Larissa
I hummed happily to the faint Valentine tune playing from the intercom. This was one of my best songs!
"The day was finally here," I thought, smiles tugging at my lip. I couldn't wait to see Rick later in the day.
"Someone's in a happy mood today."
Startled, I turned and saw Madam Rosé staring at me inquisitively. Madam Rosé had always been like this; appearing at sudden moments. She was like a phantom most of the time.
Madam Rosé was the head and the oldest housekeeper in the Walton's household where I worked.
"You scared me Madam Rosé" I said, turning back to my cleaning as I stopped humming.
"You haven't answered my question," Madam Rosé persisted.
She was like this also; always putting her nose in everyone's business, but we all loved her because of how she treated us like her own children.
I sighed inwardly and replied, " Who stays unhappy on Valentine's day? It's a day of love after all."
I quickly left the sitting room, heading to the kitchen before Madam Rosé came up with more of her questions.
Taking a look at my phone, I couldn't help but notice that there was no message notification from Rick which was quite strange.
He hasn't messaged me since he left in the morning, which was quite unlike him. I giggled at the thought that he was out trying to get me a perfect valentine gift. It would be so romantic if he came with a bouquet of rose flowers.
"He was probably busy or something" I said to myself as I pocketed my phone back. Rick happened to be the only son of Mr. Michael Walton, the CEO of Walton Empire, a household name in the city, and known to be one of the richest families in the country.
I quietly imagined the clamor and shock it'd generate if they knew that I, Larissa, was the secret girlfriend of Rick Walton. The feeling of knowing such a big secret brought a smile to my face.
"Larissa, aren't you done tidying the kitchen?" Madam Rosé's call dragged me out of my daydream.
"Almost done," I called out, rushing to finish cleaning up.
I soon finished up all my chores, removed my apron and headed to my room. It was late by the time I was done with my chores, but I didn't mind; Mr. Michael paid us handsomely for our work.
Making sure to carefully lock my door, I groped under my bed, coming up with a dark blue box with 'Desirous Lingerie' written on it.
Opening it, I smiled widely at the carefully arranged lingerie set. I giggled as I held up the sexy lingerie, I had spent most of my savings on this; I couldn't wait to see Rick's expression when he would see it later.
"The surprise would definitely not end there," I thought, smiling naughtily.
I took out more things from under the bed, proceeding to decorate the room. Before long, everything was set; the room awash with shades of red, the floor littered with little red flowers that I'd picked from the garden earlier.
Inspecting my work, I quietly savored the beautiful aesthetic I had just created, all for Rick. He wouldn't know what hit him after tonight's surprise.
I was hyped the whole evening, I couldn't wait to take off my uniform. I soon took a shower and took extra care to apply the perfume Rick got for me; the very one he loved.
That done,I carefully put on the lingerie, the soft velvet shimmered on my skin.
"Why isn't he back yet?" I wondered, as I paced close to the window. The window was my vintage point, as I could catch sight of Rick the moment he drove in.
It was unlike Rick to stay this long without calling me or even texting me. He knew today was our special day; why was he taking so much time?
I sat on the bed frowning, as I scrolled through the unreplied texts I sent to Rick earlier today.
Rick was a busy man, I knew. But he shouldn't be that busy to the point of not making out time for us. Glancing at the time, I was surprised it was already past ten!
Frustrated, I lay on my bed, and decided to get my laptop to pass time as the silence was becoming unnerving.
The laptop was a new model, a gift also from Rick. I was still yet to get the hang of it though; Rick had always teased me about not being tech savvy.
I logged into my Instagram, ignoring the popping message icon. Replying messages of horny netizens wanting a quick hit? Not me!
I snorted at the memory of when I made Rick delete his instagram so girls wouldn't fuss over him.
"As your girlfriend, I'm allowed to fuss over you" I'd proudly declared that day.
Our relationship might be in secret, but it was pure and genuine; Rick was my everything. He had promised to make our relationship public after his father made him the managing director of the company.
I spent the next two hours scrolling through Instagram as I got submersed in the many interesting videos I could watch.
I also checked my phone in case Rick had texted back, but got disappointed each time.
"Damn it Rick! Where are you?"
I dialed his line again, but each time it ended without an answer. I was almost giving up hope when my phone vibrated; he had finally picked!
"Rick What's going on? I've been expecting you all evening," I asked.
"What's wrong with you? You know more than anyone how busy I've been today. I've been on my feet all day, and the moment I pick up your call, you're already questioning me," Rick replied, sounding irritated.
