"Selene !!" My mom screamed in a loud voice, "I will be getting married to Robert, he will be your stepdad, and you better start accepting it," she shouted at me.
I flinched when my mom shouted at me; this was the first time she raised her voice at me.
It was obvious Mom wasn't going to see things from my perspective, and it hurt a lot to see her getting married to someone I detest.
"Mom," I cried out, while tears slid down my face.
"What do you have against Robert, he has been nothing but good to you. Why are you against me finding happiness again." Mom asked in a low voice while her hands held the tip of my reading table tight.
"Mom, I am not against you finding happiness again, but why does it have to be him?" I asked, trying to hold her hands.
"Because he is the only one who treats mom like a queen, he believes in me, he loves and dotes on you like a father would love her child, despite how disrespectful you are towards him".
"You just met him two months ago, is that how fast you develop feelings?" I asked, looking into her eyeballs. "I feel like he has sinister intentions towards you, Mom."
"You see it as two months while I felt like I have known him for ages. Listen, Selene, I understand that you are reluctant about this because you aren't ready to share my love with anyone but trust me, It wasn't easy for me either; just know that I'm doing all this for your sake!"
"Are there no other men outside who would treat you better than him? Someone, from a glance, I would know that his intentions towards us are real. Not some sick-ass fellow forcing himself to love ......"
A slap from my mom drowned the remaining words from my mouth.
"Don't ever speak ill of your dad again, I am done trying to make you accept him as your dad," her voice filled with rage, and her finger pointed at me. "Next week, he will officially become my husband and also your Dad. And you, Selene, have to live with it". She turned her back on me, leaving my room.
"He won't and will never be my dad" I shouted at her. " Who is my real father Maria?" with a loud voice, I asked who my father was for the first time in nineteen years.
She looked at me fiercely, but her eyes couldn't hide the pain she felt. With one last look, she left.
Not minding the pain I saw in her eyes, I rushed forward to continue questioning her about my biological father, but I slumbered against a wall in human form, blocking my path.
"Can you step aside? This is a family matter; strangers aren't allowed to participate," I raised my voice at him while my eyes were already red with rage.
With a gentle smile that always pisses me off, he walked towards my mom's room, slammed the door, and left me standing at my doorstep.
This has become our daily routine for the past week since she announced her wedding with Robert.
I just turned 19, and I'm the only child of my mom. I can't remember his face, but I remember sharing some memorable times with him a few years ago, and I wasn't ready to make such memories with another man under the situation of calling him my Dad.
My mom and I have always had a good relationship that was beyond mother and daughter relationship. But it all ended when Robert entered the picture and I hate him for that.
That was the last time we ever stood face to face and talked to each other.
We live literally like roommates, I hardly talk or associate with her and her fiance.
Walking into them acting lovey-dovey in the kitchen makes me feel nauseous. I feel like leaving the house and never returning. But then, I couldn't.
I can remember seeing her all glammed up for her big day from my room window but I felt no joy knowing she plans to spend the rest of her life with someone I detest.
In my drawer, laid the invite she placed. But I have already made up my mind not to attend. I stood near the window and watched as she walked down the stairs and gave out this smile. She once said only I deserve to see to others. I guess I have been replaced.
(Some hours later)
I stood near my window waiting for newlywed couples; just when I was about to lose my patience, I saw their car driving towards our home.
I came out with a not-too-friendly smile to greet them; my anger was useless now since they were legally married.
I could notice the unending blush and smiles that filled her face making her one of the most beautiful brides I have ever seen.
I counted each footstep to meet them, but then it happened too fast.
In a flash of an eye, some cars driving at high speed made a U-turn and became a barrier between the newly married and me.
While trying to understand what was happening I heard gunshots, followed by a woman screaming that silencer everywhere.
They left the same way they came leaving no trace of their existence.
When the smoke and dust cleared, lying on the ground was my newly married mom and her husband.
"Mom!!!!!!!!!!" I shouted, dragging my feet to where their body was covered in blood.
"Mom!!!!!!!!!!" I screamed hysterically while shaking her body.
My life crumbled down to my face as I watched my mother in a pool of blood. With each step that I took, my soul almost parted with my body.
"Help me!!!! Help!!!" I shouted my lungs out but no one listened to me. No help is coming my way as I lay in between the couple with my clothes drenched in their blood...
It's hard to believe but I've now become an orphan
Selene POV
"You need to be strong, Selene . Everything that happened wasn't your fault" Uncle Neul consoled me as I found it hard to stop crying. I hated and blamed myself for everything that happened.
Maybe if I had followed them to the wedding, things wouldn't have turned out this way. Maybe if I agreed with the marriage, I might be with my mother at the last moment and probably hear her last words. I'm such a horrible daughter!
"No, you are not! You are the amazing daughter my sister had!" Uncle Nuell continued to feed me with positive words, making me realize that he was the only family I had left.
