The table before me was a filled with culinary options, each dish more extravagant than the last.
Tiny sample plates lined the white linen, their contents crafted to perfection: jewel-like hors d'oeuvres, steaming soups, decadent entrees, and delicate desserts.
It should have been a feast for the senses, but for me, it was a headache.
I leaned against the chair and sighed. How was I supposed to narrow down a thousand choices into a menu that wouldn't set tongues wagging in this house?
My eyes darted toward Rosa, who was chatting with one of the maids across the room. Relief washed over me at the sight of her familiar face.
"Rosa!" I called out, my voice tinged with desperation. "Can you come here for a second?"
Rosa looked up, her brow furrowing in concern before she excused herself and walked over.
"What's wrong, Signora Maria?" she asked, her tone gentle.
