16

Chapter 16

The first thing I heard was the singing of the birds. I opened my eyes expecting someone beside me but I am all alone in my bed. Last night was probably a dream or worse, he woke up earlier than me. Dammit! I made a mental note to myself last night that I would make it ambiguous for him to not remember anything that happened yesterday. I checked the time from my newly acquired phone and an hour has passed from my usual waking time. I no longer use my alarm clock because I usually wake up before it even rang. Well, except for today.

I screwed up. What was Richard's reaction when he realized he was sleeping on my bed? More importantly, is our hands still clasped when he opened his eyes? I went out of my room and saw Evelyn preparing breakfast.

"I'm sorry Evelyn." I apologized. "I don't know what happened but I slept in."

"No worries. I've got you covered. Besides, Richard instructed me not to disturb you." she replied.

I covered myself with my palm. "Gosh! This is so embarrassing."

"What's embarrassing?" she asked curiously.

I don't think she knows that Richard and I slept on the same bed. Thank goodness if that would be the case. I don't want anyone in the household to start circulating some rumors about it. I smiled and pretended that everything's fine. "I put too much faith on my body clock." was my reply.

I helped with the remaining dishes but for my sanity, I have to investigate further. "Where's Richard?" I asked.

"In his room." Evelyn replied casually. I guess she doesn't have a clue what happened last night.

"I'm here if you're looking for me." Richard chimed in. Perfect timing. I turned around and saw him in his casual attire. White shorts and a blue button down shirt. How in the hell does he appear to be so elegant and stylish even without his corporate attire? And he looks so freshened up too even though he was so wasted yesterday. That's something I can not relate to.

"I'm sorry. We must be running late." I removed my apron. "Let me just change my clothes right away and we'll be on our way. For the meantime, please have your breakfast."

"No need for that." Richard stopped me. "We're not going to the office today. I'll explain it to you during breakfast."

I exchanged glances with the two unsure of what to do but Evelyn beckoned me to accompany Richard to the dining area. I followed him and sat on the chair in front of him with my sleep wear on. I never even had the chance to comb my hair so I used my palms to smoothen out all the hairs that's out of place.

"What's with the outfit?" I finally asked him while Evelyn arranges the meal on the table.

"Daniel wants to talk about an exclusive deal that has something to do with their machines."

Look at that. I'm glad I pushed him last night to socialize with the elites and I'm somewhat proud that he's being proactive with business dealings.

"Wear your casual clothes today. We're doing some outdoor activities later." Richard advised.

We ate without having to say much to each other. I was thinking about what happened last night but Richard seems unfazed as if nothing about it is unusual. Maybe I'm reading too much into it. It's probably a normal thing that guys do that I'm ignorant of since I haven't got any close friends growing up.

Richard looked at me with his eyes furrowed as he puts down his spoon. "What?" he asked me.

"I don't understand." I responded.

"You've been staring at me since we started our meal."

I almost spat out my food from the sudden confrontation. "Am I?" I acted confused.

Richard nodded.

"Then I apologize if I made you uncomfortable." and starting this time I kept my head down.

We finished our meal without a word about his actions yesterday. Pretend it never happened. Got it. After breakfast, I took a shower and changed into my casual attire which is limited in my wardrobe so I didn't have a hard time choosing what to wear. Richard was already waiting for me in the foyer which should not be the case since he's the boss.

We went back to the Hawthorne residence and it looks greater and vast in the day. Andrea was there to welcome us and she always looks excited whenever she meets Richard. She then led us to her father who was busy tending to one of their plants. Mr. Hawthorne loves wine so much that he decided to convert a portion of their estate into a vineyard. Of course with having so much money at their disposal, starting his ludicrous passion project would not hurt him in any way even if it was bound to fail.

Daniel showed us his cultivation and enthusiastically discussed how it would be a different variety from the common grapes. You'll never even guess that this man is the leading magnate when it comes to healthcare. As much as this man loves wine, it was not the main agenda for our trip for today. The topic instantly shifted how the Hawthorne's wanted to partner up with Goldwest Electronics. Apparently, Goldwest has this patented technology that they wanted to use for their latest medical diagnostic scanners. The two discussed how they would put the plan into action while Andrea and I exchanged polite smiles whenever our eyes would meet.

