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The woman heaved out a sigh. "Your son was almost hit by a car. It's a good thing that the driver was able to hit the break, or else you'll meet him in the morgue." The corners of my eyes heat up. The image of Greyson in that distressing room is terrifying to me. "I rushed him to the hospital since I was on that scene where the accident transpired. He got minor scratches on his legs because he fell on the rough pavement." There was a fleeting moment of stillness until Garren spoke. "Who's the owner of that car that hit my son?" Garren asked with a clenched jaw. "Unfortunately, I didn't get to see the driver. But you can go to the nearest police station around Rodeo Street. Perhaps they handled the accident and kept records or whatsoever." My forehead creased. Rodeo is the neighboring street of MacCurtain Village where the Montreal resides. What was Greyson doing in that place? Audrey stood up all of a sudden. "I believe that my role here is done. I need to go home now." "How m
"Greyson might be mad at you right now, but he has no heart of stone. Apologize to him and appease his wants. It's your time to make sacrifices. I'm pretty sure that in no time, he will forgive you." Silence rose between us. Who would have thought that I would give advice to this man whom I despise with a burning passion? The world is unpredictable, indeed. "I wasn't actually asking for a counseling, but still, thank you." Did I hear it right? Garren is saying thank you? Is the world about to end? "Why are you looking at me like that? It's fucking creepy." I quickly tore off my gaze. I didn't even know I was already staring at him. "I was just surprised that you said thank you to me, sir." "Yeah. Whatever." He stood up from the bench. "Where are you going?" He stopped on his track and looked back at me. "Why do I need to tell you? You're not my wife." My cheeks flushed. That was embarrassing. I pulled myself up. I went back to Greyson's room to check on him. He's still s
I excused myself and went to Greyson's room. He's lying on the bed while reaching his hands toward the ceiling. "Are you okay?" He pouted. "I'm bored. I want to go out and play." "Unfortunately, you can't do that until you are fully healed. You need to wait for more days." Someone suddenly opened the door. Greyson quickly removed all the emotions from his face after seeing that it was his father, carrying a platter. I mentally laughed. I must say, this kid is a good actor. "What's that?" he asked with a stoic face. He put the platter on the table and opened the cover. The scrumptious smell of the barbeque sauce pervaded my nose. Even Greyson can't stop himself; his eyes are sparkling while looking at the dish. "You mentioned last time that you love beef brisket, so I made you one." None of us responded. He sheepishly scratched his cheeks. "It's been a long time since I cooked, so I can't assure you that this will be really great. But I swear, I did my best to cook this dish.
"Please tell me that I'm not dreaming, Cleo." I chuckled. "You said it for like the tenth time already." He pouted. "It just feels surreal. If ever this is just a dream, then I don't want to wake up anymore." He still couldn't believe what we overheard from his father's conversation, that he ditched his work for him. I mean, the company that Garren owns is one of the reasons why Greyson always felt neglected. He already had it etched on his mind that Garren would always choose his work over him. That's why he felt elated and could not believe it. I hate to say this, but I can't deny that the car incident was a blessing in disguise to some degree. It knocked some sense to Garren's mind. It's just sad that this child had to be in peril just for his father to realize his shortcomings. I cupped Greyson's cheeks. "I'm happy for you. You're finally getting what you deserve." He smiled back. "Thank you, Cleo. I really hope that Dad continues to be like this. I'm afraid that once I
"Eleonora?! What are you doing here?!" Claudette's face screwed up as she turned to Garren. "You dipshit! Didn't I tell you to not call me by my second name?! Do you want to die?!" I was flabbergasted by how she talks to him. If I were to talk like that to Garren, he would surely kill me. "Whatever. Seriously, what are you doing here?" He walked towards us. "When did you arrive? You did not even inform me that you were coming. I could have picked you up at the airport." "I told Xavier. I don't know why he didn't notify you because I only said not to spill my arrival to mom and dad because I wanted to surprise them." Someone suddenly emerged from the door, pulling luggage behind him. It was Xavier. "I forgot to tell him." He shot daggers at Claudette. "You didn't even help me carry your luggage, you brat." While staring at them, I noticed the similarities in their features. That gave me a hunch about their relationship. They are probably siblings. I was abl
"Imma leave before this shitface gets under my skin," Xavier grouched before leaving the kitchen. And now I'm left alone with Garren. Great. The silence hovering between us is putting me on pins and needles. Nothing can be heard but the clatter of the dishes I'm washing and the whistle of the wind. From my peripheral vision, I saw him getting a can of beer from the fridge. I thought he'd leave after that, but I was wrong. He leaned against the countertop and looked directly at me. I swallowed a lump. I feel like he's already piercing holes in my back. "Cleo-" "I'm not flirting with your brother," I cut him off. "It's never my intention to get close to him and milk money from him like what you're thinking, sir." I put the last plate on the drainer and dried my hands. "I may have grown up in a poor family, but that doesn't mean I'm a parasite." He didn't speak nor take off his eyes of me. This man doesn't realize how much he's making me restless. "Goodnight, sir,"
