The King's Heiress

Chapter 8

I entered the house, walking straight to the kitchen to grab a bottle of water. I drank it in one gulp, feeling unexpectedly thirsty.

"Is it because I talked too much and unnecessarily with Tom?" I muttered to myself. And there it was again—a smile creeping onto my face, stretching so wide that just a millimeter more, and it would reach my ears.

"Just what is happening to me? What did that bob-haired girl do to me?" I scolded myself, despite grinning like a fool. Shaking my head, I made my way to the couch and called my baby, like always.

"Hey, baby, I just arrived. Yes, I ate already and am currently sitting on the couch," I said casually.

"Sitting on the couch?" Her voice carried clear surprise.

"Why? What’s wrong with sitting on my couch? If I don’t, who will?"

"All this time, this is the first time I’ve heard you say you’re sitting on the couch and not in your office chair. Are you sick?" she asked, her tone laced with suspicion.

I blinked, forming a perfect 'O' with my mouth. "I’m fine and definitely not sick," I assured her, suddenly feeling out of sync with myself.

"I really should thank that girl. You’re even talking to me longer than usual. Not like your typical, ‘I’m home safe. Goodnight, Mamina,’" she teased, giggling.

Her words stunned me more than anything. "Am I that rude?" I asked, faking innocence.

"Yes, you are, mister. But now, I forgive you. Go to bed—I know you’ll be busier than ever tomorrow," she said, sending a goodnight kiss over the phone.

"I can’t sleep yet. I still have some documents to go through. Goodnight to you, my baby," I replied, sending a smooch back. I heard her sigh before she hung up.

I looked around my house, noticing the details I had carefully chosen. Yet, only now did I truly see them. After two years of living here, everything felt new. I had never spent enough time in this house to appreciate it, not even realizing how comfortable my couch was.

"Just how busy have I been?" I muttered, sighing at the realization that my house had been nothing more than a place to change clothes. Even getting a full night’s sleep here felt like a luxury.

With another deep breath, I headed upstairs to my office, where I worked for a couple of hours before deciding to take a bath.

I walked into my bedroom—connected to my office—and let the warm water run over me, calming my thoughts. After changing into my silk black pajamas outlined in white, I collapsed onto my bed, staring at the ceiling in a daze, a foolish smile still lingering on my lips.

I felt like a teenager experiencing his first crush. Except I wasn’t a teenager—I was nearly stepping into my silver years. I had no idea when I drifted off, but when I did, I had the best dream. A girl with an unclear face lay beside me, her arms wrapped around my waist, her head resting on my arm. The warmth was intoxicating, something I had never felt before, something I never wanted to live without.

Then, the alarm clock rang.

I groggily opened my eyes, only to find myself hugging a pillow. Annoyed, I threw it onto the floor before heading to the bathroom. As I stared at my reflection in the mirror, I shook my head.

"Okay, Carl, you’re officially infatuated. You! The same guy people claim is either gay or impotent. Even Mamina thought you’d end up a priest with no interest in women. And now, look at you! But pull yourself together. You’ll never see her again. Yesterday was the last time you acted like an idiot."

I scolded myself while brushing my teeth. It was strange—I always woke up before my alarm, but today, I was so deep in sleep that it had to wake me.

Sighing, I took a bath, letting the tepid water clear my mind. I mentally went over my schedule for the day. After a few minutes under the shower, I dressed and walked out of my room.

As I reached the door, I saw Mrs. Lee and Tom waiting for me. I nodded at Mrs. Lee when she greeted me and handed me my small suitcase. Without a word, I stepped into the car, and Tom drove off towards the company. I flipped through documents on the way, mentally preparing for the meetings ahead. It was going to be a long day.

A sudden stop made me look up. Tom had pulled up in front of our usual coffee shop.

"Tom, I want a caffè latte," I blurted out just as he was about to step out. He turned to me, confused, and I immediately regretted it. I forced an awkward smile.

"Damn it!" I cursed under my breath as soon as he was out. "You just told yourself to get it together, and now you’re ordering something you’ve never even tasted—just because you saw a little girl holding it?"

I shook off the thought and went back to my documents.

A few minutes later, Tom returned with three cups. I frowned, raising an eyebrow. "Why three?"

"I wasn’t sure if you wanted foamed milk or not," he admitted.

I laughed, shaking my head. "i***t," I thought to myself, amused.

He handed me the cups, and I placed them carefully to the side. Tom eyed me curiously through the rearview mirror as he sipped his usual creamed black coffee.

"I’m just afraid it’ll spill on the files," I said defensively. I knew he found it strange—I always praised his smooth driving. It was why I hired him in the first place. No matter how fast he went, the ride was always steady.

I coughed awkwardly and returned to my work. A few minutes later, we arrived at the company garage. Mrs. Smith stood waiting for me, as always.

Tom parked, and I stepped out, heading straight for my private elevator while Mrs. Smith collected my things—including the caffè latte. She pressed the button for the highest floor, and as the doors closed, I exhaled, mentally bracing myself for the long day ahead.