To Love A Maiden: An Enemies To Friends To Lovers Romance ✓

Chapter 3 - Strange Woman

Cristiano felt curiosity rise inside of him as he walked back to his car with his project manager. He turned again to look behind him and he felt as though the man beside him was scrutinizing him. Where had that woman come from? When he heard Frank clear his throat, he straightened.

"You seemed a little distracted a minute ago, sir. Is everything okay?"

Cristiano released a quiet sigh as he thought of what he might say. It wasn't like he cared what Frank thought, but he wanted to make sure he was displaying a sense of professionalism and not be distracted by a mere stranger. But then again he couldn't help but wonder what the strange woman had been doing at a graveyard. Did she come to see someone? Had she recently lost a loved one? A friend? There was something in the way the woman had looked at him.

"Yes, Frank. Everything is okay. Come by my house on Monday afternoon and let's draw up a contract."

Frank nodded, a satisfied grin lifting his countenance. "Of course. Thank you, sir. I'll see you next week."

And with that, he was gone.

Cristiano was left with nothing else but the thought of a red-haired young woman in a white dress.

~~

It was Monday morning. And Angel had just finished cleaning the kitchen with two other maids after breakfast. Melinda wouldn't be working until an hour later. But Angel had to get to class. When she gave Naomi the last of the dishes, the older woman smiled at her. "That's why I like working with you. We just get things done efficiently and on time."

Before Angel could respond to her, the other maid, Dēdē, spoke up. "Oh please, efficient? for someone who works part-time?"

Angel shot her a glare. "And how does that affect your life, Dēdē?"

Dēdē scoffed and walked towards her, but Angel maintained her stance. "You should know how to talk to your elders, little girl. Look around -" Dēdē motioned with her arms. "Every maid in this house is older than you. Everybody is. And I'm sure the security dogs are older, too. So I suggest you keep your stupid mouth shut."

Angel continued to glare at her and could barely contain her laugh. "Honey, you sound like a toddler."

Dēdē's mouth fell open, but before any more words were exchanged, Claire stepped in the kitchen. "Angel, Mrs Kingsley wants you," she said, eyeing her.

Angel quickly checked her time. She only had about an hour before she would need to head out. Without sparing any of the ladies another glance, she dashed out of the kitchen towards one of the drawing rooms where she knew Ada Kingsley would be. The one with the piano. She forcefully pulled open the large double-doors to the drawing room; and upon seeing her face, the older woman smiled warmly.

"Angel, dear. Come in. I haven't seen you around lately."

Angel couldn't help but smile back. "Mrs Kingsley, you know my work schedule."

"Yes, yes. But still -" Ada waved her over so she could sit directly in front of her. Angel waited for her to continue. "You work so hard sometimes I think you work so you could avoid other things."

Angel lowered her gaze. She knew there was some truth in that. "But you pay me to work," she argued, and Ada just smiled, shaking her head.

"You are more like the daughter I never had."

"If you keep saying things like that, you'll have the rest of the maids thinking you are giving me special favors, you know." Angel was smiling fully now.

Ada slowly nodded. "I know you have to get to school now, but I wanted to ask you for a favor."

Angel was attentive now. "Of course, Mrs Kingsley."