Desirable Beast

Desirable Beast

Chapters: 16
Updated: 19 Dec 2024
Author: S. Light
4.6

Synopsis

Gretel has a long list of reasons to despise arrogant and wealthy Javier del Mundo. First, he is proud. Second, he is not her dream man. Third, she is hopelessly attracted to him. Javier is mysterious, and he seems to hide many secrets. Gretel has no business speaking with him at all. But when her brother is involved in a robbery at Javier's mansion, she offers herself to him as collateral while they prove that her brother is innocent. Will Gretel finally uncover Javier's secrets, or has she just put her life in danger?

Fantasy New Adult Romance Fairytale/Myth Enemies To Lovers First Love

Desirable Beast Free Chapters

CHAPTER ONE | Desirable Beast

GRETEL knew poverty since she was a child. She lived in a small cottage in a humble village with her older brother, Hansel, and their mother. Despite that, she grew up to be happy and grateful because she had a complete family.

But five years ago, their father died while he was working on a merchant ship. They encountered a storm, and not even a single soul came back alive to the shore. Their mother had to work harder to provide for the two of them and began selling fruits and vegetables in the market. While her brother Hansel helped her, Gretel would be in charge of their house and garden and assisted in their stall when she had more time.

Their stall never ran out of customers, especially young men, whenever Gretel was around. She was beautiful with her sun-kissed skin, long brown hair, and slender body.

Men would bring her fresh flowers and other gifts, hoping she would give them a chance. But Gretel knew her priorities, and it was her family. She could not marry yet. After all, she was just nineteen years old.

Gretel wanted to marry the man of her dreams. And, she knew she must wait and take her time. He’ll come along; she was sure of that.

“Here. Take all of them. Don’t let me see them again.”

Gretel laughed as she took the pile of books from her friend.

She was waiting for her under a huge oak tree. It was on the other side of the road, in front of their houses. They would usually hang out in the afternoon.

“Books are one of the most wonderful things in the world, Dory.” She wiped a little dust from the book.

“Unfortunately, I sit in front of the sewing machine for the whole day every day, so I don’t get much time to read. Books are just adding to the clutter in our house,” Dory said with a frown.

Dory’s family owned the biggest dress shop in town. Sometimes, Gretel would work part-time, which was a big help.

“If you got more clutter in your house, you know what to do, okay?”

“Of course. You’re just one call away.”

The two of them laughed. Dory finally sat beside her.

Gretel glanced at the huge mansion on top of the hill. It was a beautiful view from there. It was built a couple of months ago by a wealthy merchant from another town.

She would hear stories about the man. How he dressed nicely and how intimidating he looked. Some would say he was good-looking, but he did not look friendly at all. Gretel wished she would see him just to satisfy her curiosity. She wanted to see for herself what kind of a man he really was.

“What are you thinking?” Dory asked.

“Will I ever get to live in a beautiful house like that?” she said and sighed.

“If you can marry the terrible person who lives in there.”

Gretel glanced at Dory with a frown.

“Do you really think he’s a terrible person?”

“That’s what people say,” Dory replied with a shrug.

“Anyway, I don’t literally mean living in that house. As long as I marry the man of my dreams.” Gretel smiled.

“You have to leave this village for that to happen. The world is big out there. You will surely meet a lot of gentlemen.”

“Hmm, you’re right. But I can’t leave my mother and my brother yet.”

GRETEL liked the weekends. She had all the time to read books as she rested without worrying about the house chores. There was a tiny stream near their vegetable garden. She would spend hours reading and bathing all by herself without getting bored.

Her favorite spot was the huge branch that was close to the ground. Gretel would put her clothes and book there as she bathed in the stream.

Gretel squeezed her wet hair as she walked away from the stream. She had a good swim and was refreshed enough to go back to reading again. She pulled her towel and dried herself. Instead of putting her clothes back, Gretel remained naked. She climbed to the higher part of the branch, where thick leaves would serve as her cover.

She finished the remaining pages of her book and finally closed it with a satisfied smile on her lips. She slipped the book inside her pouch bag that was hanging in one of the branches. She laid on her back. She was overwhelmed and satisfied. And that feeling the book gave her would definitely stay in her system for a long time.

“Hmm…”

The next thing Gretel knew, she was already touching herself. Gretel was never ashamed about it. It was human nature.

She shifted in her position, practically riding the sturdy, rough branch. Gretel parted her thighs to feel the roughness against her sensitive flesh. The leaves began to shake as she started humping.

