Megan woke up at high noon.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzcvdR0iuw
She sat up on the comfortable bed, stretching and yawning like a lazy cat. She193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMM4YNkwdq
felt energized after her beauty sleep, thus putting her in a good mood. Her193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWRv21RLvy
stomach grumbled resentfully as if complaining about the lack of substance it193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGQyOldV70
hasn’t been given for more than six hours. Megan tried to remember the last193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyikwH0WZE
time she had eaten; that must be the three muffins’ cupcakes she had to force193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3p9t5uc1o
herself to choke down on the plane, as her upset tummy wouldn’t give her193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUnqjQRrYd
appetite for anything more. No wonder she feels a headache and was mildly dizzy193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAb9QPn2NT
when she stood – those were her recognized signs of hunger. Never one to forget193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45uovnanng
hygiene no matter how hungry she is, Megan moved to the door she presumed to be193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrRxxbBzbM
the bathroom to refreshen up. When done, she headed out.
Long hallways stretched out193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGFIWRwjxO
at either side of her, causing her to pause with a small frown. Debating193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmyKpOdBu9
mentally for some secs, she decided on the left hallway. As much as she tried193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvv0pLxwmg7
not to notice, she still found herself admiring the unusual, yet sophisticated193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8UDLiTuOj
interior design of the house. Priceless paintings displaying Scottish history193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqm4C7ay5P
with artifacts were mounted on the golden walls. Various-sized vintage vases193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyPWcANpWx
noticeably worth more than she thinks, including the plain-looking ones, stood193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFE0pEIdE7
at every corner of the hallways. She’d have spent more time appreciating if her193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGlVNtsbl5
belly didn’t protest again, this time louder.
She walked faster,193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwR6xq79Hf7
coming out to a staircase. There was another flight of stairs in front of her193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQudcRGnSY
but she ignored it, choosing to locate the kitchen. Thankfully, she didn’t193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd186IvjX8u
spend much time at all. The spacious, spotless kitchen equipped with modern193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdut52dFLu
utensils almost made her giddy and Megan couldn’t wait to start preparing tasty193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVGbearYL0
food on the big counter. She opened the double-doored fridge and grinned193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡII4ENRMSwL
broadly at how well-stuffed it is. As someone who enjoys cooking a lot, she193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAepmuYXeHH
always appreciates it a lot when the fridge is filled up with all sorts of193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHo8LPotwO8
varieties of foods.
“Oh.”
Megan glanced behind her193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9QgmrMrXV
shoulders to see a young girl, she doesn’t look more than nineteen years,193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5woDiA2NsI
standing – frozen more like it – at the entrance of the kitchen. Her pale green193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUps6w4hF6b
orbs were filled with anxiety, reluctance, and tiny curiosity as she held a193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHACOoBjdB2
tray holding an empty bowl and cup. Everything regarding her, from her posture193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ138nvStL1k
to her expression, screams she wants to be anywhere but here. Megan felt193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkEzI9QCNz
strangely fascinated. Shutting the fridge, she faced the girl. She noted how193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3kpzv59nW
she tensed up immediately and Megan raised an inquisitive brow at her. The girl193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGNSoRz0Gg
crimsoned. She tried to stammer out something, but under Megan’s bold stare,193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2a8HNJW2R
she couldn’t form anything that made sense.
Having a strong impression,193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKRxjZJYnX
she was terrifying the poor girl, Megan eased up her expression, putting on the193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0k7UhAkDi
winning, a failsafe smile she used whenever she wants to soothe her193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRthafSPjT
not-so-polite, demanding customers of her culinary abilities. “I’m sorry if I193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjnxEwAvnl
frightened you or anything. Believe me, it’s not my intention.”
The girl gave a brief smile,193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhhJiwYn3B
her stance relaxing. “I-I’m the one who’d apologize to you,” she went to the193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMHKVi5bmt
sink to drop the tray. “I shouldn’t have behaved like that. It was incredibly193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXF431ZrHGb
rude of me. I’m sorry, ma’am.”
She’s still193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWJB6ufr6u
uncomfortable with me, Megan thought. “You weren’t rude. So, there’s no need to193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzB0s8jrE8
apologize….”
The girl stared at her193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pm7yllqaB
blankly. Realizing she was asking for her name, she quickly replied, “Arabel193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8MAXU47qn
Shaw, ma’am.”
