**** Danielle's POV ****
As I stood at the counter, busily mixing the vegetables in the large bowl, the rhythmic clinking of the spoon against the ceramic sounded so peaceful, keeping pace with my anxious thoughts. The kitchen, though grand and well-equipped, felt unusually cramped as I worked diligently to prepare breakfast. I was keenly aware of the pressure to get everything just right—Ashley's punctuality was something she took very seriously. I knew she would be descending any moment now, ready to start her day with her usual demands, and she had little patience for delays.
The door to the kitchen creaked open, and I tensed, my hands momentarily pausing mid-stir. I continued to mix, my movements hurried and almost frantic, as I tried to finish preparing breakfast for Ashley, Xavier, and myself. The scent of sautéing vegetables filled the air, mingling with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and boiled rice. I hoped to get everything on the table before Ashley made her appearance. Her disdain for tardiness was well-known, and I could only imagine the scolding that awaited me if I failed to meet her expectations.
Then, out of nowhere, a sharp, familiar voice cut through the ambient noise. "You mutt!" The sudden exclamation made me spin around abruptly, nearly causing myself whiplash. My eyes widened as I saw Ashley standing in the doorway, her expression one of clear irritation. "Why isn't my breakfast ready? You're just so useless."
The sting of her words was immediate and biting. I felt a wave of panic and shame wash over me. "I'm so sorry," I said, my voice trembling as I bowed my head in a gesture of respect and apology. I wanted to make it clear that I was doing my best and hoped that by showing deference, I might mitigate some of her frustration.
"You never get anything right," Ashley continued, her tone dripping with disdain. "So irresponsible. I can't believe I have to deal with this every single day."
Her words were like a cold slap, each one hitting me with a harsh reality of her expectations. The harshness in her voice made it clear that my efforts were far from meeting her standards. I could feel the sting of her criticism deep in my chest, and I struggled to maintain my composure. My heart pounded as I tried to focus on the task at hand, the mixing of vegetables suddenly feeling like a monumental chore under the weight of her disapproval.
I had always been accustomed to her sharp tongue and high standards, but it didn't make the sting of her words any easier to bear. Each insult was a reminder of the precarious position I was in—trying to meet the needs of someone who was never satisfied, no matter how hard I worked. As I continued to mix the vegetables, my movements were slower now, weighed down by the emotional burden of her scolding.
I tried to remind myself that I was doing my best, that I was here to support Xavier and maintain some semblance of normalcy despite the difficult environment. But in the face of Ashley's relentless criticism, it was hard not to feel utterly defeated.
"You know Xavier won't love you. He'll never love you. Especially when he has someone like me! Who would want to settle with a wretched being like you?" Ashley hammered. This was all too familiar. It took me back to those days in we were younger. It reminded me of when I first realized that she hated me and she'll never love me or see me as her sister.
"Go on! Cry like the stupid baby you. You weak thing. How can you be with someone as powerful as Xavier and you can't even mutter an apology when you've done something terribly wrong?" She chided at me. All I wanted to do was run.
"I'm sorry, I'll be better." I apologized, hoping she'll let me breathe and everything would be settled but I saw the fire in her eyes burn brighter than anything.
"You've said that all the time and what has happened? You've remained this worthless thing. A piece of rag who can't do anything right. The only thing you can do is to take yourself out." She said folding her hands and looking away. I followed her eyes and saw that she was staring at the set of knives on the counter. "Do it quick."
"I c–can't."
"Then walk away from Xavier. I don't care if he's your mate. Walk away and don't look back. You cannot steal my man and think you can get away with it!" My mind drifted back to this morning and how Xavier had spoken to me. He was the only person who has treated me like a decent human being in the past couple of months. How would I leave him because she told me to. Besides he's my mate. We belong together. The Moon goddess chose him for me.
I wish Xavier hadn't told the chef to leave and he didn't get called for a brief meeting. Ashley wouldn't have been saying these things if he were here.
"I'm going to deal with you to the point where you'll want me to take your life." Ashley said walking closer to me. I was frozen in my spot scared of what she had in mind. "I'm going to make your life a living hell and don't even think that I care if you're Xavier's mate. He's mine." She stopped in front of me. She slapped herself and held her cheeks, forcing a cry out from her lips. She whipped out her phone, going live on Instagram. I was too stunned to speak. Everything was happening quickly and I didn't know what to do.
"Can you see this evil girl?" Ashley said turning the camera at me and crying. "She slapped me because I told her to leave me and my man. She's so evil. I just wanted to out this out there as evidence." She pushed the phone closer to her cheek. "See the mark. My face is all ruined!" She cried. My phone started buzzing in my pocket and I was scared to pick it up.
Ashley turned off her phone and dropped it on the counter. "Look at you!" She scoffed at me. "I'm not done. This is just the beginning. The best thing you can do now is to pack up and leave or take yourself out. Which ever one you choose."
"Ash-"
"Don't ever call my name. You do not deserve to call that name! I am Ma'am or Madam to you. You're in my house!" She growled and I took a step away from her, pressing my back against the counter.
The door opened and I turned, hoping it would be my saviour. It was in fact the chef, with questioning eyes.
"I came to check in. Master Xavier wants his food served now." He said as he walked towards us. Ashley took it as a cue to walk away from me. I breathed out a sigh of relief as I turned back to the bowl. I held my breath , a trick I used whenever I didn't want to cry. After a few seconds, I released the breath and continued turning.
"Let me have that." The chef said as he pulled the bowl out of my hands. "You can have a sit. Master Xavier said you should never work in his house."
"But he said I could prepare breakfast." I muttered slowly, not wanting to catch the attention of Ashley.
"Xavier was here this morning?" She asked, her voice beaming with jealousy. "why didn't you wake me up or something? You can't do anything right."
"I'm sorry, I'll wake you up every morning." I responded, making a mental note to always wake Ashley up.
"I actually do not want you near my room. I don't want anything to go missing. Sir-" Ashley started.
"Gerald."
"Sir Gerald, Danielle over here has sticky fingers so I'll be careful leaving her around the house." Ashley said and I bowed my head.
"I'm sure she can take anything. Master Xavier can definitely buy it back." Sir Gerald said, causing me to smile lightly and Ashley stomped her feet. I've never stolen a thing in my life and no matter how I defended myself it wouldn't matter because everyone will always believe Ashley's words over mine.
"I'll be back in two minutes and my breakfast better be ready!" Ashley commanded before walking away. I let out the breath that I didn't know I was holding, feeling myself relax a bit.
"You shouldn't let her talk over you like that." He said immediately she was out of the kitchen.
"She's the powerful one. I don't mind it." I said with my lips lined with lies.
"Master Xavier is your mate. Ashley is nothing and if you don't put a rein on it, she'll make sure you lose your place here. This is now your home fight for it."