I could hear a lot of sounds in the background; he must be at a business gathering.
"I'm sorry, Rick; I've just really been..."
"Been what?" Rick interrupted sharply, "Look, I'll be back in a few hours; don't stay up for me."
He abruptly ended the call. Why did he sound so irritated? I probably should have been more patient with him.
I sat still, staring into space. Was the evening going to end just like that? After all my plans?
Looking at the decor in my room, I sighed disappointedly. I really spent a lot to do all these for Rick.
Sighting the bottle of wine I had taken from the cellar, I picked it up and opened it. I'd rather drink it than return it back to the cellar.
As I drank, I kept scrolling through my laptop. I was just about to close my laptop when I spotted something. My eyes trembled,I couldn't even believe what I was seeing.
"Walton Heir Reveals Secret Partner.... Has the Walton prince found his princess?"
Below the eye-catching news flash was a picture of Rick, holding a Lady in his embrace,their gazes at each other painting a scene of tender newfound love.
I felt a jolt go through me; I was shocked beyond words, I almost spilled the bottle of wine.
"How could Rick do this to me?" my shock soon gave way to pain.
"How could Rick betray me like this?"
I cried as pain gnawed on my heart. I tried in vain to suppress my emotions; my throat felt dry all of a sudden.
I took a large gulp straight from the bottle, trying to quench my sudden thrust.
"No, could it be an old Post?" I wondered trying to come up with an excuse to justify Rick's actions.
I quickly checked, but alas my expression worsened further as the post was barely three hours ago.
My faint hope was squashed, my eyes streamed uncontrollably with tears. I felt like my world had ended.
Curled up in a ball vainly seeking warmth for my cold heart, my tears stained my mascara, creating streams of running black liquid on my face. I laid on the bed, wishing it was all a dream.
I took large gulps, hoping it would drown away the pain I felt in my heart. I was about to go take another gulp when I realized it was already empty.
I wished I'd taken more than one from the cellar, at least I'd have more to drink.
I faintly heard the gentle hum of an engine and I quickly sat up. Could that be Rick?
Maybe all this was just a whole misunderstanding, maybe Rick just randomly got snapped in a compromising position in one of these events he was always telling me about. I mean, it wasn't as if he was kissing the lady in the picture.
I quickly wiped my eyes, adjusting my bathrobe I had donned earlier around me.
Suddenly, a knock sounded at the door. I stood up immediately, rushing to open the door. I swayed a little, but tried to stand firmly.
In my haste, the bathrobe I was putting on fell to the floor, but I didn't bother to pick it up, I just wanted to see Rick.
I turned the key, quickly opening the door to question him about the Instagram post.
"Rick...."
"My Angel," the voice slurred.
My heart leapt to my throat. It wasn't Rick, it was Michael Walton, Rick's father, standing at my door, looking at me in lingerie!
Larissa
"My Angel, " Rick's father, Michael Walton, slurred out.
His eyes were half closed and his posture unsteady, he was clearly drunk.
"Sir..." I called out in shock, unsure of what to make of the situation.
"I've missed you so much my Angel, come to me," he said and reached out to hold me.
I evaded in shock," it's me Larissa, Sir."
"My darling, do you know how much I've missed you? You really have no idea."
He suddenly held me, his hands cupping my ass. I paled in fear, and struggled to get out of his grasp as his hands roamed at every inch of my body.
His touch was so gentle and I found myself leaning in to his touch.
"Stop this, Larissa; this is wrong!" I thought inwardly.
"But this isn't real; there's no way Rick's father would find his way to the maid's quarters," I thought dizzily.
The scene before me felt so surreal. I knew this was wrong, my brain was practicing screaming for me to stop; but my body was doing otherwise.
His gentle touch felt so warm and different. I couldn't fully express how I felt, but I certainly wanted to keep enjoying the euphoria I was feeling now.
I looked at him and his face gradually changed to that of Rick. Hold on, was I with Rick or his father?
My resolve gradually slackened as he gently bit my ears. This felt too good to be real.
"I'd rather enjoy this dream than think about Rick being with another woman," I thought to myself as my body relaxed to enjoy the pleasure.
I wonder how Rick would react if I told him I was having the best night of my life with his father. I giggled at my naughty fantasy of being with Michael and stopped ransacking my brain of whom I was with.
He carried me to my bed and gently laid me there. He started planting kisses all over my body, making me feel like a goddess.
