Mia’s pov
As I descended the stairs, the smell of food being cooked wafted into my nose, shocking me out of my bones and prompting me into hastening my footsteps until I was standing in the doorway of the kitchen.
I had woken up about an hour ago and took a lazy shower before finally leaving my bedroom and starting to feel hungry.
A middle aged woman is in the kitchen right now, moving around in the kitchen like she belonged in it. She had an apron on and looked like she knew what she was doing right now, telling from how nice the food she’s currently preparing smelt like.
Moments later, she was heading towards the sink when she noticed me. The shock had been clear enough, telling from how she jolted before hurriedly bowing her head at me in respect.
“Good morning, ma’am.” Her voice was raspy but pleasant to the ears as she spoke and I felt taken aback instantly at the respectful title in her greeting, knowing damn well that she had definitely mistaken me for someone more important than a captive.
“No, no, you don’t have to refer to me as ‘ma’am’, my name’s Mia.” I offered as I finally made my way into the kitchen, eyes roaming over the foods that were laid out on the counter. It was obvious that she has clearly been working for over an hour so far.
“Oh no, ma’am. That would be disrespectful.” She reassured me with a small chuckle, and I bit on my bottom lip, not knowing what to say next.
Last I remembered, Lorenzo didn’t have a cook here, which prompted me into asking.
“So uh…” I began to speak as I gestured around the kitchen with a hand. As if instantly understanding what I meant, she clasped both hands before her as she began to explain.
“Oh, I’m so sorry for the lack of introductions. I’m Kat, a chef. Mr. Dominico moved me here to prepare meals a few times a week. I hope we’ll be able to get along just fine, ma’am.”
As she spoke, I felt confused because I could still clearly remember that particular morning when Lorenzo had presented me with a bunch of books to study In order for me to master the act of cooking, and now, he had brought a chef here to come prepare the food which we’d both be eating, which means I wouldn’t have to be put through the horrible ordeal of attempting to prepare food unfailingly,
“Oh… so you’re going to be preparing numerous food for the days you won’t be showing up as well, right?” I asked as I moved towards the coffee maker. As I reached for a cup, I saw Kat move like a flash lightning to retrieve the cup before I could, and then she began to prepare the coffee.
“Yes ma’am, that is correct.” At her response, I felt my heart lighten drastically at the realization that I wouldn’t have to be put through the hectic process of preparing food against my will ever again.
“How do you like your coffee, ma’am?” Kat’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
“Creamy, please.”
As I watched her preparing my coffee, I slid over one of the stools around the island and felt a sad feeling settle over me because being treated like this right now, was the exact way I grew up, which automatically means it made me remember home, and how life with my twin used to be like.
“Regular milk or extra creamy, ma’am?” Kat called out and jolted a little before giving her a response. I’ve been used to being all by myself in here except those few moments that Lorenzo was here with me, being the literal bane of my existence.
“Here’s your coffee, ma’am.” Kat called out as she slid the cup of steaming coffee towards me, a warm smile on her beautiful face. I flashed her a thankful smile as I picked my glass up to take a tentative sip, loving how creamy it felt against my tongue.
“So, ma’am… if there’s anything you’d like me to keep in mind when preparing meals, perhaps an allergy, a dislike or just a certain preference, please do not hesitate to let me know. I’m open to criticism whenever and my only aim is to please.”
I carefully placed my coffee down before starting to speak.
“First of all, please call me ‘Mia’.”
She instantly began to shake her head. “Oh no, ma’am, I can’t do that.”
I draw back a little in confusion. “Why not?”
She wrung her hands this time as she responded. “I wouldn’t want to offend the master. It’s expected of me to address you respectfully.” She explained and I found myself snorting a little.
“Believe me, the master wouldn’t mind how you address me.” I reassured her with a smile as I took another sip of my coffee. Lorenzo had literally informed me I was no longer going to be treated like a princess like I was back at home, that’s proof enough that he wouldn’t care about what I’m being addressed by the chef.
“Oh, um… are you sure, ma’am?” She asked and I nodded my head instantly.
“Oh alright, ma’am.”
“Mia.” I corrected.
“Mia.” She echoed out in a tone which made it obvious that she was still testing it out.
“I don’t want to get into any trouble, ma’am.” She confessed after a few seconds.
“You wouldn’t, believe me.” I reassured her, and that seemed to help her take my word for it.
After that, conversation between us flowed easily, without any sort of hitch.
It was so refreshing, especially seeing as its been since forever since I last engaged in an actual conversation with someone that wasn’t Lorenzo.
I wouldn’t even regard those things which I had had with Lorenzo as actual conversations.
As Kat prepared a few more dishes, right before she proceeded to set the table, I wondered if I should thank Lorenzo for this. It’s obvious that he had done this to relieve me of the ordeal of cooking.