“Oh. A lovable beauty193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCGjos8qE2
worth of her name.”
The girl went red, almost193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIMzEpIl33
like the gingery curls on her head.
A low growl sounded out of193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFLWoymJME
Megan’s stomach, prompting Arabel to turn pale and become frantic. “Oh, my God!193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsSpSJcmoZ
I’m so, so sorry. I can’t believe I’m such an idiot. How can I not know that193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7tefuo4FI
you’d be hungry when you awake?” She pulled out a pot and pan. Going to the193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKVZIDzTn9
fridge, she was just about to pull out a crate of eggs but was stopped.
“You don’t need to do193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9y9EiXIsUK
that. I can make something for myself.”
“But—"
“Even if you cook for193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetZJESgoVe
me, there’s a high probability I won’t like it. So, to save ingredients and193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhLhJs6LbN
time, let me do it.”
“But—”
Arabel has led away193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLwRoKVTMa
from the refrigerator and lightly pushed one of the stools in the kitchen.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyxjZWyifC
“Sit.” She complied. Like a three-year-old child who always wants to keep his193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BQp2jyLdz
mother within his sight, she trailed her every move with large curious eyes.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkMp2v7Q0P
Whenever she sees her not knowing where some things she needs are, she bolts up193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpRrjU49r3
like an antelope. Providing said items within a blink. The smile on Megan’s193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYWjHLPFTT
lips keeps increasing.
“So, what are you193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSkka7EO5w
doing to cook?” The young girl, unable to hold it in anymore, asked. She was193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CA6kk1aCs
standing alongside Megan, taking in the things she was preparing on the193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXLtWjBcGB
counter.
“Brisket hash with193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpsypLLOBe
eggs."
“Oh.”
Done making ready193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2CeCoKg12
the ingredients, Megan placed a large skillet over medium heat and poured in193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeK2Jc8JXS9
two tablespoons of olive oil. When it was heated, she added diced onion and193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqx8QjZhyTP
fried it until it was translucent. She put in minced garlic cloves with one medium193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZOQ1HUBgZ
red pepper, which she’d seeded and chopped. She mixed them, leaving it for a193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqGKXFgvKe
moment. Adding the potatoes she’d cut into cubes to the vegetables, she had193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJk6zQ4RFif
everything cooked for fifteen minutes. An eager-to-help Arabel, who had been193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHC20czLm5f
salivating nonstop the instant the mouthwatering aroma spread out, was in193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14mLzcPc5Y
charge of monitoring and flipping the mixture every few minutes with a flat193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTzyQJFPs9
spatula so the lot browned evenly while she whisked down the eggs.
When it was time, Megan193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbdqcG01BB
tossed in the cubed brisket. She combined it well, afterward seasoning it with193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbofNZn3Ewh
salt and black pepper. She gave a quick turn after that leave it to cook for193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYoajp8eG5
some minutes. Until the beef became brown and the potatoes succulently tender,193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGiA9BNzmx
before removing it from the heat. In a separate pan, she made scrambled eggs193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6771DdhNv
and then plated them, not forgetting to add barbeque sauce.
Arabel was genuinely stunned193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wDRiuzqFg
when Megan gave her a sizeable portion of the food. It took a whole minute to193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoQ2QY729C
get her to stop thanking her. The second Arabel took a bite, her head never193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5lfzT2mDL
came up again 'til she’d wiped her plate clean. Literally. Within a few blinks.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPT29bl8a4m
That spoke of how delicious the food is.
Megan had paused from taking193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJab8RwgHQq
lifting her spoon. She googled, half shocked, half amazed. But secretly193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHYp59cYKs
pleased. Arabel felt embarrassed, even wished the earth should open and swallow193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWZ0FtsTC6
her up, when a light belch sipped out from her lips, despite her hard best to193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7ZmL4fnuo
keep it in.
“Here.” Megan handed193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5Wgn79GaP
her the glass of orange juice meant for her, which after small hesitation, she193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMfU75CDPT
gulped down. “I’ve never had anyone react that much to my cooking, and quite193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZtJdnt2Mr
frankly. Arabel, I love it.”
The girl pepped up, looking193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQOdRCfBYS
partly convinced. “Really?”
“Cooking is a great193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4umbKt3mfP
passion of mine and as a chef, there’s nothing more that delights my soul than193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21wHeMfUgb
seeing my food consumed with such great…. relish.”
