THE MAID

Costly mistake

Epic 4

A secret room no one enters? That didn't sit so well with her, but she eventually forgot about it as they continued their ride.

“We are here”. Alex said as they drove into the gigantic building.

"Wow..."

Margret 's breath hitched as she stepped out of the car, her eyes widening in disbelief.

The mansion was so grand, so exquisite, it looked like something straight out of a fairytale. Its towering pillars, sparkling marble floors, and sprawling gardens stretched beyond what her eyes could take in. The crisp air smelled of fresh roses, and the golden glow from the chandelier-lit windows made the entire place look like a palace.

Her heart raced with excitement.

"They must be swimming in money to afford this."

Unable to contain herself, she spun around, facing Alex with sheer enthusiasm.

“Hey! I'm really going to live here, right?!” she asked, her voice bubbling with joy.

Alex chuckled, his cheeks dusted with a light blush. “Of course. And, please… just call me Alex. I feel more comfortable that way.”

Margret instantly nodded. “Ah! I’m so sorry” she apologized.

“I must say, your house is truly breathtaking!” she added.

A small smile tugged at Alex’s lips. “Thanks, but…” He sighed, stuffing his hands into his pockets. “It’s not mine. I only work here.”

Margret's eyes widened. “What?” She quickly covered her mouth, feeling a mix of surprise and admiration.

"So hardworking! A personal assistant and a mansion worker? He must be an incredible person… Unlike that demon he calls a boss. I hope that tyrant is burning in some corner of hell right now!" She thought

“What are you thinking?”. Alex interrupted, as she flushed embarrassed.

“Ow! Nothing, just admiring your hard working spirit”

“Ow! That is such a great honour. Come with me, I need to show you your room”. Alex said, grabbing her luggage from her. Without wasting time, Margret followed after and after some minutes, they were standing in front of a cozy and elegantly furnished room.

“We’re here,” Alex announced. “This will be your apartment.” he continued, turning towards Margret.

The moment Margret stepped inside, her eyes sparkled with delight. “Wow! This is incredible!” she gasped, jumping onto the bed. She rolled across the soft mattress, hugging the plush pillows as if she had never touched anything so luxurious.

“This is way better than home,” she murmured dreamily.

Alex chuckled. “I’m glad you like it. But don’t get too comfortable yet.” His expression turned serious. “You’ll be cooking for the boss in two hours. He hates late meals, so don’t be late. I assume you can cook?”

Margret sat up immediately, nodding eagerly.

“Well,” Alex smirked. “I’ll judge that when I taste your food. Call me if you need anything. Have a good rest.” With that, he left, closing the door behind him.

But rest? That was the last thing on Margret’s mind.

She grabbed her phone, her fingers dialing her mother’s number in an instant.

“Mum! You won’t believe how big this place is! My room? It looks like something straight out of a five-star hotel!” She gushed excitedly, barely able to contain herself.

A sharp knock at her door startled her, causing her to end the call at an instant.

“Ready?” Alex’s voice called from the other side.

Margret groaned. “It’s not even up to two hours yet!” she grumbled under her breath but still dragged herself to the door.

“It’s not even up to two hours,” she repeated, shooting Alex a glare as she opened the door.

Alex gave her a sheepish smile. “Yeah… sorry about that.”

Margret sighed dramatically. “Fine. What now?”

“You need to serve him his dessert before preparing his dinner,” Alex explained. “Come on, I’ll show you how.”

Margret followed Alex through the hallway, ignoring the curious glances of other

servants. When they reached the lavish dining area, she prepared the dessert under Alex’s guidance and carefully arranged it on a silver tray.

Alex leaned in, whispering, “Be careful. He’s—”

“Mean? Evil? The devil’s reincarnation?” Margret finished, rolling her eyes.

Alex coughed awkwardly, hiding a smirk. “Just be careful.”

«««««««««««««««

Margret balanced the tray in her hands, her heart hammering in her chest as she walked toward the boss’s room.

This was it. The moment she had been waiting for—the chance to meet the man behind this extravagant home.

She stepped inside with a polite smile, eager to greet him properly.

But disappointment struck when she saw him standing by the window, his back turned to her.

He didn’t even spare her a glance.

“Drop it and leave,” he commanded coldly.

Margret blinked. Huh? That’s it?

She cleared her throat, shifting on her feet, hoping he would at least look at her. But he remained as still as a statue, completely indifferent to her presence.

Disheartened, she placed the dessert on the table and walked out, her lips forming a small pout.

As the door closed behind her, Julian finally turned around, his brows furrowing.

"That voice… it sounds so familiar."

A slow smirk curled his lips.

“Mmm… Margret ,” he whispered, his eyes gleaming.

"Why does her name keep ringing a bell? That arrogant, crazy little thing…" He mumbled, taking a bite out of the desert. “Wow, this is great”. He said, rushing the food like his stomach was about to pull out of his body.

Hours later, Margret returned with his dinner. She knocked softly and stepped inside after his response.

“Good eve—”

Her words caught in her throat as her gaze locked onto the man before her.

Julian’s eyes widened in shock as he saw her.

Time seemed to freeze.

Margret ’s hands trembled, and before she could stop herself, she turned and ran out of the room.

She rubbed her eyes, took a deep breath, and stepped back inside.

“Maybe I saw a ghost…” she thought, peeping back into the room.

But no. Julian was still standing there, his expression dark and furious.

Alex stormed in seconds later, his breath caught in his throat.

“Alex!” Julian thundered, his sharp voice cutting through the tension.

“What the hell are you doing here?” His piercing gaze bore into Margret , making her shrink back.

“I… I…” Margret stuttered, her body trembling.

“Answer me!” Julian roared.

“I did,” Alex interjected coldly.

Julian turned to him, his jaw clenching.

“Why?”

Alex hesitated but stood firm. “Sir… the chef issue. She was the only one I could find.”

Julian’s eyes darkened, scanning Margret with sheer contempt. “I don’t want to see her anywhere near my house,” he said coldly, looking at Margret. “You both can get lost”. He added.

Margret’s heart sank. She turned to Alex, her eyes pleading.

“I’m sorry…” Alex muttered.

“It’s fine,” Margret whispered, fighting back tears. She rushed to her room, slamming the door behind her before the sobs could escape.

Alex sighed heavily and followed.

“My boss can be cruel sometimes,” he admitted, leaning against the doorframe. “But he’s not all bad.”

Margret scoffed, wiping her tears. “Spare me the speech, Alex. Just take me home.”

Alex hesitated. “Margret —”

“I don’t want to hear it. I don’t need anything from you or your boss. Just get me out of here.”

A long silence stretched between them before Alex finally nodded.

“Fine,” he muttered. “I’ll call the driver.”

Back in his room, Julian was still very much hungry. The aroma from the food had filled his nostrils. He took a bite of the meal.

His chewing slowed. His brows furrowed.

“This food…” He placed the fork down, his expression unreadable. “Who made it?” he questioned Alex who just returned back to the room.

Alex shifted uncomfortably. “Margret , but we already fired her.”

Julian’s head snapped up.

“Fired?” His voice held a strange edge.

“Why?”

Alex’s breath caught. The confusion on his face was readable.

“You asked me to fire her boss”. Alex eventually said.

Julian stared at him, then back to his plate, he was in deep thought.

The taste of the food reminded him of someone, someone deeply special.

And for the first time that night—he wasn’t sure whether he had made the right decision or not, by firing Margret.

“But why did you fire her? What was her offense?” He questioned again, making Alex more confused.