High Hopes|✔

Chapter 22

O P H E L I A ' S   P O V

I felt my eyes flutter open due to the light seeping through the tiny holes of the curtain.

Usually, where I used to live, this would annoy me to no end but right now, lying on this huge queen's sized bed in an even larger bedroom, the blaring light was a reminder that I wasn't dreaming.

I stretched my arms in the air, hearing a few joints crack. With a contented sigh leaving my lips, I threw my feet over the side of the bed and checked the time.

It appeared that I woke up earlier than I was supposed to so I figured that I would just head downstairs and make some hot chocolate.

I grabbed a white fluffy robe that was already in the bathroom which reached about 6 inches above my ankles since the previous night was absolutely heated and I only wore shorts with a tank top.

I tied the robe in a knot, rinsed my mouth, then made my way downstairs.

I hummed a little out loud and finally swung the corner to make it into the main kitchen.

My feet came to a halt when I saw a man already in it, wearing a white dress shirt and black slacks.

He had brown hair and from what I could make out, light stubble across his chin, leading into a just as light moustache.

I couldn't see his eyes but from here, it was easy to make out that the female population would consider him attractive.

I cleared my throat as I watched him stand in front of the stove.

He jumped slightly and I then said, "Good morning." Cautiously.

He placed the spatula on a plate and turned to me holding out his hand as I tightened my hand around my robe.

"Garcia." He smiled. "The new chef." I reached out to shake his hand with a similar smile to his own, "Nice to meet you."

We released both of our hands and he went back to the counter where I see him expertly dicing and slicing.

"Isn't it a bit early for you to be here? I was informed that the maids start their work at six." He inquired as he looked at me momentarily.

My eyebrows scrunched, "Oh no, you must be mistaken. I-I'm not one of the maids." I clarified.

He paused his action and looked at me, his eyes swiping over my robe for a quick second, "Oh, I'm terribly sorry. How rude of me for assuming. A friend of Mr. Morterez?" He pushed.

I cleared my throat awkwardly, "Sort of." I looked down. "So what are you making?" I changed the subject.

"Well," His light blue eyes watched me as I stood next to him. "I haven't had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Morterez personally yet and would like to create a good first impression with a big feast." He informed me.

I puckered my lips, shifting them from side to side, "L— Mr. Morterez is a simple man, you want to impress him? Make a simple meal since he doesn't have time to eat in the morning and he'll see it as you wasting his food." I told him.

He stopped and crossed his arms across his chest, "Are you sure?" I nodded. "Hmm, you must be a closer friend than I thought." He laughed lightly.

"Girlfriend." I corrected shyly, making his eyes evaluate me closely.

"Y-You're Ms. Collins? Ophelia?" He asked weirdly.

My brows furrowed, "Yes, why?"

"N-Nothing." He waved me off. "Just thought you'd be more..." He trailed off as he cleared his throat.