ARLAN’S POV.
I had gone to the supermarket and stocked up on a lot of groceries. As soon as I got back to my place, I headed straight to the kitchen with my arms filled with bags.
“You went grocery shopping?” Bridget’s voice was soft but laced with surprise as she walked towards me to help me with some of the bags.
I nodded, placing the bags on the counter. “Yes, and I’m doing the cooking today,” I announced, I caught a shock look on her face. “Don’t give me that look, Bridget.”
She quickly schooled her features, folding her hands in front of her. “Of course, sir. But if you’ll allow me, I can help you.”
I shook my head firmly but kept my tone polite. “Thank you, Bridget, but I’ve got this. I need to do it myself.”
She hesitated. “As you wish, sir. But please let me know if you need anything.”
“I will,” I assured her, smiling at her.
Bridget lingered for a moment, clearly uncertain about stepping back. I didn’t blame her, she has always took pride in her work, and I respected that. But today, I needed to do this.
As I unpacked the groceries and began setting up, I caught her glancing over, her hands fidgeting slightly.
“Sir,” she began cautiously, “are you certain you wouldn’t like me to at least prepare the ingredients? It would save you some time.”
I glanced at her, noting the genuine concern in her voice. “I appreciate the offer, Bridget, but no. You do enough around here. Consider this… a small break.”
Her lips twitched, almost forming a smile. “Very well, sir. I’ll leave you to it.”
I nodded, grateful that she understood. As I started chopping vegetables, Bridget stayed nearby, busying herself with other tasks, but I could tell she was keeping an eye on me.
When I glanced up, I saw her folding a towel neatly, her gaze occasionally darting toward me. “You’re watching me like I’m about to set the kitchen on fire,” I said lightly.
She let out a soft chuckle, finally relaxing a bit. “Not at all, sir. But it’s not every day I get to see you cook.”
I smirked. “Maybe I should do this often.”
She tilted her head slightly, giving me a polite smile. “Perhaps, sir. Though I doubt you’d want to make a habit of it considering how. busy you can be.”
We both laughed, she kept my company making the whole cooking process less daunting, and by the time the meal was done, the kitchen smelled incredible. I plated the food and set it on the table.
Bridget moved closer. “It smells wonderful, sir,” she said complimenting me.
“Thank you, Bridget,” I replied, taking a seat. “And thank you for letting me take over your space.”
She inclined her head slightly. “It’s your home, sir. And if I may say so, you’ve done quite well.”
I chuckled softly, gesturing to the empty seat at the table. “You should try it. You’ll be the true judge of how well I’ve done.”
She looked surprised for a moment, then quickly composed herself. “That’s kind of you, sir, but-”
“No buts, Bridget,” I interrupted, keeping my tone gentle but firm. “I insist.”
After a brief pause, she nodded. “Thank you, sir. That’s very generous of you but with this much food…”
The door bell rang. “I will go get it sir.” Bridget stood up and quickly head to the door before I could stop her.
I heard soft scuffles at the door. “What could be happening?” I asked and walked towards the door.
There I saw Matilda standing at the other side of the door. She rolled her eyes at me. “Why did you ask me to come only to get embarrass by Bridget?” She asked angrily.
I looked at Bridget and I could tell it was no fault of hers. I had clearly told her not to let Matilda in and I haven’t retracted my instructions, hence, she was only following my instruction.
I gestures at Bridget to release the door and she did. “I’m sorry about that.” I said hi Matilda, turning to Bridget. “Please note that Matilda is always welcome here and for the records, she would be spending some time here as well as she is carrying my child.” I explained and could only see the shock on Bridget’s face.
“Okay sir.” She managed to muster.
Matilda walked in, gaining full entrance. “Here is my box, take it upstairs.” Matilda instructed her. “And remember, I have my eyes on you.” She said wheeling her box in Bridget’s direction.
Bridget quickly took her box and soon excused us.
“Matilda!” I tried cautioning her but she would have none of it.
“You should have seen the way she was embarrassing me.” She retorted. “You invited me and should have recalled your instructions.”
“I’m sorry you were welcomed that way, she was only following my instructions. Blame me if you have to blame anyone.”
“Something smells nice.” She complimented.
“Oh yeah, I made you lunch.” I revealed.
“You cooked?” She asked, not believing her ears. “For me?”
I nodded. “Yes, I did.”
“For real?”
“For real.” I affirmed.
“Never thought I would live to see the day you would personally cook for me.”
“Come on, Matilda.” I took her hand. “Enough batters, let’s get you filled up with some nutritious and delicious food.” I led her to the kitchen.
I pulled the chair for her and quickly set the food I had dished for Bridget aside.
“Who is that for?” Matilda asked.
“Oh, that’s for Bridget.” I revealed.
“I want the food in the plate.” Matilda said.
“Let me dish another for you.” I said and took another plate but Matilda was hearing none of it.
“No food on this table is getting into her mouth, she has been nothing rude and disrespectful to me.”
“Matilda, I already apologized on her behalf.” I reminded her. “You should let it go.”
“Are you screaming at me because of your maid?” She asked. “Are you seriously going to ruin my appetite because of her?” She asked. “Did you bring me here so she could talk me down and walk over me?”
Tired of her accusations and wanting peace, I quickly placed the plate in front of her. “You can have it.”
Matilda smirked triumphantly, digging into the plate as though she had won some grand battle. I stood there for a moment, conflicted, watching her eat what I had originally dishes out for Bridget.
“This is so delicious.” she asked between bites. “Can’t believe you’re a great cook.”
I forced a polite smile, though it didn’t quite reach my eyes. “I’m glad you like it,” I replied, trying to keep my voice calm.
She glanced at me, raising an eyebrow. “You should sit down and eat too. Or do you plan to keep hovering me?”
I shook my head, turning to grab another plate and dished out some for myself, making sure there is enough for Bridget to eat and made a mental note to take it to her later. I knew she wouldn’t come back to the kitchen now-not with Matilda here.
“Why are you eating so little?” Matilda’s voice broke into my thoughts. “There is more than enough for you to eat.”
“I had plenty of wine earlier, I think I should go easy with the food.” I said simply, not looking up.
“Why bother? I know you kept some for her. She can eat whatever’s left after we’re done,” Matilda said dismissively, waving her hand. “I see you’re trying to make a petty person over food.”
“I never said so.”
“She works for you, Arlan,” she continued. “It’s not your job to cook for her to eat.”
I felt a surge of frustration rise within me but forced it down. Arguing with Matilda was like trying to put out a fire with gasoline-it only ever made things worse.
“Let’s not make this into something it doesn’t need to be,” I said evenly. “Just enjoy your meal.”
She looked at me but said nothing more, focusing on her plate.
**
Once I was sure Matilda was in her room, I slipped out of the kitchen, carrying the plate for Bridget. I found her in the laundry room, folding some towels.
“Bridget,” I called softly, and she looked up, startled.
“Sir?” she asked, quickly setting the towels aside.
I held out the plate. “Here. I wanted to make sure you got something to eat.”
Her eyes widened slightly, and she hesitated. “Thank you, sir, but you didn’t have to-”
“I did,” I interrupted gently. “You’ve done nothing wrong, Bridget. I’m sorry for how things went earlier. That wasn’t fair to you.”
She looked at me and smiled, “it’s fine sir. Congratulations on being an expectant father.” She added before finally taking the plate from me. “Thank you, sir,” she said quietly.
“You’re welcome. Take your time with it, alright?”
“Thank you, sir,” she said softly, and as I walked away.
“I hope they get along well.” I said in a whisper.