Arabel ducked her head.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzRwE2R8oJ
“Okay, whatever you say.”
“I—”
“Arabel!”
A voice called from somewhere193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyj6EGf7M0
outside the kitchen. The way Arabel jumped from her seat would’ve been comical193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqLKUY09SY
if she didn’t nearly trip over her feet and fallen flat on the floor. “Arabel!193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90TEFHAZ7R
Where are ye, silly lass?”
Said person had gone193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUqYpUklbK
pale, as though she’d seen a ghost. In a flash, she was at the sink. Dropping193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVProTWCzuF
the plate, the one she’d eaten with, she packed the bowls and pans used for193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoHCqfO2O3
cooking and began to demonstrate the quickest washing and rinsing known in193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGHrut7x25
history. Megan watched like a captivated audience while eating. Drawn to the193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8P4Fd1BLy
clanging of the utensils, footsteps drew closer to where they are. Just as193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlQ6YxfRUy
Arabel finished, the woman Megan saw yesterday stepped into the kitchen. An193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98QwcIX2i5
exasperated frown covered her expression but there was no misreading the193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKFyNRatMN
fleeting surprise and repulsion Megan spied in her gaze. This time, she was193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RDmI6xaNA
certain this sweetishly-looking woman has something against her.
Whatever.
“Ye silly lass! Why193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5f5gAaREQv
didn’t ye answer me when I was yellin’ for you at the top of my lungs? I was193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xxn0XUgOM
expectin’ ye back ages ago!”
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Rhona.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVxTmocfsP
I-I was busy preparing something for Mrs. Henderson when I saw there’s nothing193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIJwYf1Bwc
left of breakfast for her.”
Both women flinched.
Rhona shot a nasty glare at193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8twNseH38r
the young girl, her displeasure apropos to the way Megan was addressed,193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPsrYFmoWz
however, Arabel misunderstood it. “I didn’t know ye know you’re conversant with193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0XiH6iTZR
Amerikie’s food.”
“When I knew Mrs.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuW99jYVgP
Henderson was an American, I did tons of research on the country so I can serve193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvBAZw4Ob8
her needs better.”
Megan felt incredibly193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm39UhLePjD
uncomfortable being called that title again. She glanced at193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWFx4zACQS
Arabel from the corners of her eyes; seeing her sweaty, bright face and193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgAthiXmx0
quivering lips, she pitied her and decided not to expose her for her clear lie.
Rhonda observed Arabel193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpk1KCCuen
suspiciously. She’s not convinced of whatsoever nonsense she spewed out. A few193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenLSpvZpqr
seconds later, she waved her to leave the kitchen and the girl readily fled.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhoEdW3qiS
Giving her head a shake, she turned back to Megan who had gone over to the193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgsY5Dr7LS
sink. This time, she didn’t bother hiding her feelings.
“Ms. Michelle, I’d like193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Rcz3NNkvl
it if ye don’t make Arabel cook for ye. She isn’t among the maids193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pTd347RHK
in charge of cooking, so don’t force the poor girl to do193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYGVp9aNn2
what she doesn’t want.”
Wow. Way to rip off the193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWc8zsb0nm
bandage, Megan sardonically noted. Wiping her hands with a napkin, she met the193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFG4uKHjHAy
angry older woman with the angering smile she uses on the people she doesn’t193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN63JoYuRKc
like. “Hmm, but I wonder why any food wasn’t left for me?”
“I told the maids not193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvns5EBr0CW
to leave any because I don’t know whether you’d like what we cooked or not. Ye193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPnAVVHa8k
were needlessly finicky of what you ate the last time you came here so I took193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWbKxHKWwf
it upon myself to be the one to cook for ye,” Rhona paused, casting a193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNX2byfthch
depreciative look over at her figure. “Though if ye don’t mind me saying this,193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHuERp4Jfs
Ms. Michelle, I think starving a bit would do ye a solid good.” She jibed,193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LRcdZQtLX
smirking when that smile was erased.
Megan dropped being193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTLpinWftd
polite. “Remind me again, what is your job exactly here?”
“What? Don’t tell me193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTm7HjtSRr
you’ve forgotten?”