"I want Cleo to come with us." The room was ruled by crickets after he averted his demand. I gave Garren a side-over. His face can't be described because of how screwed up it is. I cleared my throat and sat beside Greyson. "I don't have to come with you. I'm pretty sure your dad will take good care of you." He shook his head. "No. I want you with us, Cleo. If dad doesn't want that, then there will be no vacation." I held his hands and smiled. "This should be a special vacation with your dad. Didn't you tell me that you've been wanting to go out of town with him?" As much as I fancy the idea of going out of town, visiting places that I've never been before and having a view of picturesque tourist spots around the world, this vacation should be exclusively for them. I'm neither a part of their family nor a close acquaintance. I'm only close to Greyson. It will be weird if I come with them. Moreover, I know that Garren is against it too. "But I will get to enjoy it m
My jaw dropped to the floor as a black helicopter lay before my eyes. It was strikingly stunning enough to stand out from the other aircraft around. "Dad? What is this?" Greyson asked, who's also eyeing it with astonishment. "We'll fly to Santorini using this helicopter." Greyson gasped in amazement. "Really?! That's cool!" "Are you excited?" He nodded fervently. While the two of them seem really excited, my palms are already sweating in nervousness. For Pete's sake, I have a fear of heights. Riding an aircraft and being high up in the air will be the death of me! That was the reason why I chose to ride a bus when I flew to the city from our province. I don't even ride an elevator no matter how exhausting walking up the stairs is because my anxiety always kicks in! "Cleo, are you okay? Your lips are pale." I was snapped out of my stupor when Greyson worriedly asked me that question. I shammed a smile. "I'm fine." I'm clearly not. I'm freaking out at the moment, and I ju
Silence hovered between us for a couple of seconds. Nothing could be heard but the silent whisper of the night breeze and the crickets. "Doing what?" Garren asked, breaking the stillness at last. I raised the bracelet he gave. "This. Why are you doing this-""Didn't I tell you the reasons? It was a token of appreciation. I didn't know you could be this-""I'm not merely talking about this bracelet, sir." For the first time, I found the courage to cut him off, knowing how much he loathes that. "You're confusing me."I don't know if what I'm doing is right or if I'm digging my own grave. But I can no longer bottle these up. "Everything about you confuses me."His eyes widened a fraction. I know he's as anxious as I am."Do you seriously think that I didn't notice you'd changed after that day that you brought us to the amusement park? Well, I do. And until now, I still don't know the reason why."I looked at him straight in the eyes. "I didn't confront you because I didn't want to
"Congratulations, baby! You don't know how proud I am of you!" I squeezed Greyson into a tight embrace as we sat back in our chairs. He hugged me back. "Thank you, Cleo." Then he turned to Garren. There's a subtle yet cordial smile plastered on his face. He ruffled his son's hair. "I can't express how happy I am for you, son. You've been working hard for all this day, and you deserve all the recognitions you received." Greyson's eyes glistened with tears, but he quickly wiped them off and smiled heartily at his father. "But I want you to know that with or without these medals, I'm proud of you. You've done great." Greyson hugged him. "Thank you for being my motivation, dad." "What about me? Aren't you going to give your uncle a hug? I helped with your homework," Xavier chimed in. He chuckled and hugged him too. "How could I not forget you, uncle? You were my father back when dad was still bad." Xavier and I couldn't help but laugh while his father was already looking li
The day that Greyson has been waiting for has finally come- his recognition day. The entire mansion is in chaos in preparation for this day. Cynthia told me that this is the first time this has happened because last year when he graduated preschool, his father only gave me an expensive present. But he wants to make a difference today. Hence, all the maids are busy in the kitchen. And after we leave, they will also redesign the house and put up some banners and balloons to surprise Greyson. You read that right, "we." Greyson insisted that I should come with them. "But I want you to be there too. You helped me a lot in my studies and cheered me up whenever I felt discouraged." That's what he told me when I tried to decline because I thought it'd be weird if me, who's merely his nanny, would come with him for this special day. His father is there, so I find my presence really unnecessary. But when he said those words, my decision changed right away. I was flustered, needless to
