Chapter 7: Amused

Amelia, still in awe, couldn't believe that Tyler was her new bodyguard and the son of their family's business associate. The revelation was a surprise, to say the least.

However, she didn't have a choice but to accept the fact. Her parents could not compromise her life. They were adamant about her safety, and if that meant having Tyler as her bodyguard, then so be it.

"How old are you?" Amelia asked out of nowhere when they were in the middle of discussing their new arrangement. The question took Tyler by surprise, but he quickly composed himself.

"I'm 28," he replied, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. He wasn't sure why Amelia was asking about his age.

“A young man with many achievements already," Mr. Laurier continued, his voice filled with admiration. "You have made your parents proud, Tyler.” Mr. Laurier said, making Amelia groan.

Tyler slightly pursed his lips and looked at Amelia. He was going to reply to Mr. Laurier when Amelia suddenly interrupted. "Haven't been married or have a girlfriend?" Amelia asked directly, making her parents fakingly cough. The room fell silent, everyone taken aback by her bold question. Tyler looked at her, surprise evident on his face. While Mr. and Mrs. Laurier exchanged glances, equally shocked by their daughter's directness.

After a moment of stunned silence, Tyler cleared his throat. "Well…” he began, seriousness drawn to Tyler's face. “That's an interesting question, Ms. Amelia. He continued, a hint of amusement in his voice. The atmosphere in the room shifted, the shock replaced by anticipation as everyone waited for his response.

They were in the kitchen, the house filled with the soft glow of the morning light.

Laurier’s kitchen was a symphony of rustic charm and modern convenience. The wooden cabinets, aged to a warm honey hue, stood tall against the cool, sleek stainless steel appliances. A large island sat in the center, its marble top gleaming under the soft glow of the pendant lights hanging above.

Pots and pans hung from a rack overhead, their copper bottoms catching the light and adding a touch of warmth to the room. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the faint scent of herbs from the small garden window above the sink.

Amelia sat across from Tyler, her posture stiff as she tried to maintain her composure. She could see the seriousness in his eyes. But she felt a strange mix of emotions, she didn't know about.

"I don't have any girlfriend right now, Ms. Amelia, if you want to know," Tyler said, his tone casual. The statement hung in the air, a subtle shift in their conversation.

Amelia looked at him, a bit surprised by his admission. She hadn't expected him to casually answer her question.

"Well, that's good to know," Amelia replied, trying to keep her voice steady. She wasn't sure why, but she felt a strange sense of relief hearing his words.

"M-my apology for asking you such a nonsense thing.” Amelia tried to compose herself not affected by the hot stared of Tyler. “I'm just worried that your girlfriend might get jealous," Amelia continued, her voice tinged with a hint of nervousness. She hadn't meant to pry, but the question had slipped out before she could stop herself.

Tyler looked at her, a surprised expression on his face. Then he laughed, a warm, genuine laugh that eased the tension in the room. "Don't worry, Ms. Amelia. I'm currently single. There's no girlfriend to get jealous of."

Amelia felt a wave of relief wash over her. She hadn't realized how much the thought had been bothering her until that moment.

“A handsome man like you could catch a lot of girls, Ijo," Mrs. Laurier chimed in with a teasing smile.

“It's not surprising I'll see you somewhere with girls hanging on," Mr. Laurier continued, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "After all, you're a young, handsome and successful man.”

Tyler chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Well… I might get myself in isolation rather than be preyed on. And besides, girls are everywhere, Tito.” Amelia raised her eyebrow after hearing what Tyler said.

In her mind, Tyler was being too overdramatic to think that girls were something cheap. He'd hurt Amelia’s ego and his words struck a chord in her.

"Girls are not just everywhere, Tyler," Amelia retorted, her voice firm but gentle.

Mr. and Mrs. Laurier turned their eyes to their daughter who now spoke with a high monotone.

"They are individuals with their own thoughts, feelings, and ambitions. They're not just objects to be preyed on.” Tyler got amused by how Amelia reacted to his replies.

The kitchen was suddenly filled with an uncomfortable silence, so palpable it was as if crickets had taken up residence. The awkwardness hung in the air like a thick fog, making it difficult for anyone to navigate the conversation.

Mr. and Mrs. Laurier, in an attempt to break the tension, started to cough, their actions clearly forced only to break the awkwardness.

However, the two are seasoned veterans in the art of social navigation. They exchanged a quick glance, a silent communication that only years of marriage could foster. Mrs. Laurier, with a grace that defied the awkwardness, rose from her chair and moved towards the kitchen. The soft rustle of her dress seemed to fill the room, providing a much-needed distraction.

"Would anyone like braised chicken legs with grapes and fennel?" she asked, her voice echoing softly in the room. The question hung in the air, a lifeline thrown in the sea of silence. Mr. Laurier, seizing the opportunity, quickly seconded his wife's offer, his voice a steady anchor in the storm of discomfort.

"Yes please, Hon. It sounds delicious," Mr. Laurier chimed in. “Ahmmm…Tyler, are you going to go along with your dad abroad?” He then turned his attention to Tyler, who was currently lost in his own world, his gaze fixed on Amelia.

Logan, Tyler's father managed their family business with a firm hand and a keen eye for opportunities. The business, a multinational corporation with branches across the globe. From real estate to technology.

No wonder, Logan trusted his son because Tyler, having grown up in this environment, was no stranger to the world of business. He had seen his father negotiate deals, manage crises, and lead their empire with a steady hand. Now, the possibility of joining his father in managing these firms was a reality he had to consider.

“Probably, Tito. And besides dad and mom, can still manage our business completely, and right now, I'm more focused on my first career.”Tyler responded shortly.

“Will you please send our regards to your parents, Tyler? It's been a month since we've talked.” Mrs. Laurier said.

“Absolutely, Tita," Tyler responded, his voice filled with warmth. "I'll make sure to pass on your regards. They'll be happy to hear from you." Tyler showed a reassuring smile.

Just as the room was settling into a comfortable rhythm, the shrill ring of a phone pierced the air. Tyler, recognizing the ringtone, excused himself from the table and reached for his phone.

"Excuse me, everyone," he said, his voice steady despite the surprise. "I need to take this call." Amelia silently followed her gaze to Tyler.

As he walked away, the room fell into a hushed silence, the sudden departure a stark contrast to the warm atmosphere from moments ago.

A minute passed before Tyler returned to the room, his expression serious yet composed. "Tita, Tito, thank you for the lunch," he began, his voice steady. "But I have to go."

"Of course, Ijo." Mr. Laurier responded. "We understand. Take care of yourself."

“We're so happy to have you here, Ijo. See you the next day. And of course thank you for accepting our request.” Mrs. Laurier hugs Tyler as if it's her son.

Thank you, Tita," he said, his voice muffled against her shoulder. "I'll see you soon."

Tyler just gives a nod to Amelia who is sipping her favorite juice.

As Tyler made his exit, Amelia's gaze followed him. Her eyes, filled with a mix of emotions, watched as he walked away. There was a certain intensity in her gaze, a silent communication that only the two of them understood.

She remained silent, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. The room around her continued with its rhythm, the conversation flowing around her like a river. But for Amelia, in that moment, it was as if time had slowed down, her focus solely on Tyler.

His departure left a void, something that made Amelia shiver of longingness.