Gretel was panting and trembling a few moments later. She looked between her thighs and saw her warm juices flowing on the branch. She looked down and found that her dress fell.

“Oh.”

She shifted in her position once again. Before she could get down from the tree, a huge, black dog appear and grabbed her clothes by its mouth.

“Oh, no! Hey, that’s mine!”

The dog ran away. Gretel jumped and hit the ground with a loud groan. The dog was now running toward the woods.

“Come back!” she screamed as she ran after it.

The dog disappeared into a huge tree, and Gretel chased it.

“Aw!” Gretel bumped into a hard figure, and she was thrown off balance.

She heard a groan, which was a man’s voice, and the next thing she knew, she was on top of an unfamiliar face wearing hunting gear. Her eyes widened in horror. And when she realized how awkward their position was, she moved away from him, and she felt the ground.

GRETEL sucked a breath as she wrapped her arms around her exposed breasts. She caught the man staring at her nakedness. Her face flushed in fear and embarrassment.

“Are you looking for trouble, woman? Why are you running around the forest… like that?” he spat. He stood up and brushed the dirt from his clothes.

Gretel swallowed, still unable to move. The dog appeared behind the man with her dress still in its mouth.

“That dog stole my clothes!” she said.

The man grabbed her dress from the dog’s mouth.

“Did you do that, Black?” he asked.

“Oh, no,” Gretel uttered as she stared. Her dress was torn!

The man took his jacket off and threw it on her.

“Wear that. That will make you look decent.” He slightly turned away from her.

Gretel grabbed the jacket with trembling hands. She was sure it was expensive as she had seen this type of cloth in Dory’s shop a couple of times before. She put it on as she stood up. It felt warm and pleasant.

“Your dog is so mean.”

“He’s just a dog,” he said arrogantly as he glanced at her. He looked relieved that she was finally clothed.

“Aren’t you even going to apologize for your dog’s behavior?”

Gretel stared at his face. Though he looked undeniably good-looking, he was intimidating.

He reminded her of the alpha heroes in her favorite novels. He looked like he was in his late twenties. He had thick eyebrows and thin stubble around his mouth.

“I’m going to take your jacket as compensation for you and your dog’s behavior,” she said stubbornly.

He raised an eyebrow. Then, he sighed and smirked.

“Do what you want. I mean, not everyone can afford that jacket,” he said cockily.

Gretel narrowed her eyes at him. No, she was wrong to think that he was like the alpha heroes in her favorite novels. This man was nothing but an arrogant beast.

“How can you afford an expensive jacket and not appropriate behavior, sir?”

“Do you know who I am?” The man closed their distance.

Gretel could not help but look up. She had never met a man who was as tall as him.

“I-I’m certainly not interested to know.” She snatched her torn clothes from his hand and walked out of the forest without looking back.

*** *** *** ***

“I WONDER if I’m foolish to think that I could meet a man who was the same as the heroes from my favorite books,” Gretel uttered with a sigh.

She was helping Dory tidy the shop since the latter’s assistant was sick.

“So, do you admit now that you were just reading too much?” Dory joked. She was busy with the papers on her table.

“Of course not,” Gretel said with a frown as she organized the clothes hanging on the rack. “You know I could never get enough of reading. It’s just that…” She sighed in frustration.

She did not sleep well last night. She could not keep the man from the forest off her mind. She still hated his guts. Nothing changed.

“Didn’t the book end as you expected?”

“Oh, no, no, Dory.” Gretel shook her head. “It was wonderful. I’m just wondering if I could have the love as great as that.” It was the truth and a lie at the same time.

She was simply disappointed with the man she met yesterday. That was all.

You can’t possibly fall for a man like that, Gretel.

“For sure you would,” Dory replied with a smile.

“I’m done here. I’ll come back this afternoon once I finish my chores.”

“You can take your time. Thanks again, Gretel. You’re the best.”

“Anytime,” Gretel replied with a sweet smile.

*** *** *** *** ***

GRETEL saw Mr. Rodman picking up scattered sweet potatoes on the ground to put them back into his cart as soon as she got out of the shop. She ran to him right away and helped him.

“Wow, these all look delicious, Mr. Rodman,” she said.

“Oh, Gretel. It’s you. Good morning,” said Mr. Rodman. “I’m going to the market today. I harvested too many sweet potatoes this month, and they could not seem to fit my cart.”

