Opulent Starbrooke Mansion

Even with her gleeful calls, he knew the stress was all over her because she didn't call him Theo as of the moment. Nevertheless, he tried to keep up with her sluggish demeanor and assisted whatever he could.

"Would you like me to prepare your favorite dish for tonight's meal?"

"Please do, please do."

Nathalie moved as though she was tipsy, which had Theodore stare in deep concern.

"Your warm tub bath is ready; in the meantime, we shall prepare for the dinner."

"Okay…"

Nathalie went straight to her room and plopped her body to the bed, sprawled a violet velvet comforter. Thereon, her tensed muscles let loose and embraced the cuddles it offered. The room went abuzz as soon as the air conditioner turned on; other than that, it was her long breaths occupying the silence.

Right before she closed her eyes, the recurring words of Tyler echoed in her head as though it came to haunt her incessant dreams.

That in mind, she sprung and gravitated towards her desk. Her amber eyes peered at the compiled sheets of paper with printed words for her to look at it.

She took a deep breath, grabbing it, and went through a short read.

'I have yet to revise this manuscript; I shall work on this tonight!'

Nathalie poured all of her blood, sweat, and tears for this manuscript that was supposedly the sequel of the novel she had in mind.

She had already envisioned what she wanted to do; somehow, these things never tired her, not one bit as it was close to her heart. Even to the point of dreaming it.

'Back when I started writing, no one imposed what I wanna do. Now, they are coming for me? Not today Satan, not today.'

Before she got to immerse back in the reading session, the door knocked thrice and followed Theodore's calling.

"Ma'am, the dinner's served."

"I'm on my way!" Nathalie hollered back, turning her head towards the door. She placed the manuscript on the table and shuffled her way out of the room.

"You have yet to take your warm bath, Ma'am," he mumbled, closing the door for her with a clink on the enameled gold doorknob.

"I already took a—" Though her jaws locked tight when his stern gaze went up and down. She still wore the same outfit.

"Shall I warm it up again?"

"It's all fine, Theodore. Just busy these days." She couldn't help but tap her left hand on her temple.

A little flustered to lie this much.

"I suppose so."

Both sauntered towards the bifurcated stairs, coming close to the first step.

The cream porcelain tiles met with pinewood risers and topped made of white wool carpet. It was cascading every tread therein, making her sharp clacks muffled.

Going down to the upper landing, her hand grazed over the silver-and-gold handrails while her eyes wandered as though it was her first time venturing in forever. The towering walls held grand portraits of the previous owners—dignified owners and nobles—worth paying homage.

Up the ceiling stretched the murals far and wide, comparable to high-resolution images. More than anything, a grand chandelier hung and pointed the centerpiece several steps beyond the former landing.

Whenever she was in retrospect, a swelling pride loomed her heart as she acquired this mansion for all the time and effort she poured throughout her career.

'In two years, I was able to reach this phase of my life. I could never be happier than ever.' There were sparkles in her eyes every time she twirled around, no different from a lady in upper-class society.

"Very enthusiastic of you all of a sudden, Ma'am."

"Well," she responded, clasping her hands behind her back. "Because I have this mansion, and I have you and the rest of the staff to manage."

Theodore let out a hearty chuckle from her jovial tone. "We are more than grateful to have a considerate owner. This beloved mansion remained as it is." He started to catch up with her fast trots.

"I plan to preserve the integrity and the heritage of this mansion, after all."

"That's why we deeply appreciate your utmost efforts—Ma'am! Please be careful from constant spinning; you'll fall!" He shuffled faster, causing his voice to falter.

Of course, she stopped and strutted her way to the dining hall. The place she was in soothed her tensed muscles, bringing with vim and vigor to her body.

Several steps across was a long dining table, in a lavish table setting for her seat, laid in wait for the favorite dishes: dry roasted beef, braised chicken thighs, and mushroom soup, to indulge for tonight. The aroma began to swirl around her, bewitching her senses to sit without delay.

Taking a seat, hands slinked the knife and fork on the beige cloth. There she cut a section of the chicken, revealing its juicy, tender meat. Steam rose along with the irresistible smell. With a bite, the savory food melted in her mouth within seconds.

Eyes darted at the mushroom soup with dark left greens sprinkled on it that she couldn't help but take a scoop on her rice.

'I feel like I'm about to cry from the food…' She covered her mouth and contemplated every spice the soup had to offer.

There were also thinly sliced roasted beef waiting for her and slices of mangoes and watermelons. Her eyes almost rattled as soon as she scoured over them.

'Wait up! Wait up! I feel outnumbered; I'll eat you all— One by one.'

Unbeknownst to her, Theodore stood beside and stole a glance from her indulgence. It has come to his attention how many times he pinched himself to halt his stifled laughs from her actions.

Time ticked for an hour, but it was several minutes for her; she covered her mouth once more when immediate notice of burp came.

"A bloody delicious meal. Chef Ronald is the best."

"He'd be delighted to hear your compliments, Ma'am."

Nathalie giggled from his regards. "I would like to eat with you all someday."

"Oh, we don't do that here, Ma'am." Theodore, for innumerable times, shook his head from the same comment.

"I insist."

"We'd be ashamed to eat alongside our master considering her position and prestige." With how her face paled from his adamant replies, he hurriedly added his statement, "I suggest inviting guests such as your friends and might as well your family—"

Once again, Theodore stepped on the same landmine.