Once, my paranoid love

Derek’s eyes widened in surprise as he heard Elena’s response. It was clear that something had gone amiss in the preparations for her stay, and he couldn’t help but feel a sense of incredulity. ‘Oh, my goodness!’ he thought to himself, frustration creeping into his thoughts. ‘They are unable to do even basic work. Did they stock her closet with these kinds of outfits? That’s why she felt uneasy last night.’

The revealing outfits that had been provided clearly made Elena uncomfortable, and it was essential to address the situation promptly.

Clearing his throat, Derek acknowledged Elena’s discomfort. “All right, I’ll tell them,” he assured her, his voice resolute. It was a promise to resolve the issue and ensure that Elena felt more at ease during her stay.

With determination, Derek left the room, determined to seek a solution to the wardrobe predicament. He knew that he needed to communicate the issue to the staff and make arrangements for more suitable clothing.

After a short while, two maids arrived at the room, each carrying Elena’s baggage. Their expressions held a hint of curiosity, as they had likely been informed about the wardrobe issue.

**

The maids, their faces a mix of contrition and earnestness, expressed their apologies for the oversight regarding my bags. “Lady, please accept our apologies. Last night, we didn’t take your bags,” one of them admitted, their voices laced with sincerity.

I offered a warm and understanding smile in response. “It’s okay,” I reassured them, recognizing that mistakes happened and that there was no need to dwell on them. My heart swelled with gratitude for their efforts to make amends.

One of the maids continued, “Sir is waiting for you, Madam. He asked you to come downstairs.” Her words were a gentle reminder that Mr. Huston was eager for my company, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation at the prospect of joining him.

“Yes,” I responded with a nod. The maids’ message had been clear, and I was ready to heed their invitation to join Mr. Huston downstairs. With a sense of purpose, I got up from the bed, ready to change my dress.

**

Derek’s POV.

In the dining room, palpable tension hung in the air as Obin, my loyal confidant, presented a file. “Boss, this is Mr. Williamson Regan’s file,” Obin stated with a mixture of caution and unease.

I accepted the file from Obin, my eyes narrowing as I scrutinized the contents. Williamson Regan-his name was etched on the file, a stark reminder of the man who had wronged my family by laying claim to my mother’s property. Anger welled up within me, and I couldn’t suppress the surge of resentment.

With a decisive and disdainful gesture, I tossed the file aside, the papers scattering across the table. It was a symbolic act, an act of defiance against the man who had dared to cross my family.

“Boss, he’s here,” Obin reported, his voice quivering with fear. The mere mention of Williamson Regan’s presence sent a shiver down our spines.

The realization hit me like a tidal wave-my adversary had returned, audaciously showing his face once more. I clenched my fist tightly, my anger simmering beneath the surface. The time for tolerating his interference had long passed.

“Keep a close eye on him,” I instructed Obin, my voice firm and unwavering. This encounter was a stark reminder that the past had resurfaced and that it was time to confront the man who had wronged my family.

As I prepared to face Williamson Regan once again, I felt a surge of determination coursing through my veins. This was a battle that I was determined to win, no matter the cost.

In the midst of Obin’s attempt to relay information about Williamson Regan’s presence, an unexpected interruption occurred. Elena made her entrance, descending the staircase with an air of uncertainty, just as Obin was about to speak further.

“Boss,” Obin began, his sentence left unfinished as he spotted Elena.

Obin, ever the courteous and welcoming presence, greeted Elena with a warm smile as he noticed her. “Madame, good morning,” he offered with genuine politeness, his intention being to put her at ease during this unanticipated encounter.

Elena responded with a slight smile of her own, though there was a palpable sense of discomfort in her demeanor. Her presence in this unfamiliar setting, amid an ongoing discussion she had not anticipated, left her feeling vulnerable and out of place. “Good morning, Mr. Obin,” she replied politely, her voice carrying a note of uncertainty.

“Wow, it appears that the boss has already met with Madam,” Obin pondered to himself, his thoughts racing as he considered the implications of this unexpected encounter. The dynamics between Elena and the boss, Derek, were still being navigated, and this unforeseen intersection of their paths added another layer of intrigue to their evolving relationship.

Elena’s question hung in the air, her gaze fixed on me with curiosity and a touch of uncertainty. “Mr. Huston, did you call me?” She inquired.

I glanced at Obin, whose face bore a knowing smile that extended from ear to ear. He spoke with a jovial tone, seemingly aware that it was time for him to make a tactful exit. “Have a nice day, madam,” he bid Elena farewell, his words accompanied by a broad smile. Without further ado, he began to take his leave, his steps carrying him away from the scene.

It was evident that Obin understood the unspoken desire for some privacy that had passed between Elena and me. As he walked away, a respectful distance now established, it was clear that he had recognized the need for us to have a moment alone.

As Obin’s presence receded, leaving Elena and me in relative solitude, I turned my attention back to her. The air was charged with a sense of anticipation and uncertainty, as though the universe had conspired to create this moment of quiet connection.

“Please have a seat, Elena,” I said warmly, my smile intended to ease any remaining tension in the air. Elena, still adjusting to the new dynamics of our relationship, approached and took a seat next to me at the dining table.

To be continued…