“Would you sell some to me, then?”

“You can just get as many as you want. It won’t make me broke, anyway.”

“That’s very nice of you, Mr. Rodman. Thank you so much.” Gretel pulled out the hemline of her long skirt and put the sweet potatoes in it.

“Sweet potatoes make you healthy and beautiful. Here, have some more.” Mr. Rodman grabbed a handful of sweet potatoes from his cart and put it on her skirt.

“Wow. This is too much already,” Gretel said gratefully.

“Eat as many as you want. See you, Gretel.”

“Take care, Mr. Rodman.”

Mr. Rodman mounted his horse, pulling the cart. He waved at her. Gretel waited until he left. She spotted a few sweet potatoes on the ground Mr. Rodman had probably missed. She bent and picked them up.

Gretel gasped in shock as the familiar black dog appeared in front of her, carrying something in its mouth again. A bunch of fresh flowers. The dog dropped the flowers on her lap and barked.

“I-is this for me? Is this your token of apology?” she asked as if the dog would answer her.

The dog barked again.

“Your name’s Black, right?” She looked around. It was not like she was looking for his master. She still despised him. She was just curious about where he came from. “You did not steal these flowers, did you? Or else, I won’t accept it.”

Black just stared at her, sticking its tongue and wagging its tail. Now, she just realized Black was a lot kinder than his master despite their awful first meeting.

“Okay. I’ll accept this, and I forgive you. Just you, not your master.” She managed a smile and patted its head. “Thank you.” She picked up the flowers and stood up.

She was about to go on her way when she saw two people coming out of Madam Beth’s flower shop.

IT WAS him. Black’s master!

Gretel’s heart skipped a beat as their eyes met. He was talking to Lady Arcie, the daughter of one of the wealthiest residents in the village. Lady Arcie was smiling from ear to ear. As always, she looked lovely with her elegant dress and jewelry. She was also holding a basket of daisies in her hand.

How did Lady Arcie know that man, and why did it seem like she was the only one around who did not know him? Not that she was interested, really.

“My father is looking forward to building a partnership with you. You know you are always welcome in our home.”

“How kind of you to say that, Lady Arcie.”

Gretel looked away and walked quickly. But Black barked and followed her. She stopped and bit her lip. She did not know how to drive Black away without being obvious.

“Come here, Black.”

Gretel jumped at the sound of that voice. She glanced at him. Lady Arcie was not around anymore. Her body tense, she tried to breathe normally.

“I told you to give those flowers to the most beautiful woman in this village. When did you start disobeying me?”

Gretel clenched her fists as she took a deep breath.

“Your master must have a very poor eyesight to give you that job,” she told the dog as calm as she could. She turned to the arrogant man and smacked the flowers in his chest. He gasped in shock, but he recovered quickly and glanced at the poor flowers that fell on the ground. “Go give the flowers to the most beautiful woman in this village yourself.”

He chuckled. It took Gretel by surprise. She did not know a man’s laughter would affect her that way.

He picked up the flowers on the ground and shook the dust off them.

“There you go.” He put the flowers on top of the sweet potatoes.

Gretel stared and blinked.

“Do you have a death wish?” she asked through gritted teeth.

He chuckled, a little louder this time.

“I just did what I was told. Let’s go, Black. We won’t like it when she’s mad.”

Gretel turned to him sharply as he began to walk away with Black. She did not know what to do or say. She was annoyed. And she had never been annoyed like this before!

*** *** *** *** ***

“BEAUTIFUL flowers. Who among your suitors gave it this time?” her mother asked as Gretel was preparing their dinner.

“I-I…” Gretel pretended to focus on arranging the utensils. She put the flowers in a vase on the dining table because she did not want them to go to waste. “N-no one, Mother. You know I don’t entertain them. I just found it on the ground when I came from Dory’s shop.”

“I don’t mind if you date, you know.”

“A man will just be a distraction, Mother. I’m only nineteen. When I have saved enough, I’ll go back to school and become a teacher,” she said and smiled.

“If only your father were alive, you would not need to sacrifice like this.” A sad smile flashed across her mother’s tired face.

“I wish father were still with us, too. But we can do this, Mother. As long as we stick together.” Gretel grabbed her mother’s hand and squeezed it.

“I know. Anyway, let’s eat. Wow, there’s plenty of sweet potatoes here. Where did you get them?”

