47k8SVv
Ms. Michelle, I think starving a bit would do ye a solid good.” She jibed,235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sG6TdS4xf
smirking when that smile was erased.
Megan dropped being235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsBbLABFbg
polite. “Remind me again, what is your job exactly here?”
“What? Don’t tell me235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGNXPG0S9S
you’ve forgotten?”
“Oh, I haven’t. But I235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07CN3upXBf
just want to know if you’ve gotten promoted to a new high rank that gives you235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDryo4IKuug
the unrestricted authority to disrespect me, the lady of this house? Or have235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNK43s8Vj1X
you forgotten that I’m married to your boss and that also makes me your boss?”
“Ye---”
“Oh, how scatterbrained235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1c9AWQ6Qh
of me. You’re what? Sixty? Sixty-five? Your brain probably isn’t as sharp as it235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBa1CLArmP
is if you were my age, so I’ll take it that those stupidly inappropriate235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpw9pk9lLQY
comments were caused by the parasite living in your head because I want to235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5dMLLLMqA
believe you valve your job and you wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize it.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXzrTADHiY
Perhaps I’ll talk to my husband to let you retire. After all, you’re getting235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqQNwXQDKP
old. It’s obvious you’re no longer fit for this job and it’d be very cruel of235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoU2b8j1wj
us to continue to make me do what you don’t want to do. Don’t you think so?”
Rhona glared with reddened235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpnJJuGaon
eyes; her smirk long gone. She wanted nothing more than to close the distance235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuWjF9yECF
between them and serve the insolent lass a well-earned slap. How dare she talk235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtbjjiSx6t
to her that way.
Standing there, her235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlzaeCBryw
chest heaving and looking as though she had been abandoned and betrayed by the235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxNwZvStYo
world, Megan felt zero ounces of pity for her. And why should she? Out of235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStQBsDSS1r
nowhere, this judgmental woman – she had mistaken as someone good at first –235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg100iewaYz
start spurting crap concerning her, disparaging her. Megan knew she’d be pissed235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtVRGHtU22
at herself later if she didn’t return the favor. She might look gentle, doesn’t235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGB8SVDOdU
mean she’s not a pushover for anyone.
“Y-Ye j-jest! Ye think235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEcX4oXlWE
after what you did, Elie would want to listen to anything ye say, much less235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5ReQMJX61
believe ye? Ah, you’re delusional.”
“You wanna bet? He’s a235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78Qu5s7hbF
man, isn’t he? Please, a little seduction and he’ll become pudding in my hands235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0w973IVl60
in a flash.” Megan tilted her head a bit to the side; the slow smile that235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVooTxztekt
stretched on her face made her look very much like a vixen. “Would you like me235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIdh6vpuTq
to show you how it’s done?”
Rhona rushed out.
Megan dropped the act,235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssPZjeGuP5
disgusted beyond expression. What a pretentious, elderly woman. Brushing the235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZEBOsOQSc
conversation aside, she strode back to her room, put on some workout outfits,235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwQ00AUQwA
and did yoga for an hour or so.
|!|!|!|!| |!|!|!|!|
“So, how is the235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSB5t1cogj
bakery doing?” Megan went straight to the point after exchanging pleasantries235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyWrUfK9XO
with the vibrantly dressed woman on a video call with her. Clad in her lazy-day235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbhEoWwbKL
outfit; an old, baggy shirt having faded baseball logo – she snatched it from Shane235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENnXTzhwe5
months back when they began dating – and her favorite woolen cutoff – panties,235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjlb6K1NKs
her aunt claimed they were – underneath. She was standing on the veranda235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsQibscrku
outside her room; enjoying the pleasurable breeze which slip in and out of her235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NL3uhlJ2D
cloth and the beautiful, green scenery that lays around the manor.
“Oh, we’re doing235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBFYHxkRMY
alright. The guy your aunt brought, Kilian, is a gem. Granted, the cakes and235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEY4Xyd4iAd
pastries he bakes aren’t precisely as great as yours, but the customers love235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNnzw4BhLi
them! Look, just the first day and we’re already sold out.” The camera shifted,235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurNDIAj1hh
showing her the inside of her shop, which was crowded with people – just as235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmKRqtV6Xz
when she was there – and the show glass was empty. Megan's brows lifted; she235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrREHpdrHZ4
was impressed. It’s good to know she chose the right person among the four235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRYwZ08qQn
chefs she’d talked to.
