CHAPTER TWENTY ONE: MEETING THE HOUSE STAFF.

Under the gentle embrace of dawn's first light, the sun painted the horizon as a symphony of birds greeted the day just beyond Kalina's balcony window. In her new sanctuary, she lingered in bed, savoring the serenity that enveloped her.

This night's slumber surpassed any in recent memory; the bed cradled her like ethereal clouds, while the dark sheets exhaled the enchanting fragrance of jasmines—Kalina's olfactory haven. The room's stillness echoed only the melodious chirping outside.

Despite a tempting feast on the corner table, exhaustion triumphed over appetite. Kalina, draped in the crisp embrace of a clean, folded black tee shirt and boxer shorts found on her bed, surrendered to the dreamless realm once more, unaware of the benevolent hands that orchestrated her peaceful transition into this newfound haven.

Dominique, a brooding silhouette, claimed a shadowed spot on the sofa, legs neatly folded as his intense gaze fixated on the figure still lost in the embrace of tranquil slumber. The room, draped in darkness, seemed to surrender to his contemplative presence.

An early riser by nature, Dominique had anticipated his fiancée's awakening, a directive given the night before. However, the sight of her, peacefully ensconced in the bed with wild, cascading red curls, softened his resolve to disturb her, her vulnerability akin to a sleeping kitten.

In the hushed room, Dominique's patience prevailed over frustration, understanding the toll of the previous day's paparazzi tumult. Rather than disrupt her repose, he chose to linger in the shadows, a silent guardian.

His irritation surfaced when he noted the untouched feast on the table, a culinary gesture from the cook. Dominique, despite his enigmatic aura, held a sensitivity toward hunger, recalling the pangs of deprivation in his past. Though complex, he wasn't a heartless tyrant, and the untouched meal stirred a disquiet within him, bridging the gap between his dark exterior and a nuanced empathy.

As Kalina stirred, a subconscious awareness of an unseen gaze compelled her to awaken. She unfurled gracefully, mirroring a cute kitten in a languid stretch, blissfully oblivious to the dark figure occupying the room's corner.

Blinking her eyes open, she found herself in the muted darkness, struggling to discern her surroundings. Dominique, attuned to her disorientation, manipulated the atmosphere with a tap on his iPad. The somber curtains yielded to the morning light, casting a gentle glow upon the room.

Caught in the enchantment of the emerging dawn, Kalina's wonder remained uninterrupted, her gaze fixated on the newfound illumination. Yet, the hidden observer couldn't resist breaking the silence, his voice cutting through the quietude and startling her into momentary paralysis.

"How many times do I have to tell you to be more conscious of your surroundings?" Dominique's admonition echoed, shattering the serene atmosphere and evoking a startled scream from Kalina, who was now abruptly jolted into the harsh reality of the room.

Kalina's ear-splitting scream made Dominique wince.

Jesus Christ! She sure does have a pair of lungs in her. Dominique thought.

"You need to stop creeping around," she scolded, her expression a mix of annoyance and bewilderment. "And what on earth are you doing in here so early?"

"It's my house, and I can be anywhere I want to be," Dominique retorted nonchalantly.

"But sitting in the dark in a room you already allocated to me isn't normal at all," Kalina countered. Yet, her attempt at reasoning seemed to hit an impasse as Dominique responded with a look that silently conveyed, 'Your point is?' Their dialogue hung in the air, a clash of wills echoing in the dimly lit room.

"What do you want this early?" Kalina asked, relinquishing her attempt at reasoning with Dominique.

"I told you to be awake on time because we had a long day ahead of us, didn't I?" Dominique questioned flatly. "But that's beside the point. Why is the food given to you left untouched? Do you have a problem with eating? Or do you need to be monitored before you provide your body with the nutrients it clearly needs?" His fury was palpable, leaving Kalina bewildered.

"Huh?" Kalina responded, her confusion evident.

"I expect a better answer when I ask you a question," Dominique asserted sternly.

