[~Song Recommendation: It Ain't Me by Kygo, Selena Gomez~]
Layla immediately turned back to look at her Master standing by the door watching at them with a prying gaze. He was already dressed up in a suit. 'Did he hear us?' She thought.
"Ma-Master… I mean no… I was just chatting with Nana about the weather." She blurted without giving it much thought and she had no worries about addressing him as 'Master ' because Nana already knew everything about her.
"Nana, leave us alone…" He asserted as he took long strides to reach Layla. She just lowered her gaze, with her hands resting on her sides.
"So what do you think about the weather, my little slave?" The way he delivered the word 'little slave' irked her up but she maintained her demeanor.
"I-I think it's great. The sun is bright and the sky is blue and—"
"And a perfect day to make out for a couple in the park?"
"Yeah… I mean… What?" Layla was slightly dazed in her thoughts so she didn't hear him well but as she recalled the words, heat rose to her cheeks and she became tongue-tied.
"Join me in my room." He uttered, his voice holding a commanding tone before he left her in the hall. Layla sighed cursing herself for acting weird in front of him but what she can do? It was obvious for her to behave that way considering his cheeky remarks. 'Get a grip, Layla.' She mused before entering his room.
In broad daylight, Layla caught sight of his majestic room adorned with luxurious decor. Everything fascinated her, from the plush sofa set to rich quality furniture, his king-size bed, the wall lighting, and everything else. 'How did I miss so much last night?' she thought but then she recalled her mind was clouded with the thoughts of betrayal.
"Make me breakfast." His voice seemed distant. Layla's vision wandered around before she noticed him in a different room adjacent to it. Earlier she was so lost checking out the interior that her eyes failed to follow him.
When she went inside that room, her eyes went wide. It was like a home office. He was seated on the desk typing some stuff on his PC.
"The kitchen's that way," he pointed his index finger and soon Layla followed suit. But as soon as she entered the kitchen she cringed after the pungent smell hit her senses. She discovered a bowl filled with spoiled food. 'What the hell? This rich man can't keep his kitchen clean?' She mused.
*******
Layla prepared cheese toast and scrambled eggs for him. Having nothing else in the kitchen it was the best meal she could think of.
"Place it on the table and leave; If required I'll call you." His voice sounded aloof but Layla didn't pay much heed to it and exited the room as instructed. Instead of getting back to her room, she decided to spend her day working like a normal maid of the mansion.
At downstairs…
"Huh… Look at her. Did you know she was trying to escape last night stealing some stuff; I alerted the guards and guess what Sir himself witnessed everything with his own eyes; I guess she got confronted well by him." Mayra mocked her in front of the other maids. Soon there was chaos as everyone started whispering and gossiping among themselves.
"That's really bad…"
"She'll ruin our reputation as maids."
"Oh my god… How does she still have this job?"
"Look at her nerves; instead of lowering her gaze she's looking back at us…"
Layla didn't mind any of them and continued her journey towards the kitchen where she expected Nana. The words did hurt her but she couldn't show herself weak especially when that's what Mayra wanted.
"Layla?" Anna approached her from behind. She held a stack of curtains. Layla hoped that at least she wouldn't judge her and confront her like the other ones.
"Yeah Anna; How are you? Do you know where Nana is?" Anna asked glancing up at her.
"Leave her… Tell me what's going on. I know Mayra is exaggerating for sure but I want to listen to your side of the story. Come on." She nudged her to enter a small room that seemed more like a laundry room.
Layla bit her lower lip while gazing at her. She knew by heart Anna was good and unlike other maids, she wasn't the person who could be provoked easily but she didn't know how to explain her twisted situation.
'Can't I just blurt out to her that I'm a slave who's trying to escape from her Master? But If I do so they'll disrespect Master.'
"Tell me; come on! I can't bear suspense Layla." Anna left the curtains on the ground and stomped her feet like children. The act made Layla smile a little and she even smiled back at her own childishness.
"Actually… I needed to visit Mom coz she was sick but I knew that the guards wouldn't allow me without having Mast—Mr.Specters' approval. So as soon as I received her call I was desperate to visit her.' She managed to deliver the words in a worried tone. Hoping that Anna won't catch her lying she gauged her reaction.
"Oh… So you must go now. What did he tell you last night? Did he allow you to visit her?" Anna remarked pacing around the room. "Wait… I'll talk to him: I'm sure he will understand the situation and will let you have a leave." With that said Anna was about to set foot in the hallway but Layla caught hold of her hand.
"What?" Anna rolled her eyes. "Are you scared of him?"
"No-No Anna…" She cursed herself for lying to her who seemed genuinely worried for her. Anna gave a small tug at her direction to let her free herself but Layla didn't let go of her hand instead she pulled her close and hugged her tightly.
"Layla?... Are you okay?" She asked as he wrapped her arms around her too consoling her for reasons she didn't even know.
"No need to request him, Anna. Mother is fine; I got the call, this morning from my aunt, but I'm so grateful to have you as my friend here." A teardrop rolled down her cheek and landed over Anna's shoulder.
"Oh Layla… Wait! Are you crying?"
"Huh… Look who we have got here, the thief and her pet."