Archiena rose exceptionally early to bathe and prepare her attire. She was brimming with excitement for her interview, hopeful that everything would go smoothly today.
She slipped into a white blouse and a black knee-length pencil skirt. With damp hair, Archie stepped out of the walk-in closet.
Mustering her courage, Archie began searching for the outfit, fearing a repeat of last night's cockroach encounter.
She turned to glance at her still-sleeping husband. Because of last night's incident, Archie had gone straight to bed without making coffee for Kaivan as she used to.
"Oh goodness, I'm still embarrassed," Archie mumbled as she hurried out of the room.
Heading to the kitchen, she intended to make breakfast before departing. Despite Kaivan not eating yesterday's breakfast, she was confident he would want it today.
Archie gathered the cooking ingredients from the refrigerator, planning to make 'fuyunghai' – a dish of eggs mixed with vegetables and sausage, drizzled with sweet and sour spicy sauce.
Besides 'fuyunghai,' Archie also prepared spinach. It might not complement 'fuyunghai,' but it was her craving.
"I'm grateful Mom always taught me to cook, even if I'm not particularly skilled," she murmured while stirring the spinach.
After tasting her cooking and finding it satisfactory, she arranged it on the dining table. Not forgetting, Archie also brewed coffee for her husband.
"Done, time to wake up Mr. Kaivan," said Archie.
She took off her apron and was about to head upstairs when the doorbell rang, halting her steps.
"Who could it be?" Archie wondered, moving towards the front door.
Opening the door, she found the housekeeper and the security guard, both starting work today.
"Good morning, Madam," greeted the maid, who appeared to be around her mother's age.
Archie smiled. "Good morning, you're the ones starting work today, right?" she inquired, and they both nodded respectfully in agreement.
"Please, come in," Archie invited them.
The couple entered the home where they would now work, obtaining the job through Mama Fia and Papa Jefry.
They used to work for them and now for the children and son-in-law Diando.
"Please have a seat, ma'am, sir. I'll go wake up my husband," Archie said.
They began to sit on the floor, but Archie swiftly stopped them.
"Why sit on the floor? Please use the sofa," Archie said with a welcoming smile.
After ushering them to the couch, Archie ascended to the upstairs bedroom.
Expecting Kaivan to be still asleep, she discovered he was already dressed and fastening his watch.
Archie lowered her head, not daring to meet Kaivan's gaze.
"Sir, the new workers are downstairs," Archie informed him.
Kaivan, still focusing on his watch, looked up.
"Just inform them of their duties. I'll not intervene except for salary matters," replied Kaivan.
"Me?" Archie asked, pointing to herself.
"Of course, you're the lady of the house," Kaivan answered, then grabbed his wallet and car keys.
"You have an interview, right? Why aren't you ready yet?" Kaivan inquired.
Archie snapped to attention. "Oh my, of course," she hurried to the vanity to apply makeup and dry her hair.
Kaivan exhaled. It might be early, but Archie should get ready to avoid being late.
"Sir," called Archie when Kaivan was about to leave.
"What is it?" Kaivan responded indifferently.
"I made breakfast; maybe you'd consider trying my cooking," Archie replied with a sweet smile.
Kaivan briefly nodded, then left, leaving his wife to finish preparing.
***
Archie spent nearly 30 minutes getting ready; when finished, she quickly left the bedroom, taking all necessary documents for her interview.
She grabbed her bag and phone, descending the stairs only to find neither the housekeeper nor the guard where she had left them in the living room.
Entering the dining area, she discovered Kaivan there, engrossed in his phone.
"Sir, you haven't had breakfast?" Archie asked, approaching.
"I was waiting for you," he replied tersely.
"Oh dear, you could have started without me. But let me serve you," Archie said, leaving her belongings by the table.
Unlike at Risa's house, Kaivan didn't prevent Archie from serving him.
"I hope you like it," she said, presenting him with a plate of rice and side dishes and a bowl of vegetables.
Kaivan cleared his throat and began eating. Archie did the same, thoroughly enjoying her meal.
"Oh yes, Sir. Where did the new workers go?" Archiena inquired.
"To the back room, they will begin work after we leave," Kaivan said mid-chew.
"Are they a couple, Sir?" Archie asked.
"Yes, they previously worked at my parents' house," Kaivan replied, not looking at his wife.
Archie nodded, no longer asking questions, and finished breakfast.
The interview was set for 9 a.m., and it was now 7 a.m. There were still two hours, but Archie feared traffic delays.
"Sir, I'm heading out," said Archie once done with breakfast.
"Sorry for the rush; I'm worried about traffic. Leave the dishes; I'll clean them after my return," she added, rising from her seat.
"Archie, sit," Kaivan spoke, finally looking at his wife.
Their eyes met, momentarily lost in each other's gaze.
"Do you need anything else? Should I make juice?" Archiena offered.
"Why the hurry? Your interview isn't until nine," Kaivan observed, eye still locked onto his wife.
"How do you know?" whispered Archie.
Kaivan looked away, cleared his throat, then took a sip of water Archie had set for him.
"Last night, you mentioned the interview invitation email, and I saw the time," Kaivan revealed.
Archie nodded, checking her phone for the taxi app notification she had ordered.
"Sir, the online taxi has arrived. I'll be leaving now," Archiena announced.
Approaching Kaivan, she gently took his hand and kissed its back tenderly.
"Peace be upon you, Sir," Archie bade farewell with a sweet smile.
Kaivan was taken aback by Archie's gesture and slowly replied, "And upon you, peace."
Archie then left the house, departing earlier due to fears of being late. As she passed the gate, she noted the guard at his post.
"Sir, I'm off now," Archie bid the guard farewell.
"Take care, Madam," the aged man responded.
Archie climbed into the ordered taxi, leaving home with high hopes of securing the job.
To be continued...
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