49

Chapter 49

I sat on the edge of my bed, holding Richard's jacket. His faint scent still clung to the fabric. I rubbed my temples, trying to shake off the stress from yesterday, but I couldn't shake the feeling that someone had been watching us.

My eyes landed on the half-packed boxes scattered around the room, a reminder that my time here was almost up. Holding Richard's hand made me feel conflicted. It gave him hope and made me wonder if things could be different. But deep down, I knew it wouldn't work. It never could.

I still remember the day I found out I was the result of an affair. My mother was in the laundry room, folding towels with her back to me. Two other maids were there, talking quietly. I wasn't paying attention until I heard my name.

"Are you really never going to tell him?" one of them asked.

"Tell who?" my mother replied.

"Carl's father," the woman answered. "He doesn't know, right?"

I watched my mother freeze, the towel still half-folded in her hands.

"No," she said softly. "He never knew."

"Why not?" the other maid asked. "Didn't you love him?"

"I did," my mother said, her voice shaky. "But I loved him enough to let him go. I once asked him, just as a hypothetical question, if he'd leave his wife for me, if I ever asked him to."

"And what did he say?" the woman pressed.

"That he couldn't," she whispered. "His marriage was about more than love. It was about tradition, legacy and stability. Something bigger than just the two of us."

"So, you left?" the maid asked.

My mother nodded. "I couldn't be the one to tear his family apart. And I didn't want Carl growing up thinking he was the reason for that."

The conversation moved on, but I was stuck on one truth: sometimes love wasn't enough. Familial duty, legacy... they always come first.

I shook off the memory and rubbed my palms together, a nervous habit I have when emotions hit too hard. One thing I learned from my mother was that I couldn't be the reason Richard turned his back on his family. But unlike her, I wouldn't make him choose. I didn't want to be the one who would put him in that position. That's why I decided to leave before things get too complicated.

With a deep breath, I opened the next box and carefully wrapped the framed photo from my nightstand. A picture of me and my mother. I guess it's in the blood; we always fall for the ones we can't have.

I placed the photo at the bottom of the box, sealing it shut.

****

The next few days flew by. Richard's trip to Germany loomed closer, and I kept busy helping him prepare: confirming travel details, packing his bags, making sure everything was set for his meetings. It kept my hands occupied, and at least that way, I didn't have to dwell on the growing dread inside me.

On the morning of his departure, Richard was ready to leave. I was loading his bags into the car when the telephone rang. Setting down the suitcase, I hurried inside to answer it.

"Preston residence, how may I help you?" I greeted.

"Carl? Is that you?" came a smooth, pleasant voice on the other end.

"Yes. Who's calling?"

"This is Alex Young. I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"Not at all," I replied, unsure. "What can I do for you? Should I get Mr. Preston?"

"No, no," he said quickly. "I was actually hoping to speak with you." His tone shifted, becoming more serious.

I tensed. Richard had warned me about Mr. Young before, mentioning the man's unusual interest in me. "What would you like to talk about?" I asked cautiously.

"I heard you'll be leaving Preston Manor soon," he said. "I actually wanted to invite you to lunch."

"Lunch?" I echoed, my fingers tightening around the phone.

"Yes. And while we're on the subject, I may have an opportunity for you. My secretary is stepping down to focus on her family, and I'm looking for someone capable to take her place. Your name came to mind."

I hesitated, Richard's warning ringing in my ears. The last time he had warned me, he had been right. "I appreciate the offer, Mr. Young, but I don't think I'm the right person for the job."

"I believe you are," he insisted. "If compensation is a concern, I can offer more than what you're currently making. Our benefits are also excellent."

"That's... very generous," I said carefully, "but I haven't really given much about what to do next."

"We can discuss it further over lunch—no pressure. It's just a conversation," he said persuasively. "I'd like the chance to get to know you better."

I bit my lip. The offer was tempting, but Richard's words came back to me: 'Alexander likes them Young', he'd once joked, making a play on the man's name.

"I'll think about it," I said politely.

"Fair enough," Mr. Young replied smoothly. "I hope you'll consider it. My offer still stands."

"Thank you," I said before ending the call.

"I'll see you soon," I heard him say just as the line went dead.

His parting words stayed with me. I'll see you soon.

