My hands were steady, but inside, I could feel the turmoil rising as I arranged the cake on a porcelain plate, my thoughts racing.
"Here," I said, offering the plate to Mr. Alfonzo, forcing a polite smile as I placed it in front of him. "I hope this is to your liking."
He gave me a small smile in return, a faint flicker of something warm in his usually cold eyes.
"Thank you, Maria." He paused, looking up at me. "Why don't you join me? We can have the cake together."
I swallowed hard. I hadn't expected this.
I thought I could quickly retreat from his presence, perhaps even escape back to the safety of my room, but now I was stuck here, alone with him in the quiet, dim-lit kitchen.
I had no choice but to play along.
"Thank you, but I'm not really hungry," I replied, trying to sound casual. "You enjoy it."
