Chapter 4 ♡♡♡

Jane wakes up early the next morning and makes her way to the kitchen, where she finds Manuel and Maria, the cook and maid, preparing breakfast. "Good morning," she says, and they smile and nod in response. Jane offers to help with breakfast, and they accept her assistance gratefully. She peels potatoes and chops vegetables, and they work together in a comfortable silence. The air is filled with the pleasant smells of breakfast cooking.

As they work, Jane begins to feel more comfortable in the kitchen, and she starts to ask Manuel and Maria questions about their lives. They tell her about their families and their lives in the city, and Jane feels a sense of connection to them. "You're very kind," Maria says, with a smile. "Thank you for helping us. It is not often that people like you offer to help in the kitchen." Jane blushes. "It's no problem at all," she says. "I actually enjoy cooking."

Maria looks surprised. "Really?" she asks. "You like to cook?" Jane nods. "Yes, it's something I've always enjoyed," she says. "I find it to be a very relaxing and therapeutic activity. It's a nice way to unwind after a long day." "I never thought of it that way," Manuel says, looking thoughtful. "You have given me a new perspective on something I do every day." Jane feels a sense of satisfaction at having opened someone's eyes to a new way of thinking.

After breakfast is finished, Jane heads to the library, where she plans to spend the day writing. She sits down at the desk and opens her laptop, feeling a sense of purpose and excitement. The words flow from her fingers, and she becomes lost in the world of her story. The hours pass by in a blur, and before she knows it, it's time for lunch. Jane stretches and realizes how hungry she is. She closes her laptop and makes her way to the dining room, where she finds a delicious meal waiting for her and she almost forgot about Micheal

So she asks Manuel about him and he tells her that he leaves early for work and barely has time for himself

"The master of the house, Michael, is a very busy man," Manuel says. "He leaves for work early in the morning, and he rarely has time for leisure. He is very dedicated to his work." Jane is surprised to hear this. "What does he do for work?" she asks. "He is a businessman, like his ancestors," Manuel says. "He owns a successful company that provides services to other businesses. He is very intelligent and driven, and he has achieved great success." Jane is impressed by Michael's accomplishments. "That's very impressive," she says.

"Manuel, tell me more about yourself " Jade inquired

"I was born in a small village in Mexico," he says. "When I was a young man, I came to America in search of a better life. I worked hard and eventually found a job as a cook at this estate. I have been here ever since." "That's a remarkable story," Jane says. "It must have been difficult to leave your home and come to a new country. How did you adjust to life here?"

"It was difficult at first," Manuel says. "I did not speak English well, and I did not know anyone. But I was determined to succeed, and I was lucky to find good people who helped me. The family who owns this estate is very kind and generous, and they have treated me with respect and dignity. I am very grateful to them." Jane is touched by Manuel's story. "That's so inspiring," she says. "You should be very proud of what you have accomplished." Manuel smiles. "Thank you," he says. "I am very happy with my life here."

"What time does Micheal come back from work and I'll also like to know his favourite food" Jade asked

"Michael usually comes home around 6pm," Manuel says. "As for his favorite food, I would say he is a fan of Italian food. He loves pasta and pizza, and he has a particular fondness for tiramisu. I like to make him a special tiramisu whenever there is a special occasion." "That's so sweet of you," Jane says. "You seem like a wonderful cook. How did you learn to cook?" "I learned from my mother and grandmother," Manuel says. "They were both excellent cooks, and they taught me everything I know."

"I think that's a wonderful idea," Manuel says. "Cooking is a very therapeutic activity, and I am sure Michael would appreciate the gesture. Food has a way of bringing people together and making them feel at home." "I couldn't agree more," Jane says. "I'm excited to try my hand at making some of Michael's favorite dishes. Do you mind if I ask you for some recipes?" "Not at all," Manuel says. "I would be happy to share some of my favorite recipes with you. What kind of dish would you like to start with?"

Jane thinks for a moment. "I think I would like to try my hand at making a simple pasta dish," she says. "Maybe something like spaghetti with marinara sauce and meatballs. I think that would be a good starting point." "That is an excellent choice," Manuel says. "I can teach you my grandmother's recipe for marinara sauce, and I will also share my secret for making the perfect meatballs. Do you have any other dishes you would like to learn?" "I'm also interested in learning how to make a good salad," Jane says.

"A good salad is an important part of any Italian meal," Manuel says. "I have a recipe for a simple, yet delicious, Italian salad that I am sure you will enjoy. It includes fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, and it is dressed with a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. Would you like to learn this recipe?" "Yes, I would love to," Jane says, her excitement growing. "I am really looking forward to learning all of your recipes. It is so kind of you to share them with me."

As Jane prepares the dinner, she thinks about how she can make Michael feel at home and less stressed. She lights some candles and sets the table with a pretty tablecloth and her best dishes. She puts on some soft, relaxing music and sets a glass of wine for Michael. She hopes that these small touches will help him feel comfortable and at ease. Just as she is finishing up, she hears the front door open. She goes to the front door and sees Michael, looking tired but smiling as he enters.

