My contract love story

He entered the quiet room and placed the tray on the table, nudging her books aside gently.

“Where’s Susan? Didn’t you tell them to bring me my food?” Ashleigh asked, surprised by his direct approach. Meals were typically delivered by Susan or Mr. Atkinson.

Larry chuckled. “Susan and Mr. Atkinson are swamped right now. I just thought I’d check in and make sure you weren’t losing your mind behind all those books.” He took a step back, giving her space.

A tired smile played on Ashleigh’s lips. “Thanks, Larry. You really didn’t have to do this.” She reached for a sandwich, taking a tentative bite.

The tray held an assortment of rich-looking cream and jam sandwiches alongside a glass of lemon iced tea. The first bite revealed a thick slice of bread filled with sweet strawberry jam and cream. Her eyes lit up with unexpected delight.This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

“Chef Larry, this is amazing!” she exclaimed, taking another bite. Before long, the tray was empty, her initial slump replaced by a sense of lightness.

“So, not depressed, just hadn’t eaten lately? Good to know,” Larry teased, earning a laugh from Ashleigh.

She sighed, stretching to ease her stiff muscles. “It’s just that hours of problem-solving get draining after a while.”

“Well, Mrs. Cagliari,” Larry said gently, “all work and no play makes for a dull scholar, wouldn’t you agree? I have faith you’ll get into Robin College, but you need to take breaks as the days go by. When was the last time you did something fun?”

Ashleigh paused, unable to recall the last time she’d allowed herself a moment of leisure.

“What can I possibly do?” Ashleigh lamented. “It’s late, and movies aren’t exactly appealing right now.”

She watched as Larry pondered, a thoughtful crease forming between his brows. Suddenly, his face lit up.

“Karaoke night!” he declared.

Ashleigh raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Karaoke? Seriously?” Despite her initial reservations, Larry’s infectious enthusiasm tugged at the corners of her lips.

“Why not?” he pressed, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

“It’s the perfect way to unwind! You’ve been holed up here for hours, drowning in textbooks. You deserve a break, Mrs. Cagliari.”

He was right. The relentless study grind, from the office to the mansion, was starting to feel suffocating. The thought of something carefree and fun was undeniably tempting.

“But alone? That wouldn’t be much fun,” she countered, her mood dipping slightly.

“Not alone!” Larry exclaimed, already formulating the plan.

“Let’s make it a staff event. Invite everyone!”

“Will they come?” Ashleigh asked, doubt creeping in. “After the Tara incident, I’m not sure they’d be too thrilled.”

“Exactly why you should invite them,” Larry insisted, earning a long sigh from Ashleigh.

He was right, the past few days had been tense, and everyone could use a chance to relax. Plus, his enthusiasm was contagious.

“And I can even convince Susan to join in,” he added. “She has a hidden talent, a great voice, you wouldn’t believe it.”

The image of Susan’s stern face belting out a tune brought a chuckle from Ashleigh. “Alright, alright,” she conceded.

“But if this turns into a disaster, it’s on you.”

“Full responsibility accepted,” Larry grinned triumphantly.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me, Mrs. Ashleigh, I have a menu to plan for this evening’s festivities. There’s a lot to prepare.”

Ashleigh interjected, “Speaking of the menu, I was thinking something savory, maybe followed by smoothies and ice cream to balance out the spice.”

“Consider it done, Madame,” Larry replied with a wink, turning to leave with the empty snack tray in hand.

At the door, Larry bumped into Tara and Mr. Atkinson, who exchanged surprised glances. He simply bowed, stepped aside, and continued on his way.

“Mrs. Ashleigh, is everything alright? Why was Chef Larry here?” Susan inquired, a hint of concern lacing her voice.

“Don’t worry, Susan,” Ashleigh reassured her. “He just brought some snacks and a fantastic idea.” She paused, leaving them both hanging.

“He suggested a karaoke night for everyone,” Ashleigh continued.

“Just to lighten the mood a little around here.” Susan and Mr. Atkinson mirrored her initial surprise. ”

Karaoke night?” Susan echoed, raising an eyebrow. Mr. Atkinson, ever stoic, managed to keep his expression composed, although a flicker of surprise betrayed his emotions.

“That was my first reaction too,” Ashleigh admitted. “But eventually, I realized I could really use a mental break from all this studying. And you guys could probably use one too, wouldn’t you you agree?”

Mr. Atkinson raised an eyebrow. “Indeed.”

“Yes, indeed,” Ashleigh confirmed.

“So, it’s decided. We need to start making arrangements. I want everything ready by seven sharp.”

Taking charge, Ashleigh, Susan, and Mr. Atkinson sprang into action. They decided on a suitable space, and Mr. Atkinson led them to a grand ballroom tucked away in another wing of the mansion. Ashleigh marveled at the discovery; the mansion seemed to hold endless secrets. Within a few hours, the ballroom transformed into a vibrant karaoke haven. Colorful streamers and balloons adorned the ceiling, and a makeshift stage stood proudly in the center of the room. The staff began trickling in around 6:55 pm, everyone seated and expectant by seven o’clock. Susan and Mr. Atkinson took their positions at the back of the hall, while Chef Larry stood beside Ashleigh on the stage. Nervous excitement bubbled within Ashleigh, but with Larry’s encouraging presence at her side, she ascended the makeshift platform.

“Good evening, everyone,” she began, her voice wavering slightly. “I’m sure you’re all wondering why I called you here tonight. It’s simple I felt we all needed a chance to relax.”

Her announcement sent a murmur of surprise rippling through the staff.

“I know we’ve all been working hard to maintain the Cagliari mansion, often without breaks,” she continued.

“I’ve witnessed the incredible effort you’ve all put in, regardless of any changes or challenges that arose. So, I decided we deserve a fun-filled evening.”