Chapter 6

As the sun set, we prepared dinner for the Montenegro family again. While others were busy setting the table, I prepared the silverware and plates they would use. Just a few moments later, the family came down the long staircase. But I immediately noticed that Raphael was not with them. Claus looked at me, but I just bowed my head.

"Where's Raphael?" his father asked.

"I went to his room earlier and talked to him. He said he didn't feel like eating dinner. Maybe he wants to rest or maybe his head is hurting again," his mother replied. I felt worried about what I heard. Is he okay? I felt like going to his room and giving him medicine so his headache would go away. But I knew I had no right to do that.

"He's been having headaches for days. Hasn't he recovered yet from his accident?" his father asked, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. I frowned, wondering if what I heard was true.

"The doctor said it's normal for him to feel severe headaches because of the serious injury he sustained, and maybe because he's trying to recall all his lost memories," his mother added, which shocked me even more. My heart was racing, and I felt a mix of fear and anxiety. I was stunned by what I had just learned. Now I finally understood everything, and why he had been acting strange towards me since he returned, as if I was a stranger to him. All my questions had been answered, and I had finally found out the truth. None of what happened was his fault, and he didn't intentionally leave me alone; something terrible had happened to him, something I didn't know about. And despite all that, I had resented him, planting anger in my heart because I thought he didn't truly love me, but it turned out that everything had a reason.

"Betty?" I was startled when they called my name. Claus raised his glass, indicating that he needed water to drink. I quickly approached him, my hands shaking. I lifted the pitcher of cold water and slowly filled his empty glass. But I couldn't control myself, and my hands continued to shake uncontrollably, which Claus quickly noticed. He looked at me with a puzzled expression. I admit I wasn't in the right state of mind at that moment because I was thinking about what I had just learned about Raphael. My mind was wandering, and before I knew it, I had poured too much water into his glass, causing him to push me away.

"What's wrong with you? Are you insane?" he shouted at me, and my eyes widened in shock as I saw his wet clothes. Everyone was staring at me, and I didn't know what to do. I stood there like a statue, unable to move or react. In his anger, Claus raised his hand, ready to slap me, but before he could, Raphael appeared out of nowhere and stopped him.

"That's enough, Claus," he said in a calm voice, releasing Claus's hand. Claus lowered his hand and stormed out of the room, furious.

"Fix this mess. I want that woman gone," his father shouted, clearly displeased with what had happened. His wife followed him upstairs, leaving Raphael and me alone, standing facing each other.

"You're such a trouble to me," he said, then suddenly grabbed my wrist and pulled me towards the garden. He released me as soon as we were alone.

"Tell me, who are you really? Why do you always cause trouble here?" he asked in an angry tone. I looked down, tears streaming down my face. I was crying, not because of the trouble I had caused or because he was angry with me, but because I was grateful to God that he was back in front of me, safe and sound.

"Don't cry. I don't need your tears; what I need are explanations for why you always cause trouble here," he added, but I ignored his words and just wiped away my tears and looked up at him.

"Thank you," I said, the only words I could manage to utter. He raised an eyebrow, looking puzzled.

"Are you crazy? Thank you for what?" he asked.

"Just, thank you," I replied with a forced smile.

"Just like that? Is that really you or is it part of your personality? You were crying in front of me just a while ago, and now you're smiling at me as if nothing's wrong, even though you just lost your job. Are you still sane?" His long complaint made me smile even more, and I couldn't help but laugh at him. It had been a long time since I'd seen him and heard his voice. Since we met, I'd never seen him lose his temper because of me, but here he was, worried about me and scolding me like a little child.

"Yes, you're right. This is me. This is the real me. You can say I'm crazy, but I don't mind." I said with a smile, which further confused him.

"Does the man you're waiting for know that's how you are?" he asked. I just laughed and couldn't help but smile at his scowling face.

"Yes, he knows my whole personality. He accepts me for who I am, and as far as I know, he's okay with me being a little crazy." I said sarcastically, looking into his

. "I don't know anymore. You two are crazy." In frustration, he turned his back on me and walked away. I just smiled as I watched him leave. I'm glad he's back safe and sound. It seemed that all the resentment and anger I felt towards him had vanished when I learned the truth about him. Now I know he didn't abandon me; he didn't abandon our baby.

He didn't neglect us; he just had a secret he was hiding, something I didn't know about. In these moments, I'm willing to start anew, to create new memories with him. Memories filled with happiness, along with our future child. In these moments, I forgive him and forget the bad memories we shared. It won't be easy, but I'll help him heal and recover his lost memories. I won't leave him, no matter what happens. I'll stay by his side until everything is okay, until we build our dreams together. Now I understand why my heart chose him – he's the man I'll spend my life with.

"Sir, wait for me!" I called out to him, and he turned around, but then he quickened his pace. On that day, I reopened the door to my heart. But not to fall in love with another man; instead, to love him again and again.