“Oh, I haven’t. But I193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmb9JiI7jyJ
just want to know if you’ve gotten promoted to a new high rank that gives you193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuY4L8wMsN
the unrestricted authority to disrespect me, the lady of this house? Or have193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjUOaCif7W
you forgotten that I’m married to your boss and that also makes me your boss?”
“Ye---”
“Oh, how scatterbrained193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcby1RvRSi3
of me. You’re what? Sixty? Sixty-five? Your brain probably isn’t as sharp as it193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjSQR8TiOm
is if you were my age, so I’ll take it that those stupidly inappropriate193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmTudHGfNs
comments were caused by the parasite living in your head because I want to193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaU3ulN2vGj
believe you valve your job and you wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize it.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDm8az43lkR
Perhaps I’ll talk to my husband to let you retire. After all, you’re getting193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAlRLzL0NK
old. It’s obvious you’re no longer fit for this job and it’d be very cruel of193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEokjPK1KFE
us to continue to make me do what you don’t want to do. Don’t you think so?”
Rhona glared with reddened193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqkcCbhhKu
eyes; her smirk long gone. She wanted nothing more than to close the distance193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jVBQ6l2AH
between them and serve the insolent lass a well-earned slap. How dare she talk193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHiVcvu9jM
to her that way.
Standing there, her193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFngG6nMBJC
chest heaving and looking as though she had been abandoned and betrayed by the193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquii5EPBWe
world, Megan felt zero ounces of pity for her. And why should she? Out of193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFjKgErefl
nowhere, this judgmental woman – she had mistaken as someone good at first –193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6yePHDq3b
start spurting crap concerning her, disparaging her. Megan knew she’d be pissed193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoN4yzvGtQd
at herself later if she didn’t return the favor. She might look gentle, doesn’t193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HonJs8C58
mean she’s not a pushover for anyone.
“Y-Ye j-jest! Ye think193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJczMVbCaaA
after what you did, Elie would want to listen to anything ye say, much less193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc637MpGshk
believe ye? Ah, you’re delusional.”
“You wanna bet? He’s a193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwODdBfROVA
man, isn’t he? Please, a little seduction and he’ll become pudding in my hands193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwmsdxRCTn
in a flash.” Megan tilted her head a bit to the side; the slow smile that193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4M0xLm4MM
stretched on her face made her look very much like a vixen. “Would you like me193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzmG9lBEUO
to show you how it’s done?”
Rhona rushed out.
Megan dropped the act,193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvDJYPyZP5
disgusted beyond expression. What a pretentious, elderly woman. Brushing the193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoreUZ4419s
conversation aside, she strode back to her room, put on some workout outfits,193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZHF0CN78B
and did yoga for an hour or so.
|!|!|!|!| |!|!|!|!|
“So, how is the193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvqpykMofD
bakery doing?” Megan went straight to the point after exchanging pleasantries193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6scmgv49v
with the vibrantly dressed woman on a video call with her. Clad in her lazy-day193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNapFAbLqM
outfit; an old, baggy shirt having faded baseball logo – she snatched it from Shane193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCcPARUY0n
months back when they began dating – and her favorite woolen cutoff – panties,193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xVDxyjAhs
her aunt claimed they were – underneath. She was standing on the veranda193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAtm2U1iS6
outside her room; enjoying the pleasurable breeze which slip in and out of her193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydkBnUQPmw
cloth and the beautiful, green scenery that lays around the manor.
“Oh, we’re doing193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLrVZcTpK5
alright. The guy your aunt brought, Kilian, is a gem. Granted, the cakes and193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYMt3Q0O6W
pastries he bakes aren’t precisely as great as yours, but the customers love193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpM9415ZNcD
them! Look, just the first day and we’re already sold out.” The camera shifted,193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLADAKeVuP
showing her the inside of her shop, which was crowded with people – just as193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71sUDswXGQ
when she was there – and the show glass was empty. Megan's brows lifted; she193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QHpeRTiTD
was impressed. It’s good to know she chose the right person among the four193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkv3aD10Fu
chefs she’d talked to.
