Apple

Before leaving the kitchen, he turned to her and said, “If you need anything, I’ll be in my office and tell me or John if she has any issues at all.” Naturally, Olivia answered. Olivia couldn’t get rid of the impression that Christian was more than just the aloof, cold façade he put on when he departed. She had caught a glimpse of a deep pool of feelings that he kept tightly bottled up, a vulnerability. It left her wondering about the true nature of the man behind the surface. She silently made it her new mission to bring uncle and niece closer to each other.

In the evening, Olivia helped Eunice get to bed. The little girl moved slowly, had a pale complexion, and appeared exhausted. After pulling the blanket up to her chin, Olivia tucked her into the bed. Olivia muttered, “Goodnight, Eunice,” as she brushed a lock of hair off the girl’s forehead.

Eunice’s eyes were wide open, looking at Olivia before quietly saying, “My mom used to kiss me on my forehead before bed." Olivia did not have anything to say to the girl. She just kissed her on the forehead and stroked her on the head.

Upon leaving Eunice’s room to go to hers, Olivia heard the sound of a raised voice coming from a room not too far away. She reluctantly got up to the door to check who it was. Knowing that the voice was Christian’s, curiosity got the best of her and she quietly made her way to his office, trying to listen to the argument.

Christian was in his office, arguing with someone on the phone. His voice, at this point, was low and controlled, but there was a hint of frustration in “Find out who sent the money to the man’s account. No matter how hidden it is, the sender must have left some trace". Olivia could not make out any relevant information from the phone call, but it was obvious that it was something serious. After a few minutes, Christian slammed the phone down, muttering angrily under his breath.

Olivia stiffened, not sure what to do. She then realized that it was none of her business. She was about to return upstairs when Christian noticed her standing in the doorway.

“What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice sounding sharp and on edge. “I—“, Olivia stuttered, unsure of what to say. “I was putting Eunice to bed when I heard your voice. Is everything okay?”

“It’s nothing you need to worry about”, Christian sounded. His voice seemed to have softened a bit. “Go back to work".Olivia nodded in affirmation and turned to leave.

The next morning, after breakfast, Olivia wanted to take Eunice outside to the garden to play, but she needed Christian’s approval. She just got to his office door and she knocked. “Come in”, she heard from inside.

Christian raised his head to the woman in front of him. “Mr. Mason, I want to take Eunice outside to the garden to play before her lesson starts”, Olivia said nicely. “Okay. But make sure she’s in your sight always. And she must not get hurt”, Christian gave his approval, his head still lowered in the file he was reading. “Okay, sir. I’ll ensure she enjoys her time."

Olivia led Eunice to the garden later. The garden was truly a joy to behold. It had lots of beautiful flowers on display, a mowed lawn and a small pond that had some fish. This sight was obviously a blessing to Eunice as her smile began to grow more. They roamed the garden together. Olivia was naming some flowers and insects, Eunice seemed to be repeating some, while she kept quiet later. At the end of the garden tour, her mood seemed to have improved very much.This brought much joy to Olivia. After some time, they both settled down on the grass.

“Do you want me to read you a book?" Olivia asked the little girl. “It’s my favorite book." Eunice nodded and Olivia brought out a book and started reading to her. Olivia read to her gently and Eunice seemed to be interested. By the end of the first chapter, she had already moved closer to Olivia to take a peek at the book.

All while this was happening, Christian stood by the window watching them. He had to admit that this woman was doing a good job bringing Eunice out of her shell.

Later that afternoon, after Eunice’s lesson, she was already taking an afternoon nap. Olivia felt that was the best time to speak to Christian, so she went to his office and knocked on the door.

“Come in”, he answered, his voice somehow muffled. Olivia entered to find his head buried in a number of files, his expression as rigid as ever. ‘He always has at least a file in his hands every time’, she thought to herself.

“What have you come here to do?" Christian asked impatiently. “I wanted to talk to you, sir."

“I was thinking about ways to make Eunice more comfortable around people”, she said reading his face. She then continued when she got no reaction, “I believe taking her out sometimes will work for her. She can go to the park and be able to play with other children. We can go to an amusement park, for silly things, or even just a walk in the neighborhood.

Christian dropped his pen before looking at her and replying, “I appreciate your concern about this, but no”.

Olivia, wanting to convince him, was not satisfied with his answer. “I know you are quite protective of her and do not wish to see any harm come to her. Believe me, I want the same, but she has to loosen up."

Christian’s expression hardened as he said, “I don’t think that is a good idea though."

“Sir, trust me on this. She is already showing signs of playfulness and I believe she will open up and begin to speak better. She just needs to experience what it is like outside and see her age-mates play around her.

“Are you sure about this one?" Christian asked, seemingly losing his guard. “Yes, sir. Trust me."

“Nothing must happen to my girl. Are you confident that you can handle her outside?"

“Mr. Mason. I assure you that she’s very safe with me. I will monitor all of her movements.

“You can go tomorrow, it seems to be too late now”, Christian said as he looked at the wall clock behind Olivia.

Unsure of whether to say what was on her mind, Olivia refused to leave her spot. “What is it?" Is there anything else you want to say?" Christian asked her.

“Umm… I’m not sure if it is my place to say, but I know you were also very affected by the death of your brother and sister-in-law. If you need someone to talk to, I’m here," Olivia said timidly.

Christian’s brows furrowed in puzzle. “Thank you for your concern, but there’s no need at all. I can take care of myself."

As she left Christian’s office, Olivia could not help but have mixed feelings. She was happy that he had trusted her enough to let her bring Eunice outside, but she was feeling somehow about Christian’s mood and his reaction to his obvious depression. Olivia is determined to help him, without intervention for now, since that is what he wants.

Olivia skipped back to Eunice’s room to see how the girl was doing, but she was still napping, so she tasked herself with doing some laundry. As she was folding the clothes back into their spaces, Olivia could not help but wonder how the future would turn out for the three of them. She wants to protect Eunice at all costs as well as make sure she is happy.Christian seems to want the same but is unsure of what to do.

She stood up abruptly, determination running through her body. She needed to bring Eunice and Christian closer to each other. As she was getting ready to leave the room, she heard a soft voice behind her. The voice belonged to Eunice.

Olivia quickly rushed to her side. “When did you wake up from your nap? Is there anything you need?"

Eunice looked at Olivia unsure of what to say, before timidly saying, “I saw someone behind watching at the door, sometime ago. I came to check the person, but they are nowhere to be found”.

“Someone at the door?" But I was the only one here”, Olivia's puzzled voice sounded. She then crouched to Eunice’s level before asking her gently, “Are you sure of what you saw?" Eunice nodded in affirmation.

“Come. Let’s go and inform your uncle." Olivia turned around with Eunice, only to find Christian behind them. He quickly rushed to their side, crouching beside Eunice. “So, you’re saying you saw somebody watching Olivia, right?” Eunice nodded again, confirming what Christian had heard earlier.

Christian and Olivia looked at each other in horror.