Danielle's POV
I scrubbed the dishes as Ashley sat by the island in the middle of the kitchen, admiring herself. I opted to wash the dishes while Sir Gerald went to pick up Xavier's plates. I didn't want to be idle and it would also make things easier for Sir Gerald.
"You really are a wench." I heard Ashley say behind me. I didn't bother turning around to face her as it would lead to more insults. I learnt quickly that looking at her or even making an sudden movements could easily lead to more scolding.
I heard the door open and close but still, I didn't turn. I began to rinse off all the dishes in the sink.
"I see you like working." I heard Xavier's voice from behind me and I froze, causing the water to splash all over my dress.
"What a mess! You never get anything right." Ashley exclaimed as I turned off the tap. I felt my face redden in embarrassment. I picked up the kitchen towel that was hanging of the side of the counter close to me and I began to wipe my dress off.
"Let's go shopping for a new one." I heard his voice so close to my ear like a whisper. I took a step back and felt something solid like a wall. I turned around, trying to see what I bumped into and I was met with the eyes of Xavier. "I was going to get a new suit and I think we should get a new dress."
"She doesn't know anything about fashion." Ashley quickly interjected, making Xavier turn around to look at her. "What if I come with you to get pick out something for the both of you. I just want to make up for dinner. I was so out of line." Ashley feigned sincerity.
"Okay that settles it. Ashley and I will go." Xavier said, causing Ashley to squeal in excitement. "Why don't you have get some rest before we get back." He said and I nodded. Xavier walked out of the kitchen and I watched as Ashley's expression morphed into one filled with disgust.
"You really thought you were going to go out with him? Over my dead body." Ashley said as she continued tapping away. My phone dinged in my pocket and I knew I was receiving more hate messages. I couldn't bring myself to look at it. How do I explain to everyone that I didn't steal my sister's boyfriend, he's my fated mate. The Moon goddess chose him for me and me for him.
There definitely had to be a reason why the Moon goddess decided to play this sick joke. Pairing me up with Xavier. How can someone like me be with him.
Sir Gerald walked into the kitchen, holding a tray with empty used plates. "Do I have to ban you from entering my kitchen?" He asked me and I shook my head. He walked towards me and dropped the tray on the counter. "I'll continue from here. Go and have a seat or maybe take a walk or something. The weather is nice outside."
"You see Sir Gerald, this is all she knows. Cleaning, cooking serving. That's the only way she can be useful to any of us." Ashley said, taking a stand. I watched as she walked towards the door, swaying her hips like she was listening some sort of hypnotic music. "I'll be leaving with Xavier now." She said as she got to the door. She turned back to look at me and I couldn't miss the glint in her eyes. She was excited. She knew she had won this round, just like every single round. "Don't wait up for us." And with that she walked away. I walked to the island and took a seat, leaving the chores for sir Gerald.
"Girl, if you do not do something to this girl, I will personally handle her." Sir Gerald said and I gave him a small smile. I never partook in side gossips because I knew it could easily land me in trouble. "What happened to your dress. Don't tell me she poured water on you!"
"No, she didn't. I poured it on myself. It was a big mistake. I was frightened by Xavier's voice and I let the water splash. Ashley would never do such a thing." I lied or rather, I half lied. I was easily reminded of the time when she poured wine over me. In the movies that's what the evil prom queen will do to the nerdy girl when she feels jealous. Was Ashley jealous of me? It's not possible. She had everything every man wanted.
"Thank God! Because that would've been too awful." He said as he scrubbed the new set of dishes he brought with him. "I don't want you to feel obligated to stay here with me though. You can go out and have fun."
"I like it here." I said softly. "I like cooking and cleaning." I emphasized. There was a look in his eyes that I couldn't quite place.
"Your mates like shopping and going out but instead you're here. You're very different." He said and I gave him a puzzled look. What did he mean by that? "It's a compliment."
"Okay, thank you." I answered graciously. My phone buzzed again and I sighed. "Can I help out with lunch?"
"I don't think Master Xavier would like that." He responded and I nodded in acceptance. "You can help me with lunch. I'll talk to him on your behalf." I perked up, smiling that I finally had something to do.
"Thank you so much!" I exclaimed.
"Don't thank me, girl." He sassed and I laughed. "So what do you do for fun besides scroll on social media?" He looked back at me before turning back to the dishes. He began rinsing and drying them. I took this as an opportunity to help so I got down from my chair and walked towards him. I picked up the dried plates and arranged them on the plate rack.
"I like to occupy my time. I garden, clean, cook. It's fun to me." I answered and he shook his head. "I feel happy doing those things."
"Oh come on, there's this lounge not to far from here. Their food is really good. They have a really awesome Jazz night. You should check it out." He said and I nodded. "You don't really have to go. From what you've told me, it's not really your scene. I was just trying to suggest something outside of working."
I gave him a small smile. "I understand. Thank you very much."
"Master Patrick will be here any moment from now." Sir Gerald said and I nodded. "There is a bottle of green juice in the fridge. Please place it on the counter." I nodded and walked to the double door refrigerator. I opened both door and my eyes marveled at the sight before me. Everything was arranged, just the way I would have done it. I spotted the bottle of green juice by the side door and I picked it out. Using my left hand, which was my free hand, I closed the door and placed the juice on the island.
"So let me tell you my rules for my kitchen. First one, don't do anything in the kitchen without informing me." He started.
"Okay." I responded, taking a mental note.
"This is my kitchen. I am in charge of Master Xavier's food unless he grants you the express permission to prepare or serve him– like the breakfast you made today."
"Okay, sir."
"And last but not the least I'm protective of this kitchen. No one fools around in here, do you understand?"
"Yes sir!" I exclaimed causing him to laugh. The door opened and Patrick walked in.
"I honestly thought last night was just a dream. Where's your evil twin and Xavier?" Patrick asked as he sat down by the island and opened the bottle of green juice. He took a large gulp and smiled at the taste. I've never been a fan of green juice so I wouldn't understand the joy he's feeling.
"They went out shopping." I answered, not wanting to offend him.
"Gerald, this is amazing! Could you make like 2 more. I'll love to have more during the day." Patrick said as he took another large gulp. "Now to you, why didn't you go along with them and why are you here? In the kitchen?"
"I wanted to help Sir Gerald." I said. It was a half lie. I did want to leave with Xavier but Ashley butted in before I could say anything and he chose her. Well what do I expect. They've been together for a long time so it's only natural they fall into their old pattern.
"Oh okay. You now you don't have to, right?" He asked and I nodded in response.
"That's exactly what I've been trying to say to her.