Making her way down the sweeping staircase, Amara descended with a deliberate slowness.
As she reached the bottom of the stairs, an enticing aroma enveloped her senses, drawing her attention. The unmistakable scent of butter and garlic infused the air, creating a mouth-watering delicacy that summoned her forward.
She slowly walked into the familiar kitchen to find Martha by the stove whipping out the cream.
CHAPTER 49
The cozy kitchen bathed in a delicious, soft aroma. Amara fidgeted with her fingers recalling how rude was to Martha. Guilt swept over her and she hesitated to face her. Martha was the only one after Kaelith who took care of her when she wasn’t able to walk. Helped her walk and never let her feel alone in this huge mansion, and what did Amara do in return? Hurt her with her sharp tongue, inconsiderate of the relation they had.
Her chest felt heavy as she recalled the look of hurt on Martha’s face.
Amara contemplated,shiftingfrom footto foot when Marthasuddenlyturnedaround witha whisk in one hand and the bowl in another. Her eyes widened and her hands stilled their motion. “Amara?” Surprise laced her voice. Amara stood there, her internal conflict reflected in the uncertain crease of her brow. The weight of guilt bore down on her, rendering her momentarily speechless. She desperately searchedfor the right words to express theremorse that churned within.
With a hesitant swallow, Amara mustered the courage. Her lips formed a tight smile, though the tension in her expression betrayed the difficulty of the moment. “Martha…” Amara mumbled, still not looking at Martha. Taking a deep breath, she lowered her head.“I… I’m sorry... I shouldn’t have… been rude.”
Martha's gaze lingered on Amara for an extended moment, her expression inscrutable. Suddenly, she erupted into laughter, the whisk slipping through her fingers and clattering to the floor. Amara, puzzled by the unexpected reaction, watched as Martha wiped imaginary tears from her eyes.
After a moment of laughter, Martha composed herself, placing the bowl on the counter and retrieving the fallen whisk from the floor. Amara was still perplexed, watched as Martha deftly set the items on the kitchen island and then walked toward her, wiping her hands on the apron, a lingering smile on her face.
“Oh, my child.” Martha pinched Amara’s cheeks and gently pulled her to the table.“That happens sometimes. Are you hungry? I made some garlic bread. Would you like to try?”
Amara seemed startled at first but then she smiled widely sitting on the chair as Martha sliced small pieces of the bread and put them in a plate.
With a contented smile, holding a piece of the golden-brown garlic bread in her hand, Amara savoured each bite with obvious happiness. Martha’s eyes gleamed with affection.
Martha put two more slices on the plate, her voice carrying a soothing tone, "How is it, dear?” Amara looked up from her plate, her eyes meeting Martha's, and she nodded appreciatively, her mouth still partially stuffed with the bread.“Umm… it’s delicious. Is it cheese I taste?”
A soft chuckle escaped Martha's lips, and she replied, “Cheese and parsley. Would you like some tomato soup? It’s on the stove. Will take a minute or two to simmer.”
Her voice held a warmth. Amara shook her hands and head. “Oh, no, no. This is enough. I’m full already.”
Martha went back to stir the soup and chop the vegetables for dinner. "We need to work on your appetite, child. Youbarely took two bites. This won’t do well. You need to eat to heal. You look weaker than the first time you came here." Martha scolded with a soft voice. Amara pouted.
“I will, I will. Don’t worry your pretty head, Martha. You are here now. You will take care of me, won’t you?” Amara wiggled her brows as Martha laughed and squinted her eyes.
“Teasing me, huh? Naughty girl.” Amara chuckled softly, the familiar banter with Martha giving a small moment of comfort. She took another bite of the bread and looked around. Her hopeful eyes looked at the door. Did Kaelith go out? She hadn’t seen him ever since she woke up. He said he would be beside her, but he was not.
Martha looked over her shoulder and noticed Amara’s expectant wandering eyes, a smile curved on her lips.
“If you’re looking for Mr. De Luca, he’s in his study.” Amara’s eyes widened, cheeks flushed as she looked at Martha.
“I…Iwas not… looking for him. I was just... he said I need to get his permission to go to the garden.” Amara mumbled shyly, Martha smiled teasingly.
“Is that so?”
Amara licked her lips as the flush travelled to her neck. Her belly tingled as she remembered the things he did to her.“Martha… don’t tease me, please.”
Martha's eyes twinkled mischievously, and she patted Amara's hand affectionately.“If you want to go out, better ask him now. It’s cloudy outside. It might rain in an hour or so.”
Amara’ s eyes widened.“ But I wanted to see the peonies.” She looked out the door. Theweather did not look that good, but she couldn’t resist seeing the flowers. A few minutes wouldn’ t harm, would they? Amara placed the unfinished piece of bread on the plate and asked. "Where’ s his study?”
“Second floor, last door. You will find it, I’m sure.” Martha said chopping the veggies as Amara pushed back the chair and jogged out of the room. Martha shook her head as she watchedAmara running up the stairs. A smile crept on her lips.“Silly girl.”
Reaching the second floor, Amara panted and regretted running all the way. Taking deep breaths, she calmed her heart and looked around. The last door.
The white doors greeted her. And something in her told Kaelith must be here. She hesitated momentarily before approaching the last door. Her heart pounding loudly as she contemplated. Should she? Should she not? Amara raised her hand to knock and tapped her knuckles twotimes.
“Come in.” Amara shuddered at the depth of his voice. Gathering her courage, she slowly pushed the doors open. The rich scent of leather and mint engulfed her senses along with the faint familiar baffled aroma of… peonies.
