Preparation

Aselia's POV

After he dropped me off in the kitchen, Madam Marci was in a state of turmoil as I silently watched the petit plump woman flail her hands in exasperation on discovering I had to cook a whole meal on my own.

I, on the other hand, was genuinely relaxed. He said he would eat anything I would cook so what was there to worry about? Madam Marci had decided that Ravioli with cream sauce as entrèe, medium rare beef steak with white sauce as a main course and chocolate pudding for dessert.

She had helped me with the ingredients and wanted me to get started as soon as possible. As I had no clue about cooking she knew it would take me hours to make these. She was standing on the opposite side of the counter giving me instructions I could see sweat oozing out on her face as she kept wiping it with a napkin. I felt sorry for her and the stress she had been placed in because of me.

She kept guiding me about the number of spices I should add and I added thrice the amount when she wasn't looking. I didn't pay much heed to her instructions anyway and by the time I was done preparing the meal, the poor woman almost had a heart attack. The steak was burnt black instead of medium rare, the ravioli looked like mashed potatoes and the chocolate pudding looked like brown water. While I had a broad smile on my face.

Frila had entered the kitchen and told me that it was time to get changed and meet them for lunch. She took me with her leaving a hysterical Madam Marci and the catastrophe of food I prepared behind. We made our way back to our room. I was left bewildered at the sight which awaited me. The whole bed was piled up with dresses, the floor with shoes and the dressing table with jewellery.

"Did you buy the whole market?" I exclaimed.

"No, these are all gifts for you from Señor, since you refused to pick on your own. He always showers his girls with them."

"Well I don't need so many and I don't even wear such fancy dresses and jewellery. Just give me a few simple dresses, hoodies and jeans and that's all." I was never the one to wear fancy outfits and no way I was keeping all this.

"You can choose the ones you like and I will take the rest of them back. Also, I have bought some beanies and berets for you to keep your ears covered. Señor says no one is supposed to see them. Though you don't have to wear one today." Frila pointed to an emerald box laying on the chair.

"Thanks, Frila I appreciate it." As I began to rampage through the dresses trying to sort out the ones I wanted to keep. I picked out five of them which were the least flashy, along with a few hoodies, sweatshirts and t-shirts. I sorted out some matching pyjamas, bell bottoms and jeans. Rest I piled up at a side to be taken back.

Frila helped me decide on what to wear today. It was a chiffon creamy white full sleeves halter top with black palazzo pants with a belt. The top was adorned neatly with matching pearls which gave it an elegant look. I chose simple white sandals as shoes and a pearl necklace to complete my look.

Frila did my makeup and I was glad she went with a natural look. She then neatly arranged my hair in a waterfall braid style and added some pearls in the centre of my braid.

"Wow, look at you, absolutely stunning." She beamed at me holding both my hands. I felt like a doll being dressed up ready to be placed in an exhibition. I didn't say that out aloud though.

Frila's phone began to ring, she answered it and told me we had to go. Xiran was waiting for us. We were to meet in the same hall I was presented to him yesterday. We left the room and after crossing the corridors entered the hall.

Unlike yesterday, the hall was empty today except for a table in the centre where two men were seated on comfy sofas. They were deep in conversation and were laughing heartily enjoying each other's company. One of them was Xiran who had his hands spread along the back of the sofa while the other I guessed was his friend he wanted me to meet.

We approached the table and Xiran lazily glanced toward me, his eyes widening as he stared at me from head to toe. I reached the table and his friend instantly stood up.

"Rivan, this is Aselia. Aselia that's Rivan, my best friend." Xiran introduced us lazily. Rivan had a sweet smile on his face as he extended his hand toward me. I shook it briefly.

"Nice to meet you." He said softly. He had straight brown hair which was neither too long nor too short. His oval face had a beautiful set of ocean-blue orifices a small nose and a fuller set of lips. His tanned skin, sturdy well-kept body, expensive three-piece suit, gold watch and musky perfume screamed rich.

"Same," I replied calmly before sitting on the sofa next to Xiran.

"This outfit truly suits you. I am glad it fits so perfectly. It's one of my personal favourites." He complimented my costume but I didn't understand what he meant by personal favourite.

Xiran seeing my confused expression spoke

up: "Rivan owns a clothing brand and he sent all those dresses for you."

"Oh! I see. Thanks, they are beautiful." He smiled and bowed his head slowly.

Meanwhile, Madam Marci and two other girls had arrived with lunch. I peeked at Madam Marci whose cheeks were as red as a cherry while her eyes showed anguish. She was muttering something under her breath as she began to serve the entrèe.

The plates she placed in front of Rivan and me were perfectly decorated with scrumptious-looking Ravioli while the plate she placed in front of Xiran looked like all hell broke loose in it. I smirked at the sight of his plate. Xiran gave one peculiar look to the plate and ordered: "Madam Marci remove Aselia's plate. She will share food with me."