From that day, I always feel like I'm in deep water. The air between Garren and me became more asphyxiating. I might be the only one who thinks like that because he's still the same... minus the fact that he always does something that knocks me for six. There's no morning that I don't find flowers in my doorway. Lilies, roses, chrysanthemums, lilacs—you name it, Garren has already given it to me. My room looks like a garden now. But it's not just the mere reason why I've been feeling like a cat walking on a hot tin roof for the past three days. All the stolen gazes, the way he smiles and speaks to me, the way he treats me... everything that he does never fails to catch me off guard. Needless to say, it has occurred to me numerous times to make him stop. He's my boss and I'm his employee. Our relationship should be nothing more than that. I don't know what card this universe played to get us here. But every time I think of doing that, there's this inexplicable feeling that stirs
"What are you guys doing?" My body froze when I heard Greyson's voice. I turned to the side and saw him eyeing the two of us with utter bewilderment. With all my strength, I pushed Garren away. I felt like a huge boulder had been lifted off of my chest after that. "W-We..." I coughed and pinched my arm to calm my raving nerves. "Your d-dad and I-" "We were talking, buddy. I was asking Cleo about something." I'm glad Garren spoke up. It's the least that he could do for putting me in this situation. But Greyson doesn't seem like he bought his father's excuse. With a doubtful voice, he said, "Really? As far as I know, you don't have to be THAT close when talking to someone." I held my breath. Right. How stupid of me to think that this kid would fall for such a lie. He's not that gullible. The corner of Greyson's lips tugged upward all of a sudden. "Were you guys kissing?" My face has never turned red like an overripe tomato until now. I glared in Garren's direction, and
"This is Earth, Cleo." I was pulled back to reality when Erick snapped a finger right in front of my face. I threw him a questioning look. "H-Huh?" He crinkled his nose. "I'm talking here but it seems like I'm with a ghost. Did you call me just to watch you space out?" Guilt struck me. "I'm sorry." This morning, I messaged Erick and asked him if he was free and if he's up to go out. Aside from the fact that this is my way to fulfill my promise to him... I have to take a pause and breathe. And obviously, staying in that house won't give me peace of mind. With what happened last night, I don't think I'll ever keep my heart and mind at bay anymore. Everything is still etched in my mind. The peculiar emotions in Garren's eyes that seemed to stare at the deepest part of my soul. His calloused hands that fondled my skin. The way he held me was as if I were frail glass that he didn't want to break. And those three words... Who would have thought that they could cause pandemonium in my
Silence hovered between us for a couple of seconds. Nothing could be heard but the silent whisper of the night breeze and the crickets. "Doing what?" Garren asked, breaking the stillness at last. I raised the bracelet he gave. "This. Why are you doing this-" "Didn't I tell you the reasons? It was a token of appreciation. I didn't know you could be this-" "I'm not merely talking about this bracelet, sir." For the first time, I found the courage to cut him off, knowing how much he loathes that. "You're confusing me." I don't know if what I'm doing is right or if I'm digging my own grave. But I can no longer bottle these up. "Everything about you confuses me." His eyes widened a fraction. I know he's as anxious as I am. "Do you seriously think that I didn't notice you'd changed after that day that you brought us to the amusement park? Well, I do. And until now, I still don't know the reason why." I looked at him straight in the eyes. "I didn't confront you because I didn
"Why is the mansion silent?" That was the first question that Greyson asked when we arrived home. We exchanged knowing glances. I saw Garren using his phone a while ago. He must have already notified them about our arrival. "They're probably resting," Xavier answered. The child pouted. He's possibly thinking that the others won't be celebrating with him today. Garren stepped forward and slightly opened the door. He turned to his son and smiled. "Go on, buddy." The latter frowned, but he didn't say anything and just entered the house. "Congratulations!" Greyson was startled as all the maids, led by Claudette, surprised him with a huge congratulatory banner and balloons. He hasn't recovered from that when someone emerged from behind them carrying a cake. The smile on my face dropped, but I quickly put it back because I don't want to spoil the fun and cast a shadow over this celebration. "I'm so proud of you, moonpie! Top of your class. You're without a doubt my grandson,"
The day that Greyson has been waiting for has finally come- his recognition day. The entire mansion is in chaos in preparation for this day. Cynthia told me that this is the first time this has happened because last year when he graduated preschool, his father only gave me a present. But he wants to make a difference today. Hence, all the maids are busy in the kitchen. And after we leave, they will also put up some banners and balloons to surprise Greyson. You read that right, "we." Greyson insisted that I should come with them. "But I want you to be there too. You helped me a lot in my studies and cheered me up whenever I felt discouraged." That's what he told me when I tried to decline because I thought it'd be weird if me, who's merely his nanny, would come with him. His father is there, so I find my presence unnecessary. But when he said those words, my decision changed right away. I was flustered, needless to say. Hearing that from him gave me a sense of gratification.