The Good And The Bad News

A loud ringing jolted Marcus from his restless sleep, making his already throbbing head feel even worse. He groaned, pressing his fingers against his forehead, trying to massage away the pain. "Ugh, my head is killing me," he mumbled, his voice thick with exhaustion. With a sigh, he fumbled for his phone, barely managing to squint at the screen before answering the call.

"Marcus, grandson! Good morning!" Arthur's voice boomed from the other end, far too cheerful for Marcus's current state.

"Good morning, Grandpa," Marcus muttered, his voice was unclear and laced with fatigue.

Arthur chuckled knowingly. "What happened last night? Did you drink too much? You sound terrible."

Marcus sighed. "Yes, Grandpa. I might have gone a little overboard. My head is aching."

"Well, that's your fault," Arthur teased before his tone turned more serious. "Anyway, tomorrow is the big day! The official announcement of your promotion to CEO."

Marcus sat up straighter, rubbing his temples as he processed the words. Right. Tomorrow was the day. "Oh, right! I can't believe it's finally happening," he said, his exhaustion disappeared as excitement crept into his voice.

"Believe it, my boy! Everything is set. Just be ready," Arthur said before ending the call.

Just as Marcus was about to put his phone down, his mother, Aya, entered the room. She took one look at him and sighed. "Drinking too much again?"

Marcus ignored the remark and focused on the bigger news. "Mom, Grandpa just called. He told me that tomorrow is the official turnover of the next CEO. We need to make sure all our maids and employees are properly dressed for the event. I don't want them spending their own money on outfits."

Aya nodded approvingly. "Of course, son. We've been taking care of these things for almost two decades now. Don't worry, I'll handle it." She glanced at him. "Now, come on. Let's go down for breakfast."

As they made their way downstairs, the smell of food filled the air. In the dining area, Ella and Eden were busy setting the table. When Marcus's gaze landed on Ella, something inside him shifted. His heart beats so fast and he wasn't sure why.

"Good morning, sir! Good morning, ma'am! Your breakfast is ready," Ella and Eden greeted them warmly.

Marcus nodded, but his mind was still asking. What was that feeling? Why did seeing her make his pulse race like that?

"Thank you, ladies. Please go and summon your companions. I have an important announcement to make later," Aya instructed.

"Yes, ma'am!" Ella and Eden responded in unison before hurrying off.

As they sat down to eat, Aya turned to her son. "So, how was your night with Felix? Is he upset that Grandpa chose you instead of him?"

Marcus shook his head. "No, Mom. He told me he's happy for me. He said maybe I was meant to be CEO."

Aya smiled proudly. "Then we should finish breakfast quickly. There's a lot to prepare."

After the meal, Aya gathered all the house staff in the grand living area. Standing at the front, she addressed them with her usual commanding presence. "Listen up, everyone! Tomorrow marks the official turnover of the new CEO. I want all of you to be there, looking elegant and presentable—like royalty!"

A ripple of excitement spread through the staff. Murmurs of anticipation filled the air.

"Carlos, prepare five company cars. We're heading to MJ's Mega Boutique. You all can pick whatever outfit you like, and I'll cover all the expenses," Aya continued, her tone firm but generous.

While the employees cheered in excitement, Marcus found himself lost in thought. His eyes unconsciously sought out Ella again. She stood among the staff, smiling as she chatted with Eden. There was something about her, something he couldn't quite put into words.

Why does she always look so beautiful? he wondered. She was just wearing a simple white shirt and light gray jeans, but to him, she outshone every woman he had ever met. Her long black hair cascaded around her shoulders, and when she smiled, the dimples in her cheeks deepened, making her look even more stunning.

His thoughts were interrupted when his phone buzzed again. He frowned at the unregistered number before answering.

"What now?" he asked, irritation seeping into his voice.

"Marcus, babe! How are you? I'm on my way to your house right now. Can you wait for me?" a familiar voice chirped through the speaker.

Marcus clenched his jaw. Celine.

He hadn't even processed the engagement announcement yet, and now she was acting like they were already a happy couple.

"Hey! Are you still there?" Celine pressed when he didn't respond.

Marcus let out a slow breath, forcing himself to keep calm. "Yeah, I'm here, but I have important things to do today. You can come another time."

"No! Tomorrow is a special day for you! Your grandpa asked me to help you prepare. You need me," she insisted, her voice laced with entitlement.

Marcus's patience snapped. "Fine," he said curtly before ending the call.

Annoyed, he raked a hand through his hair, but as his gaze drifted back to Ella, something shifted inside him again. There was a warmth in her presence, a kind of peace that Celine had never given him.

But before he could dwell on it further, it was time to leave for the boutique.

Upon arriving at MJ's Mega Boutique, the group was buzzing with excitement. The employees browsed the elegant clothing racks, their laughter filling the high-end store.

But amidst the excitement, Ella's heart was heavy. While the others eagerly searched for outfits, she quietly stepped aside and pulled out her phone. With trembling fingers, she dialed her cousin Grace.

"Hello, cousin. How's my mom doing?" Ella asked anxiously as soon as Grace picked up.

"She's fine, sis. Don't worry," Grace replied, but there was something in her voice—something hesitant, something unspoken.

Ella's stomach twisted. "Are you sure? She's really okay?"

There was a pause on the other end.

Meanwhile, back at Ella's home, Maddie watched anxiously as Grace held the phone. "Tell her that I'm fine," Maddie whispered.

Grace hesitated. She hated lying to Ella. "But Auntie, she—"

"Please," Maddie pleaded, her eyes desperate.

Grace swallowed hard, forcing a smile into her voice. "Yes, sis. She's doing okay."

