I nodded. My eyes were fixed on Anthony as he walked toward us.
He put the food on the table and told Summer, “Eat whatever you like and enjoy yourself.”
She waited for my approval before digging in.
I did not have much appetite. The big screen caught my attention. It was still broadcasting the videos of Nancy promoting the jewelry.
“Whether it’s Rylee or Nancy, to me, it’s all for show. If you mind, I won’t bring along a female companion to any social events.” He sounded firm.
I heaved a soft sigh. “You don’t need to do that. I’ve found my life’s goal and I know what I want. You don’t have to worry about what I think.”
He grimaced. “So, you’re mad at me?”
I denied because I did not care. “Regardless of who you’re with, these are just tactics used by the media to entertain its audience. They can do that at our expense, but we shouldn’t dwell in it.”
A warm smile settled on his face. “I’ll cook tonight.”
I chuckled.
“Huh? Didn’t we plan to dine out tonight? Are we still going for a movie later?” asked Summer with a greasy mouth.
Her reaction made us laugh. Anthony cleaned her mouth and replied gently, “Whatever you say.”
Summer made the call for the rest of the outing and the day seemed so perfect.
When we returned home, it was already late. The exhausted Summer fell asleep on Anthony.
Maybe we walked too much the entire day. My previously injured foot started throbbing painfully.
Post injury effects?
Anthony sent Summer back to her room. When he got out, he saw me pouring hot water into a bucket. Without hesitating, he took over and tested the water temperature.
Seemingly, the water was too hot. Thus, he added some cold water. Thereafter, he untied my shoelaces, intending to wash my feet for me.
I blocked his hands and refused. “I can do it on my own.”
He was adamant. “The old injury hasn’t healed completely. Apply some ointment after soaking your feet in the hot water.”
As he spoke, he immersed his long fingers into the water.
Some fates are inextricably intertwined. I can’t seem to get rid of him.
He helped me massaged my ankle. “There must be many happenings going on in K City. You’ve been staying here for a long time. It’s time to go back.”
He lifted his head. “Are you asking me to leave?”
“It’s a suggestion.”
He kept quiet as he continued to massage my ankle attentively.
It had almost been two weeks since he came to R Province. I know how busy it could get at Featherstone Corporation. He was always seen engaging in virtual meetings on his laptop and settling a lot of documents.
Even so, the heart of Featherstone Corporation was in K City. Clearly, his stay in R City would never be a viable long-term solution.
I was so used to having three meals a day and managing major and menial tasks in the yard. Therefore, I was reluctant to live with him in K City and surrounded by the hustle and bustle.
It may seem that his subtle intrusion into my life has portrayed a harmonious union between us two. It’s actually just an illusion because he will leave ultimately.
It was a starry night. I could not fall asleep as I pondered over Summer’s future.
I knew better than anyone that she didn’t belong in R Province. I might have found my peace and my pace of life, but she was only a child who needed exposure and a better environment to learn and enrich her life.
Although I loved being in R Province, I should never affect Summer’s future.
With a buzzing sound in my head, I lay on the bed, unable to fall asleep. Overthinking things was giving me insomnia.
I got up for a glass of water and admired the gorgeous moonlight.
Standing in front of the window looking out at the scenery, I awas lost in my thoughts. This journey of life seems too long. It’s not easy to live from day to day peacefully.
The next day, as much as he was unwilling to, a few phone calls forced Anthony to leave.
“I’ll be back as soon as I settle the matters in K City.” His gaze mesmerized me. Why is this man always so charming?
I nodded. “Take care and drive safe!”
Without saying goodbye, I sent him off.
As his car sped off, I went back to the yard and fetched my phone. The notification caught my eyes.
Death at Featherstone Corporation’s construction site four years ago. Family of the deceased child hasn’t received any compensation after three years of postponement.
It was difficult to ignore the leading headline.
Four years ago?
Death of a child?
I recalled reading the news back then, but had no idea how Anthony eventually settled the matter.
It has resurfaced again. It’s apparent that someone is trying to find fault.
Could it be Jared or the Moore family?
I stopped thinking about it since it had nothing to do with me.
In the absence of Anthony, both Summer and I returned to our tranquil life.
At the hotel, rumors about Colin and me had been brewing. Some even had the impression that we lived under one roof.
I did not mind it since it was untrue. If I did, it would only add to my worries. Thankfully for the relationship I had with Louis, most staff did not portray any malice or hostility.
Some wanted to butter me up. Then again, with a personality like mine, it was hard for people to get close to me.
It was payday in mid-August.
Colin passed me the pay slip and said, “You should treat me a meal.”
Looking at my salary which had doubled, I agreed. “Anything you want to eat? My treat.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
Leave a Reply