Chapter 22: Chapter 22

“WHAT ARE you doing, Miss Gretel? I don’t think my master would be happy to know that I let you work in the kitchen,” Mr. Martinez said.

Gretel smiled. She was cooking stew on the stove, and she was almost done. She sneaked into the kitchen when Javier asked his loyal assistant for an errand. It’s almost dinner time.

“I think Javier would be happy to know his wife cooked dinner,” she said. “Please, Mr. Martinez. I’m bored. If I can’t join Javier for dinner, at least let me cook something for him.”

“All right, all right.” Mr. Martinez sighed in surrender. “I now understand why he married you.”

“And I don’t understand how you manage to do all these things for Javier. It must be tiring and stressful.”

“I like serving my master, Miss Gretel. I’m used to it, believe me. Besides, I can’t imagine myself doing other things in life except for this.”

“Don’t you want to build a family of your own?”

“Alexander is my best friend, and Javier is like a son to me. And you are like a daughter to me, too.”

“W-wait. Javier’s father’s name is Alexander?” she uttered in surprise.

“Yes. It means ‘warrior,’ right?”

“I also have a friend whose name is Alexander.”

“I bet he’s a nice person.”

“He really is. And thank you for the other thing that you said. You actually reminded me of my late father.” Gretel smiled.

“No problem, Miss Gretel.”

“Just call me ‘Gretel,’ please.”

“All right, Gretel. I’ll check on your husband and inform him that dinner is almost ready.”

Gretel beamed.

“Thank you, Mr. Martinez.”

GRETEL looked around as she finished setting up the picnic mat under the tree. Alexander should be around any moment from now, or the stew will get cold. She made sure that the lamp had enough oil. She planned to talk with Alexander for the rest of the night.

“What’s that smell? I’m starving.”

Gretel jumped and looked behind her. Alexander was already walking toward her.

“There you are!” she said happily. “Come, sit down.”

“You look ecstatic.”

“Do I? Look, I cooked dinner.”

As soon as Alexander sat down, he took her hand and stared at the ring on her finger.

“It looks pretty on you,” he said with a smile.

“This ring is extra special. Javier’s mother used to wear this when she was alive.”

“And here you are spending your wedding night with me.”

“Do you think I’m already cheating?” she joked.

Alexander chuckled.

“No way.” He stared at the food. Gretel saw him licked his lower lip. “I’m really starving, seriously.”

Gretel giggled.

“What are you waiting for?”

GRETEL enjoyed her dinner with Alexander. He was telling the truth when he said he was starving because he finished all the food she brought him.

“I don’t think I deserve you, Gretel. This dinner already means a lot. I’m not that special,” Alexander said as Gretel put all the empty plates in her huge basket.

“What are you saying you’re not special? You saved my life, remember? I’ll owe you all my life.” Gretel sat next to him when she was done.

“I think your husband would be jealous if he finds out you’re seeing me.”

“He should,” she said, giggling. Then, she took a deep breath as she put her head on his shoulder. “You know, I’m still not sure if marrying Javier was the right thing to do.”

“What do you mean? Do you regret it already?”

“He’s a wonderful person, but he was sad. I wished I married him for the right reasons. He deserved all the sincere things in the world.”

Alexander chuckled.

“I believe he married the right woman, though.” He gently pinched her chin. “You made my life better when I met you.”

Gretel glanced up at him with a smile.

“I had enough flattering words for today,” she joked.

“You deserved it, too.”

Gretel yawned. “I guess I do. Alexander…”

“Hmm?”

“Don’t leave just yet, please?”

“If that’s what you want.”

“GRETEL?” Alexander called.

Gretel did not answer. She had fallen asleep on his shoulder. Poor girl. She was exhausted, but she did not mind until her body did so.

He lightly tapped her cheek, but she did not open her eyes.

Alexander caught her head and pulled her into his arms. She was sleeping soundly. Her luscious lips were slightly parted.

He stroked her face ever gently, careful not to hurt her, as he held himself back from claiming her mouth. Cautiously, he stood up as he carried her in his arms.

Gretel moaned as she unconsciously put her arm on his shoulder. Alexander walked back in the direction of the mansion.

Black appeared from one of the bushes.

“Buddy, do you mind carrying the basket for me?” he said.

Black did not bark and ran in the direction of the basket right away.

Alexander walked up to the stairs of the mansion, and Mr. Martinez was already waiting there. He opened the door quietly, and Alexander uttered a ‘thank you’ as he went inside.

“Is she all right, Master?” Mr. Martinez asked.

“She’s fine. She’s just exhausted from trying to adjust to her new life,” he said as he put Gretel down on her bed. “She’s a tough woman. I could never find another wife like her.” He brushed her hair away from her face. Alexander sat on the bed and watched her with awe under the pale moonlight passing through the window.

“She cared for you,” Mr. Martinez said.

Alexander glanced at him. The old man smiled.

“I know. Alexander or Javier, she was just sincere.”

“Have a good night, Master.”

“Good night, Mr. Martinez.”