Chapter 10 THE OTHER WOMAN

The hand of the grand antique clock decorating the pristine white wall turned exactly at ten. As if on cue, the magnificent door made of fine glass opened. The employees scattered on their feet to stand on their post before the first guest arrived, clad in fine silk and expensive tuxedo.

Standing near the door, I greeted the young couple good morning. They both looked at me.

Usually, rich guests would snub a waitress, but the couple turned and smiled. Then greeted me back cheerfully.

‘A gem,’ I thought to myself. That is how I labeled courteous guests like them because they come rarely and are valuable. I have the highest respect for them.

“May I ask if you have reservations?” I asked politely.

“Yes, we do,” the woman replied, surveying me with her intent amber eyes.

I self-consciously touched my face in wonder if there’s some dirt in it. Guests would usually stare at me for a long time. But this woman was overdoing it. Was she surprised my eyes were weird?

Clearing my throat, I asked them their family name.

“Blaze.” The man replied. He has the same bewildered look on his face as the woman.

Checking the note on my hand, I found their names. “Mr. and Mrs Blaze, please follow me.” I ushered the couple to the table in front of the floor to ceiling window with the clear view of the magnificent garden of roses outside.

The man pulled a chair for the woman. I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of envy as I looked at them, exchanging sweet glances. For a woman whose marriage is on the rocks, the scene is not pleasing to the eyes. The woman sat down in the chair with the grace of a queen. After the man sat down, I collected their orders.

“She really looked like the woman in the painting. Is she?” The woman’s bewildered tone still reached my ears after turning away to hand the list to the counter. I didn’t have the chance to hear the man's response. The sound of high-heeled shoes slapping the floor drowned his voice.

I reached the counter and handed the cashier the note. She then handed it to the kitchen staff.

Summoning a bright smile on my lips, I turned to greet the new guest. I stopped before a word escaped my lips. A sudden chill ran down my spine upon meeting a pair of smokey cat eyes.

The woman standing in front of me was none other than Natalia Romani, the Italian model who captured the heart of one of the most notorious billionaires in town, Grey Bradford.

Describing her as beautiful was an understatement.

Natalia’s fiery red curls tumbled down past her elegant shoulder, bouncing enigmatically every time her head moved. Deep-seated eyes framed by exquisitely long lashes unblinkingly stared at me. They were exquisite, as if the finest sculpture carved them to perfection. Her nose, her best features so far, gave her a queenly aura.

The expensive silk wrapped around her like a second skin displayed her gorgeous curves to the advantage. No man could say no to this woman.

Elegant arched eyebrows rose an inch as her eyes surveyed me from head to toe. The corner of her lips twitched into a smile. “Nice meeting you, Mrs Bradford.” She said the words softly so no one would hear them except me. “Or shall I call you now, Miss De Silva?” She added meaningfully before walking past me.

My fist turned into a ball at my side. No, I will not allow my emotions to get the best of me. I inhaled and then exhaled until I felt myself relax. Unclenching my fists, I followed her.

“Do you have reservations, Ma’am?” I asked in the same polite manner, I treat every guest.

“No, but I’m waiting for someone.” Natalia replied, not even bothering to look back at me. She‌ sat down at the table reserved for unexpected VIP guests. The hem of her gown hitched up, exposing a pair of flawless white legs. She crossed them.

Natalia looked at me, flashing her best smile.

“I’m waiting for your husband.”