Chapter 32

How foolish you are, Belle. Obviously, he had already eaten. I didn’t even understand why I had invited him in the first place. Maybe for a moment, I felt that was what he wanted. Besides, why would he want to eat with someone he despises so much? I only give people headaches. On the other hand, I liked to play with the idea that I could be an important woman if I accepted Mr. Cesar’s offer to be his assistant, but just thinking that I would ruin it made the bubble burst.

“What are we waiting for? Let’s go to dinner,” he said, walking toward the mansion. Surprised, I followed him, unable to believe he had accepted.

“Seriously, you’re not busy or anything?”

“It’s fine with me.”

♡

“Sir, this is urgent, very urgent.”

“What now, Carlos? We’re very busy in the kitchen to listen to your nonsense.”

“Master Cesar will be eating in the kitchen.”

“What? What are you talking about? That’s impossible. Stop saying such nonsense.”

“The head housekeeper just informed us. She says Master Cesar wants to have dinner in the kitchen tonight.”

“What crazy idea has gotten into Mr. Cesar’s head now? Do you know the reason for this madness?”

“Belle… she’s the reason.”

♡

Anxiously, I watched as the maids went back and forth, tidying up everything. I saw how the small corner had been swept, and the windows were opened to let the dust out. Suddenly, the usually heavy atmosphere smelled like flowers, and the old wooden table we used for meals had an elegant white tablecloth, a fresh vase of flowers, and even silverware.

“Since when did we have this for meals...?” I murmured, incredulous as I held the utensils, just like little Dino. It wasn’t too brazen... I suppose this was the influence of being the powerful master of his own mansion.

“What did you say?” he inquired, sitting across from me and placing the napkin on his lap. Why was he doing that? Did he have urinary incontinence?

“Nothing, I just said I didn’t expect you to agree to dine with me.”

“I needed to talk to you, and I took this opportunity.” Suddenly, a troop of uniformed waiters entered the small pantry with a menu of dishes fit to feed an entire regiment. They lined up to serve the meal, and suddenly, they placed a red creature in front of me.

“What is that...?” I murmured, fascinated.

“Lobster,” Mr. Cesar said, and then told the waiter, “Thank you for the dinner. Have they prepared it as they usually do?”

“Yes, sir, the chef put in extra effort, as always.” As always? But I usually had vegetable soup and day-old bread—I had never seen these foods in my life.

“Well, we can start,” Cesar said, giving us the go-ahead to dig in.

“Thank you for the dinner,” I said, picking up a gigantic fork while serving little Dino a bowl of the most luxurious soup.

“Now that we can finally have a normal conversation, I’d like to know if you’ve considered the proposal I made to you,” Cesar shouted over the loud cracking of the lobster.

“Proposal?” I shouted back, successfully removing a claw from the lobster.

“Are you sure you know how to eat lobster?”

“I never said I knew, but food is food.”

“Anyway... answer me,” he insisted, irritated.

“I can’t be your assistant if I don’t know anything. Why would you want to have a fool like me with no education by your side?” I shouted the last part, giving the lobster a hard whack, causing a large piece to land on Cesar’s face. With eyes wide as plates, I jumped up from my chair.

“Oh my God, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” I grabbed a napkin and moved closer to wipe his serious face.

“Forgive me, Mr. Cesar, I didn’t mean to...”

“I’m willing to teach you, and I’m willing to see you educated and trained. Don’t you want to change, to become a woman you can be proud of?” He lifted his icy blue-gray eyes that pierced through me without mercy.

“Ah... I... I don’t want to disappoint you or be a burden... why? Why would you choose me?”

“Because when something bothers me, I change it.” I stood there, frozen, hypnotized. No one had ever believed in me with such confidence in my life. Not even the people who abandoned me. I quickly backed away from him to sit back down at the table. I heard him sigh, and he took my lobster plate, handing me his, which was already perfectly cut. Why was he being so kind all of a sudden? He didn’t seem like the same despotic man as always.

“Thank you.”

“If I tell you to accept this great opportunity, it’s because it will help you grow, see beyond your tiny world. And maybe, in the future, you’ll be able to change your life.”

“That would be very ambitious…”

“So what? Without ambition, there’s no life worth living. Now eat,” he commanded, and I quickly took a forkful of lobster and put it in my mouth, causing me to smile.

“Oh my God, it’s delicious!” I said excitedly.

“Well, finally, you say something that makes sense,” I pouted, filling my mouth, and then blurted out.

“Fine, I accept, but on one condition.”

“What condition?”

“That this professional relationship remains purely work-related. I’ll be your pupil and absorb all your teachings like a sponge, and then I’ll go on to work on my own.” He raised an eyebrow and replied.

“Are you worried about something in particular?” My cheeks blushed under his intense gaze that hinted at something much deeper. It reminded me of that kiss, that encounter at the pub, and I think he was doing it to remind me of it.