Chapter 8

• [Ariya’s POV]
• THE NEXT DAY, the sun was already high in the sky when I woke up. But I was alone in bed.
• I got up and went through my usual routine in the bathroom before fixing my hair.
• I hesitated whether to go down or not. But Christopher mentioned last night that I could now do what I want, including returning to my job. So, it means I'm free to leave this room and explore the entire mansion.
• I took a deep breath before deciding to leave the room and go downstairs. I encountered two maids who had a concerned look on their faces, and I could hear a heated argument from somewhere.
• "What's happening here?" I asked them. They were caught off guard but managed to smile awkwardly at me.
• "Good morning, Ma'am!" one greeted hesitantly.
• "Good morning, Ma'am. Miss Colette and Chef Deborah seem to be having another dispute in the kitchen," the other reported softly.
• "Good morning. What are your names?" I politely asked them. Judging by their appearance, I'm sure they're older than me.
• "I'm Lorie," introduced the smaller one with short hair.
• "I'm Merideth, Ma'am. Merry for short," the other politely introduced.
• "Okay, Lorie, Merry, what are those two arguing about? And where is your Sir Christopher?" I asked them in succession.
• They exchanged glances before nervously turning back to me.
• "Well, Ma'am, we're not sure. But almost every day, those two really quarrel," Merry reported.
• "Are you hungry, Ma'am? Sir instructed us to serve you immediately when you come down," Maya asked.
• "Is Christopher not here?" I asked instead of answering. They shook their heads.
• "Sir is still jogging at this hour. But he's probably on his way back," Merry answered. I nodded.
• "Alright. Just prepare the table, and I'll handle those two," I gently requested from them. But they didn't move and seemed afraid to look at me.
• "Miss Colette is angry, Ma'am. That's why we're not allowed to enter the kitchen. All the utensils and food are there," Lorie explained hesitantly.
• I pursed my lips. This house manager of theirs is really rude. My first impression of her was right.
• "Okay. Just prepare what's needed because Christopher might be here soon. You've seen how angry he can get, right?" I said. They nodded and politely excused themselves.
• "YOU’RE SUCH A show-off! You always meddle in my work. If you want, you can cook!" I heard a woman yelling. As I approached the kitchen, the voices of the two arguing grew louder.
• "I already told you. Just cook what Sir Christopher requested. Why do you need to prepare a special meal for that Ariya? Let me tell you, she's just Sir's woman, and once she gives birth to our master's child, she'll be kicked out too. So, there's no need for you to suck up to her because she's just Sir's temporary wife!" Colette angrily shouted.
• I knew it was her because even though we've only spoken once, her sharp and irritating voice quickly became familiar. I stopped walking as I heard her words. I didn't like what she said, so I abruptly opened the kitchen door.
• They both gasped and were greatly surprised when they saw me. One woman shyly lowered her head, while Colette quickly recovered and smirked, crossing her arms.
• "Good morning, Ma'am!" greeted the woman who was scolded by Colette earlier.
• "Good morning. May I know your name?" I asked politely. I heard Colette's disapproving sound hmp, but I ignored her for now.
• "I'm Deborah. Just call me Chef Deb. I'm the chef in this house," she introduced herself. I smiled because she seemed just a few years older than me.
• "I'm pleased to meet you, Chef Deb. May I know why there was yelling so early in the morning here in the kitchen?" I asked politely, even though my head was still pounding from the rudeness of Christopher's house manager.
• "Oh, it's nothing, Ma'am. We just had a little misunderstanding," she explained hesitantly.
• "Please wait for us in the dining area, Ma'am Ariya. We'll serve you there. You don't need to get involved in our conversation," Colette interrupted rudely. Despite her proper way of speaking, her tone revealed her insulting attitude.
• "Maybe you're forgetting, Miss Colette, I am Christopher's wife, so I have the right to intervene and find out what's happening in this house. Even if you proudly declare that I'm just a temporary wife, I’m still his wife. That means I'm still the owner's wife until we separate. Now, answer my question. What are you arguing about?" I bravely answered her and followed up with a question.
• It's obvious that her irritation towards me intensified, but I know she can't do anything about it. Perhaps I should ask Christopher to fire this woman. She's turning the lives of those around her into hell just because of her bad behavior.
• "It's my fault, Ma'am. I didn't follow the meal plan for this morning," Chef Deb admitted. I immediately felt sorry for her. She seems to prefer taking the blame rather than letting this Colette get into trouble.
• I caught Colette's nasty look at her, so I cleared my throat. "What if you didn't follow it? Does Christopher not want to eat because it's different?" I asked.
• "I made a welcome cake for you. It's not on the menu, so Miss Colette got angry when I brought it out," she explained. I was slightly shocked because the reason was so trivial. I felt like it's my fault that she got scolded by this woman just because she wanted to make me happy.
• "Your anger towards her is pointless! You're making a big deal out of such a small matter!" I retorted to the house manager, who widened her eyes at my statement.
• "Ma'am, everything in this house is in order. Sir Christopher doesn't want anything to deviate from the planned schedule without him knowing!" Colette defended.
• I sighed and blew out a breath. Instead of arguing with her, I turned my attention back to Chef Deb.
• "Chef Deb, thank you very much for what you've done for me. Even if I haven't seen it yet, I'm already happy. I'll make sure Christopher knows about the kindness you've shown me," I said, subtly hinting at Colette.
• "Oh, it's nothing, Ma'am. Please don't mention it to Sir because it's embarrassing," Chef Deb responded. But I shook my head.
• "You deserve to be recognized for your effort. Thank you very much," I continued.
• "As for you, apologize to Chef Deb," I turned to Colette. She was stunned, and even the chef was surprised. She even covered her mouth, unable to believe my order.
• "Why should I apologize to her? I have a higher position, and—"
• "What was that again, Colette? Why suddenly bring up positions when the point here is about respecting each other?" I asked, irritated, to cut her arrogance.
• She couldn't immediately respond. "Chef Deb, did you really finish your course as a chef?" I asked which she nodded immediately.
• "And what do you mean? Are you belittling me because I didn't finish college?" Colette suddenly interjected.
• "I'm not belittling you. I'm teaching you the proper respect. Yes, you're the house manager here, and Christopher trusts you to manage the entire house. But that doesn't mean you can mistreat your co-workers. Everyone here, including the other helpers and Chef Deb, is serving the same purpose. Education doesn't determine one's ability to show good manners to others!" I gave her a serious and formal lecture.
• When she speaks to Chef, it's as if she's talking down to her, even though Chef has completed a degree but remains humble and knows how to get along. Then she proudly uses her position as an excuse to mistreat her co-workers.
• "What's happening here?"
• We all turned at the loud and angry voice of an elderly woman.
• When I faced her, I saw her elegance from head to toe. She wore an apple green dress with embroidered flowers on the right side of her chest. It was adorned with beautiful jewelry, and despite her age, her skin radiated beauty.
• "Ma'am Silvia! Ma'am Ariya is scolding and insulting me just because I reminded Deborah about something," Colette cried, surprising me. My eyes widened as Chef Deb bowed her head, clearly frightened by the arrival of the elderly woman.
• "And who is this woman?" the old lady asked formally.
• "Ma'am, she's Sir's temporary wife. She's acting as if she's someone important!" Colette complained. My eyes immediately squinted at her lies.
• "That's not true. Besides—"
• "Shut up! Follow me to the lounging area!" she commanded coldly and turned away from me. Colette quickly followed her, grinning at me as she looked back.
• Who is that old woman? It repeated in my mind.