Chapter 7 CAN WE TALK

Thirty minutes later, I walked downstairs in my uniform, a white long sleeve with a black vest on top and a pencil skirt cut above my knee. A black ribbon secured my hair in a bun on my nape. I wore no accessory except a watch, a gift from during my twenty-third birthday.

Mom spotted me from the top of the stairs, her lips stretched into a smile. “You looked good, darling.”

My cheeks burned from her compliment. I grinned at her. “You tell me that every day, Mom. It’s hard to believe you now.”

She chuckled. “I mean it, darling. You indeed look great.”

Celine emerged from the kitchen door holding a dozen of fresh pink roses in her hand, which she picked from Mom’s mini garden. When she spotted me, her lips curved into a smile. She replaced the withered roses on the vase with the freshly picked ones before turning back to me.

“I packed you some lunch, Lily.” She made a stop on the kitchen counter and handed me a lunch bag which contained the foods she packed for me.

“You shouldn't have bothered,” I told her, my cheeks turning pink as I took the lunch bag in her hand.

“I don’t mind. There’s enough food left for us.” She assured me.

“You'll be late for work, darling. You should hurry.” Mom butted in.

My high-heeled shoes padded across the carpeted floor. I pressed my lips to Mom’s temples. “Don’t forget to take your medicine, Mom, and don’t stay in front of the television for too long.” I reminded her. “I’ll be off to work now. Please take care, Mom,” I added, looking at her for the last time.

Turning my gaze to Celine, I caught her looking at me. “I will take good care of her, so don't worry.” Her smile was full of assurance.

“Please do.” I replied.

I’m worrying far too much. Mom will be fine. If there’s a person I trust the most to take care of Mom, it’s Celine. She’s been my best friend since middle school.

“Call me if something important comes up.” I said, still looking at Celine. She nodded her head, waving her hand.

“Take care, dear. Don’t skip your meals.” She called out while I’m on my way to the door.

“I won't, Mom. It will be a shame to waste this delicious food with me.” I replied quickly before gently closing the door behind me.

The clear sky stretched on the horizon like a breathtaking painting on a canvas. The clouds, the purest blue I’d ever seen in my life, promised a beautiful day ahead.

I tear my gaze from the sky, and climb inside the cab before I get late to work. With my back leaning on the leather seat beside me, my gaze drifted back to the scene. Old habits die hard, I thought to myself, watching the birds spread their wings and dive into the sky. Inwardly wishing I could be as free as them.

The cab skittered down the road. I spent the brief trip looking outside the car window. Shortly, the car pulled into a stop in front of La Paraiso, a colossal building at the heart of the City. The Bradfords owned the expansive hotel.

La Paraiso, meaning paradise. The hotel’s name came from my husband—soon to be ex-husband's mother, who had Spanish blood.

I paid the driver and emerged from the cab with the lunch bag in my hand.

La Paraiso Hotel stood proud and tall under the crystalline blue sky. The hotel was the biggest in the country. Its modern structures capture the eye with its unique, palace-like design set in a modern era. It caters to celebrities, politicians, elites, and nobility. Indeed, it was a paradise to the rich.

Making a beeline straight to the employee entrance, I flashed my Identification Card to the security on duty before hurrying to my assigned area. I greeted my co-workers in the dining area, ‘good morning’ before entering the Staff Room to register my time in on the biometrics. Shortly, I joined my co-workers with the cleaning tools in my hand to help them prepare before opening the restaurant.

With a brief look at my wristwatch to see an hour left before the opening, I sanitize the chairs and tables, ritually scrubbing them in a circular motion with the dishrag in my hand. Leaving the table and chairs spotless and shiny, I grabbed a mop to clear the faint footprints on the floor.

My attention deep into cleaning that I haven’t noticed the light approaching footsteps from behind my back. I diligently continue to mop the floor, unaware of the figure stopping behind me,

watching me with intent gray eyes.

Finally, sensing a pair of eyes watching me, I straightened.

“Can we talk, Lily?”

I turned and gasped. Standing in front of me was my husband.