My little pumpkin

When I returned to the syndicate’s hotel lodge, Sir Bruno was very agitated waiting for me, his face dark with anger.

“Where the hell have you been? I thought you’d gotten yourself killed?” he barked, his voice booming.

“I’m sorry, Sir,” I said quickly, trying to steady my trembling voice. “I was locked up in the Bellarico’s cell for two days. Gerrard thought I let an intruder in.”

Sir Bruno’s eyes narrowed as he studied me. “Locked up?” he repeated. “And you’re standing here now?”

“Yes, Sir. He realized I had nothing to do with it, and let me go,” I explained.

Bruno’s expression didn’t soften. Instead, he leaned closer, his sharp gaze piercing. “And how exactly did you convince him to give you your freedom?”

I chose my words carefully. “I didn’t have to, Sir. He said he trusted me and even offered me a position as their household chef.”

At that, Bruno’s eyebrows shot up. “He gave you the job?”

“Yes, Sir,” I replied, trying to sound calm.

Bruno stared at me for a long moment, then let out a low chuckle. “Smart move, kid. But don’t get too comfortable. Gerrard may trust you now, but if he even suspects you’re working for us, he won’t hesitate to put a bullet in your head.”

“I understand, Sir,” I said firmly.

Bruno’s eyes bore into mine as he nodded slowly. “Good. Now get some rest. You’ve got work to do.”

I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. I felt relieved. For now, I was safe. But the real challenge had only just begun.

-----

In the morning the syndicate decided to skip town. Sir Bruno explained that the Bellaricos were now on high security alert, and staying any longer could jeopardize the mission.

Before leaving, Sir Bruno made sure to remind me, again, that my father’s life was in his hands. As he left, he placed me under the watchful eye of his right-hand man, Thaddeus. I was to report my progress to Thaddeus weekly, no excuses.

By afternoon, I moved into the Bellarico residence.

I was greeted by Gilmore, the chief of staff, a tall, stern man who looked like he hadn’t smiled in years. He gave me a brief orientation, explaining the house rules and my responsibilities. He also informed me that I would receive a week of training from “Mama Rosa,” the retiring chef, and the oldest staff of the Bellarico’s Empire.

When we entered the kitchen, my jaw almost dropped. It was enormous, a chef’s dream, with sleek countertops, shiny appliances, and a perfectly organized workspace. Everything sparkled as if it were brand new. The staffs stood at attention, their expressions was neutral and professional.

“Hello, my darling! You must be Lily,”

I turned to see an elderly woman approaching me. She has a warm welcoming smile that lit up the room. I felt at ease, I had thought everyone around here moved like a robot.

“Yes, ma’am,” I answered. Her warmness reminded me of my late grandmother.

“Come, come,” she said, motioning for me to follow her. “Let me introduce you to everyone.”

She guided me around the kitchen, introducing me to the kitchen staffs, who managed quick hellos and polite nods.

“Settle into your quarters first,” Mama Rosa said, still smiling brightly. “Get some rest and tomorrow, we’ll begin your training.”

“Okay, ma’am. Thank you,” I said, smiling back.

I was then led to my personal quarters.

The room was breathtaking. It was big enough to accommodate three people. It had a king-size bed that looked so cozy. There was a small sitting area with comfortable arm chair and a side a table. The en-suite bathroom was stunning, with a walk-in shower, and a deep bathtub. It was better than I imagine. I could live in here forever. I immediately remembered Sir Bruno’s warning not to get too comfortable. This is not my home, everything about me was a lie. My heart sank.

After unpacking my belongings, I sat on the bed, letting the silence envelop me. As I looked around, I realized I hadn’t seen Gerrard all day. Was he out? Or was he deliberately avoiding me? Either way, I couldn’t dwell on it for long. I had to focus on the mission.

-------

The week passed quickly, and Mama Rosa turned out to be as wonderful as she seemed. She praised my natural cooking skills, and then declared me ready to take over. The rest of the kitchen staff that were initially stiff and formal, had warmed up to me, I might have even earned their respect.

Gerrard, however, had yet to return. Not that I missed his intimidating and annoying presence, but tonight was Mama Rosa’s farewell party, and I thought he should at least show up. She was the longest-serving member of the household, and I’d heard even Gerrard was fond of her.

