Journee's POV
I jerked awake. Half falling out of bed, I caught myself by holding on to the bedside table then propping myself back on to the pillows. Blinking at the bright chandelier that hangs just above me, I sighed.
It's all still so surreal. Many women would be envious. Surrounded by such luxury and married into a wealthy family. I should count my blessings. Perhaps I can ask granny if there is a position, I can hold to help the family business. As a graduate, I would be hunting for a job now if I had not gotten married.
My phone's alarm went off. 7.30 A.M.
Do the family usually eat breakfast together? I should make a good impression before making my request.
After a quick shower, I chose one of the most casual and least ornamented new clothes provided for me. A pair of bootleg Guess jeans, button-down silk shirt and the same white sneakers I had worn for my wedding yesterday.
"Good morning, mam." I heard Rosette call out.
"Good morning, Rosette." I answered, emerging from the hidden glass door. "Where do the family usually breakfast?"
"Grand Madam usually has hers in the sunroom at 8.00 A.M."
"Perfect. I'll head there now." I reached for the wooden door's handle and froze for a moment. "…so sorry. Where is the sunroom?"
"I'll show you the way, mam. But you will be dining alone this morning." Rosette informed me with an apologetic smile.
"Is everything alright? Has granny taken ill?" I was concerned. The one person with power on my side must live long enough. At least until I have secured my place in this family.
"Just a little too much to drink, mam. The Grand Madam does overindulge a little when she is happy."
Phew! Nothing to worry about. Just a little hangover for the little old lady.
"No matter then. Mr. Montgomery Sr…. my father-in-law is not having breakfast?"
"He starts working at 7.00 A.M every day. Like clockwork. So, his breakfasts are always at 6.00 A.M."
"I see." I am thankful there won't be an awkward silence while I try to digest my first meal as a Lewis.
We headed down the grand staircase and into a cosy space beside my dream kitchen. If I didn't need to maintain a sense of decorum, I would have squealed and gushed on how spacious and modern the kitchen is. Dorthy would have made fun of me by now…getting excited over the countertops, the make, colour, weight and texture of every frying pan and casserole dish. Would I ever get to be myself again?
"Mam, what would you like to eat? Our chef is well-trained in cuisine from most countries in the world."
"Would he be able to make some curry with steamed buns?"
"Of course, mam. Would you like to read the news while waiting? Or is there anything else I can get you?"
"It's ok, Rosette. I will manage."
"If you don't mind, I will continue with my chores now, mam." Rosette curtsied and rushed off.
Alone again, I took the time to study my surroundings. The fully glassed sunroom reminds me of a greenhouse. Potted plants in every corner, the dining is right in the middle in rich royale blue.
"Your breakfast, mam." A deep voice came in the direction of the kitchen. The chef is a kindly stout man, with a bristly moustache.
"Thank you…Mr.?"
"I am Nico, at your service, mam." He gave me an elaborate bow and placed the steaming hot buns and a bowl of freshly made red curry on the table.
"This smells wonderful, Nico!" Blowing on them, I tore a small piece of bun and dipped it into the curry. "Hmm!" Words simply cannot describe the burst of flavours. "So authentic!"
"I am glad everything is to your liking, mam. What beverage would you like this morning?"
"I…don't suppose you have Bandung?" I hoped that he would know the drink I had in mind.
"Rose syrup with condensed milk? I have just the thing. Would you mind if I make the syrup from fresh rose petals?" Nico's eye has started wondering the sunroom, looking for the perfect rose petals before I could answer him.
"I'm sure however you make it will be wonderful, Nico."
With a smile, the chef plucked a rose and headed back into the kitchen, leaving me in gastronomical heaven.
"Good morning, my dear." I turned to find granny hobbling in with the help of the housekeeper. Immediately, I stood up and held out a chair for her.
"Good morning, granny. Did you sleep well?"
"I'm afraid not. A little too much wine from yesterday's excitement." Granny sat down and rubbed her temples. Trying my best not to make too much noise, I moved back to my seat.
"That'll be all, Mrs. Thatcher. Journee here will help me." Mrs. Thatcher gave me a grateful but tight smile before leaving noiselessly. "What are you having dear?"
"Curry and buns, granny." She looked up; eyes wide as saucers.
"Good heavens! That is not appropriate. Such a heavy meal in the morning. You'll have an upset tummy." She rushed her words, then sank back into her chair, obviously plagued by hangover.
"I'll bring this back to the kitchen then, granny." I started lifting the bowls when she reached out to touch my elbow.
"It's not the smell, my dear. It is your health I am thinking of." She explained kindly but I felt my heart twitch. I haven't really been controlled before but now; the rules are piling up.
Nico came out with a small platter of fruits, a pot of floral tea and some hangover pills for granny. For me, he placed a large glass of Bandung, this delectable pink drink that I have had so often. I took this chance to ask him to put my breakfast away for later.
"Thank you, Nico. Could you also please put these in the fridge for me? I'll have the rest for lunch." I smiled apologetically at Nico.
"I'm so sorry mam. I will make the portions smaller next time." Nico smiled and took my breakfast away.
Granny wasn't in a talkative mood, so I too sat in silence, sipping my Bandung, revelling in how fresh Nico's creation is. I've only ever had the commercialised type. This is so much better!
After taking her pills and tea, granny took a strawberry and nibbled on a few small slices of mango. Then, she rose from her chair, looking sturdier than before.
"Would you like me to help you, granny?" I stood, up ready to follow her command.
"Oh no, my dear. I am feeling much renewed. But I would still like to lay down for a while. Go and explore the mansion. Have fun." She smiled and left me alone again.
Taking this chance, I went to the kitchen and found Nico had placed my breakfast in the fridge just as I asked. Since there was no one in sight, I heated it up myself and continued enjoying the wonderful, steamed buns and curry. This was a beautiful morning in my books.
I decided it was only right to wash up after Nico had cooked me the most perfect meal I have had and explored the La Montagne as granny had suggested.
***
Montgomery's POV
Leaving Journee on our wedding night was one of the most difficult decisions I have made in this life. I had wished she would see me off, but she didn't leave our room.
Flying to Paris is something I have done many times before and this time will be no different. I will simply return and resume where we left off. I comforted myself. However, a part of my subconscious keeps telling me that time waits for no one. Time once lost is lost. There can never be a way for me to make up for the hurt and disappointment I have caused.
Grabbing my things, I headed to Luke Toussaint's office. The guy has been known to be a tough bastard when it comes to business. Of all the companies in the world, I do not understand why my father wants to acquire the Toussaint factories. But what Mr. Montgomery Lewis Senior wants, he gets. He has been the brain that made the Lewis family what it is today. The reason we have amassed over $200 Billion assets in just 30 years.
I ran through the deal in my mind as I crossed the street, rehearsing my speech to close the deal.
"Screech!" and screams were heard in all directions. I looked up to see what the commotion is all about, but it was too late.