"I do not have an eating disorder, if that's what you're implying. I was very tired after my shower and just passed out once I hit the bed," she explained, attempting to read his emotions but finding nothing.

"Get ready and come downstairs for breakfast. I will introduce you to the household staff, and we can go through the contract that has been drafted together," he commanded before abruptly standing up and leaving, leaving behind a perplexed Kalina.

"What the heck was that?" she mused aloud, addressing no one in particular.

Descending the spiral staircase, Kalina was adorned in a white, spaghetti-strapped, mid-length dress paired with nude gladiator sandals— a chic ensemble she discovered in a black shopping bag on her bed, likely a gesture from Dominique.

As she reached the final step, Dominique, momentarily breaking from his review, approached her with a hand extended, guiding her towards the living room where six individuals stood. "You look stunning," he whispered, stunning Kalina herself with what seemed like the nicest compliment he had ever given. Unbeknownst to her, Dominique was genuinely struck by her presence, the contrast of her pale skin against the white dress, accentuating her long, alluring legs.

Her wild red curls fashioned into a messy bun revealed the graceful curve of her neck and the soft strands of baby hair at its base. Dominique, unexpectedly possessive, felt a surge of unfamiliar emotions. Unlike anything he had experienced with his ex, he contemplated the desire to seclude Kalina in a castle accessible only to him. Yet, the thought of her fiery spirit made him reconsider, acknowledging that she might just castrate him before he ever got the chance.

"Uhmm, thank you," Kalina muttered as she and Dominique took their seats amidst the six figures, each wearing distinct expressions that poorly concealed their shock – an anticipated reaction given Dominique had briefed them on Kalina's identity before her arrival.

Dominique, not one to waste time, introduced the staff succinctly, sparing the details of their names and diving straight into their roles. Kalina, recognizing the need to acquaint herself with the household, mentally noted to engage with them at her own pace.

Among the staff were three professional chefs – one female and two males, all seemingly in their early thirties. A male gardener, around Kalina's age, caught her attention, along with two housekeepers – an older lady, the senior among them, and a younger woman who appeared slightly older than Kalina herself. The dynamics of the eclectic group hinted at a diverse and experienced team managing Dominique's residence.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all," Kalina expressed to the staff, who reciprocated with nods and warm smiles, evidently pleased to have a woman in the house once again.

"I look forward to seeing all of you around, and I must say, you all do a great job in running the affairs of this house," Kalina told the staff, her voice warm and genuine. As her words reached their ears, smiles spread across their faces, their eyes lighting up in appreciation of her kind words.

They weren't used to words of appreciation because their boss isn't one to waste his breath on such.

Kalina's praise was sincere; she wasn't simply flattering them. She had noticed the meticulously groomed flowers that adorned the property, a detail that particularly caught her eye given her own interest in gardening. The house itself was immaculately clean, a testament to the staff's dedication and attention to detail.

And then there was the tantalizing aroma of the meal that filled the air, a preview of the culinary delights that awaited her. It was clear that the staff's commitment to excellence extended beyond mere aesthetics; they took pride in creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for everyone in the house.

As Kalina observed their smiling faces, she felt a genuine sense of gratitude. She recognized the importance of their roles in making the house feel like a home, and she was truly looking forward to getting to know each of them better in the days and weeks to come.

Dismissal of the staff led Dominique to guide Kalina to the dining room, his hands wrapped around her waist, a gesture that sent nervous shivers down her spine. Aware that this was all part of playing the role of a doting fiancé, she tried to steady herself.

The table, already set for the meal, displayed an array of mouth-watering dishes that seemed excessive for just the two of them. Dominique, effortlessly switching to the role of a gentleman, pulled out her chair, surprising Kalina with this unexpected display of chivalry.

Unbeknownst to her, Dominique, often perceived as a devil, had been raised with proper manners on how to treat women. As she settled into her chair, he ordered her to eat, triggering an unexpected glare from Kalina.

"Don't tell me what to do!"