Chapter 10
I’ve been working here in the mansion for almost a month now. My job still hasn’t change.
I could rarely see Maître Andrew and I would take a glimpse at him every time I cross the living room when he’s eating.
To be honest, I don’t want to ever be near him. Just like what madame said, I should try to avoid him at all costs.
I have also never seen Zeke and the others for a while.
*Kring kring*
Getting my phone, I saw Tiya calling. I didn’t hesitate to answer immediately.
“Hello?” Hearing the sound of somebody’s cries suddenly made me worry about what happened to Brylle.
“Nassandra, it’s Brylle.” I calmed myself down before answering.
“Why? What happened?”
“He’s been crying all day. He wouldn’t stop, saying he wants to see you.” I furrowed my eyebrows. I may want to go there since I already miss him but I just can’t. Even if they’ll let me, it’s a far trip from here to there. I’m not familiar with this place at all.
“Tell him we’ll do a video-call.”
“I already told him that. He wants to hug you.” This made me let out a bitter smile.
“But I can’t go back there yet. They might not let me.” I thought of a way.
“Tiya, could you give the phone to Brylle?”
“Sure.” I heard the cries getting louder.
“Brylle, here’s your mommy.” His cries calmed down a bit as he heard my voice.
“Hey, baby. Are you okay? Why are you crying?” He sniffed.
“I miss you mama. Please go home. Huhuhu!” This made my eyes well up with tears, I truly do miss him so much. He continued to cry when suddenly I was shocked when he called someone a papa.
“Papa! Huhuhu! Papa!” This made me go back to the time where I first saw him.
He was crying so hard that night and can only say one word. He was calling his papa. And I know for a fact that I’m not the one he’s longing for, but his papa.
“I feel so alone, papa!” My heart broke as I heard Brylle’s growing voice.
“Brylle, you’re not alone, okay? Do you want us to video-chat?” His cries became louder again.
“No! You are not my papa! You left me! I hate you!” I suddenly held my chest. I fell silent, not knowing what to say.
“H-Hey, baby. Listen, alright? You’re not alone. I’m here with you. I am talking to you. You’ll always be by my heart, okay? And I’m always in your heart, right?” He was quiet for a while.
“No, I don’t want you.” I heard Tiya scolding Brylle in the background.
“Nassandra, can’t you just ask permission to leave? Just for today?”
“Alright, I’ll try to ask.” I sadly remarked.
“I’m sorry about Brylle, Nassandra.”
“No, I should be the one apologizing for Brylle. We’ve been too much of a disturbance.” I went to the kitchen to find manang.
“It’s alright, Nassandra. Both of you are a blessing to me.” This made me smile.
“Thank you, Tiya.”
“Sure, text me if you’ll ever come.”
“Yes.” Ending the call, I tried my best to prevent the tears from falling.
I saw manang, Nathan, and Ema at the kitchen. When manang saw me, she immediately pulled me and gave me vegetables to slice.
“Nassandra, kindly assist us here. All of Keiranz’s subordinates will spend their lunch here. We need to hurry up.” Just holding the veggies she gave me, I looked at her with pleading eyes.
“Manang Vilma, is it alright if I took my day-off today? Something happened back home and I have to be there.” Manang didn’t bother gazing at me.
“I’m afraid I can’t let you, Nassandra. Today is Jane’s day-off. It’s just the four of us here and it’s almost time for their lunch. They’ll be here any minute.” I furrowed my eyebrows.
“But—” she held both of my cheeks in her hands.
“Nassandra,” she says. I understood what she’s trying to comprehend so I sadly nodded my head.
I just did my job like manang ordered. A few moments later, ten people wearing all black arrived at the house.
There were three girls and eight boys, along with Maître Andrew.
While all of them were happily eating, us, maids, are at the corners waiting for further instructions.
I ignored the continuous gazes I got from Zeke and Dale because I could still remember what happened with Zeke.
Not to mention, Maître Andrew who is staring at me intently. I didn’t dare to look back at his gaze, I might get in trouble for doing that.
Somehow, I feel like Brylle is getting depression at such a young age. It took a long time before Brylle could even smile genuinely at me ever since we met. I don’t want that to happen again.
“Nassandra, can you get more juice?” I turned to look at Katie who flashed a friendly smile at me. I noticed everyone can’t help but turn to me, as well.
I bowed.
“Yes, maîstresse.” Getting the empty pitcher, I walked back towards the kitchen.
“How did you know her, Katie?” Asked a guy who’s got a lot of tattoos on his arm.