Now that I understand everything, I won't waste any more time crying or sulking in a corner. Instead, I'll try to help him recover and heal his wounds from the accident. Even if he doesn't remember our past, I'm willing to build new, happy memories with him. And when the time is right, I'll tell him the truth – about the baby in my womb, who will arrive in just a few months. He won't be alone again, and he won't miss his father because I know that when Raphael finds out about the baby, he'll be overjoyed.

We've been waiting for you for so long, and you're one of our biggest dreams. You're the fruit of our love for each other. I won't let anyone hurt you two; the three of us will live far away in a peaceful and happy place where no one can come between us and ruin our love. I know the path I've chosen won't be easy, but I know that's what Raphael wants for us too. I know him better than anyone, and I know that nothing is more important to him than us two.

Raphael's eyes narrowed, and he looked at me with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice firm but with a hint of uncertainty.

I took a deep breath and smiled, trying to appear calm despite the turmoil inside me. "I'm...I'm someone who cares about you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Raphael's expression didn't change, and he looked at me with a detached gaze. "I don't know you," he said, his voice flat.

I felt a pang of sadness, but I refused to give up. "That's okay," I said, trying to sound cheerful. "We can start from scratch. I'll get to know you again, and you can get to know me."

Raphael raised an eyebrow, and I could see the skepticism in his eyes. "Why would you want to do that?" he asked, his voice laced with suspicion.

I took another deep breath and decided to take a risk. "Because I believe that we have a connection," I said, my voice filled with conviction. "A connection that goes beyond just knowing each other's names."

Raphael's expression didn't change, but I could see a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "What kind of connection?" he asked, his voice a little softer.

I smiled, feeling a sense of hope. "A connection that only comes from sharing a deep and meaningful experience," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "A connection that can't be broken, no matter what happens."

Raphael's eyes searched mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of recognition. But it was quickly replaced by a look of confusion, and I realized that I still had a long way to go.

But I was willing to wait, to be patient, and to help Raphael recover his memories. I was willing to do whatever it took to make him mine again, to make us whole again.

And as we stood there, looking at each other with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty, I knew that I was ready to face whatever the future held, no matter how long it took for Raphael to remember me.

***

"It's true, I didn't get fired. Instead, I asked the Montenegros to give me another chance, and they agreed. Anytime, I'm ready to leave this place, but because of Raphael, I'll stay, for our future child's sake.

Since that day, I haven't seen Claus around the mansion, nor the Montenegros. It's usually just Raphael left behind. That's why I've been trying to get closer to him.

"Time for your breakfast, sir," I said to him while he was sitting in front of the dining table, munching on a sandwich. He looked up at me with a raised eyebrow, and I smiled.

"Yeah, I know it's already morning. What do you think I'm doing? Eating my breakfast," he replied gruffly, holding up his sandwich.

"I know, but you're sitting in front of the dining table, and that's not proper etiquette. I'm sure you know what I mean," I said, trying to sound calm.

He got my point and immediately put down his phone and placed it on the table. "Wait a minute, are you teaching me? Do you forget who you are in this house?" he asked, his voice laced with annoyance.

I just smiled and leaned in close to his ear. "I'm a housemaid. But that doesn't mean you can boss me around, even if you are my master."

After I whispered that to him, I quickly walked away before he could respond. He turned around, looking at me with a mixture of surprise and annoyance, but I didn't mind.

As dusk approached, Raphael suddenly called for a meeting. All the mansion staff gathered because he had an important announcement to make.

While Betty was dragging me by the arm, I wondered why I was joining her, not knowing what was going on or who had called the meeting.

Just then, we heard a clattering sound from the staircase. Everyone fell silent, and all attention was focused on him. I saw Raphael wearing blue sleepwear, holding a cane in his left hand and a saucepan in his right, which he had been clattering.

What was he doing? And why had he gathered us all?

"Perhaps you've all heard that I have something important to announce. Perhaps you also know that Christmas is near, and you want to spend it with your loved ones, right?" he said confidently, looking at me with a raised eyebrow.

Everyone was excited, especially Betty, who loved surprises like this. "You'll all receive a cash bonus from me. You know what a cash bonus is, right? It's a payment on top of your monthly salary here at the mansion. On top of that, I'll give you all food groceries to take home to your families."

Plus..." He paused, sitting down on the stairs with one leg bent. "I'll give an additional cash prize to whoever I choose for their excellent performance. You know what I mean? I'll choose one of you and reward you with a large sum of money or anything you want, but only one thing. I'll grant your wish, no matter what it is. However, that's only if you can prove to me that you have good performance. Remember, I'll only choose one of you."

He announced this with pride, as if proud of himself. "I hope I'm the one he chooses. What should I wish for? A luxurious car? Or maybe a house and lot? But that's two things. Maybe just a house? Or would cash be better? What do you think, Delilah?" Betty's face lit up with excitement and anticipation.

I looked around and noticed that almost everyone was eager to take on Raphael's challenge and hoped to be chosen. Everyone was thrilled, except for me.

"Why do you look like that? Aren't you happy that we'll receive many gifts this Christmas?" Betty asked, noticing my expression.

"I'm happy, of course," I replied briefly.

"Happy? You don't look happy. Are you not excited that you might be chosen and can ask him for half of his wealth for your child?" Betty said, looking at me.

