Chapter 3: Dining Together

PEONY's POV

 

When Sir left, I found myself drawn back to watching the flowers dance. I had hoped to visit the garden for a closer look, but I wasn't allowed to step outside. I wanted to convey this to sir earlier, but he advised me not to leave the room.

 

I sighed in resignation. Since I'm just a guest here, I understand I can't argue. He was just concerned about me. He's cautious because I don't know his friend; there's a risk I might get hurt or be misunderstood as a trespasser.

 

I expressed my disappointment by pouting and then decided to lie down on the bed due to a lack of activities to engage in. I'm at a loss for things to do. The room is big and has a modern look, but it doesn't feel right for me since I'm accustomed to smaller, more cozy spaces.

 

What can I do to occupy myself and pass the time? Since there's no TV available, I thought of alternative activities to keep myself engaged and entertained.

 

Feeling bored with nothing to do, I tried to go to sleep. But as I was about to, someone knocked on the door, disturbing my quiet moment.

 

I opened my eyes and rose from the bed to see who was knocking at the door. When I opened it, a maid stood there, holding a bouquet of flowers. I was both surprised and pleased.

 

"These are from Sir Luigi," the maid informed me, handing over the flowers.

 

"Thank you," I responded, keeping my eyes on the flowers as I accepted them from her.

 

I took the bouquet, and she gracefully bowed before walking away. Once more, I gazed at the flowers and found myself smiling.

 

I closed the door behind me and settled down at the table. Luckily, there was an empty vase right there, waiting to be used.

 

I paused to admire the flowers' beauty, leaning in to catch their sweet fragrance. I'm no flower expert, so I couldn't name this particular one, but its beauty is undeniable.

 

I stood, fetched the vase, and filled it with water from the bathroom. I returned to the table and placed the vase back where it belonged, ready to showcase the flowers' splendor.

 

It's a pity to remove them from the wrap, but they'll flourish more in water. I sighed. My mind was conflicted about what to do, but ultimately, I still placed them in the vase.

 

I smiled, admiring their beauty. They looked truly stunning.

 

Oh! I haven't thanked the gentleman yet. It would be embarrassing if he thought I was ungrateful. I only asked him for one, but several arrived, and they're all stunningly beautiful.

 

I stood up to call the gentleman. I pressed number 1, and it rang promptly. After a moment, he answered the call.

 

Why do I feel nervous? I just want to thank him.

 

"Hello, sir!" I promptly greeted him even before he could say anything.

 

"Oh, is this Peony?" he inquired.

 

I nodded to myself and then spoke, realizing he couldn't see me. "Yes, sir."

 

"Drop the 'sir.' Just call me Luigi. Anyway, did you enjoy the flower?" His tone was still cold, making me wonder if that was simply his demeanor.

 

"Yes, I absolutely loved it! Thank you so much!" I answered, my voice filled with gratitude.

 

"That's reassuring to hear. If there's anything else you'd like, just let me know. I won't hesitate to provide it," he assured.

 

I couldn't help but smile and gently decline, "That's all, really. I just wanted to express my gratitude since I can't step out. Thank you again."

 

"No problem," he reassured.

 

"Ah—"

 

*toot toot*

 

Huh? I glanced at the telephone when I heard the sound.

 

I returned the telephone to my ear and inquired, "Hello? Hello, sir?"

 

Did he end the call already? I'm unsure if he's being sweet or not. We haven't finished talking yet, have we? Tsk.

 

Feeling dismayed, I hung up the telephone and went back to the table to gaze at the flowers. They looked even more beautiful up close. I wanted to ask for the flower's name, but he cut off the call too soon.

 

"Don't mind it, Peony. Maybe he's just busy," I silently mused to myself.

 

*knock knock*

 

Startled, I promptly raised my head from the desk, where I had unintentionally dozed off due to boredom.

 

Gathering myself, I approached the door to see who it was that had knocked. How did I manage to fall asleep like that?

