Chapter 4: The Butler

She ran up to the third floor of the house. She was already running out of breath when she reached the floor. To make matters worse, she was not sure how to find the room she had come from earlier because of the insane size of the house.

"Where is that room?" she asked to herself, looking confused at the passage. If she had only brought her smartphone, she would have gone straight out of the house earlier to leave this place.

"All the rooms look the same to me," she sighed.

"Not to me."

Cali suddenly appeared behind her. She could immediately smell his subtle but sexy smell. She turned around and faced him with her eyebrows raised and pulled together.

"Don't you think kidnapping someone is a.."

Cali shut her mouth with his fore finger. "First of all, this is not kidnapping. Don't forget, I am your husband and you are my wife. Second, we have to go downstairs because breakfast has already been served. Food shouldn't wait."

Cali grabbed her hand and led her down to the 1st floor. She could do nothing but follow him.

When they arrived at the kitchen, she was surprised to see a large prepared meal on the table. Surprisingly, there were all her favorite food for breakfast such as pancakes, eggs, mashed potatoes, bacon, Mexican sausages, beans and tortillas. As a result, she no longer refused to sit down when Cali pulled out the chair for her. Who could resist the delightful meal in front of her?

"Let's eat," Cali said after sitting down next to her.

The dinner table was very big and the dining companion often sat in front of one but he preferred to sit next to her.

"What’s that look for? Am I not allowed to sit here?" 

She shook her head. "It's alright. I'm just surprised you'd choose to sit by my side. I mean there are these rules of seating arrangements and stuff. And you, being the owner of this house is expected to follow those."

 "Well, not me," he answered, smiling at her. "I'd rather choose to eat by your side. The food always tastes better."

Rica smiled shyly and blushed at what Cali said.

"Also, I can serve you when I'm sitting next to you." 

She couldn’t help but stare at Cali while he put food onto her plate. He would ask her what she’d like to eat. Pancakes or bacon; sausages or eggs, etc. and she would just nod while she gaze at his handsome face as he spoke.

 “Bon Appétit,” he said.

They began to eat.

“Mmmm. This is awesome. The food really tastes good. Is he the chef?" Rica asked, pointing to a man who had been standing in the doorway. She liked the food so much she couldn't help but praise whoever made it.

Cali laughed. He shook his head. "No, he's not the chef. He's the butler and my close friend."

“Today is my first day working here so I suppose this is the first time you see me, my lady. I have been working for Cali’s family since he was little. I was sent here to serve you. I am Gerrano Lorenzo,” the butler immediately introduced himself.

Rica smiled at him. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Lorenzo." Mr. Lorenzo was rather advanced in years but she was certain they would get along well. 

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, too, my lady!" he replied. "Master Cali told me a lot about you."

"Then who made all of these?" she asked as she wiped her mouth with a fancy serviette.

"I did," Cali replied and winked at her.

She was stunned by his reply but she just laughed it off. "Nice joke but I don't think you actually…," she stopped speaking when she saw he was serious. "Wait, wait, wait. Really? You prepared all of these?" she asked incredulously.

She heard the butler holding back a laugh.

"Let me guess, Youtube?" she continued.

Mr. Lorenzo couldn’t hold it anymore. He began to laugh. Cali gave him the evil eye. "My apologies, Master Cali," he coughed. "Please allow me to explain."

Cali smiled and nodded his head in agreement.

"You see, my lady, not only is Master Cali a successful businessman, he is also a well-known chef. That's how much the nature loves him."

"The nature loves him?" Rica asked, frowning. "What do you mean the nature loves him?" She was puzzled.

"Master Cali has the extraordinary ability to release the full flavour of every ingredients coming from the nature every time he prepares a dish," Mr. Lorenzo answered, smiling. 

"I see. Thank you, Mr. Lorenzo." From what she had heard, she was even more convinced that Cali had a connection to the mountain spring.

After eating breakfast, Rica immediately returned to their room with the help of the butler. 

"Thank you, Mr. Lorenzo!" she said before entering the room. "You'll soon get used to the house, my lady," he replied before finally leaving her by herself. 

She sighed loudly. She still couldn't believe what was happening.

Upon entering the room, she immediately grabbed her smartphone. She had to talk to Melanie. She was about to dial her number when she suddenly saw the time on the screen.

"Uh-oh," she whispered to herself. "I'm running late for work. I better hurry." She rushed into the shower and took a bath.

Wrapped in a towel, she came out of the bathroom and saw Cali standing in the corner of the room. He was putting on his watch. He looked so handsome in his Italian classic fit wool grey suit. She couldn't help but direct her eyes in his direction.

Then, she suddenly felt cold and realized she had nothing on but the white towel covering her body. She blushed. "Pl-please get out," she shyly ordered him and turned her back on him.

Cali was surprised to see Rica. His face suddenly turned red. He tried to look away but he couldn’t. He could smell the musk of her freshly washed body. The smell of oats and milk and honey.