I was still in a world of awe, when Rosa's voice brought me back to earth. "I'll prepare your bath." she said and was about to go further in but I stopped her. "Uhm... Its okay I'll take it from here. I can do it myself." She might not know, but I was never spoilt in my life. This is the first time things are being done for me. And it felt unnecessary. "Alright then, take your time. I'll ask the cooks to prepare your dinner." "what'd you like to have?" she asked. "anything is fine." I was never picky. I was only allergic to Mango. "Anything but Mango. I'm allergic " I added. "Noted." she nodded and left the bathroom.
I stepped deeper into the bathroom slowly, still taking in how calm and beautiful everything looked. The door closed softly behind me, shutting out the rest of the room.
For a moment, I just stood there. Then I moved toward the bathtub.
I reached down and turned the handle, and water began to flow out smoothly, filling the tub with a soft, steady sound. Steam slowly rose into the air, warming the space around me. I picked up one of the small bottles nearby and poured a little into the water. A light, sweet scent filled the air almost immediately.
I watched as the tub filled, the surface of the water moving gently.
When it was ready, I stepped in carefully.
The warmth wrapped around me at once, making me let out a soft breath I didn't realize I was holding. I lowered myself slowly until I was fully settled, the water reaching just enough to make me feel completely relaxed.
The scent was calming, soft and soothing.
I leaned back against the smooth surface of the tub, closing my eyes for a moment. The world outside felt far away now. There was no noise, no pressure, just the quiet sound of water and my own breathing. Time passed, but I didn't rush.
I let myself stay there, enjoying the warmth, the silence, and the peace that came with it.
A light knock on the bathroom door woke me up. I fell asleep while taking a bath. I guess I was that tired from all the events that happened today. How long have I been in here. "Mrs. Crew? Is everything alright? You've been in there for over an hour now." a voice spoke after the knock. It was Rosa.
I got out of the tub, took the robe hunged on the side hanger wrapping myself up with it. I walked out of the bathroom and into the closet where Rosa was already waiting. "Sorry, I slept off. I didn't know it was that long." I apologized chuckling lightly. "You must've been very tired. It's been a long day. hasn't it?" "Yeah it has." I replied scrolling through the clothes that was provided for me. "Your dinner is ready. You should have some and rest early." Rosa said. "Thanks Rosa." I brought out a simple night wear. "I'll be downstairs." Rosa walked out giving me some privacy. I took off my robe and wore the night wear.
The nightwear was simple and comfortable, made from soft, smooth fabric.
The top was a light, short-sleeve shirt that fit gently on my body. It wasn't too tight or too loose, just enough to feel relaxed. The neckline was simple, giving it a clean and calm look.
The shorts matched perfectly, resting just above the knees with a soft elastic band at the waist. They were easy to wear and allowed free movement.
I walked down the stairs and towards the dining room.
The dining room felt quiet and rich with calm elegance. A long polished table stood at the center, its surface smooth and shining under the soft glow of a chandelier above. High-backed chairs were placed neatly around it, their design simple but clearly expensive. The walls were clean and well-finished, decorated just enough to show taste without looking crowded. Everything in the room felt carefully chosen.
At one side of the dining room was a solid door that led into the kitchen. It stood slightly open, revealing a space just as refined. Inside, the kitchen was wide and spotless, with sleek counters and neatly arranged cabinets. The surfaces reflected the warm indoor lighting, giving the space a quiet, luxurious feel. Every item had its place, and nothing looked out of order.
On the other side of the dining room, a large glass door stretched from near the floor upward. Beyond it, the garden lay still in the night. The darkness softened everything outside, with only faint lights outlining the shapes of plants and paths. The glass reflected a hint of the room's warm glow, blending the inside and outside in a calm, peaceful way.
I sat on one of the dining chairs as the maids brought out different variety of dishes from the kitchen. "Is anyone joining us for dinner?" I asked looking at the different types of dishes displayed on the table. "I didn't know what you'd really like, so I asked the cooks to make a bit of everything here." Rosa replied. "B...but I really can't finish any of this. Wouldn't that be a waste?" I asked again. Rosa was about to say something again but I added before she could. "You know what? Why don't we all sit down and eat together." "I'm really sorry Mrs. Crew, workers aren't allowed to use anything in the mansion. If Mr. Crew finds out, we might lose our jobs." she replied. "well, Mr. Crew isn't here. Is he?" "And you said he hardly comes around." I added insisting. "But Mrs. Crew..." Rosa began but I stopped her mid sentence. "Mr. Crew isn't here, which means I'm the one in charge. Besides am can't eat alone. I'm not used to it." Back home, I never had a seat at the table so, I always had dinner with the other maids. It was really lively and fun. Most of my good memories were with them.
I turned to the maid at my right. She was a few years younger than me. "What's your name?" III asked. "Evelyn." she replied with courtesy. "Evelyn, please get the others. Everyone." I said. "Yes Mrs. Crew." She replied turning towards Rosa for confirmation, and She gave her a slight nod. I smiled and mouthed a thank you to Rosa. She smiled back and nodded.
*******************
We all sat down together at the table. There was enough spaces round the table for all the house maids and cooks. Unfortunately, Benson wasn't around. I heard he was summoned by Mr. Crew. Maybe to give a feedback about me... I guess.
Everyone ate till their satisfaction. The food was enough to go round with a little room for more. "Mrs. Crew is not only beautiful but kind. Mr. Crew is so lucky" I heard one of the maid whispering to another.
I Don't think he is though. Instead of someone as perfect as Lilibeth, he got the total opposite. If he was to find out that I wasn't the real bride but a substitute, if he was as ruthless as the rumor says he is, he'll make my life a living hell. That I'm sure off.
I got to know a bit about the household workers. Catherine, Stella, Evelyn and Jess, work around the house doing Chores, running errands, and other services. Rosa was their head maid.
Mrs. Adora was the head chef, while Clara, Cynthia, and Cellini are the kitchen assistants. The gardeners and other non-live in staffs comes every weekend. They are also many securities stationed at every corner of the building.
Everybody were having a bit of fun until a voice interrupted.
"What the hell is going on here!" The voice was deep and smooth, the kind that didn't need to be loud to be heard. It carried a quiet authority, steady and controlled, as if every word was chosen with care. I turned towards the direction of the living room where the voice was coming from. A man in his middle 20s stood tall, around six feet in height, with a smooth brown complexion. His face was sharp and good-looking, with calm eyes and a serious expression as he looked straight at me. His hair was neat, and everything about him looked clean and well-kept. He wore a fitted black suit with a white shirt and a dark tie, simple but clearly expensive. By his right was Mr. Suit. While Benson stood behind him.
"We're so sorry Mr. Crew. It'll never happen again." All the workers stood up immediately, apologized and ran out. Going back to their duties. And that was when I came to realize.
THE HANDSOME LOOKING MAN STANDING IN FRONT OF ME WAS MR. CREW!!!