Ella sighed in relief, not realizing the truth was being hidden from her. "Okay. Thank you, Grace. Please take care of her for me."

As Ella hung up, she turned back toward the store, forcing herself to push the worry aside.

Meanwhile, Marcus was searching for her, his eyes scanning the boutique. But before he could find her, someone suddenly grabbed his arm.

"There you are!" Celine's voice rang in his ears.

Marcus turned to see her smiling up at him, her grip on his arm firm. "I found the perfect tuxedo for you," she purred, pulling him toward the display.

Marcus sighed, already feeling drained. "Celine, I—"

Before he could finish, she stepped closer, her voice lowering. "Come on, babe. Let's pick something together."

Marcus felt a little disappointment. He knew this was only the beginning.

And for the first time, he realized—this engagement was going to be more suffocating than he had ever imagined.

Marcus ran a hand through his hair, feeling restless as he rejoined his mother. His thoughts were a tangled mess, and an unsettling feeling lingered in his chest.

"Hey, son, did you find anything you like?" Aya asked, flashing him a warm smile.

"Nope, Mom. I already have a suit at home," Marcus replied casually, though his mind wasn't on clothes. His eyes flickered around the boutique as if searching for someone.

Aya tilted her head. " It seems that you're searching for someone else ?"

"Yeah," Marcus admitted, frowning. "Where's our cook? Everyone else is picking out outfits, but I don't see her anywhere."

Aya chuckled. "Maybe she's on the other side." Then, with a teasing smile, she added, "Or maybe you just want to see her."

Marcus ignored the implication, shaking his head. "It's not that. I just—" He hesitated. "Ever since she started working for us, I've eaten the best meals of my life."

Aya studied her son for a moment before nodding. "Fine. You go keep your fiancée company. I'll find Ella."

At the mention of Celine, Marcus sighed but didn't argue. He watched as his mother walked off, and he caught sight of Ella sitting alone in the waiting area. Her expression was distant, lost in thought.

"Ella!" Aya called, walking over. "What are you doing here? Come help me choose a dress for tomorrow's event."

Ella looked up, her dark eyes filled with quiet worry. "Ma'am, I won't be attending," she said softly. "I need to visit my mother. I'll go home tonight and be back tomorrow."

Aya's heart ached at the sadness in her voice. She thought of the pain of losing her husband, the emptiness that never fully faded. She had wished for a daughter, but fate had given her only Marcus. And now, looking at Ella, she imagined her daughter should be at her age if she had given the chance to have one.

"Come with me," Aya said gently, taking Ella's hand. "We'll find you a dress, and Carlos will drive you home afterward. You don't have to miss the event."

Ella hesitated, but Aya's kindness was too comforting to refuse.

A few minutes later, Aya held up a stunning sky-blue dress. "This one is perfect for you."

Ella's eyes widened at the price tag. "Ma'am, I can't accept this. It's too expensive."

Aya waved off her concern. "My son owns this boutique. Consider it a small gift for all the wonderful meals you've cooked for us."

Ella bit her lip, hesitating before finally accepting the dress with gratitude. "Thank you, ma'am. This means so much to me."

By the time the shopping trip ended, everyone was relieved to have their outfits sorted. Aya decided to treat the entire staff to lunch at a fine restaurant, making the day even more enjoyable. Laughter and conversation filled the air as they returned home, smiles bright on their faces.

June 11, 2019.

The Jones Mansion buzzed with excitement as preparations began.

"Ladies! Your beauticians have arrived," Aya announced, ensuring that every employee, regardless of their role, would look their best.

Fatza, the lively beautician, clapped his hands in delight when he saw Ella. "Come here, darling! I'll make you look like a Disney princess."

Ella laughed nervously but let him work his magic. Her hair was braided into a delicate crown, with soft waves cascading down her back. A natural makeup look highlighted her features, and a hint of gloss made her lips shimmer. When she finally looked at herself in the mirror, she barely recognized the woman staring back.

She looked… beautiful.

As everyone changed into their outfits, Ella slipped into her new dress, pairing it with simple yet elegant sandals. Before heading out, she rushed back to her room to grab her phone.

"Is everyone ready?" Aya called.

A chorus of agreement filled the air, but Eden quickly scanned the group. "Wait! Where's the cook?"

At that moment, Ella stepped out of the mansion.

Silence fell.

Carlos froze, his eyes widening as if he had seen a ghost. Ella's beauty stunned everyone into speechlessness. The soft blue fabric hugged her figure perfectly, her elegance effortlessly captivating. Even Eden, known for her chatter, took a step back in quiet admiration.

At the Jones's Hotel, the venue was already alive with music and chatter. Marcus stepped out of his car, his eyes scanning the crowd.

"Marcus!"

Celine's voice snapped him out of his thoughts as she grabbed his hand. She looked stunning in a daring black dress, her confidence shining through.

"I was looking for you," she purred, tightening her grip. "Your grandfather is waiting to introduce you to mine."

Marcus forced a polite smile, though his mind was elsewhere.

Inside, Arthur proudly introduced him to Celine's grandfather, and they exchanged firm handshakes. Marcus kept the conversation going, but his heart wasn't in it.

Then, as if drawn by an invisible force, his gaze drifted across the room—

And landed on Ella.

His breath caught.

She stood at the far end of the hall, lost in the grandeur of the event. The soft lighting made her look even more radiant, the blue of her dress making her skin glow. Something deep inside him shifted, tightening in a way he couldn't explain.

His pulse raced.

What is happening to me?

Was it excitement?

Or something much, much deeper?

As the ceremony was about to begin, Marcus fixed his tie, trying to focus.

But one thing was certain.

Ella was distracting his mind since he saw her in her perfect attire.

And that realization terrified him.