No Second Chances Ex-husband novel Chapter 32

32 /50

ETHAN'S POV

The warm, comforting scent of crispy chicken and freshly fried chips drifted through the hallway, seeping into every corner of the house. Elena’s favorite. I had instructed Rosa and the chefs to make sure today’s lunch was perfect, just the way she liked it. After all, it had been days since she had a proper meal here, in her real home.

In the back of my mind, I could already picture her small face lighting up when she tasted her favorite dish. Lauren might think she’s capable, but I had no doubt Elena had been eating tasteless food and barely getting by these past days. I knew Lauren, she never had to worry about money when she was living under my roof, and without that, what could she possibly provide?

I pushed open the kitchen door, a room I rarely set foot in these days. The place was alive with movement and noise, the clatter of pans, the sizzling sound from the deep fryer, and the aroma of seasoned chicken skin turning golden. Rosa was giving out instructions, the junior maids were rushing around, and the chefs focused on their tasks. For a second, I just stood there, taking it all in, remembering how different things felt when Lauren was still here. The house had been loud in a different way back then.

I was about to turn and walk out when Rosa raised her hand to catch my attention. “Excuse me, sir,” she called, her voice unusually firm.

I paused, narrowing my eyes slightly. Rosa had worked for me for years, and it was unlike her to stop me like this unless it truly mattered. “What is it?” I asked, keeping my tone controlled.

She hurried over, her expression serious. “Sir, I know this is a busy day for us, given that little Miss Elena is coming back, but there’s an urgency I need to draw your attention to.”

A ripple of irritation passed through me, but curiosity held me back. Rosa had earned that much. “Not here,” I said, gesturing with my head. Without waiting for her reply, I walked out into the hallway, the faint aroma of lunch fading behind us as we stepped into the quiet living room.

We stopped near the wide windows that overlooked the front garden. Sunlight streamed in, highlighting the dark lines of worry on Rosa’s usually calm face. “All right, make it quick. I don’t have all day,” I told her.

Rosa lowered her gaze for a second, then spoke. “Sir, I’d like to request permission to leave work early today.”

I frowned, my patience thinning. “Why?” I asked, my tone sharp.

She hesitated for a moment, her hands clasped tightly in front of her apron. “My daughter’s teacher called this morning. She’s come down with a cold, and there’s no one else to look after her at home.”

I clenched my jaw, irritation bubbling under the surface. “And how exactly is that my concern, Rosa? Today isn’t just any day. Elena is coming home, and I expect everything to be in perfect order.”

“Yes, sir, I know,” she replied quickly, her eyes lifting to meet mine. “That’s why I won’t leave until I’ve made sure everything for Elena is prepared”

“Please sir, I promise to do everything quickly, set the dining table, double-check the rooms, and supervise the cooking before leaving. I’ll only go once everything is done.” Rosa added

A silence stretched between us. Part of me wanted to say no, to keep everything under strict control. But I knew Rosa well. She was stubborn but efficient. When she said she’d finish her duties, she meant it. Besides, after the chores, she’d only end up pacing around the house, uselessly waiting for something to do. There was little sense in keeping her against her will.

“Make sure everything is done, Elena’s room is clean, her food is ready, and tomorrow be here by your usual time,” I said, my tone leaving no room for argument.

“Yes, sir. Thank you very much,” Rosa replied respectfully. She gave me a small bow before turning back toward the kitchen, her steps quick and light, as if she was relieved to get my approval.

I watched her go for a second, a silent reminder of how much responsibility I had placed on everyone in the house today. Elena’s return wasn’t just important to me, it shifted the energy of the entire household.