The gaze of those eyes with wrinkled lids did not move for a second from the object of her gaze. There was confusion on her face as if a question mark formed her current expression.
Aunt Neki felt odd. She who had taken care of her lady since childhood, of course easily noticed the uncharacteristic state of her lady who was walking with some difficulty.
The suspicion itself was driven by factors. Whereas her ladyship preferred to stay amongst a pile of books and keep herself confined to her room, she suddenly chose to travel abroad.
Callista stopped when she was in the dining room. She landed on her body which felt very tired. But the fatigue she felt at the moment made her more alive.
Ah, no, is this because she returned to her mansion? Not the psychopath's mansion?
"Auntie, please prepare some food, but not something too heavy," Callista said while closing her eyes. She was already feeling tired, even though she had a long list of plans yet to be carried out.
Her interlocked palms moved restlessly. Only after gathering her courage and determination did Aunt Neki voice her concerns.
"Is Miss Illis hurt?"
There was no change of expression on her face, but believe me, her heartbeat was now racing. Did Aunt Neki see her suspicious behavior? Because Aunt Neki was a very meticulous person.
Callista opened her eyelids which felt a little heavy, looking up at Aunt Neki with a gentle smile.
"My leg is just a little scratched auntie, nothing to worry about. It's just a small wound that will heal in the next few days," Callista explained.
Answering like that was better than hiding and having to lie. Surely Aunt Neki would still suspect her to the end if she denied it.
After waiting only fifteen minutes, the long-awaited arrival finally came. A total of five trolley stands came in neat rows. One by one, the food was carefully placed on the table. As soon as the stainless steel cloche was opened, the intoxicating scent of the food wafted out. But it was not enough to wake up the master who was still closing her eyes in a sitting position.
Aunt Neki cleared her throat softly, but Callista remained still. Her breathing was audible, her lady looked very tired. However, it was better to sleep on the soft and fluffy bed after filling her stomach.
"Miss Illis, wake up, miss!" Forced by Aunt Neki to shake Callista's arms folded in front of her chest.
Callista gasped slightly. Suddenly she opened her eyelids. She rubbed her eyes which were still heavy. However, the drowsiness was short-lived because afterward, her eyelids blinked several times.
"What is it, auntie? Why is there so much food on the dining table?" confused Callista.
She had only asked for something that wasn't too heavy. But look at what happened! There were five heavy meals and three desserts. Steak, spaghetti, roast chicken, jumbo-sized fish with red sauce, then seafood that was also huge. One tiered cake and then a pudding shaped like a bear's head.
Callista tapped her forehead as she shook her head slowly. She could not believe that such a large menu was prepared just for her.
It was true that the chefs in the mansion were certified chefs, so the food looked like art. But all of this was a waste!
Callista then pulled Neki's aunt's hand. "Auntie, you have to take responsibility. We have to finish all the food. It will be a waste if we don't finish all the food."
A frown appeared on Aunt Neki's forehead. "Me? Eating with you?" asked Aunt Neki in confirmation. She pointed at herself with her index finger.
Callista chuckled softly. "Who else would I call auntie if not Auntie Neki?"
Aunt Neki immediately refused through the movement of her hand. "No, no, miss. That's not right. I'll eat later in the kitchen with the other maids."
"Then I won't eat." Callista pulled her hand off the table as she smacked her lips.
Aunt Neki sighed. Just look at this lady who still behaves like a child. Even though she had grown up so much.
"Alright, Miss Illis. This aunt will accompany Miss Illis to eat. So please eat a lot."
Callista smiled widely. Her delicate fingers reached for the knife and fork. She picked up a piece of steak along with the sauce, potatoes, and salad. She would eat the steak as the first thing she touched. Meanwhile, Aunt Neki picked up a plate of spaghetti.
After that, no one opened the conversation, only the sound of clinking spoons could be heard. Occasionally they would smile at each other.
***
Two pairs of small wheels spun quickly. It did not stop until it reached the front yard of the mansion.
The hand that had been tightly holding the black suitcase now handed it over to a girl with a hat that covered almost half of her face.
"Would you like me to double-check the contents of the suitcase in front of you?" asked Neki's aunt.
The girl with milky-white skin was flashing her sweetest smile. With her gray-black culottes and white sweater, her white skin looked like it was radiating light.
Without saying anything, the driver, who saw his mistress handing him a suitcase, immediately put it into the trunk.
"Aunt Neki, please take care of the mansion during my absence. I'll hurry back after all my business in London is done."
A man dressed all in black approached Callista. With a slight bow, the man handed her an envelope. Callista accepted it and took a peek at the contents. Just as she had expected, it was an airplane ticket.
Callista had deliberately not used her private plane. She didn't want her daddy to find out about her departure, it was a surprise.
"Alright, auntie. I'll be going. I won't be long," Callista said goodbye still with the same smile. She climbed down the steps one by one until she reached the bottom and immediately stepped into the car.
The driver closed the door softly. Her index finger moved to press the button to lower the car door window.
"I'm off auntie, see you later!" said Callista as she waved her hand. Neki's aunt waved as well.