 

I rubbed my eyes as I swung the door open. Aish. I'm still feeling sleepy!. Aish. I'm still feeling sleepy!

 

"Did I disturb you?" he inquired, his voice breaking the brief silence.

 

Upon recognizing the voice, my drowsiness instantly faded.

 

Offering a polite smile, I responded while trying to shake off my drowsy demeanor. "Oh, it's you. Um, what brings you here?"

 

With a gentle shake of his head, he shifted his gaze behind me. "Your room seems quite dark. Wouldn't you prefer some light?"

 

Due to his comment, I turned to glance behind me, and only then did I realize the dimness of the room.

 

Returning my gaze to him, I smiled again. "I dozed off," I explained.

 

He nodded. "Wouldn't you invite me in?"

 

Feeling suddenly self-conscious, I widened the door to let him in. "Please come in," I offered.

 

He nodded again and stepped into the room. I flicked the light switch by the door before closing it. Watching him take a seat, I walked over to sit in front of him.

 

"Did you enjoy these?" he inquired, looking at the flowers and even holding one.

 

I nodded. The smile reappeared on my lips. "Yes, very much."

 

He glanced at me before leaning back into his chair. "That's good to hear. I picked them myself."

 

I was taken aback, trying hard to believe him, but his expression was sincere and devoid of any jest.

 

"R-r-really?" I stammered, my gaze dropping to the floor, lost for words and feeling uneasy.

 

Why would he personally pick them? He has servants who could easily handle such tasks. Besides, it was really hot earlier. Could his fair skin have suffered because of the heat?

 

"Don't think too much of it. I simply did as I pleased," he remarked.

 

*knock knock*

 

Before I could reply, a knock at the door interrupted us. My embarrassment kept me from meeting his eyes.

 

"Come in!" As he said that, the door swung open, and several maids walked in, each carrying trays of food. I glanced at him, puzzled.

 

"I'll dine here with you," he declared.

 

I patiently waited for the maids to set the dishes on the table and exit the room before I spoke up. "What about your friend?" I inquired.

 

"He's quite independent now; he can manage to eat on his own," he responded, beginning to eat.

 

I'm independent too, aren't I? I can certainly eat by myself, so why is he here?

 

Dang, it feels awkward!

 

I can't quite figure him out. His stare and tone seem distant, yet his actions suggest otherwise. Could he be concerned that I'd feel desolate dining alone?

 

He looked up at me and asked, "Aren't you going to eat yet? Don't you like the food? Just tell me what you like."

 

I quickly shook my head, stumbling over my words. "N-n-no, sir!"

 

He set down his utensils and leaned back, crossing his arms. "Aren't you comfortable eating with me?"

 

"No, sir. Um, I was just surprised," I quickly replied.

 

"What's there to be shocked about?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "And didn't I tell you to stop calling me 'sir'? Just call me Luigi."

 

I bit my lower lip, feeling embarrassed. "Sorry."

 

"If you're sorry, then eat with me. You have no reason to feel ashamed," he said.

 

I just nodded and began eating as well. After a few minutes, I decided to break the silence, attempting to ease the awkwardness. "Sorry if I seemed awkward. It's just that, well, I'm used to eating alone. You really didn't have to join me."

 

He looked up briefly. "I know, but it's good to share a meal with someone."

 

I can't argue with that. Indeed, it's much better to have someone accompany you while eating, especially if it's someone dear to you. Sigh, I miss my dad now. I want to see him again soon. I wonder when I'll be able to visit him at the hospital. If I ask permission from Luigi, will he allow me?

 

Oh, wait. We haven't discussed yet what job he will offer. Isn't he going to tell me now? I really need a job as soon as possible because the hospital bills and Papa's medicine costs are getting higher.

 

Luigi leaned forward, breaking the brief silence. "So, tell me, what kind of food do you enjoy?"

 

Should I ask him now about the job he'll give me? But he might think I'm rushing him. Ugh!

 

I glanced up, still a bit nervous. "Uh, I like Filipino dishes, sir... I mean, Luigi."