Day Fourteen…
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[ At Country M: Sparks Mansion ]
Cherry, also known as Black Rose, started her new job in Sparks Mansion as the Head Chef. Abigail recommended her to Butler Li so she got accepted right away. Cherry was convinced to work there because of the big salary offer.
Before Abigail went to Country F, she made sure to remind Butler Li to take care of Cherry. Cherry was a precious junior sister for her. She could tell that people in the mansion would target her once they learned that she was connected to Abigail.
To protect Cherry from the bullies in the mansion, Abigail requested Cherry to pretend that she didn't know her at all. She also told Butler Li to keep it a secret except from Nathan and Ethan.
The mansion was filled with people who wanted to kick Abigail out. She already informed Cherry about it so she understood the situation. She would be cautious and careful inside that mansion.
Since Abigail helped her to find this job, Cherry had decided to be useful to Abigail as well to return this favor. She would try to gain the trust of the people in the mansion as she pretended to hate Abigail.
Through this, she would also serve as Abigail's spy. If other people in the mansion would try to scheme against Abigail, Cherry would be able to know. She would report it right away to Abigail.
'Hmm! I feel like I am on an undercover mission. A spy. Sigh. I missed doing missions with my sisters. I missed them already. Big Sis… where are you? I hope you are still alive,' Cherry thought to herself as she continued stirring the soup. She was preparing dinner for everyone, most especially for their young master, Ethan.
"Miss Cherry," Butler Li suddenly called her from the back.
"Butler Li, is the young master hungry already?" Cherry asked, worried that she might disappoint Ethan for making him wait.
Butler Li let out a soft chuckle. Cherry was a little bit anxious. Probably, she wanted to make a good impression for Abigail's sake.
"Relax, Miss Cherry. I'm just here checking on you. Are your assistants cooperating well with you?" Butler Li was aware that there was resistance to this sudden change. Some of them were very loyal to Chef Min. They still hadn't moved on after Chef Min's removal.
"They are somehow cooperative. I guess they have no choice. Otherwise, they will lose their jobs." Cherry also let out a soft giggle.
"By the way, I am curious. How long have you known Miss Abi? You two look very close," Butler Li said those words in a whisper so that other people in the mansion couldn't hear him.
"Not so long. We just met in a shop a few days ago. We talked and we got along really well. Then she offered me some jobs. She is so kind and thoughtful… Just like a sister."
Butler Li nodded his head. There was no way these two had already known each other for a long time. His Master Nathan already conducted a background check on Abigail Scarlett. Miss Cherry Pei had nothing to do with her. They had no connection at all.
But Butler Li was wondering why Abigail seemed to worry too much about Cherry. When Abigail talked to Butler Li regarding Cherry, she sounded like a big sister who wanted to protect her younger sister. However, after checking Cherry's profile, it appeared that Cherry was older than Abigail.
"Miss Cherry… I mean Chef Pei, before I forgot, Young Master Ethan told me that he wanted to talk to you alone after dinner. Can you proceed to the balcony near the garden later?" Butler Li also came there to deliver Little Ethan's message.
"Oh! Sure. If this is the request of our adorable young master, I will have to comply. I can't refuse that invitation. It will be my honor." Even Cherry, aka Black Rose, had been charmed by this cute and sweet young boy.
"Thank you, Chef Pei. Please cheer him up. Our little young master was a little bit down lately because he felt bored and lonely without Miss Abi." Butler Li informed her.
"Okay, Butler Li. I will make extra desserts for Little Young Master… some sweets to lift his mood!" Cherry reassured Butler Li.
[ *An Hour Later…* ]
Cherry was already on the balcony waiting for Ethan. She brought some freshly baked chocolate cookies for the young master.
"I heard you were Miss Abi's friend," a small voice of a young boy broke the silence. Ethan had finally arrived, catching Cherry's attention.
"Young Master, good evening!" Cherry stood up and greeted him politely before answering his question. "Yes. Abi and I had become friends. But young master, we have to keep it a secret from other people here in the mansion. So never mention this when others are around."
Ethan smiled and bobbed his head. "Yes. I promise to keep this a secret," he replied in a low voice.
Cherry let out a soft giggle. Ethan's reaction was so cute and he was so obedient. She wanted to pinch his fluffy cheeks.
Ethan moved closer and climbed the bench, sitting next to her.
"Miss Cherry, are you single?" Ethan didn't hold himself from asking a very personal question. If the person who asked Cherry this kind of question was an adult, she would think that this man was trying to hit on her. Fortunately, the question came from an adorable child.
"Yes, young master… I'm single. Why do you ask?" Cherry couldn't help but smile awkwardly.
The boy gazed at her with an innocent smile on his face. "Do you like handsome men?"
"Y-Yes…" Cherry answered reluctantly but she maintained her smile.
"Great! I know someone! My Uncle is handsome. I will introduce him to you once he visits us." Little Ethan declared without even consulting Cherry.
Cherry: "..."
Cherry could only smile and nod her head as she didn't know what to say. She was at a loss for words.
'Hmm. I should match her with Uncle Stephen so that he will stop getting in my way and ruin my plan.' Naughty Ethan planned on matchmaking Cherry and Stephen.
But little did he know, there might be two people who would oppose his naughty idea– Aiden and Kathleen!