"You are so beautiful, my angel," he murmured as he trailed his fingers to my womanhood, mumbling sweet nothings to my ear.
When his fingers found me through my sheer lingerie, I gasped, waves of pleasure rippling through me.
My resistances slowly faded, as I leaned in and kissed him passionately. I was used to Rick's rough and fast lovemaking as I quickly took off my lingerie and moved to straddle him but he suddenly stopped me.
"No, my angel. You deserve to be treated like the queen you are. Allow me to do so."
He gently took off my lingerie and stared at my naked body for a whole minute. I was beginning to feel embarrassed but his words encouraged me.
"I just want to feast my eyes on the beauty before me. You don't need to feel embarrassed, my angel."
His hands cupped my breasts, and I gasped in sheer pleasure. He leaned down, kissing me slowly, almost adoringly.
His fingers flicked at my nipples; each flick sent a tremor through me. I shook in pleasure.
"Feels so good," I thought. My thighs felt slick, and I was so wet.
I pulled him down on me, my hands eagerly holding onto his hair as his lips found my breasts. His tongue started working its magic.
"Don't stop, please," I moaned, my hands further pressing his face to my breasts.
I gasped as he started fingering me with his fingers while sucking my breasts. It felt too good!
Rolling my waist against his long fingers to enjoy the pleasure he was giving me, he noticed what I was doing and increased the speed of his fingers, making me moan loudly.
He raised his head and stared at me. I watched as he withdrew his fingers from my pu**y and licked up my juices flowing from his fingers.
Lust clouded my vision as he kept his gaze at me. He kissed me passionately, giving me the chance to taste myself, and asked, "Can I make love to you, my angel?"
These very words broke the final resistance I had in me. "Take me, please," I boldly requested.
I didn't want this dream to end.
Never had Rick ever asked to make love to me this way. I nodded and the rest became history....a wonderful, beautiful history.
I laid on the bed about an hour later, devoid of any strength. This was the best experience I've ever had. My hands instinctively wound around his waist as I slept off.
I woke up with a start, my eyes still groggy from sleep. Glancing around, I noticed that he was gone. I stretched and reached out to switch my bedside lamp when something caught my eye.
It was Mr. Michael's customized watch. No one in the mansion had this kind of watch because it had the picture of his late wife.
My hands went through my scattered hair as realization dawned on me. What have I done? I just had sex with Rick's father!
And I thought it was all a dream. I glanced around, and my eye caught sight of the empty bottle of wine.
"You really outdid yourself Larissa," I laughed shakily. Pangs of guilt bit at me, as I thought nervously about how I'd face Rick's father.
I decided to clean up the room; it couldn't be anymore clearer to me that Rick wasn't coming.
I was in the midst of clearing up the Valentine decor when the screech of tires reached my ears. Rick was back.
Glancing at the door, I half expected him to come in at any minute. I still had a faint hope that this could all be a misunderstanding.
I waited in silence for a few minutes but he hadn't come yet. I gritted my teeth in frustration, going back to clearing up the decor.
Suddenly I heard soft knocks on the door, it must be Rick. I took a deep breath before heading to open it.
"My love," Rick's face lit up at the sight of me. He stepped inside, and before I knew it, he was kissing me passionately.
His hands roughly sneaked to my breasts and I instinctively suddenly regained my senses.
"No Rick, " I objected, pushing him away.
"What do you mean?" Rick tried to draw me closer. "Let's have some fun, I've missed you babe."
"No!" I yelled angrily at him, his words lit the knot of anger in my belly as I struggled intensely out of his embrace.
"Whoah, what's wrong Larissa?" Rick asked," you don't seem happy to see me. I told you not to wait for me, didn't I?"
His words made me angrier, "Where have you been Rick?"
"I've been tied up with meetings. I really couldn't take any calls, I managed to even pick your call," He glanced apologetically at me.
"Or maybe you were too busy with someone; a woman perhaps," I stated, staring at Rick frostily.
Rick looked at me with a weird expression and asked, " What's wrong with you Larissa?"
Suddenly all the anger I felt last night exploded out of me. When he had moved close to kiss me, I had perceived a feminine cologne on him which proved that he was definitely with a woman last night.
"What's wrong with me? I loved you Rick, why would you do this to me?" I turned, and picked up my phone, throwing it at him.
He stared at the post and couldn't even utter a word.
"I thought you loved me too," I stared at him through tear filled eyes, "While I was here waiting, you were off hanging out with some woman."
