She blinked, disbelief rooting her to the spot. Dark bags under his eyes, a weary slump to his shoulders… was this really the same man who had looked so dashing just hours ago?
Even the servants paused, frozen mid step. It was the first time they had seen their Young Master look so… human. Vulnerable.
Chibuzor's gaze met hers, sharp and darkening despite the exhaustion etched across his face.
This woman's constant mistakes… I barely got a wink of sleep, and now she's flaunting my face like it's a joke?!
If I don't teach her a lesson, she'll never show me respect.
He rose smoothly, wearing a "gentle" smile. He approached her, hugged her shoulders, and flashed a brighter smile that seemed real enough for the servants, but Olaedo knew better. It was fake to the bone.
"Good morning, Mrs. Arinze," he whispered, voice dripping sweetness. "Gosh, I've waited so long to say this, it can never be enough." He leaned closer, lowering his voice just enough for the servants to catch a faint melody of charm. "Shocked to see my face, huh? Isn't it because of you that I didn't get enough sleep last night?"
Olaedo froze.
Around them, the servants exchanged knowing glances. Last night… they had stayed up late together.
The older servants smiled, quietly pleased, surely a little Young Master or Young Mistress was on the way. The younger ones glanced away, cheeks flushing as heat rose to their ears.
Olaedo's confusion mounted. She stared at him, then slowly, painfully, the implication of his words sank in. Her face turned hot, a mix of shock and disbelief.
"Chibuzor!" she stammered, nearly tripping over her words. "Y-you! That di—"
"Are you not going to take responsibility for me anymore?" he asked, his expression suddenly drooping, a mock sadness that made her pulse race. "If I remember correctly, it was your ide—"
"Shut up already!" she hissed, snapping forward and pressing her hands over his mouth.
A sudden, tense silence fell over the room.
Seconds passed before Olaedo realized what she had just done. Her hand flew back, but the damage was done.
Even Chibuzor looked stunned for a few seconds but then recovered quickly.
Uncontrollable giggles erupted from the dining room.
Chibuzor! she screamed internally, face burning.
Not knowing what else to do, she buried her bright red face in her palms and let him guide her to the seat beside him.
Chibuzor's grin widened, satisfied. He picked up his phone, clearly reveling in her flustered expression, a sight he had never seen before.
The maids served breakfast with quiet smiles. A few who had grown fond of Olaedo leaned in subtly, nudging her and whispering reminders to eat well and take care of herself.
Her cheeks deepened to a shocking shade of pink, but she didn't resist. Finally, the maid from the kitchen stepped between her and Chibuzor, giving her a moment of relief from his occasionally smug gaze.
Silently, she bit into her sandwich and sipped her tea, feeling the weight of their teasing yet unable to escape the playful embarrassment.
But suddenly, Olaedo paused.
Oof.
A sudden cough shook her body, but brought no relief. Her hands flew to her face, scratching furiously, cheeks now alarmingly red.
"I-I can't-" she tried to call for help.
But failed.
At first, everyone, including Chibuzor, assumed shyness. But then she started gasping for air. Panic spread through the room.
What's happening to the Young Madam? the servants thought, frozen in place, their earlier calm shattered.
Whispers of worry filled the room, eyes darting anxiously toward her.
Is something wrong with her? Or… could it be the child?
No one dared act without instruction, yet every servant stood poised, ready to jump in the moment they were needed.
Chibuzor's eyes snapped open as well. Something's wrong.
"Olaedo! What's wrong?" he demanded, rising from his seat and moving toward her.
But she couldn't answer. Her breaths came in frantic gasps, hands clawing at her throat, face swelling alarmingly.
Chibuzor's jaw tightened. He grabbed a glass of water, pressing it to her lips, and patted her back, hoping she was choking.
No. This wasn't choking.
Panic surged. Without hesitation, he snatched his phone and started a call.
"Olisa. I need your help. It's urgent."
On the other end, Olisa chuckled. "Fine, fine. Urgent, you say? But—"
"Just listen." Chibuzor snapped, voice taut. "Swollen airways, sudden itching, redness, bumps on the face. What do these symptoms point to?"
There was silence for a moment. Then Olisa's tone went deadly serious. "Allergic reaction, you dummy! Where's the EpiPen? Inject it, middle of the outer thigh. Move. And seriously, since when do you make me run for this? It's just an allergic reaction."
Chibuzor didn't answer. He bolted upstairs, heart hammering, scanning the chaotic room as he kicked the door open.
What the—?
The room was a mess, like a marketplace exploded. No time to admire the chaos. He started tearing through her dresser, throwing objects aside.
This woman. Something as critical as an EpiPen, and she doesn't keep it in a clear spot!
Abandoning the dresser, he scanned the walk in closet, eyes sharp.
Where is it? Where is it?
Then, a glimpse of familiar orange and white caught his eye beside her shoe rack.
There it was.
He snatched it, bolted to the elevator, fingers drumming impatiently as it descended.
Back downstairs, he dropped to one knee beside her, heart racing. Hands steady despite the panic around him, he jabbed the EpiPen into her outer thigh.
Immediate relief wasn't guaranteed, but at least the worst was being addressed.
Olaedo's ragged breaths slowed. Her eyes fluttered, pain and panic giving way to fragile clarity.
Chibuzor remained kneeling, keeping her upright, eyes sharp, silently calculating every second until the medicine began to work.
Around them, the staff stood frozen, whispers of relief and awe threading through the room. No one dared move too quickly, Chibuzor had taken control, and his focus was absolute.