"What do you want me to do now? How do you want me to go about it? Huh! Uncle! I have no parents! I'm an orphan!" I shouted, feeling depressed.
My voice wasn't audible, yet it shook as if I was about to give my last breath.
Uncle Neal held my hands and looked into my eyes, his expression showing his boldness and the hope he felt. "Listen to me, Selene , I have always seen you as my child; I can't let you face this cruel world alone; we need to stay together and face the future. You are going to start living with me from now on"
"What?" I was taken aback. Uncle Nuel is a bachelor; he works as a live-in driver for one of the wealthiest families in the city. "That's impossible!" I tried asking"What about your work? Wouldn't I be a burden to you?...."
"You don't need to worry about that; I will talk to my boss about it." Uncle pulled me in a deep hug while patting my back.
While I rested my head on his shoulder, my head was filled with memories of that day; seeing my mom in the pool of her blood made me break down while tears found their way down my cheeks.
Thanks to Uncle Nuel, I wasn't left to survive on my own.
Days after moving into the mansion with my uncle, I was lucky to get a Job as a maid. Just like Uncle said, I must become strong and work hard to become a great woman in the future.
The plan was simple: work hard, save enough money, then further my education.
That was the plan, but I guess nature has a way of doing things.
"What the fuck are thinking about?! Huh!" The annoying voice rang out behind me and I could guess that person instantly.
I've been living with two young masters for a while now, and though they look identical, I was able to identify them through their eyes.
Uncle always drives Lewie, the Young master with blossoming green eyes, to the office every day, while Leon, the Young Master with blue eyes, stays behind.
I haven't had much interaction with Young Master Lewie since he was always busy.
They are twins, each having a different personality from the other.
"I was.... cleaning the kitchen," I shuttered, keeping my head down, while I tried to avoid meeting his blue eyes.
"Are you trying to say I'm daft, so daft not to know when someone is lost in thought?" he chuckled and took a step near me.
I couldn't argue with him. What I needed most right now was my Job and I couldn't afford to be on his bad note,
"I'm sorry, sir," I apologized as I kept cleaning the kitchen.
"There is no need to apologize; you all are annoying." With a scoff, he took a bottle of water from the fridge, slammed the fridge and walked out
"Phew!!!" I let out a deep breath I had been holding; I struggled to keep my thoughts intact while I continued cleaning the kitchen.
Later in the day, I was busy making dinner.
Just as I flipped the pancake, Young Master Leon strolled in, his expression and presence souring the atmosphere immediately.
He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, surveying the scene like a judge ready to deliver a verdict.
"Is that how you make pancakes?" he scoffed, eyeing the golden-brown pancake on the plate. "They look burnt."
My heart sank. I turned to him, forcing a smile despite the frustration bubbling inside me. "I'm not yet done with it"
Leon rolled his eyes, his disdain shown. "Not if you call that a pancake. You should pay more attention in the kitchen. I wonder how you become a maid or rather a chef when you aren't professional," He mocked with a disdainful gaze before leaving the kitchen.
From the first day, I stepped foot into this house till now, I have concluded that I was never made to have a cordial relationship with Leon.
Why does he always show up to frustrate my life? I've never done anything to get on his nerves, but he keeps finding fault with me.
"Argh!" I sigh loudly, resting my head on the kitchen counter after switching off the cooker.
My eyes were filled with unshed tears, and my heart was filled with pain; I was reminded of my mother. She has been the one to do all the cooking and will be the one to serve me in bed. And now, I'm left alone to fend for myself with the little idea I have about cooking.
"Do you give up that easily?"
Immediately, I raise my head and become confused. Did the devil's assistant come back again?
"I'm sorry about that, Sir; I will...." My breath was caught in my throat when I caught a glimpse of his green eyes, which left me breathless.
"You shouldn't give up because someone discouraged you," He continued, moving closer to me, and I found myself struggling with my breath.
With one deep sigh, I swallow the lump in my throat and respond. "I don't know much about it," I confessed. It wasn't easy for me to meet up with the food roaster when I'm not good at it.
"No one is good from day one; you become good after trying repeatedly," He muttered as he wore the apron. Before I realized what happened, he started sizzling the eggs and I was amazed by his professionalism.
"Wow!" Staring at his back makes me remember my Mom as I was used to staring at her while cooking.
Now I regret that I didn't learn from her before she died.
"Bring the sugar closer," He uttered, calling me back to reality.
I quickly gave him the sugar alongside other ingredients, and the pancake was ready.
The aroma was welcoming more than I imagined; who could have believed that the workaholic boss was just a great cook?
Unexpectedly, he asked a shocking question. "Do you love me?"
Selene POV.
"Huh?" I muttered with my eyes wide open.
He smiled, waving the pancake to my face. "The pancake was asking you a question and I helped in saying it out loud. Do you love pancakes or not?"
