Chapter 5 ALINA'S POV " Where do you think you're going ? " What the hell ! How is this even possible ? It's so early . " Morning . Ace . " I greeted him sheepishly , feeling like I'd just been caught red - handed , doing something I wasn't supposed to be doing . " Where are you off to , madame ? " Ace asked , his voice cautious , his cold , suspicious eyes studying me closely . He really was Lucian's employee , Sometimes , his behavior reminded me so much of Lucian that you'd think they were brothers . " Can you chill out ? " I huffed . " I'm just heading to the kitchen . " " Where's Boss? " His gaze darted to the door behind me , as if he was trying to see through it . Shhh ." I shushed him , feeling annoyed . " Can you keep it down ? He's asleep . " " Boss is asleep ? " He sounded genuinely taken aback . " That's what I just said . " 1 gritted my teeth , my irritation flaring up . His endless questions were really starting to get on my nerves . " I'll check for myself ." He tried to sidestep me and open the door , but I grabbed his suit , pulling him back . " What do you think you're doing ? " I shot him a glare . "Just making sure the Boss is alive and kicking ." What the hell ? " What do you think I'd do to him ? Smother him to death with a pillow ?" I asked , feeling offended . " I wouldn't put it past you . " His reply was icy . Ouch . I deserved that I couldn't really blame Ace for not trusting me . I had done a lot of awful things to hurt Lucian in the past . " Listen , madame . " His tone turned sharp . " I know Boss cares about you and would give his life for you in a heartbeat . But I don't trust you and I'm not buying this sudden nice - girl act you're putting on . So move . " His words stung , but I stepped aside , letting him push open the double doors . His distrust hurt , but deep down , I was glad Lucian had someone looking out for him . Ace stepped into the room and walked out a few minutes later , staring at me with a mix of shock , confusion , and suspicion " He's asleep . " He pointed out Well , duh . " I told you that . " My tone was flat - as - I - tried my best not to snap at him . " What did you do ? " His voice dripped with accusation . " Excuse me ? " I frowned , feeling a bit lost . " Boss has trouble sleeping , " Ace informed me in a guarded tone . " That's why his moods and emotions are always all over the place . Even when he does manage to sleep , it's only for about three hours al most ." 1/3 427AM P P. Chapter 5 That was news to me . " I didn't know that . " My voice came out soft , tinged with guilt . 121 I understood how cranky I could get without enough sleep , it could ruin my entire day . But Lucian had to deal with this all the time . And all I had done in the past was make things tougher for him . " Of course , you didn't " Ace scoffed . My jaw clenched at his words . " Okay , listen here , Ace You It me . I get it . But I'm really trying my best here . The least you could do is meet me hallway . " I let out a sharp breath . " I'll be in the kitchen making breakfast . " Without waiting for his reply . I turned on my heel and walked away , leaving him behind . I stepped into the massive , high - tech kitchen and started digging through the drawers and cabinets . " Can I help you with something , madame ? " Maya's voice came from behind me , making me jump . " Jesus Christ ! " My hands flew to my chest as I gasped . " Stop doing that ." I chided her gently . " I didn't mean to startle you , madame . I just thought I could help with whatever you're looking for . " She said , sounding genuinely apologetic . " It's fine . " I waved her off . " Where's the pancake mix at ? " I asked as I resumed my search . " Right here , ma'am . " Maya opened a drawer right in front of me . " Hmm . " I mused . " I thought I had checked there already ? " That's what happens when there are tons of cabinets " Thanks . And where are the pans and the cooking Dil ? " Madame , are you planning to have pancakes for breakfast ? I can arrange that quickly . Maya said , looking a bit puzzled by my actions . " That won't be necessary , Maya . I will be cooking for Lucian today . I informed her . Suddenly , the room fell silent . The kitchen staff paused their tasks , and even the nearby servants stopped what they were doing as they regarded me in stunned silence . er voice " Are you sure about this , Madame ? I can handle it myself if you'd rather not have the chefs prepare the meal . " Maya said , her tinged with a mix of fear and suspicion . For one thing , they had no idea I could cook , after all , the last time I stepped into the kitchen , I had deliberately made a meal for Lucian using nuts , fully aware of his allergy . The dish tasted awful just as I wanted, and he nearly died from the allergic reaction . I shuddered at the memory as another wave of guilt washed over me once again. " I'm certain , Maya . You can watch me the entire time to make sure I won't pull any tricks ." I reassured her . " That's not what I mea- " " Come on , Maya , I know that's what everyone here is thinking " I cut her off , glancing at the guilty expressions on the faces of the nearby staff . They don't need to feel bad about thinking that way , though . I was a real pain in the ass back then , so it's understandable . Without saying another word , I got to work . Of course I was no stranger to the kitchen . In my previous life , I had secretly taken a culinary course amongst other things because I wanted to be the perfect wife for Adrian . I'm glad I did , because Lucian is going to be blown away , The kitchen staff kept stealing glances at me , clearly astonished . " Could you help me set the table ? " I asked , not directing my question at anyone in particular . Almost immediately , three kitchen staff members rushed over to assist me in carrying the pancakes and other side dishes I had prepared to the dining area . 2/3 P Chapter 56 " You really don't have to do that , Madame . " Maya said as I started cleaning up after myself " I can't just leave my mess for someone else to deal with . " I smiled softly at her . She looked at me in disbelief . " That's what they're paid for , Madame " * Could you check on something else , Maya ? I feel a bit weird with you hovering around . food . " I told her . " L. Madame ou've already seen that I didn't poison the I had never seen Maya stutter before , she was always so confident and professional I kept my expression neutral as I stared at her . " I'll just be in the tearoom if you need me ." She finally managed to say before walking away . I stepped into the kitchen extension to put back the pans I had used when I suddenly heard a commotion . " WHERE THE HELL IS SHE !! " 3/3