----

After the party, in the evening when everyone had left, leaving me and Mam Rosa. It was time for her to leave, but she kept finding reasons to linger, taking one final tour of the kitchen that had been her workspace for decades.

She sighed deeply, as she took in her surroundings for the last time. “Fifty years in this kitchen,” she said, her voice filled with nostalgia. “It’s been my home, serving the Bellarico family all these years.” She paused, there must be a lot of memories here, I thought to myself. “But my children need me now. It’s time I spend the rest of my days with them.”

“Mama Rosa, but why isn’t Gerrard here?” I asked as I watched her glanced at the window yet again. “Is he really so cold-hearted that he wouldn’t show up to see off the oldest and most loyal staff in his household?”

“Is someone bad-mouthing me?” A deep, familiar voice echoed behind me, startling me.

I turned quickly and found myself face-to-face with Gerrard standing in the door way, I was too stunned to speak.

“Oh, my sweet little pumpkin!” Mama Rosa’s face lit up instantly. She hurried to him, cupped his face and planted a kiss on his cheek. It was oddly amusing to see the formidable Gerrard Bellarico reduced to a “little pumpkin.”

“I thought you wouldn’t make it,” she said.

“I wouldn’t miss this for the world,” he replied softly, smiling at her affectionately.

Then his gaze shifted to me, and he cleared his throat and adjusted himself. “Miss Lunardez,” he addressed me formally, “how are you settling in?”

Before I could respond, Mama Rosa interjected. “Oh, my pumpkin, you’ve chosen a worthy replacement. Lily is a talented cook.”

“Come,” she said, holding on to his arm and leading him to the dining area. She signal to me and I immediately understood, I dished a traditional Italian food, Osso buco with saffron risotto, and set it on the table before him.

“Oh, Mama Rosa, you made my favorite!” he said, his eyes lighting up as he took his first bite. “Perfect! Mama Rosa, I would definitely miss your cooking so much. I don’t think anyone else could ever make it quite like you.”

Mama Rosa’s smile grew. “Well, I didn’t make that. Lily did.”

Gerrard’s eyes quickly darted to me. “She did?”

“Yes, pumpkin,” Mama Rosa said, patting his arm. “So, you see, you won’t have to miss me that much. Lily will take good care of you.”

Still looking with disbelief, Gerrard stood and enveloped Mama Rosa in a tight hug. “You know I’ll always miss you,”

“And I’ll miss you too,” she replied. “But you must come visit me sometime.”

“Of course, I will.” He replied.

“The private jet is ready for you, Mama Rosa,” he announced. “Here is the deed to my vacation house in Malé, it’s all yours. Also I’ve arranged for a Rolls-Royce and other gifts for your family.”

“Oh, my pumpkin, that’s too much,” she said, dabbing at her eyes.

“No, Mama Rosa,” he said firmly, “nothing is too much for you. You’ve been my only family, and you deserve more than I could ever give.”

They hugged one last time before we escorted her to the waiting jet. After bidding her an emotional farewell, Gerrard and I got into his car to head back.

“I see that you have settled in nicely.” He said, not looking at me, just staring at his Ipad.

“Yes pumpkin… oops, I mean Mr. Bellarico,” I teased, unable to resist.

He shot an Icy glare in my direction. “Careful, Miss Lunardez.”

I rolled my eyes, he doesn’t seem to have any sense of humor at all.

“You know,” He began, faking thoughtfulness, “Now that I think about it, the food wasn’t anything like Mama Rosa’s. It lacked… it lacked heart.”

I scoffed, maybe he has a little sense of humour beneath all the icy exterior. I watched him, as he focused on his ipad, doing some work.

The rest of the drive home was quiet, I couldn’t stop thinking about the loving relationship between Gerrard and Mama Rosa. He wasn’t the ruthless Gerrard everyone one talked about, he was sweet and warm towards her. Now that I think about it. It was probably the reason he didn’t want to replace her, he trusted her. And now he trusted me. He shouldn’t have. I am going to betray his trust. I have to, my father’s life was at stake. I sighed in despair.