Chapter 18: Chapter 18

CLAIRE FULFILLED her promise to Zack. They were able to set up the small basketball court inside his bedroom. The little boy was really happy.

There are still times that she thinks about the man in a cap but she was glad that they were able to come home safe and sound.

After setting up the basketball court for Zack. She decided to bake some cinnamon bread. She was with Zack and was about to enter the kitchen area when she heard Maria and Rose talking to each other.

“I told you, she’s different now.” That was Maria’s voice.

“Really? You know her right? Sometimes she’s like that, especially if she wants something from Mr. Castillejo.” Replied Rose.

Claire was really good with this. She can easily distinguish voices once she hears them already.

“No Rose, I am telling you, I told you about the incident about the vase right? I know when someone is only acting. Just like the usual thing that she’s doing before.” Maria insisted.

Upon hearing that, she was sure that they were talking about her.

“I don’t know Maria, just be careful.” Rose said.

Claire sighed and decided to enter the kitchen area.

“Hello ladies.” She said with a genuine smile on her face.

The two ladies turned their heads on her and she saw Rose frozen.

“Hello Miss Claire.” Maria greeted with a soft smile.

Hello Mrs. Castillejo.” Rose greeted. Claire can see uneasiness in her face.

“Is it okay if I bake some cinnamon bread today?” She asked permission from both of them.

She saw the two ladies were surprised.

“Y-You are asking us Mrs. Castillejo?” Rose asked, it seems that the young lady can’t believe that she was asking permission.

“Yeah, If it is okay with you.” Claire said while smiling at her.

Rose literally dropped her mouth. While Maria gave her a soft smile.

“Mommy can bake, right big sister Rose and Maria?” Zack asked.

“O-Of course. Y-You can surely do that Mrs. Castillejo.” Rose replied while looking at her.

“Great! And please call me Claire.” She said softly.

Rose was more surprised when she said that. “O-Okay, Miss Claire.” She answered absentmindedly.

“We can also help you Miss Claire if you want.” Maria said.

Claire smiled at her. At least she’s getting at ease with her.

“That will be great Maria.”

Claire put Zack in the high chair at the counter top and started checking all the things and ingredients she needs if they are available in the kitchen.

“I told you, she really changed.” Maria whispered to Rose but she was able to hear it.

She just shook her head. She was used to it.

After some time, they were able to prepare everything. Rose was able to be at ease with her. And Claire feels good about it. At least aside from Zack, there were two people in this mansion that she can talk to comfortably. There are times that they will crack some jokes which Zack will laugh hard at.

“How was I before?” Claire asked the two

ladies while they were waiting for the cinnamon bread to be baked.

Maria and Rose looked at each other. No one wants to talk. Maybe they are both afraid that she might get angry at them.

“Was I really that bad?” She asked.

“Y-You don’t talk like this Miss Claire. You always shout and you are always irritated.” Rose said.

“Y-You don’t want us to make a mistake. You don’t take whatever reasons.” Maria added.

She sighed. “That was really bad.” She said softly.

“But my new mommy is very nice and she will not do that, right mommy?” Zack said.

She smiled at the little boy sweetly.

Few minutes more and she opened the oven already and the kitchen was filled with a cinnamon flavor smell.

“Hmmm, smells delicious Miss Claire.” Maria said.

“And looks so yummy.” Rose added.

“Wow! I can’t wait to taste it mommy!” Zack exclaimed.

She smiled brightly and then started giving them a slice of the freshly baked cinnamon bread one by one. Then they all started getting a bite size and put it in their mouth.

Claire was waiting for them to give feedback but no one dared to give any. But they all get another bite size and put it in their mouth. Then the three of them looked at each other.

“Y-You did not like it?” She asked nervously.

This was not her first time baking cinnamon bread. She used to bake it before. However it’s only Gwen and her grandma Celest who have tried it. Both of them said that her cinnamon breads were perfect.

The three of them looked at each other again and shook their heads.

“Oh! I thought this recipe was perfect. I’m sorry, maybe I should try it again.” She whispered sadly.

“I don’t like it mommy! I love it!” Zack exclaimed and put another bite size of the cinnamon bread into his mouth.

Her face lights up. “Really?”

“This is really perfect Miss Claire!” Maria complimented.

“This is the best cinnamon bread I’ve tasted.” Rose added.

And that makes her very happy. “You know you can say it to me if it does not taste good, right?” Claire stated.

“But this cinnamon bread is really perfect, mommy.” Zack insisted.

And the two ladies smiled and nodded. Satisfaction is visible on their faces.

“Oh! Thank you so much. And thank you for helping me as well.” She said politely to them.

The two ladies looked at each other. It seems that they were now convinced that Claire changed for the better. And that made Claire more happy.

“Nana Amy, what is that smell? Smells delicious that it got me starving.”

They all turned their heads upon hearing that baritone voice.

Claire’s brown eyes met another set of beautiful brown eyes. The handsome CEO in black suit was standing like a Greek God in the kitchen entrance.