“Mr. Rodman gave them to me this morning,” she replied with a smile. “I’ll just call my brother so that we can eat together.”

Her brother was talking to his friends outside their house.

“I’m not sure about it. I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Hansel said.

“Hansel, you won’t be directly involved. You just have to wait for us and let us do the job,” said Dario.

Gretel did not like some of Hansel’s friends, especially Dario. He was a big man with no permanent job and had a bad reputation. He stole from people in the village, but he wasn’t always caught. He also had a habit of gambling. She was afraid he would influence her brother.

“Dario and I have planned it carefully. Leave everything to us,” said Jones. He was a thin man who always followed Dario around.

Honestly, they were the worst group ever.

What are they talking about? I hope it’s not something dangerous again.

“Brother,” she called in a stern tone.

Hansel jumped as he turned to her. He looked nervous. On the other hand, Dario and Jones remained calm and smiled at her.

“Is everything okay?”

“Of course, Gretel,” Dario replied. “We’re just catching up, you know. It’s been a long time since Hansel hung out with us.”

“Dinner’s ready.”

“O-okay, sister. I’m coming.”

“Let’s talk again tomorrow, Hansel,” Dario said and patted Hansel’s shoulder. “I know you’ll make the right choice. You’re doing this for your family, remember?”

Hansel did not respond.

“We’ll take our leave, Gretel.” Dario smiled at her.

“Bye, Gretel.” Jones waved at her before he followed Dario.

“What are they up to now, Brother?” Gretel asked suspiciously as soon as the two left.

Hansel avoided her gaze.

“It was just about work, Gretel. No need to concern yourself.”

But Gretel would not buy it.

“You’re talking to Dario and Jones. You know their reputation. Why do you keep being friends with them?”

“Gretel, I can handle myself, okay?”

“I’m just worried about you.”

“Hey, I’m your big brother, remember?” Hansel gave her a reassuring smile. “I’ll do everything I can to give our family a better life. I want you to reach your dreams, and I want to see Mother happy.”

“You and Mother are the most important to me. I value our family more than my dreams. And, I don’t want you to risk yourself just for me.”

“Just have faith in me, Gretel.”

Gretel sighed and pressed her lips altogether.

“I’m serious, Hansel. If you get in trouble because of Dario and Jones, I will kill you first.”

Hansel laughed.

“I know you can.”

CHAPTER TWO | Desirable Beast

GRETEL flexed her arms as she yawned. She had woken up from her usual afternoon nap on the grass after reading her book. She felt refreshed.

“Gretel, dear, can you help me over here?” her mother called. She was standing on the wooden gate of the fence.

“Sure, Mother.” She stood up and ran to her, carrying the book in her arms.

Her mother was putting freshly picked vegetables into a huge basket.

“I thought the harvest starts tomorrow, Mother,” she said.

“That’s because we have a special customer. Mr. Javier del Mundo, the man who lives in the mansion on the hill.” Her mother looked excited.

“Really?” Gretel uttered in amusement.

“His personal assistant approached me at the market this morning. He heard about our vegetables, and he wanted to buy everything we got. If he likes it, he’ll be our regular customer from now on. That’s why I want to give him the best we’ve got.”

“Mother, everything we have here is the best.” Gretel began picking ripe tomatoes. “I’m sure he will be happy with these vegetables. Our product is one of a kind.”

And maybe, she would finally get the chance to meet the owner of that mansion.

Gretel glanced at her mother with a sheepish smile on her face.

“Mother, can I come with you? I want to take a closer look at that mansion. Do you think the owner is kind?”

“I hope he is. Let’s hurry. We should get there before sunset. Mr. del Mundo is strict with time.”

*** *** *** ***

GRETEL could not help a smile as the mansion became bigger in her eyes while they came closer. It looked like it was from one of her favorite fairytales.

“You look fascinated with the mansion, Gretel. Do you dream of living in that house?” her mother asked.

“Yes, with you and Hansel, Mother. I wouldn’t be very happy to live in a beautiful house alone.”

“When you get married, you’ll move out eventually, remember?”

“I don’t mind becoming an old maid, though,” she said, pouting her lips.

“What makes you say that?” her mother scolded. “I won’t be around forever. You will have to build a family of your own.”

Gretel clacked her tongue.

“It won’t happen soon anyway, Mother. So, I don’t want to think about it now.”

*** *** *** *** ***

THE CART stopped in front of the tall steel gate. Hansel got down from the horse right away and rolled to the back of the cart, helping their Mother put two huge baskets down. Gretel was the last one to get down.

