23
Chapter 23 (1091)
ALEXA’S POV
The morning that followed, I was surprised to find a message from Mr. Brown.
“I’ll be coming home late than usual, don’t let Nolan out of the house unless I say so,” I rolled my eyes at the thought that Nolan would care less what Mr. Brown says.
As much as I wanted to, I decided that I’d let Nolan have a little space to cool off, I don’t wanna hurt him.
After I’d gotten ready I made my way downstairs after checking the time, I noticed that everyone seemed very excited about something happening tonight. I could tell they were anticipating what this event will bring about.
We decided to have breakfast first. I know how busy people get with work, especially since my shifts started. The staff members were exchanging each other’s plans for their day off, everyone had their own schedules inlined so it won’t cause any problems in maintaining the mansion. After a while, everybody arrived and I quickly spotted them in the kitchen.
They were chatting amongst themselves, talking about last-minute details. I decided to join in on their conversation.
“I’m going out with my family for the rest of my day off, what about you guys ?” Zoey, one of the young maids, asked her friends, I noticed the slight hesitation from her voice.
“I’m making reservations with my husband,” Tabby, one of the female gardeners, replied with a soft smile.
Zoey turns and looks at me, “How about you , dear, when do you plan on spending your dayoff?”
“I haven’t given much thought about it,” I said simply as she looks at me as if I’ve grown two heads.
“You don’t seem too thrilled to go out, don’t you get tired with all the work you put yourself into?” Chloe, an old maid, asked as she glanced at me with a small smile plastered on her face and a worried look.
“No, it’s alright… I’m used to being here I guess,” I shrug, knowing full well that this is my chance to know the household routine.
“What are you doing tomorrow?” She asks me curiously.
“Well, I have a couple of chores to finish off, I might have to pick up some groceries with Sir Gilbert for the rest of the week… And tame Nolan,” I reply to her as I pick up my mug of tea and began sipping at it calmly. The last part of my sentence made all of them laugh.
“Don’t you have a family to tend to though, like a mother or siblings?”
“Ah… Well, I do have a brother back at home, but he seems to find a way to carry himself without me,” I tell them, smiling a bit as I finish up my last sip of tea before putting it in the sink.
“You must be such a wonderful sister to be with, how old is your brother?” Tabby asks.
“Well, he is…” I stammered to think, feeling that I need to add to the lie more.
“He’s 20 now, sometimes I forget how old he is,” Their suspicious looks turned to a somewhat convinced ones after I spoke.
“I hope he comes to spend a day with us sometime soon! Maybe we can get to know each other better,” Chloe adds.
“If you’re really lucky.”
“Come on, Alexa, maybe you could arrange something with Mr. Brown? That way you could take a rest from your whining baby,” We all fell into a fit of laughter at what Chloe said.
“No, I can’t. I’ve got to earn what I can to give my brother the life he needs.” I smiled to myself as I try to mask the guilt.
The bell rang, indicating that lunch is nearly upon us. So we all gathered our stuff and headed downstairs to prepare lunch. Everyone else was having a lively conversation while I sat by myself, sipping my soup quietly to avoid any unwanted attention and to keep myself distracted.
All that came from my mind, every few seconds, was how annoyed I was feeling for him. What the hell did I expect him to say? That’s not fair to him; but despite that, he deserved the slap I gave him that night.
The entire housekeeping staff was having their own conversations, excluding the group of male members who were giggling about in the corner of the kitchen room, sipping coffee.
After we finished lunch, the staff went back to their respective stations and the ladies began clearing the dishes that the men left behind. As I began washing, one of the maids approached me and handed me some folded towels.
“Is Mr. Brown coming today?” She asks, and I instantly knew what was meant to be implied with this question as her eyes were filled with anticipation.
“I think he has some errands at work-”
“Alexa!”
The smile on my face instantly faded at the sound of Nolan’s voice through the staff intercom. Everyone who was resting and tending with the dishes looked at me, giving me an apologetic look as they knew what kind of attitude Nolan has towards everyone.
They were afraid of what he’d do next as they all retreated from the dining room quickly and left me alone again.
Trying not to react, I ignored his presence and continued wiping my plate. I could hear him taking the stairs one step at a time, he stopped beside me as I pretended not to notice, pretending that he isn’t here.
“Are you avoiding me again?” His face remained expressionless even though his tone clearly sounded angry.
“Yes and no, now do you have anything for me to do, or do you need time to think with that small brain?” He sighed as if he wasn’t expecting me to answer his question.
“Then tell me why,” he crossed his arms across his chest, looking down at me.
“Try to take a hint, Jesus!” I spat at him.
“Can’t you take a joke? God, you are always being like this acting so sensitive with me, then the next thing you’re acting all caring towards me.”
“True, but then again, isn’t it harassment when a rich man orders a woman to undress when it is below the belt of her duties and responsibilities?” I paused to catch my breath and put down the plate I held.
“Fine, I’m sorry.”
I turned to face him with an amused expression before crossing my arms and leaning my back on the sink behind me.Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.
“Know your boundary, Nolan… What do you need?”