"Welcome home," Jane says, taking his coat and leading him into the dining room. "I made dinner and I hope you'll enjoy it." "It smells delicious," Michael says, taking a seat at the table. "I appreciate you going to all this trouble. You didn't have to do all this." "I wanted to," Jane says, sitting down across from him. "I wanted to make you feel comfortable and welcome. I hope you don't mind that I used your kitchen." "Not at all," Michael says. "I'm glad you feel at home here. Now, tell me about your day."

Jane tells Michael about her day, describing the work she has been doing and the people she has been meeting. She is careful not to say anything too personal or confidential, as she doesn't want to betray the trust of the people she works with. Michael is a good listener, and he asks thoughtful questions, making Jane feel like he is genuinely interested in what she has to say. As they eat and talk, Jane begins to feel more at ease. She feels like she has made a good friend, and she is grateful for the opportunity to get to know him better.

After dinner, Jane clears the table and puts the dishes in the dishwasher. Michael asks if he can help, but Jane insists that he relax. She pours them both a cup of coffee and they sit down in the living room, enjoying the warmth of the fire. They continue talking, their conversation flowing easily. It is clear that they have much in common, and they find themselves talking about everything from politics to books to their favorite movies. Jane feels herself getting more and more comfortable, and she begins to relax completely.

As Jane and Michael are talking, her phone slips out of her hand and falls to the floor. They both reach down at the same time to pick it up, and their hands touch. Their eyes meet, and they hold each other's gaze for a moment. It is a charged moment, full of possibility. They slowly rise back to their feet, their hands still touching. Jane feels a flutter in her chest, and she is unsure of what to do next. She doesn't want to ruin the moment, but she is nervous about what will happen if she doesn't say something.

Michael breaks the silence first. "I'm sorry if I've made you uncomfortable," he says. "That was not my intention." "It's not you," Jane says, still feeling a bit flustered. "I'm just not used to this kind of thing. I haven't been in this situation before." "I understand," Michael says. "I don't want to make you feel pressured or uncomfortable. We can just enjoy this conversation as friends." Jane relaxes a bit at his words. "Thank you," she says. "I appreciate that." They both take a deep breath, and the awkward moment passes.

●●●●●●●

On the night of the business dinner, Jane is nervous. She knows that she needs to look professional, but she also wants to look her best. Luckily, she has Maria to help her get ready. Maria does Jane's hair and makeup, and she helps her choose an outfit that is both elegant and appropriate for the occasion. Finally, it's time for Jane to leave for the venue. As she walks out the door, she sees Michael waiting for her. He looks handsome in a black suit, and his eyes light up when he sees her. "You look amazing," he says. "I'm so glad you're here."

Jane takes a deep breath and allows herself to relax. "Thank you," she says, feeling her nerves start to melt away. "I'm glad I'm here, too." They walk into the venue together, and Jane is struck by how beautiful it is. The room is filled with the soft glow of candlelight, and the tables are set with fine china and crystal. A string quartet is playing in the background, adding to the romantic atmosphere. "This is incredible," Jane says, turning to Michael. He nods. "It's something else, isn't it?" he says.

The host of the dinner, a well-known businessman, greets them both with a warm smile. "I'm so glad you could join us," he says. "It's a pleasure to have you here." He leads them to their table, which is set for two. They sit down and the waiter brings them glasses of champagne. They toast to the evening and look around, taking in the sights and sounds. After a few minutes, the host welcomes everyone and makes a few opening remarks. Then, the dinner is served, and Jane and Michael enjoy a delicious meal together.

During the meal, Jane and Michael chat about a variety of topics, from work to travel to hobbies. They find that they have a lot in common, and the conversation flows easily. Before they know it, dessert is served, and the evening is almost over. They both feel like they've only just gotten started, and they wish the night would never end. But all too soon, it's time to say goodnight. "I had a wonderful time," Jane says as they stand up from the table. "Thank you for asking me to join you." Michael smiles. "The pleasure was all mine," he says.

"Would you like me to walk you to the car?" Michael asks "I'll be staying for a while, there's something I need to do" he says. Jane nods, and they leave the venue together. As they walk through the parking lot, the moon is shining brightly overhead. It's a beautiful night, and Jane feels a sense of peace and contentment. Michael opens the door of the car for her, and she gets in. "Thanks again for tonight," she says. "I had a really great time." "I'm glad to hear that," Michael says.

Michael steps back from the car, and Jane rolls down the window. "Goodnight," she says. "Sleep well." "You too," Michael says, leaning in and giving her a light kiss on the cheek. Then, he steps back and waves goodbye as Jane drives away. As the driver pulls out of the parking lot, she feels a sense of excitement and anticipation. As she heads home, she finds herself humming a tune that she heard the string quartet play during dinner. It's a song that perfectly captures the feeling of the evening.