Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Chantelle said, "Plus, I'm borrowing your kitchen and using your ingredients. So, Mr. Lloyd, just eat up. No need to thank me or anything!"

Andrew smiled. "Come on, having someone of your stature cook dinner for me is truly an honor!"

The dining table was loaded with about 15 dishes, all specialty cuisine.

Lauren and the other two girls kept nodding as they ate, constantly praising Chantelle's cooking skills. Andrew also gave her a thumbs up, agreeing that she really knew her way around the kitchen.

After dinner, it was already past 8:00 p.m.

Chantelle stood up and said, "I'll wash the dishes and then head home."

Lauren said in surprise, "No way, Ms. Garcia! We can't possibly let you do the dishes!"

Aspen quickly added, "Ms. Garcia, don't worry about it. Just rest for a bit, I'll wash the dishes!"

Francesca nodded in agreement. "Exactly! Just relax, Ms. Garcia. Aspen and I will handle the dishes!"

Chantelle started clearing the plates and insisted, "No way! I've already troubled you all enough today. I must wash these dishes, so don't fight me on this!"

All three girls found this rather strange, wondering what was going on because Chantelle was acting pretty unusual. However, they could not quite put their finger on what exactly seemed off about her behavior.

Andrew could not figure out what was up with Chantelle either. Then again, her insistence on washing dishes might have been due to her perfectionist personality demanding that everything be properly finished.

So, Andrew and his three beauties settled in the living room to watch TV and snack on fruit.

Meanwhile, Chantelle was alone in the kitchen, working away at washing the dishes.

Francesca glanced toward the kitchen and said, "Ms. Garcia has been washing dishes for over half an hour now. How is she still not done?"

Lauren looked thoughtful and replied, "I should check on her."

Andrew stood up instead. "I'll go. You girls keep watching."

Lauren perked up. "Sure! Thanks!"

They were currently watching The Royal Diaries, a historical drama they were so addicted to, they could watch it straight through the night.

If Andrew did not stop them, they would binge the whole series and then start over from episode one the next day.

And the deeper they got into it, the weirder they got.

Sometimes, Andrew would come home and hear dramatic lines echoing through

the house from the most unexpected places.

From the bedroom, the balcony, or even from the bathroom.

"I can't live like this!"

"You scheming bitch!"

"You wicked whore!"

When Andrew walked into the kitchen, he saw that the dishes were already done. However, Chantelle was actually mopping the floor.

"Ms. Garcia, what are you doing?" Andrew was completely confused.

Chantelle laughed awkwardly. "Sorry about this, Mr. Lloyd. I accidentally the floor wet while washing up.

Just give me a second to mop it dry, and then I'll leave!" fo

Andrew looked at the floor. "The floor isn't wet, though. Come on, put down the mop and come rest for a bit!"

Chantelle refused to let go. "Don't worry about me. If I get it wet, then I need to clean it up properly. That's just how I do things!"

Andrew felt a headache coming on

"Fine, but hurry up and come out to

rest when you're done. It's getting

late, and you still need to drive home!"

Half an hour later, Chantelle still hadn't come out of the kitchen.

Meanwhile, the three women in the living room had just finished the latest episode of The Royal Diaries and were clapping and cheering, celebrating the emperor's death.

They thought he got what he deserved. After all, all men were trash and deserved

to be taken down and cheated on while they were at it.noveldrama