Chapter 25 Hurt

"What did he say?

Did he say that I smell good?

When Rozzean move away from, I just looked at him without saying a word. My lips were slightly open in surprise. He just sniffed my neck, hugged me tightly, and I felt his thing!

He knows it! It's impossible that he doesn't know his own temper is flaring up!

"I know my rules in this house, Tali," he said while holding my cheeks.

I'm still in shock and not moving. Why is he acting like this now? Could it be that he really likes me? My heart is pounding fast, and the nervousness won't go away. This wasn't part of the plan. It never crossed my mind either.

"S-Sir, why did you..."

I was startled when he flicked my forehead. It was gentle, but I still touched the spot he hit.

Rozzean stepped back and crossed his arms. I just looked at him, and his normal expression returned to his face.

"Your one-week test is over. You passed."

I was stunned at my place after I heard that.

"W-What?" One week? Test? Passed?

"Sir, what do you mean?" I asked and slowly lowered my hand that he hit on my forehead.

"You mentioned that I was attracting the attention of the maids, didn't you? I was only doing that to see if I had an effect on them. And that's what happened earlier with you."

I was too surprised to respond. What the heck, Rozzean? He tested... me?

I suddenly felt embarrassed about the things I thought, about almost reciprocating his hug. I'm glad I didn't hug him back. Darn it.

I lowered my head slowly. I clenched my fists as he moved away, appearing to leave the kitchen. I can't believe what just happened. Shame on you, self, for thinking that Rozzean would like you—his maid.

I assumed too much based on his actions.

You should be embarrassed, Thaliana.

"It's a good thing you didn't fall for me in just a week, Tali. I need a housemaid. You're good at household chores," he said, glancing at the table.

"After you're done cleaning here, go upstairs."

I felt intense embarrassment for myself. Rozzean didn't know what was going through my mind earlier, and I'm grateful that I didn't voice those thoughts. I held back from speaking, from giving meaning to his hug, and from getting carried away in a situation that wasn't even... real.

I have never felt this kind of shame in my life, not ever. And I feel like crying...

"Oh, Thaliana..." I whispered.

Rozzean had left the kitchen, but I remained frozen in my spot.

I closed my eyes tightly and made a move. For a moment, the distress from the things he had said seemed to fade away.

So, I was right?

His approaches, always without any romantic intentions, and even my visit to his garden, even though he had made it clear that he didn't invite the maids there—were all just to test if I could uphold my claim of not developing feelings for him?

"Shame on you, Thaliana. You are so assuming."

I suddenly held onto my neck.

"Even his words seemed true. I just smiled and shook my head. He almost got me there. He's really good at acting. I need to remind myself of that.

"But it's good. At least, I found out the truth that he was just testing me."

And I'm grateful I didn't give in. That's what I'll focus on.

I quickly washed the dishes in the kitchen. Even though the scene with Rozzean earlier kept popping into my mind, I tried my best to finish the cleaning. I didn't want to remember it, but it just kept coming back.

I shook my head and smiled faintly.

The man is attractive. I can't deny that because it's a fact. He's a young billionaire with a handsome face, tall, and a sexy, well-built body.

But after learning the truth behind his actions, I was disappointed. Not in Rozzean, but in myself.

I suddenly forgot our current circumstances. I am his maid, and he's a young billionaire businessman. Many people admire him.

Why would he like his maid?

His maid of just more than a week staying in his place.

"I've been reading too many novels," I said to myself.

I shook my head and headed back to my room. I am thankful I didn't respond to his actions earlier. That's the best action I should do.

From what I heard from Rozzean, it's highly unlikely that he'd fall for a maid. He made it clear with what he did.

Now, I need to get back to the reason why I'm here. To find a way to prevent our wedding from happening. I need to change Daddy's mind.

"Think about what I said, Thaliana."

I'm sorry, Maki. I'm here now, and I'll finish these two months.

"Whether I find something or not, after two months, I'll have to return to my life as Thaliana."

Lost in thoughts about what happened and what I'll do in the coming days, I fell asleep. The sound of the alarm woke me up the next day. Just like usual, I quickly showered, got dressed, and went downstairs to cook breakfast for Rozzean.

"Good morning, Tali."

I smiled at Manang. "Good morning, Manang."

I opened the cabinet and took out a cup. I poured some milk and then sat in front of Manang. She was almost done drinking her coffee. I glanced at the wall behind Manang.

Suddenly, I saw the image of Rozzean and me from last night. Our bodies were so close, his face was against my neck, and his hands were tightly hugging my back.

I can't stop thinking about what happened. Every time I remember, I get annoyed with myself.

When the clock struck six, Manang went outside and brought coffee to the guards. I, on the other hand, looked for something to cook in the fridge. I'm not in the mood; in fact, this is how I feel when I experience extreme self-disappointment.

But now, I know what to do.

I firmly held the knife and sliced the hotdogs in half.

"I passed, huh? I almost fell for you, damn it."

I fried some eggs, hotdogs, and potatoes. When I checked the time, it was close to seven. Rozzean would be coming down to drink water. That's what I noticed about him.

"Are you done cooking, Tali?" Manang asked me when she returned from outside.

"I'm almost done," I said, as I sliced some tomatoes. I suddenly liked making tomato dip.

Manang took the knife, and I noticed she was holding a mango. I wonder where she got it from. Could it be from the neighbor lady who has a crush on Rozzean?

"Where did the mango come from, Manang?" I asked.

"This? It's from the backyard. It's ready to eat, although it's quite high, so I asked the guard to get some for me. Do you want some?"

I glanced at the mango and suddenly my mouth watered.

Manang looked at the tomatoes and said, "Oh, it's so delicious to dip in. Should we add some mango to that tomato dip?"

I smiled, "Sure, Manang!"

After I finished slicing the tomatoes, I opened the fridge and saw the vegetables down below. Manang and I rarely get to eat vegetables because I usually cook pork and chicken for Rozzean.

I took the long eggplants from the bottom and brought them out.

"Manang, how about we have some vegetables for lunch, like 'pakbet'?" I asked while looking at her as she peeled the mango.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Rozzean approaching us. It seems like he came down early today.

I noticed he was wearing an upper garment. A white t-shirt.

Oh, right, my test is over. That means showing his body is also over.

I was looking at Manang, but I could sense Rozzean. He's getting closer to me, opened the fridge, and took some water.

"What about you, what do you want?"

I glanced at what I was holding due to Manang's question. Then I suddenly remembered my favorite dish that Mommy used to cook often.

"Eggplants, Manang, even if they're just fried. I love eating eggplants, especially the omelette with scrambled eggs."

Before Manang could respond, we both looked at Rozzean as he choked.

"Sir, are you okay?" Manang hurriedly grabbed a tissue and handed it to Rozzean, but he just raised his hand and left us in the kitchen without saying a word.

What happened to him?