He finally found his voice and explained, "Wait Larissa, just calm down. I can explain, I was...."
"Don't!" I interrupted and sniffed, "Don't dare to lie to me; you know how much I hate lies, the photos are all over the net."
"Larissa, allow me to explain, Chloe is just a friend, she's the daughter of a business associate. It's just purely business."
"So you always take your business associates out on dates huh? And you end up smelling like them, right?"
Rick turned to smell himself and that was when I saw it; a dark red stain on his shirt collar, my heart tightening at the sight.
I knew that spot all too well; It was a lipstick stain. I felt my heart breaking, the sudden deluge of painful emotions made my eyes water again.
Taking deep breaths, I ordered, " Get out."
Rick looked visibly stunned and still tried to use his flimsy excuse.
" Larissa, stop this! I told you we just had dinner and spoke about business."
My heart throbbed even more painfully, Rick was lying right at my face.
"Rick, please leave. I can't stand you right now," I screamed, my face burning with tears.
"Okay, fine!" He raised his two hands up," I'll leave, if it wasn't for your beauty and curves, I'd have left sooner anyways." Rick stared at me coldly before he scoffed and left.
The soft click of the door felt like the end of something in me. I sat down on the floor as dam of tears finally broke.
"He never loved me! He was only with me for my beauty and curves! He just said so himself!"
I silently thought back to all the times we had shared together, the memories washed over me, as the tears fell with renewed vigor as I cried myself to sleep. Something in me broke that day.
************************
'Beep beep,' my alarm woke me up. I turned, groggy, silently annoyed at my forgetfulness.
Today was thursday and every thursday; Carrot cake was always served during breakfast, meaning I'd have to wake up by three a.m just like today to bake.
I hurriedly got dressed, and stared at the mirror. My eyes had heavy black circles, no doubt evidence that I had cried myself to sleep again.
I headed to the kitchen, and had just walked past the study when I heard voices coming from there.
"What do you mean? I've always been discreet," I paused in my steps, that was Rick's voice.
I haven't seen him since yesterday after his harsh confession of just being with me because of my womanly figure; he had not even bothered to come and apologize to me.
I sneaked towards the door quietly, getting as close as I dared to and eavesdropped.
"I know, but I simply wish for no complications," a voice answered. I instantly recognized the voice; it was the personal assistant to Rick's father, Patrick.
"There won't be, everything is set. The alliance will be massive for the company. "
"I agree. What about the maid? She would be a dent to your reputation if the press ever found out you had anything to do with her," Patrick said.
I felt a jolt at his words; he was definitely talking about me.
"She is nobody you should be concerned about. I just used her to pass time when Chloe was away from the country," Rick's voice sounded cold.
"Then it's time to let her go, I wouldn't want any scandal now that you will soon be promoted in the company. Miss Larissa has to go," Patrick declared, making me pale in shock.
Michael Walton
I woke up and took a deep breath. I felt real this time: the dream I had about Annie, my late wife.
Her warm gaze and soft hands held me. I leaned close, and along the line, her face subtly changed, becoming that of the maid. Her eyes were ablaze in passion, her every touch shook me, and slowly the images blurred out.
I groaned when the replay of what happened two days ago flashed through my head. Why couldn't I get my mind off the maid?
The alarm rang, dragging me away from my thoughts. I shook my head, wanting to forget about the dream and prepare for the day. It was already embarrassing enough that Patrick got me drunk, and I ended up sleeping with a maid thinking I was with my late wife.
I quickly took my bath and got dressed. I had a meeting by 9AM. Checking my watch; it was 7:56 AM, which meant I still had time for breakfast.
I headed downstairs; my breakfast was already set. I made an experienced conscious effort not to glance at the empty seat to my left..... Annie used to sit there.
I ate quietly, the silence as always was to my preference. I was half way through when I noticed the absence of my usual carrot cake. Annie often baked carrot cake every Thursday before she died, so I made it a rule to have carrot cake every thursday.
Just as I was just about to call out when a maid came in. She held a tray,no doubt the carrot cake.
I usually didn't notice the presence or absence of maids, but today felt different. The maid who brought the cake today wasn't the same one who usually do so.
"What's your name?" I asked the maid, sipping my tea.
The maid seemed taken aback that I was talking to her and replied, "Tracy Sir."
"Where is the maid that serves me carrot cake every thursday?"
"Ohh you mean Larissa," Tracy nodded," she's the one who always bake your carrot cake, Sir. She asked me to help her serve the cake as she wasn't feeling too well."