When I realized he was trying to make a joke, I couldn't help but laugh softly.
It was unexpected, and I couldn't deny that I was shocked. "I haven't tasted it yet," I responded shyly.
"I thought you don't eat something warm," he said, his gentle smile cutting through the heaviness that had settled in the house.
"Of course I do," I replied, my heart warming at his kindness. It was such a stark contrast to the way Young Master Leon constantly criticized me.
I took a spoonful of the pancake, savoring the rich flavors. "This is delicious! You are a great cook!"
Now I know who did the cooking before I was employed. It must have been Young Master Lewie, everything about him says it all.
Young Master Lewie helped me settle in the dining room, and he sat across me, his expression softening as he watched me eat. "I'm glad you like it. I heard from your uncle you've been through a lot, and I just want to make sure you're taking care of yourself and you should learn how to stand for yourself"
His concern made me feel seen, and I couldn't help but smile.
"I appreciate it. It means a lot to have someone looking out for me unlike..." I swallowed the remaining words when I realized that I had almost talked about Young Master Leon.
It seemed Young Master Lewie already knew what I wanted to say, he chuckled, making my face red from blush.
Just then, Leon strolled into the room, his presence cold and imposing. He glanced at the pancakes on the table, his lips curling into a faint smirk. "Is that what you call food? You should be eating something healthier."
My stomach twisted at his words, but Lewie quickly interjected. "She already gave her best and you should appreciate that"
Young Master Leon shrugged, unfazed by Lewie's defense. "A Lazy brat will always be a brat, I wonder how her uncle was able to convince you to give her the job?"
I felt the sting of his comment, but Lewie shot Leon a warning, which made me feel a little bit safer. "Enough, Leon. She's trying, and that's what matters."
Leon rolled his eyes and left the room, his dismissive attitude hanging in the air like a storm cloud. I sighed, grateful for Lewie's support but frustrated by the ongoing tension.
"Don't let him get to you," Lewie said softly, his eyes filled with concern. "You're stronger than he or anyone else thinks."
"Thank you so much, Young Master." We had the pancakes for dinner, and I didn't forget to give my Uncle his portion.
Only Young Master Leon took the milk. Instead; I think he needs it because the words coming out of his mouth need something to make them sweet.
After washing the dishes, I retired to my bedroom; I dozed off immediately after my body touched the bed.
The next morning started with footsteps on the staircase, prompting me to get out of my bed. I walked downstairs with my eyes half closed.
However, my eyes flew open when I saw my Uncle holding a suitcase alongside some luggage.
"Uncle?" I called out, rushing to his side. "Are you going somewhere?" My face was etched with curiosity as I awaited his response.
"Young Master Lewie is going on a business trip, and I need to go along with him."
Hearing his response made me sad, but I was able to hide the pain of him and Young Master Lewis being away for a while.
"Take care of yourself, Ella," He said as he descended the staircase, holding his coat firmly.
"Thank you, sir," I muttered slowly, fighting the sudden feelings of sadness in me.
At the door, I couldn't shake the feeling of the storm that was brewing, knowing the wrath of Young Master Leon was coming my way.
As I prepared breakfast, I tried to focus on my tasks, determined to keep things running smoothly.
I set the table, pouring glasses of water and arranging plates, but a flutter of nerves danced in my stomach at the thought of Young Master Leon's cold demeanor.
When I finally called him to breakfast, he strolled in, with a nonchalant and aloof face.
I forced a smile, hoping to make the best of the situation. "Good morning, Leon. I made your favorite."
He glanced at the spread, unimpressed. "Let's see if it's worth my time."
I filled his plate and reached for the water pitcher nervously, my hands trembling slightly.
Just as I poured, I felt my grip on the cup slip. Water splashed across the table and landed squarely on his shirt.
"Oh no! I'm so sorry! Kindly forgive me, Young Master," I exclaimed, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment as I felt the heat of the moment.
Leon's eyes narrowed, and a deadly gaze crept onto his face. "You are the clumsiest maid I've ever seen."
A moment of silence emerged as Young Master Leon stood up and took a glance at his shirt. I could see the change in his demeanor and how his knuckles turned White instantly.
At that moment, I knew the trouble I'd forgotten myself into.
Thinking of a way out, I fumbled to grab a cloth, but it only seemed to make things worse. "I didn't mean to! I...."
He cut me off, his voice icy. "Maybe a little punishment is in order. You can't just throw water around like that. It's unacceptable."
My heart raced, confusion mingling with fear. "Punishment? What do you mean Sir?" I asked, my heart racing with each moment passing. I didn't expect I would end up this way in front of him, and the fear of the punishment caught me.
Leon leaned back in his chair, his gaze piercing. With a clear audible voice, he said with an authoritative voice. "From now on, you'll be my maid. You will be answerable to only me, and I expect you to do your job properly based on my order alone!"