Celine stood outside the apartment door, her bag slung over one shoulder and her thumb hovering above the handle. She reread the text Lia had sent just a few hours earlier:
"Mistress, don't make any plans tonight. Come home hungry. I have something special prepared just for you."
A grin crept across Celine's lips. Mid term season was nearly over--one more day, one more exam. Her body ached with stress, but her mind buzzed with anticipation. Lia had never sent a message like that before, and the formality of "Mistress" made Celine's pulse skip.
She pushed open the door--and froze.
Lia was kneeling in the entryway, hands gracefully resting on her thighs, her back straight, and her head bowed. She was wearing the most scandalous and adorable maid outfit Celine had ever seen: black mesh and lace, cut extremely short, with her soft breasts barely contained in the frilly cups and a tiny apron doing nothing to hide her thighs and the lack of underwear on her hips.
Celine blinked.
"Welcome home, Mistress," Lia said, lifting her eyes with a soft smile. "May I take your jacket?"
Celine wordlessly handed over her jacket and bag, still caught somewhere between stunned and spellbound. Lia knelt to remove her shoes, placing each one carefully by the door with the reverence of a religious ritual.
"Dinner is ready. Please sit," Lia said, guiding Celine gently to the table.
The table had been set with care--candles, cloth napkins, Lia's prettiest mismatched plates and cups. The scent of grilled vegetables, cooked rice, and marinated chicken filled the air. Celine sat down, still speechless, and watched as Lia moved through the kitchen with grace.
She didn't sit beside her. She didn't eat. She simply stood behind her chair, pouring water, refilling wine, and anticipating needs before they arose.
"Shouldn't you sit and eat with me?" Celine teased gently.
Lia shook her head, face glowing.
"A proper maid doesn't eat with her mistress," she said with soft certainty.
Celine's heart flipped in her chest.
She didn't know whether to laugh or cry in joy. Lia's commitment tonight was complete dedicated, loving, and just a little adorable. And Celine loved her for every second of it.
The food was incredible--flavorful, perfectly cooked, and plated with an artistic eye that surprised even Celine. She hadn't seen Lia didn't cook often, but she had clearly gone all out.
"Pet, this is amazing," Celine said, sipping her wine. "You've outdone yourself."
Lia beamed, cheeks flushed.
"Thank you, Mistress. I hope dessert will be to your liking as well..."