Jemma’s excited chocolate193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GulGmjNqI
face came back into view. “Do you know he’s quite a shy guy? When one of your193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt71xcUE4IZ
regulars Mrs. Copson, wanted to meet the new chef and Grey called him out, he193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSBZLHdry4
was such a cute nerve wrack. The way he stuttered in that lovely Greek accent,193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ddIjw6yh9
fiddled with his back hair, and blushed nonstop? Ah, I think I’m in love. I193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa57RlHwGxv
don’t think I’m the only one; all your female clients are also in love with193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklHVOBbTs3
him. 90% of our buyers are females and I don’t think it’s entirely our goods193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcY1PS77jDv
they’re eager for if you get my drift. Not that I blame them one bit; I mean193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedA9fewoXY
have you ever seen a man who’s so sinfully gorgeous you just want to lick him193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzIUAO8pnV
up---”
“Godmother, please!” Megan had193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcjWFdbWcW
to interrupt, or her ears would be filled with descriptions she’d rather not193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOhxZ5oNAA
have regarding her employee. She wondered if she made the right decision,193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh758GBSgkf
allowing her godmother to persuade her to be her temporary manager. “You’re193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLjnW87LbZ
fifty-four years and happily married with three children. For goodness’ sake,193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVWpiJxRyt
act your age for once!”
“Killjoy. I was just193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFwMOTMaCu
looking, okay? There’s no one yet that can make leave that delicious,193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiOsmHh9ko
one-of-its-kind specimen I have for a husband. Besides, my observation isn’t193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkm4TNGdqTr
for me, it’s all for you, prude.” Jemma had that gleam in her eye, warning193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNBWZoaE41
Megan she was going to launch into her usual advice/speech – cough, nagging,193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pTtso30BB
cough – before she’d rush her off the phone, she went off. Leaving her with no193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUv5MMPAkRL
choice but listen.
“I’m not saying waiting193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFREtEykvwv
for Shane is a bad thing but you have waited enough time on the man. You’ve193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcBMZtNgTu
been obsessed with him since you were what, nineteen?”
“Twenty. But I’m---”
“Twenty! For six years193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBs9XnQY8ik
he never looked your way once. Why then are you still pining with that kind of193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9lWf6zH06
man, huh?”
Megan gritted her teeth,193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKyl7cBhuH
“He confessed to me five months ago – I told you and mom all of it – and we193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9DCgoYxY4
both decided to take it slow. I don’t see what’s so wrong that everyone is193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgl5TfpaguY
complaining.” She couldn’t help the sass at the last words.
Jemma narrowed her jade-green193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9UcpgOBNP
eyes, threateningly. “Don’t think that because you’re far away, you can run193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJn5YEK31X
your mouth on me on the phone anyhow, I won’t tolerate that.” Thank God she193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xZY5bzQ5G
wasn’t close by or her godmother would’ve slapped her silly.
“Sorry.” She felt like193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZVAf8jSGZ
a schoolgirl as she apologized. “But I love him, Jemma.”
“You’re almost193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32ImiwPXnI
thirty---” Jemma started.
“Twenty-six.”
“---and he hasn’t put a193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmye2zcR6yx
ring on your finger yet---”
“Again, we just started193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wNVnM9VmO
dating,”
“---What is he waiting193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaDdwTSnsh
for? The apocalypse? He isn’t sincere with you. Well, it’s a good thing you got193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Lv2N09RSs
married to that Scottish guy, Aneislis, right? He’s the right one for you.”
Megan looked193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡei1mQ1ZXoA
incredulous, “In case you’ve forgotten, he’s Michelle’s husband. I have no193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrh3EqqjfMt
interest in him.”
“He’s yours for life,193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKuJSQEuhn
whether you accept it or not. Even though Michelle is found, she won’t be with193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgpykAB5js
him. You should know this. Also, it’s best if---”
Megan was distracted.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnBBNahLEa
Her sight was drawn to the glittering, luxurious car – a Maserati – gliding193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOifkVr4qtM
towards the manor. It stopped, the backseat door opened, and out came the man193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuAnhRYjJ6
her godmother approved of. Her nose was wrinkled in distaste. She stared,193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQnOBf6DUm
sour-faced, as he helped someone down – an adorable, little girl. He shut the193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tn6rI5sGu
car door and walked hand-to-hand a few steps before the girl made a demand.
“Daddy, carry me.”
Her cheerful, childish voice193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDu4sLhyiA
rang out. Aneislis obeyed, continuing his journey inside the house.
Megan unintentionally193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAWztITGqc
pressed the end button to the video call as her mind pondered about the193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QuwYtt36L
information she had learned.
So, he had a daughter. Wonder193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtds01hjLvH
why that tiny detail wasn’t told to her, she rolled her orbs.
