Evangeline nodded, her heart racing. She stood up from the table.
Carla led her out of the dining room, down a long hallway with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in the early morning light.
"Your primary duty," Carla began, her voice measured and calm, "is to ensure Mr. Castellanos's needs are met. That includes his meals, his wardrobe, and any... entertainment he may require."
Evangeline felt a knot form in her stomach at the last word. She knew what that meant. She nodded, keeping her eyes on the floor.
"Very well," Carla said, her voice firm.
They began the tour with the ground floor.
The walls were adorned with expensive art and family portraits, the floors gleaming with marble and mahogany.
Evangeline nodded, her eyes glazed over as she took in the grandeur of the room. Her long brown hair fell in a damp curtain around her face.
"Miss Evangeline, if I may," Carla said softly, stepping closer. She reached out and gently combed the wet strands away from her face with her fingers. "Your hair. Its beautiful. "
Evangeline nodded, a hint of a smile ghosting her lips.
"Thank you," she murmured, tucking her hair behind her ear.
The tour continued, moving from the grandiose living areas to the kitchen that was a chef's dream, then to the staff quarters that were surprisingly well-appointed.
Carla's instructions grew more specific as they approached the bedrooms. "Mr. Castellanos is quite particular about his bedtime rituals," she said, looking a head.
Carla led her through a series of corridors. The walls were adorned with tapestries.
"Miss Evangeline," Carla spoke, "Sir Castellanos prefers a cup of Magnolia tea before bed. It helps him to sleep better."
Evangeline nodded, trying to focus on the instructions rather than the heaviness in her chest.
Her long brown hair had started to dry in the warmth of the mansion, creating a wild halo around her face. She missed her old life.
"And what about his daily routine?" Evangeline asked tentatively, out of curiosity.
"Mr. Castellanos is a creature of habit," Carla responded, her voice low and cautious. "He wakes up at 7:30 AM, works out for an hour, and then showers and dresses for breakfast."
Evangeline listened intently, trying to commit every detail to memory, incase she failed to escape.
"After breakfast," Carla continued, "Mr. Castellanos typically leaves for his office , works until lunch."
Evangeline nodded, trying to keep up with the schedule. "And what about lunch?" she asked, her voice small.
"Lunch is served at one o'clock sharp," Carla replied, her eyes never leaving the floor. "It must be ready for him when he returns from his office. He prefers something heavy, usually a chicken salad or grilled turkey, but sometimes he'll request something he wants to eat."
Evangeline nodded, her mind racing with questions she dared not ask. What would happen if she didn't get everything perfect? Would Vincente punish her? The thought made her scared.
"Miss ," Carla continued, "Mr. Castellanos expects a light dinner. Usually fish or steak. He doesn't like anything too greasy."
Evangeline nodded, her thoughts racing. She had escape somehow. She needed to find a way.
"Good," Carla said, her tone a mix of relief and resignation. "There's one more thing you should know, Miss. Mr. Castellanos has an aunt, his mother's sister. She's the only family he has left. She comes to visit once a year."
Evadangeline looked up, her curiosity piqued. "Does she... know?" she asked tentatively, her voice barely above a whisper.
Carla's gaze flicked to hers before dropping again. "I couldn't say, Miss," she said carefully. "But she will know about the wedding from Sir. He loves her."
"And..." Carla said, "Mr. Castellanos enjoys a strong cup of Italian espresso every morning. It must be served black, no sugar, no milk."
Evangeline nodded, thinking black coffee just like his black heart.
"Miss," Carla spoke, her eyes softening slightly. "Mr. Castellanos's work with the family business can often take up his evenings. There are nights he won't return until quite late."
Evangeline felt a cold dread spread through her at the mention of his 'family business'. She knew what that entailed. She nodded, not saying anything.
Carla continued, "Mr. Castellanos often returns home quite late on weeknights due to his... obligations. And weekends are not typically considered 'free time' for him. His duties as a don are extensive."
Evangeline nodded, her throat tight. She didn't want this life. It's being forced on her. She didn't want to be his wife. But she replied "I see," she murmured.
"Miss...." Carla said, her voice softer than before. "Please know that I am here to assist you. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask."
Evangeline nodded, her eyes swimming with unshed tears. "Thank you, Carla."
The tour of the mansion continued, The first floor housed a series of guest suites, Each suite had its own bathroom, walk-in closet, and a balcony overlooking the vast grounds outside
The second floor was dedicated to entertainment, with a home theater, a games room, and a gym and his small office and his his master bedroom where she slept last night with him.
There was a spacious library with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with leather-bound tomes that looked as if they had never been touched.
In another hall, a grand piano sat in one corner, the keys gleaming in the soft light from the chandeliers above.