Chapter Ten: Feelings Neither Expected
387 Words
The attempted attack changed everything.
Blackwood Manor no longer felt like a luxurious home.
It felt like a fortress.
Additional security officers patrolled the grounds day and night. Cameras were installed around every entrance, and the gates remained locked at all times.
Amelia watched from her bedroom window as another security vehicle drove through the estate.
She sighed.
"I've become a prisoner."
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.
"Come in."
Mrs. Wilson entered with a breakfast tray.
"You didn't come downstairs."
"I wasn't hungry."
Mrs. Wilson placed the tray on the table.
"Mr. Blackwood hasn't eaten either."
Amelia frowned.
"He skipped breakfast?"
"He has been in his office since five this morning."
Without another word, Mrs. Wilson quietly left.
Amelia stood outside Adrian's office.
She hesitated before knocking.
"Come in."
She opened the door.
Adrian sat behind his desk, surrounded by files and a laptop.
Dark circles beneath his eyes told her he hadn't slept much.
"You should take a break," she said.
"I'm fine."
"You've said that three times this week."
He looked up and smiled faintly.
"I'm beginning to think you don't believe me."
"I don't."
She walked closer and placed the breakfast tray on his desk.
"You can't solve every problem on an empty stomach."
Adrian looked at the tray, then at her.
"Are you ordering me to eat?"
"I'm advising you."
He picked up a piece of toast.
"There. Happy?"
She smiled.
"A little."
For the first time in days, the tension between them eased.
Later that afternoon, Adrian suggested a walk through the estate gardens.
The air was cool, and the roses Amelia had arranged were in full bloom.
"They're beautiful," Adrian said.
"The flowers?"
"You."
Amelia stopped walking.
"What?"
"I meant..."
For perhaps the first time in his life, Adrian struggled to find the right words.
"The gardens are beautiful because of your work."
She laughed softly.
"I almost believed the first answer."
He cleared his throat.
"I should be more careful."
"You should."
They continued walking side by side.
The silence between them no longer felt awkward.
It felt comfortable.
As they reached the lake at the edge of the property, Amelia sat on a wooden bench.
"I've been thinking."
Adrian looked at her.
"About?"
"Our contract."
His expression grew serious.
"What about it?"
"When the ........( to be continued)
- Writer