I glared at her. "Because he's the child's father. He'll probably give everything to our child anyway, even if I'm not chosen."

I didn't say anything else and ignored her. I was about to leave, but Raphael spoke again.

"There's one more important thing I need to say. I'll be implementing new rules and regulations starting now, and all of you need to sign or agree to the new policies I'll be enforcing."

As he said this, I quickly turned around, frowning. It so happened that he was looking in my direction, and he gave me a sly smile.

"I'd also like to inform you that I've hired a new personal assistant, and that's you," he said, pointing at me, and everyone looked at me.

"What does he think he's saying? Me? As his personal assistant? He seems fine and not disabled, so why does he need a personal assistant? Or is he just getting back at me for what I said to him earlier? I didn't know he had a childish side like this.

I thought to myself, trying to calm myself down.

"Lucky her, getting promoted as Sir's personal assistant. Her salary will surely increase," I heard someone say around me. Everyone was shocked and envious of my new job, but I wasn't happy about Raphael's prank. Doesn't he see that I'm pregnant? And yet he wants to make me his assistant? No way!

"To my new personal assistant, you'll all learn about the new policies I'll be implementing starting now in this mansion. You'll also find out who the lucky winner is that I've chosen. All of you will go through evaluation by her, and she'll give you a credit score. She'll report to me who deserves to have their wish granted and has good performance. I hope you're all pleased with the good news I've brought you. Good evening," Raphael said, turning to leave, but then stopped and turned around again.

"One more thing, I forgot something." He took something out of his pocket and suddenly threw it in my direction. Luckily, I caught it. "Good catch!" he said, winking at me.

I looked down at the object he threw at me, and my eyebrow rose when I saw a black walkie-talkie. "Uh-huh... hello? Can you hear me?" Raphael suddenly spoke into the walkie-talkie, startling me, and I dropped it. Everyone laughed.

"You better take care of it. It's quite expensive, but I can also deduct it from your salary. You know what that thing is and how to use it, right?" Raphael said, but I didn't respond. Instead, I glared at him, my fist clenched, as if I wanted to punch him in the face just once to teach him a lesson.

"Wait, are you serious? You don't know what that thing is? Come, go to my room, and I'll teach you," Raphael said with a sly smile, heading up to his room.

"Good luck, lady. It will be a tough job for you," someone said to me, patting my shoulder.

"Poor lady. She doesn't know how mischievous Sir is," another person said.

"She's lucky, but I'm content with my job as a housemaid," someone else said.

"You can do it, girl! Fighting!" Betty said, laughing loudly.

Everyone left the mansion, leaving me alone with the walkie-talkie on the floor. I picked it up, holding it tightly, wanting to smash it, but I decided to be patient instead. Maybe he thought I was an easy girl who would follow all his orders. Well, he's wrong. No matter what he does, I won't obey him.

I was about to leave, but the walkie-talkie suddenly beeped. "Where are you now, my personal assistant? Didn't I tell you to come to my room right now? I don't like being kept waiting. Come here before 5 minutes, or you're fired!" Raphael's voice came through the walkie-talkie, and I felt my anger rise.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm down. "That son of a...! He'll see who he's messing with!" I muttered, slowly making my way up the stairs, my head steaming with anger.

As I reached the top of the stairs, I took a deep breath and composed myself before entering Raphael's room. I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing me lose my temper.

I opened the door and found Raphael sitting on his bed, looking at me with an expectant expression. "Ah, finally, you're here," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I was starting to think you got lost on the way."

I ignored his jab and walked towards him, holding out the walkie-talkie. "You wanted to teach me how to use this?" I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral.

Raphael nodded, taking the walkie-talkie from me. "Yes, I did. It's quite simple, really. You just need to press this button to talk, and this button to listen."

As he explained the functions of the walkie-talkie, I found myself getting increasingly frustrated. Who did he think he was, talking to me like I was a child? I knew how to use a walkie-talkie, for crying out loud!

But I bit my tongue and continued to listen, pretending to be interested in his explanation. I didn't want to give him any reason to fire me, not now that I had a chance to get closer to him and uncover the truth about his past.

As the "lesson" came to an end, Raphael handed me the walkie-talkie and smiled. "I think that's all for now. You can go back to your duties."

I nodded, taking the walkie-talkie from him. "Thank you, sir," I said, trying to sound sincere.

As I turned to leave, Raphael called out to me. "And, Delilah?"

I turned back to him, raising an eyebrow. "Yes, sir?"

Raphael's smile grew wider. "Don't think about trying to sabotage me or my plans. I have my eyes on you, and I won't hesitate to fire you if you step out of line."

I felt a chill run down my spine as I met his gaze. What was he trying to imply? Did he know something about my past, about my true intentions?

I pushed the thoughts aside and smiled sweetly at him. "I wouldn't dream of it, sir," I said, trying to sound convincing.

Raphael's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of suspicion. But then, his expression smoothed out, and he nodded. "Good. I'm glad we understand each other."

I nodded, backing away slowly. "Yes, sir. We do."