Donald responded with a gentle smile and said, "Birds of a feather flock together. Your friends are just like you. They are considerate and thoughtful."

One of them greeted him, “You must be Mr. Hernandez, right? Olivia, you’re so lucky!”

He did not deny it and, after exchanging a few pleasantries with them, he joined me in the kitchen.

Calmly, he picked up the ladle I had thrown to the floor. “Why are you so careless? There are guests at home, don’t embarrass yourself.”

Through gritted teeth, I retorted, "If I want to embarrass myself, it would have happened a long time ago. Why do I have to wait until tonight? What are you doing here in the kitchen? Are you watching me, the housekeeper, to cook? Shouldn't you as the man of the house be entertaining guests with the lady of the house?"

His brow furrowed. “What nonsense are you spouting? Olivia and I are innocent!”

“Ha!” I sneered.

"You're both so innocent enough to be sharing the same bed? Do you think I am an idiot?"

He turned on his heel to leave. “I don’t want to argue with you now. You’d better behave and treat our guests well tonight.”

After I finished cooking, Donald asked me to join them at the table.

Everyone looked surprised and Olivia’s expression changed instantly. She quickly added, “Isabel, you’ve been busy all afternoon. Please, join us for dinner.”

She was calm and natural, playing the part of a gracious hostess, inviting the grumpy housekeeper to sit down for a meal.

Donald seemed to know that I was just about to make a sarcastic remark because he quickly intervened, “Yes, you’ve really gone out of your way today. These are Olivia's friends, so they’re my friends now too. From now on, let’s all get to know each other.”

Olivia raised her glass, smiling brightly at me. “I’m grateful to Mr. Hernandez for inviting me to his home and I also want to thank Isabel for preparing this lovely dinner.”

"The first toast is for you, Isabela. I hope you’ll do me the honor.”

From the moment she walked in, she’d been dripping with hostility and her words carried a double meaning.

Without looking up, I said, “No need. I don’t drink.”

Donald’s expression instantly darkened at my refusal.