Jemma’s excited chocolate235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0zG3VIZyC
face came back into view. “Do you know he’s quite a shy guy? When one of your235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhkHDD0IUi
regulars Mrs. Copson, wanted to meet the new chef and Grey called him out, he235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvTug3C2ci
was such a cute nerve wrack. The way he stuttered in that lovely Greek accent,235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0nrmbIleb
fiddled with his back hair, and blushed nonstop? Ah, I think I’m in love. I235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzgUTMZgom
don’t think I’m the only one; all your female clients are also in love with235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwUHjlXIEH
him. 90% of our buyers are females and I don’t think it’s entirely our goods235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVCKB80Z5e
they’re eager for if you get my drift. Not that I blame them one bit; I mean235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbtfKW2CSR
have you ever seen a man who’s so sinfully gorgeous you just want to lick him235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUPrE3Rd6c
up---”
“Godmother, please!” Megan had235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcR17mpEo7Y
to interrupt, or her ears would be filled with descriptions she’d rather not235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pJGBZZpyy
have regarding her employee. She wondered if she made the right decision,235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWexqVAWzlL
allowing her godmother to persuade her to be her temporary manager. “You’re235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9om0v9PJZ
fifty-four years and happily married with three children. For goodness’ sake,235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5pPEO5cK5
act your age for once!”
“Killjoy. I was just235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfw10ZMWrE
looking, okay? There’s no one yet that can make leave that delicious,235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEq7AUwjPQl
one-of-its-kind specimen I have for a husband. Besides, my observation isn’t235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSoRM0XpGX
for me, it’s all for you, prude.” Jemma had that gleam in her eye, warning235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99KoaWSTni
Megan she was going to launch into her usual advice/speech – cough, nagging,235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTH0atsE9a3
cough – before she’d rush her off the phone, she went off. Leaving her with no235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyseIyFZTo
choice but listen.
“I’m not saying waiting235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47nPimGvCb
for Shane is a bad thing but you have waited enough time on the man. You’ve235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcrFjNdUJ0
been obsessed with him since you were what, nineteen?”
“Twenty. But I’m---”
“Twenty! For six years235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvDzlO1Loc
he never looked your way once. Why then are you still pining with that kind of235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fMm7aIv1J
man, huh?”
Megan gritted her teeth,235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaUTW67Bwz
“He confessed to me five months ago – I told you and mom all of it – and we235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiEL50K4lk
both decided to take it slow. I don’t see what’s so wrong that everyone is235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qZHMqpqk8
complaining.” She couldn’t help the sass at the last words.
Jemma narrowed her jade-green235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFYnC4lsS4
eyes, threateningly. “Don’t think that because you’re far away, you can run235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IhaLU7VYT
your mouth on me on the phone anyhow, I won’t tolerate that.” Thank God she235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5o0yba6gY
wasn’t close by or her godmother would’ve slapped her silly.
“Sorry.” She felt like235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Gb98VaG9K
a schoolgirl as she apologized. “But I love him, Jemma.”
“You’re almost235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAjrVy1L6x
thirty---” Jemma started.
“Twenty-six.”
“---and he hasn’t put a235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uXlfVQwv6
ring on your finger yet---”
“Again, we just started235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGVCKjLjxw
dating,”
“---What is he waiting235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VdgETo1Fd
for? The apocalypse? He isn’t sincere with you. Well, it’s a good thing you got235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAMta6CwIF
married to that Scottish guy, Aneislis, right? He’s the right one for you.”
Megan looked235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9CqFNOLfg
incredulous, “In case you’ve forgotten, he’s Michelle’s husband. I have no235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFJZ5vZ1SG
interest in him.”
“He’s yours for life,235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QgYWupixV
whether you accept it or not. Even though Michelle is found, she won’t be with235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVNwesi6QY
him. You should know this. Also, it’s best if---”
Megan was distracted.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvjNxC7kox
Her sight was drawn to the glittering, luxurious car – a Maserati – gliding235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0YXgVXwEo
towards the manor. It stopped, the backseat door opened, and out came the man235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkIpBlKeYG
her godmother approved of. Her nose was wrinkled in distaste. She stared,235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBUKlCU8Ev
sour-faced, as he helped someone down – an adorable, little girl. He shut the235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ4lJM0IFm
car door and walked hand-to-hand a few steps before the girl made a demand.
“Daddy, carry me.”
Her cheerful, childish voice235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeZ5jxKk58
rang out. Aneislis obeyed, continuing his journey inside the house.
Megan unintentionally235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEemSSnW760
pressed the end button to the video call as her mind pondered about the235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmg5VZjrws
information she had learned.
So, he had a daughter. Wonder235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShhQd4JVUP
why that tiny detail wasn’t told to her, she rolled her orbs.