"Alright, you can go."
After eating my breakfast, I stepped into my car and my driver drove off to the company. I tapped my suitcase, smiling as I had kept a slice of the carrot cake there to savor it later.
There was just something unique about the taste of the carrot cake and having known that Larissa had been the one always baking it unknowingly brought a smile to my lips.
I got to my office and got seated. Shortly after, Jane, my receptionist, walked into the office, holding a stack of papers.
"Good morning sir, these just came in from the D.O.E," she said and placed them on the table.
"Jane, notify me when Tyler and Brad gets here. I need to see them before..." I glanced at the clock, "before 8:40."
"Yes sir."
"And Jane," I looked up from documents in my hand, "Call in Patrick for me, right now."
I looked through the documents; A contract from the president would definitely be a boost to the company if it was awarded to us.
Patrick soon stepped in. "You called for me sir?"
I asked, "What happened on Valentine's day? Tell me everything in detail."
I haven't had the chance to ask him about what happened that day due to workload. He was the last person I remembered was with me before I found myself in the maid's room yesterday morning.
If Patrick was surprised by my question, he gave no sign of it as he slowly recounted the events of yesterday telling me I had too much to drink at the event we attended on Valentine's day.
According to him, he had ordered my driver to take me home early due to my drunken state and that was how the night ended.
I waved my hands, dismissing him. This meant he knew nothing about what happened between me and Larissa.
But what would have prompted me to go to Larissa's room, which was located at the servant's quarters, far from my own wing?
Wait! I suddenly recalled that I'd intended to meet Madam Rosé.
Did I even meet her eventually? I wondered; my memories at that point felt blurry.
I'd look into it. I promised myself. Soon after Patrick left, Tyler and Brad came in.
"What's going on with the D.O.E, didn't you both give me assurances about the deal being in the bag? What's the delay for?" I asked.
Tyler explained, "I honestly don't know sir, we'd already exchanged documents and the lawyers had started checking, but out of the blue, they started giving one reason or the other, delaying the deal."
I couldn't make sense of the delay; Tyler was the best negotiator in the company and I absolutely trusted his expertise.
"Find out what happened, I need to know exactly why they stalled."
Tyler nodded and left. I arched my brow at Brad who was still sitting, "Anything Brad?"
He nodded slowly, "Yes, Sir. I suspect the stalling of the D.O.E contract may have something to do with the Grayson's; I heard that their kid is back."
I jolted in surprise, " Keep tabs on him, I want to know every single detail." Brad nodded before he also left the office.
Thinking about Brad's speculation, I couldn't help but grumble, "History always has a way of biting one in the ass."
I spent the next few hours signing paper works, and contract proposals. Very soon, Rick would be the one handling all this. He should have been handling all this sooner, but I had always felt he just wasn't ready yet.
'Beep beep,' the intercom blinked. I pressed the button, " what is it, Jane?"
"Sorry to interrupt Sir, Mr Rick's on the line, should I patch him through?"
"Yes,"I said, wondering why he didn't call me directly .
" Hello Dad."
"What is it, Rick? I'm quite busy at the moment."
"Chloe, my girlfriend, is in town. So I invited her for dinner. I would like for you to be present."
"I'll be back home by...." I glanced at my watch, "I'll be home by seven."
"Good. See you then."
Soon it was time to leave the office. The ride home was silent, and when we got close; Walton estate came into view and I smiled, 'This is my legacy,' not without a twinge of pride.
I was welcomed by the staff as I headed to my study. I could perceive the delicious aroma coming from the kitchen and I couldn't help but wonder if the carrot cake from this morning was still left.
Sitting on my chair to round up some work I had left there earlier, I didn't know when I fell asleep and how long I'd slept. I suddenly woke up after having the same dream about Annie again. This time, the maid's face was more pronounced and clear.
I looked around and perceived a faint, feminine cologne. I turned and there she was.
She stood by the door, her eyes seemed hooded. I slowly scrutinized her, in no hurry to speak.
She wasn't in her uniform, I noticed. The simple gown she wore highlighted her petite figure. I felt a little rush of desire, wanting her, but I immediately suppressed it. What was wrong with me?
"I came to see you Sir," she said.
I nodded, "Please, have a seat."
She shook her head and said she rather remained standing. We stayed in silence, as I kept staring at her. What was so special about her that I couldn't get my mind off of her?
She looked down for a moment; When she raised her she seemed to have strengthened her resolve.
"I came to say goodbye Sir, I'm leaving. "