“Whoa,” Gretel uttered as she stared at the view behind the gate. The garden looked lively, with tall trees and flowers. It looked like a field.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Martinez,” their mother greeted the man wearing a butler’s uniform who opened the gate for them.

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Hermosa. You’re just on time.”

“These are my children, Hansel and Gretel. Children, this is Mr. Martinez, Mr. del Mundo’s personal assistant.”

Hansel and Gretel greeted him politely.

“Your children take after you, Mrs. Hermosa,” Mr. Martinez remarked.

Their mother blushed.

“Thank you.”

“Please, follow me.”

Mr. Martinez took the other basket from Hansel as they went inside the gate. The three proceeded into the mansion while Gretel remained in the garden. She could not seem to get enough of the beauty that surrounded her.

“Wow,” she ran into a vast plot of roses. There are roses as red as blood, and there are roses as white as the cloud.

Whoever was taking care of these roses and the entire garden was doing a magnificent job.

She stooped down and put an arm on her knees as she took a closer look.

“I’ve never seen roses as beautiful as these.”

She managed to grow ones in their garden, but they don’t look like this.

Gretel reached for the stem of a red rose.

“You can look, but you can’t touch.”

“Ouch!” Gretel jumped. The next thing she knew, tiny drops of blood oozed from her finger.

She stood up and turned to the familiar voice that startled her. Her eyes widened at the sight of that man.

Suddenly, Gretel was more distracted by his presence than her finger getting pricked. She blinked as she stared at him. How did he get here? Could it be that…

The man crossed their distance in an instant.

“Were you trying to steal my roses this time, woman?”

“I am not—” Gretel blinked again. “What do you mean ‘your roses’? Y-you…” Then it dawned on her. “You’re Javier del Mundo.”

“I’m surprised there’s still a single soul who does not know me.” Javier pulled her hand with the pricked finger towards him.

Gretel flinched at the warmth of his hand against her skin. It was as if tiny bolts of electricity were creeping through her. She had only read that feeling from books before.

“I did not know you were worth knowing,” she uttered.

Javier chuckled before pulling her bleeding finger into his mouth. Gretel inhaled sharply. She felt him suck and lick her finger. She swallowed as her heart began to pound hard inside her chest. Javier did not take his eyes off her. She felt like melting all of a sudden.

“Y-you did not have to do that,” she said as he finally let go of her hand. “And for the record, I’m not trying to steal your roses.” Gretel frowned as she walked past him.

“How about you tell me your name in exchange for the roses?”

Gretel stopped and turned to him abruptly. It sounded ridiculous, but she found it tempting at the same time. Javier looked stern, though.

“I could have told you my name if you just asked nicely. You don’t have to bribe me. Is that how you look at the things around you? They always come with a price?” she smirked.

“Don’t they?” Javier asked matter-of-factly.

“Then, I feel sorry for you.”

Gretel was about to turn her back again, but Javier caught her arm and pulled her toward him. She sucked in a breath as she found his face only a few inches away from hers.

“What did you just say?” he asked sternly.

“I feel sorry for you,” she said stubbornly. “You look powerful on the outside. But on the inside, there are still things you can’t afford.”

“GRETEL, come outside. Quick!”

Gretel was cleaning her bookshelf when she heard her mother’s voice. She looked outside her window and saw an elegant carriage parked outside their yard. Mr. Martinez was already inside their gate.

She put the polish cloth on top of the shelf, shook the dust from her hand, and rushed outside.

“What is it, Mother?” she asked. “Good morning, Mr. Martinez.”

“Good morning, Miss Gretel,” Mr. Martinez responded with a polite nod. “My master sent me to give his presents to you.”

Gretel stared in confusion.

“I don’t get it,” she said.

“Wait a second.” Mr. Martinez went back to the carriage and retrieved two small black pots of red and white roses.

Gretel’s eyes widened. They were the same roses from Javier del Mundo’s garden!

“Oh. These roses are lovely!” her mother exclaimed.

Mr. Martinez brought a total of six red and six white roses for her. Gretel was dying to hold them in her arms, but she stopped herself.

“W-why would your master give me these, Mr. Martinez?”

“He did not go into detail. But I think it’s because he saw that among the flowers in his garden, you showed interest in the roses which he grew himself.”

“He grew the roses himself?” Gretel gaped as she glanced at the roses. “He must have wanted something in exchange for these.”

