3. Doing my job.

When I reached out to shake Mr. Lockwood's hand, I suddenly gasped and experienced a slight electric shock. Unexpected tingles ran up my arm at the contact of his hand. I felt as though I was being drawn in closer by a subtle, magnetic force that was only felt by me.

I tried not to show how surprised I was by his presence, but it was impossible to ignore. Something unusually warm appeared to buzz through the room, and I couldn't help but wonder if it was just a figment of my mind or if there was something more mysterious hovering between us.

Gretchen, then whispered to me, "Stella, Mr. Lockwood is currently dealing with a sickness that sometimes make him unexpectedly fall at times, in short, his legs doesn't work as they are supposed to at times so you will have to stay on guard. It affects his lower half, making it difficult for him to move around easily. That's why he's working from home, undergoing training and treatment to improve his condition. It's a process that will take some time, and that's where your role becomes crucial in providing the support and care he needs during this journey."

"I'm happy to be here and help in any way I can, creating a supportive environment for Mr. Lockwood during his journey is my priority, and I'm honored to be a part of it."

Puzzled and in need of clarification, I considered the confusing timeline. How had Mr. Lockwood's sickness happened, especially since he had taken my virginity only a few hours prior? 

Did he have a twin?!

The need for answers grew stronger and I felt compelled to solve the puzzle of this surprising change of event.

Gretchen smiled warmly and said, "Good. I'll leave you both to get acquainted. If you need anything or have questions, don't hesitate to ask. Welcome again, Stella."

Before leaving, Gretchen leaned in, whispering in my ear. "Stella, Mr. Lockwood can be somewhat fussy, and occasional frustration is not uncommon. Avoid unnecessary disruptions during those moments. Patience is your best friend. Take the time to familiarize yourself with his rhythms, and you'll organically discover your unique way of navigating things together." Her comforting touch lingered on my shoulder, a reassurance that echoed in the room as she exited, leaving me alone with Mr. Lockwood.

There was silence between Mr. Lockwood and I as she left the room and the door closed behind her.

To say that I wasn't nervous would be an understatement. I was by myself with a dashing billionaire who, I believe, was the exact same as the man who had taken my virginity.

Mr. Lockwood turned to look at me, and I felt my legs tremble as I battled the blush that was threatening to force itself out on my face.

I turned my head away, unable to meet his eyes, and let my eyes drift to a spot on the wall. Even while he appeared calm, there was a warmth about him that seemed to go against the reasoned limits of my role as his caregiver.

I started to doubt the truth of the incident because of the contradiction between my clear recall of him stealing my virginity and his current inability to walk.

Was it truly him?

His blatantly dismissive glance caused even more confusion. Is it possible that I mistook someone else for him in my imagination during the exchange? My aggravation grew as I grappled with the lack of clarity and felt like slapping myself in confusion.

I wonder what was going through his head?

But despite having a virtually immobile limb, he had an allure that sparked feelings I hadn't expected. In an attempt to gather myself, I cleared my throat.

"Tell me more about yourself, Stella. What brings you to this role?"

Feeling a sudden urge to mask my true motivations which was due to the fact that I couldn't get a proper job and this one paid well, I responded with a rehearsed smile, "Well, I've always had a passion for caring for others. It brings me a sense of fulfillment."

"Is that so?" Mr. Lockwood raised an eyebrow, a subtle skepticism in his tone. It was as if he sensed there was more to the story, not fully convinced by the explanation I had offered.

Considering that I hadn't even applied for the job but had managed to get it, I wasn't convinced in my response either.

If he had been the one who took my virginity and then hired me because of it, then that would've been another thing but clearly this wasn't the case.

Trying to shift the conversation, I asked, "I'm curious, what caused your inability to walk?"

He took a moment before responding, his gaze thoughtful. "It's a bit of a long story, which I do not feel comfortable talking about."

I gave him an understanding nod, thinking that the change of subject would distract him from my deceptive first response.

Under Mr. Lockwood's watchful eye, I started fiddling around the room, making adjustments to items that really didn't need to be adjusted. I felt a little nervous. His expression seemed intrigued as he watched me adjust a picture frame.

I tried my best not to faint under his gaze.

Finally, he broke the silence, "Stella, have you ever bathed a disabled man before?"

Caught off guard, I blushed stuttering like a mad woman, "Uh, no, I mean, well, not exactly... I mean, not yet. But I'm here to learn and assist in any way I can."

"Hmm," Mr. Lockwood nodded.

"A little help getting up, if you don't mind, Stella?" Mr. Lockwood's request was polite.

"Of course," I replied, moving closer to assist him. The proximity made my heart race, and his scent, strangely alluring, his touch had my body tingling with heat.

His touch almost felt........familiar.

A little scuffle broke out as I was trying to help Mr. Lockwood up, and I stumbled forward and landed on top of him unexpectedly Our eyes locked in a moment, my breath caught in my throat.

His silver eyes stared into mine intently.

Quickly regaining composure, I hurriedly got up, a blush creeping across my cheeks as I cleared my throat. "I—I'm so sorry. That was a mistake," I stammered, attempting to dispel the awkwardness.

I was taken aback by the unintentional closeness, and I was unable to get rid of the feeling of losing myself for a little while in my boss's captivating gaze.

Gosh how stupid of me!

Helping Mr. Lockwood to stand up, everything went more smoothly this time as he slid into the wheelchair, and we headed to the restroom. When we were inside his very exquisite bathroom, he turned to face me, something unreadable in his eyes.

"Stella, would you mind helping me get my clothes off? I need to take a shower," he asked, surprising me with the unexpected request.

Momentarily taken aback, I nodded in response to Mr. Lockwood's request. Slowly, I assisted him to stand which he did as I assisted him, carefully helping him remove his clothes. The act required a certain level of professionalism, yet I couldn't stop myself from blushing foolishly.

While I was doing this, I was left with a question: Why didn't he use a crutch rather than a wheelchair?

As I proceeded, I focused on the task at hand, reminding myself of the need for empathy and respect in providing the care Mr. Lockwood required.

Assisting Mr. Lockwood in removing his shirt, my eyes involuntarily widened at the sight of his impressively defined muscles and chiseled physique.

How the hell does he have such defined muscles in a wheelchair?! He must definitely lift weights.

I observed further aspects of Mr. Lockwood; interesting tattoos decorated several areas of his body, evoking hazy memories of the man I had given my virginity to. Frustration arose up as the memories failed to materialize.

In addition to his striking handsomeness, his physique was undeniably captivating, the kind that would prompt anyone to use their tongue in adoration.

I was taken aback by the discovery, briefly distracting from the current task. I quickly got back into the task at hand, telling myself that this was a professional obligation.

Mr. Lockwood's gaze remained fixed on me with unfaltering intensity as I quickly proceeded to get rid him of his sweatpants.

"If you're uncomfortable," he began, but I swiftly interjected, stopping him from any further words.

"No, it's perfectly fine," I reassured, my voice maintaining a composed steadiness while my heart thumped erratically out of my chest.

I then got down on my knees and just as I took his underwear into my hand about to pull down his short, I gulped, this felt like a scene from one of my steamy romance books.

One that I was very much sure of what to expect, but since I have been left flabbergasted on multiple occasions by Mr. Lockwood my mind told me it was going to be a great scene.

Upon further pulling his underpants, shocked filled my being.