After we went around the trellises of vines, Andrea practically begged his father to let us spend the remaining of the day exploring the remaining area of their property.

"I wanted to show Richard the view from the hill. Could I take him there, please?" Andrea asked and held his father's arm as way to convince him.

"Sure sweetie. Just be careful there alright." Mr. Hawthorne relented. "Carl, would you please make sure they'll be safe up there."

I was surprised when he brought out my name. "Aren't you coming with us?" I asked.

Daniel smiled and gave me a pat on my shoulder. "Oh no. I'm too old for that." he answered.

I realized what he meant when we were led to a changing room and was given equestrian gears and outfit. We'll be going there by horse. I don't have any experience riding a horse but I have no choice but to change in these breeches and boots that they have provided since I was tasked to be a chaperone for those two.

I met with Andrea and Richard at the stable. I have to say that they really do suit their riding outfits since they really look sophisticated. Andrea mounted her horse quickly and confidently and I'm not sure if I can even do that.

Richard might have seen the look on my face that he whispered in my ear. "Do you know what to do?"

"Maybe." I replied unsure. I tried mimicking what I just saw by putting my foot in the stirrups and tried to lift myself off the ground. The result was pitiful. My leg barely reached the back of the horse and I was back on the ground with a menacing sign of leg cramps.

I was preparing for my second attempt but I felt Richard's hands on my hips and he lifted me off the ground without any difficulty before helping me settle on the saddle. "That was the worst attempt of horse riding I ever saw." he said out of earshot.

"Thank you." I replied as if I thanked him for his assistance but it was a sarcastic response to his remark.

Just like Andrea, Richard effortlessly mounted the horse. They went out of the stable side by side while I observed them from the back. I held on the reigns nervously as the horse begins to follow them. The destination was far more than I anticipated. The makeshift vineyard was no longer in sight yet we still haven't reached the hill that Andrea was pointing to. I struggled for the entire trip repositioning my body in the saddle once in a while. It's not also helping that the horse is acting a little bit shifty. It's like he can sense my discomfort and he's trying his best to shake me off.

The weather was warm but thankfully, the once soft white and fluffy clouds began to gather into thick gray blankets that managed to cover the sun. It offered a temporary relief from the scorching heat. However, we all knew that it was a hint for an impending rain.

Andrea was quick to offer a suggestion. "How about we take a race to the top. First one to reach the summit wins."

Richard and I exchanged glances. He knew that I am inexperienced with horse racing. I wobbled my head to the side to instruct him that he should go with her. "You guys go ahead. I'll meet you up there." I said.

"Aww. Are you sure?" Andrea asked.

I nodded. "Absolutely ma'am. That way you can both enjoy the view extensively while I catch up with you."

Andrea seemed thrilled with the idea of spending more time with Richard alone that she agreed. Richard looked at me inquisitively but I stared at him to convey the message that I'll be alright.

"Alright Andrea. You heard the man." said Richard. "If I win, you should ask your father to sign the exclusive contract with us."

Andrea laughed and said "Sure!"

I watched the two speed off in an astonishing speed. I certainly could not catch up with them if we were in a race. I tapped my horse's flank lightly in order to follow them in a trot that I can manage. It was supposed to be a slowly but surely strategy for me but fate had other plans today. The horse suddenly stopped on its tracks which almost flung me off my saddle. He then began to flutter and snort that I have to see what spooked him.

There it was in the middle of a trail is a little squirrel staring at the both of us, also assessing the situation. The horse then started to act restless and I tried my best to soothe him by petting his mane and whispering words of assurance. The squirrel, sensing no danger, ran off into the woods but my horse was startled by the sudden movements that he bolted off without a warning. Everything happened too fast. I tried to get hold of the reins but it was already too late! I was thrown off in my saddle and a flash of white hot pain welcomed me to the ground.

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A/N: Hi guys! I just wanted to thank you all for your support. The Butler reached the #1 spot in Pride category last week out of 19.9k stories. Hoping to claim that spot again next week. har har har ;) Anyway, cheers!

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