Under the stars

Chapter 21

"You should probably know by now that even though I mean nothing to him they would most probably come for me as there is too much money riding on this deal to leave it". "That is a good point to actually make but don't buttercup I will deal with it".

It took me a minute to process what he said to me but once he did I tried the word buttercup on my lips. It was such a foreign word but brought an unknown sense of familiarity. It was like a new breath of fresh air in my lungs. He said it with such ease that it actually calmed me down. I wait patiently until he comes back down and leads me out of the cellars. As soon as I make it into the light room I am shocked beyond reason.

It looks identical to Santiago's castle to the tea. Everything looks the same except this place has a warmer and more inviting vibe. Whether that is because of the environment or the people I am not too sure but it is definitely there. Nonetheless he continued walking me up the same steps I first walked down to greet Santiago's family and it was sending chills down my spine. All the bad memories come crashing down and at one moment in time I thought I was in the same place and Santiago was waiting to kill me right around the corner.

I had to calm myself down and prove to myself that it is not true but even then I was far from docile. I struggled to take in my surroundings and the windows here seemed to capture more light than in Santiago's house. It all felt very surreal and it felt like I was reliving my worst nightmare all over again. A kind looking lady came from the kitchen area. I could immediately tell she worked in this household and judging from her outfit, probably the kitchen lady. "This is Lydia, the head housekeeper and main kitchen chef. Lydia I want you to meet, um lady". He whispered in my ear in that second

"What is your name again?" "Evelyn". "Right where I was, Lydia meet Evelyn, she will be staying here for god knows how long and I hope that she gets treated with the utmost respect and care. I will see you to it. Oh and also I expect her at dinner as well hopefully not late on top of that". I expected the lady named Lydia to bow down to show her respect but instead she just chuckled at him. "Don't worry boss, I will see to it". She said with a mock salute. 

The situation was somewhat funny and I found it hilarious how quickly I adjusted to the royal Santiago ways. The head housekeeper seemed like someone this mysterious guy has known for ages and I have really been waiting to get to know his name. It is really bothering me to refer to him as a mystery guy and it is only fair since he knows mine.

He was turning to walk away but I caught his attention before he could."Well since you know my name, It is only fair I know yours right". "Well since you seem so keen". "It is Ace". I was momentarily taken aback. I do not know why. He had a pretty standard name but I was confused as to whether that was his actual name or short for something and his outstanding comparisons to Santiago made me even more curious. 

"So do you happen to be related to Santiago, you know my chance". He just looked at me with amusement and a funny looking sparkle in his eye. "So you are really not as smart as they say". He lauded a wholehearted chuckle. He said it in such an obvious tone that I could not help but let out a nervous chuckle. But he regained his serious demeanour and continued. A skill Santiago used to do a lot which would throw me of course as to whether he really was being sincere or mocking me. 

"But on a more serious note, I really thought you would have figured it out by now but yes indeed I am your so-called hero Santiago's younger brother". I was stuck like a deer in headlights. I figured that they were related but I was expecting some far connection like far cousins or something even further than that. It took a moment for it to settle in and I realised how stupid I was being. I walked from one trap to another. 

I was so dumb to not realise the similarities between them that them being brothers made perfect sense. They looked similar and different at the same time which also threw me off but I was all too familiar with that sparkle in their eyes. He just stood there smirking at me as I weighed out my options and circumstances.