“Oh, it’s just that Zeke knows her.” Zeke looked at her.
“I’m not saying anything.” He defenses.
“Well, her beauty’s not hard to notice.” This made me look at a man who’s got a large body built. Our gazes met for a second but I immediately broke away. Everyone’s quiet at the end of the table while they’re listening to their companions.
Manang held me gently and gestured for me to leave. I understood what she said so I returned to the kitchen.
I went out through the backdoor and went to the garden. I sat by a flat rock that wouldn’t be easily spotted from the house.
Closing my eyes, I suddenly felt exhausted. I wonder if Brylle is still crying?
“Brylle.”
No, you are not my papa! You left me. I hate you!
A tear fell from my eye which is followed by a fountain of tears. I covered my face to muffle out any kind of noise I might make.
I know Brylle didn’t want to say those but it still hurts me. Hearing from your only family member that they don’t want you.
Rapidly wiping my tears, I wish I could just stop crying.
I heard approaching footsteps which made me cover my face even more.
A strong pairs of hands held mine to remove them from my face. I immediately covered myself using my arm. Can’t this guy sense that I don’t want to show myself?!
He completely removed the cover from my face and held both of my cheeks. I lowered my head to just glimpse on the man’s shoes in front of me.
I leaned my body forward on the man’s body. He smells like Zeke. Holding on his black shirt, I went on tearing up while he was tracing my hair like a child.
As my cries softened, he spoke.
“Are you done wetting my shirt?” Suddenly irritated at his voice, I gently pushed him and turned around.
“If you came here just to tease me, please leave.” He laughed.
“After making me your human handkerchief?” I rolled my eyes as I wiped my face using my clothes. This just made me stare and fell silent.
As he walked towards me, he knelt down to see my face. His face pops out from my vision to which I brushed his gaze off and sniffed.This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.
“Cute.” I gave him a glare as he observed me before speaking.
“What happened?” I stared at him for a few seconds before letting out a sigh.
“Tiya called earlier. Brylle is crying and he wouldn’t stop. When I tried to calm him down he just yelled at me and said that I left him and he hates me.” I clenched my fists. Zeke paused in disbelief.
“He said that?” I nodded which made him think.
“Do you want to go home?” I shook my head at him.
“Manang said that I can’t.” This made him smirk.
“Are you kidding me? I’m like your master.” I raised a brow at him.
“So?” He rolled his eyes.
“Uhmm, I can bring you home even if it’s not allowed.” I sniffed as I observed the look on his eyes.
“Really?” He rolled his eyes again and nodded. I immediately stood up.
“Then let’s go, I neede to go to Brylle.” He laughed while standing up then we went back to the house together.
I gave manang notice which left her with no choice since it was already Zeke’s orders.
I found out Zeke left casually and never even bothered to bid his farewells to the people in the dining room.
“Where are you going, Zeke?” I heard a woman asked him. The latter ignored the question and we just went straight to his car.
—————
When we arrived at the house, Tiya was waiting outside with a problematic face. I quickly got out of the car and went to her.
“Nassandra!” Tiya said with surprise. She saw Zeke with me which made her forget what she was about to ask.
“Where’s Brylle?” I asked. She pointed inside the house.
“He’s in your room, he’s still crying.” I immediately went inside the house and opened the door that leads to our room.
I saw Brylle at the very corner of the room, hugging his legs tight to his chest.
His cries got louder the moment he saw me.
I quickly grabbed to hug him and I felt him pushing me away. Despite that, I didn’t let go of my embrace. He kept shouting ‘no’ simultaneously which made the tears fall down from my eyes.
“I’m sorry.” I repeatedly muttered to him.
I stood up while carrying him. But he’s still forcing himself out from my grip.
“Brylle, I’m here now. Please, calm down.” I said but he’s still trying to escape from me.
Due to his rapid movement, I accidentally dropped him which gave him the opportunity to run back towards our room. But before he could even went in, someone blocks his way and it was Zeke. This made Brylle hug him. The child looks upon the man’s face.
“Papa?” Zeke turned to look at me, not knowing what to do. Brylle continued to cry on Zeke’s pants.
“Papa, you’re here!” Brylle cried. I nodded at Zeke. He flashed me a smile before carrying Brylle in his arms.
“I’m not your real father but I’ll be your papa for now.” Brylle stopped crying and hugged on Zeke’s neck.
“Papa,” He closed his eyes shut due to sleepiness, I guess. I cried as I smiled at Zeke.
He tried to place him down the bed but Brylle doesn’t let go of him. Zeke looked stunned at how tight the child’s grip was.