70

70
Azalea
“Ma’am,” the head maid called out as soon as she saw me walk into the kitchen. “Do you need something?”
I nodded, a bright smile spreading across my face. “Yes,” I responded, feeling excited about my plan. “I want to cook for my husband.”
Anna’s eyes widened with worry. “But ma’am,” she muttered carefully, choosing her words with care, “it’s our job. Please, let us handle the cooking.”
I could see the discomfort written all over her face. “I know, Anna. I’m not trying to step on your toes or take over your duties,” I explained. “I just really want to cook something special for Adriano myself.”
Her eyes darted toward the butler who had just entered the kitchen. I could feel the tension in the air.
“Ma’am,” the butler said, his eyebrows raised in surprise when he saw me. “Do you need Anna to prepare something for you?”
“Perfect timing,” I murmured warmly. “I was just telling Anna that I’d like to cook dinner for my husband tonight.”
The butler and Anna exchanged worried glances. I knew exactly what they were thinking - they were afraid of how Adriano might react to them letting me work in the kitchen.
“Don’t worry,” I said quickly, hoping to ease their fears. “I already talked to my husband about this. He’s fine with it.”
I watched as both of them visibly relaxed, their shoulders dropping with relief.
“Okay then, ma’am,” Anna said with a small smile. “Please call me if you need any help at all.”
“Thank you so much.”
After Anna and the butler left, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. Cooking had always been something I enjoyed, especially since our parents died and I had to take care of Amira.
There was something soothing about creating a meal with my own hands, putting love into every ingredient.
As if my thoughts had summoned her, Amira burst through the kitchen door.
“Sister!” she called out, running straight into my arms. Ever since she started at her new school, she’d been so much happier and more energetic. I pulled her into a tight hug.
“How was school today, sweetheart?”
“Amazing!” she said, her cheeks turning pink with excitement. “I love everything about it - my teachers, my classmates, even the cafeteria food.”
“I’m so happy to hear that, honey.”
I ran my fingers through her soft blonde hair as she launched into detailed stories about her day. She told me about her art class, how she’d made a new friend named Sophie, and how her math teacher had praised her work.
I listened to every word, my heart swelling with pride and relief that she was adjusting so well.
When she finally paused for breath, she seemed to notice where we were for the first time.
“Wait, what are you doing in the kitchen, sister?” Amira asked, looking puzzled.
“I’m making dinner for Adriano,” I explained, turning back to the kiln. “Now go upstairs and change out of your school clothes. And don’t forget about your homework.”
Her face lit up. “Oh my gosh, it’s been forever since I’ve had your cooking! I’ve missed it so much.” She bounced on her toes with excitement. “I’ll be super quick with my homework so I can come back and help you.”
“Take your time with your studies first,” I laughed. “The food will still be here when you’re done.”
After Amira skipped out of the kitchen, I lost myself in cooking. I made Adriano’s favorite pasta dish, roasted vegetables with herbs, fresh bread, and even a simple dessert. I found myself humming softly as I worked, feeling more content than I had in a long time.
The kitchen filled with wonderful smells, and I carefully arranged everything on the dining table, making sure it looked as good as it tasted. I was just putting the finishing touches on the table setting when I heard the front door open.
“You’re home, honey,” I called out with a smile, wiping my hands on a kitchen towel.
“Welcome home, master,” the maids said in unison, bowing respectfully as Adriano walked in.
The moment he saw me, his whole face seemed to soften. He walked straight over and pulled me into his arms. I could feel some of the tension leaving his body as he held me close. He buried his face in my hair, breathing in deeply before placing gentle kisses along my neck.
“Adriano,” I whispered, suddenly very aware of all the staff around us. “Not here.”
“I can do whatever I want with my wife,” he mumbled against my skin, his voice low and possessive. “This is my house. Our home.”
Heat rushed through me at his words, but I was still embarrassed. “The maids are watching,” I said quietly. “Besides, I made dinner for you.”
That got his attention. His eyes moved to the dining table, and I watched as surprise flickered across his face.
“You did all this?” he asked, his voice slightly hoarse. “You cooked all of this yourself?”
“Yes,” I announced proudly. “And I made sure everything was healthy, just how you like it.”
“Thank you,” he said, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead before taking his seat at the table.
Just as he was about to take his first bite, Amira appeared in the doorway, freshly changed and beaming.
“Welcome home, brother-in-law!”
“Hello, sweetheart,” Adriano said warmly. “How was school today?”
“Really good,” she replied, sliding into her chair across from him. “I bet you rushed home because you knew sister was cooking, right?”
I felt my cheeks heat up. This was actually the first time I’d cooked for him, but Amira seemed to think it was a regular thing.
“Absolutely,” Adriano said without missing a beat. “I’ve been thinking about her cooking all day at the office.”
I stared at him in amazement. He lied so smoothly, so naturally, just to make Amira happy.
“You’re such a good husband,” Amira sighed dreamily. “When I grow up, I hope I find someone as wonderful as you.”
We all laughed at her innocent comment. If only she knew what Adriano was really like - the darkness he carried and the dangerous world he lived in.