“I don’t think so, Miss Gretel. I guess my master is just fond of you. I will tell Master Javier that you love them.”

“We really appreciate his kindness, Mr. Martinez,” her mother said. “Thank you so much.”

*** *** *** *** ***

“THERE’S no way that arrogant man would be fond of me,” Gretel uttered as she watered the roses on the plant stand. She could have just returned it. But these roses were simply irresistible.

“He should have left a note, though. Maybe I could forgive him.” She could not help pouting. “How could an arrogant man grow roses as beautiful as these? Should I make friends with him and ask for his secret?” She groaned. “Yeah. That would be impossible. Why would a wealthy man like him make friends with a peasant like me?”

She stared at her finger, and the memories of Javier sucking the blood from it flashed in her mind. The sensation would always give her butterflies. His warm mouth and tongue around her finger made her face flush.

“Gretel!”

Gretel jumped at Dory’s voice.

“Why do you have to shout?” she asked, glaring at her friend who had entered the gate.

“I saw you talking to yourself again. Are you alright?”

“Of course, I am. It’s not bad to talk to myself once in a while, you know.”

“Oh my gosh. Where did you get these lovely roses? Are they for real?” Dory’s eyes widened as she rushed to the plant stand.

“Well, someone generous enough gave me these,” Gretel replied with a shrug.

“A potential suitor?” Dory stared at her, grinning from ear to ear.

Gretel looked away.

“O-of course, not! Didn’t I tell you that I have no time for boys?”

“Could you give me just one, Gretel? I’d like to have them in my room.” Dory clasped her hands altogether and smiled sheepishly.

“Hey, they need water and sunlight. You better put it near your window.”

“Oh, Gretel, you’re the best!” Dory hugged her.

“By the way, what brings you here? Aren’t you busy at the shop?”

Dory pulled away and shrugged. “I took some time off. Mother said she’d be in charge. Hey, we should go to Lady Arcie’s birthday party. Everyone’s invited.”

“Oh, that. I don’t think I have time to party. But I’ll be there to wash the dishes.”

“Is reading the only fun thing to you?” Dory frowned.

“Well, yes.”

“How will you meet potential boyfriends when you’re in the kitchen doing all the dirty dishes? You’re hopeless, Gretel.”

“I told you I’ve been saving because I want to go back to school. And let this be the last time we’ll talk about boys and dating, okay?”

Dory pouted.

“Okay. If you say so.”

*** *** *** *** ***

GRETEL grabbed her satchel bag once she was done tying her hair. It would be a very busy day today at Lady Arcie’s birthday party.

“Where are you going, Gretel?” Hansel asked as he entered their living room. He was holding a small basket of vegetables.

“Why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be at the market?”

“Ah, well, Mother told me to cook our lunch. I’ll go back once I’m done cooking.”

“I’m going to Lady Arcie’s mansion. It’s her birthday today. I’ll be one of the dishwashers.”

“You didn’t have to do that.”

“Why not? If I work part-time jobs, that will help us save more money.”

“I’ll take you there, then.”

“What about your task?”

“It won’t take long, so it’s fine.”

Gretel smiled. “Thank you.”

“WHAT ABOUT you? Aren’t you going to the party? Everyone is invited,” Gretel asked as she climbed up on the cart.

“I know it’s for everyone, but I don’t feel like I really belong at that party,” Hansel replied as he mounted Captain, their horse.

“I don’t think you belong in Dario’s group, either.”

“Come on,” Hansel retorted. He pulled the reins and kicked Captain. The cart started moving.

“I’m not joking. I heard they scare people to get away with their crimes.”

“Do you trust me, Gretel?” Hansel asked as he looked back over his shoulder.

“I do.”

“That’s all that matters to me.”

“I DON’T know when the party is going to be over, so I’ll probably get home late,” Gretel said as she jumped down from the cart.

“Will you be alright, sis?”

“Of course. They are just dishes,” she replied proudly.

“I’m going to pick you up after midnight. I just have to get some things done.”

“Then, I’ll just wait for you. Thank you.” Gretel waved before entering the gate.

The spacious garden of Lady Arcie’s mansion was filled with long tables and chairs. People were scurrying around, making sure every corner was decorated.

Gretel felt a little envious toward Lady Arcie. She was living every girl’s dream.

Oh, no, Gretel. Not the best time to be melodramatic. Your job is waiting.