I exhaled, gripping the phone tightly. What did he mean by that?

Shaking off the thought, I returned outside and placed the last of Richard's bags in the trunk. His parents were bidding him farewell and I started the car while I waited.

A few minutes later, Richard slid into the passenger seat.

"Ready for your trip?" I asked.

"I am now," he said, glancing at me.

As I double-checked the itinerary, he added, "You know, you'd make an excellent assistant. My office would be happy to have you."

"No, thanks," I replied, keeping my eyes on the road. "I'm done dealing with your nonsense."

Richard laughed.

"Speaking of being an assistant," I continued, "Mr. Young called me today."

Richard's amusement faded. "And? I knew it, that guy has something planned."

"He invited me to lunch."

"And what did you say?"

"I told him I'd think about it. But honestly, I don't trust him."

Richard scoffed. "Yeah, well, last time I warned you about someone having an agenda with you, you didn't listen."

I exhaled through my nose. "That was different."

"Was it?" Richard arched an eyebrow. "Because to me, it looks exactly the same. Some guy acting like he's interested in your potential, but really just interested in you."

I bit the inside of my cheek.

"Look," he said, voice softer now. "I'm not telling you what to do. But if your gut's already telling you something's off, trust me this time."

I hesitated before nodding. "Yeah. I will."

Richard studied me for a moment, then murmured, "Good boy," reaching over to ruffle my hair.

"Please stop." I swatted his hand away.

We arrived at the airport, and I helped Richard with his bags. The departures hall buzzed with rushing travelers and staff guiding people to their gates.

We walked toward the flight information display, scanning the screen.

"Flight's on time," I said, spotting his flight number.

"Guess this is where we part ways," he said, pulling me into a hug. "It's just three days," he added softly, "but I'll miss you like it's three months."

I tapped his shoulder. "It's not that long."

"Feels like it," he replied, holding me tighter. "You could come with me, you know."

I exhaled softly, my hand briefly resting on his back before I gently pulled away. "I'm sure you'll survive without me."

"Barely," Richard joked, though his smile wavered.

"I'll text you when I land," Richard said, adjusting his bag.

"Have a safe flight," I replied.

He smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Take care of yourself while I'm gone, okay?"

I nodded. "You too."

I watched as he made his way toward security, glancing back only once before disappearing past the checkpoint.

******

Richard had been gone for just a day, but the house already felt emptier. I told myself it was just the change in routine, but it still bothered me. I had gotten used to his presence, the teasing, the glances. Now I found myself checking my phone hoping for a message even though I knew he was busy. It was only three days, but I couldn't help but wonder if this was how it would feel when I leave for good.

I was still lost in those thoughts when Evelyn burst into the laundry room, her phone clutched tightly in her hand. "Carl," she said, sounding worried. "You need to see this."

I turned down the iron's heat and wiped my hands on a nearby towel. "What is it?"

She handed me her phone. On the screen was a trending social media post: a blurry photo of me and Richard holding hands in the parking lot after dinner.

Trending Topic: Richard Preston spotted holding hands with mystery man.

My stomach dropped. I clicked the article and read as fast as I could.

Scandal or simple coincidence? A recently surfaced photo of Richard Preston getting cozy with an unidentified companion has sent social media into a frenzy. The image, submitted by an anonymous source, captures Richard, holding hands with a man many suspect to be Carlton, the longtime head butler of the Preston estate.

While no sources close to confirm the nature of their relationship, whispers of blurred boundaries and forbidden romance are already making the rounds. Carlton, 28, has worked for the Prestons for years, but could their connection be more personal than professional?

Adding fuel to the fire, Richard, 23, has long been linked to socialite Andrea Hawthorne, making this latest revelation all the more intriguing. Is this just an innocent gesture, or is there a secret romance unfolding behind the grand estate's closed doors? Neither party has spoken out, but one thing's for sure—everyone is watching.

My heart raced as I scrolled through the comments.

ilayshouldsuffer: I thought he was dating Andrea Hawthorne? 🤨

skibidisigma: Gross. The age gap is weird. 😬

zhenyabitingthecurb: Bruh, five years is nothing. Some people have a 10+ year gap and no             one cares.

ceasarlovesgrapes: Yeah, but Carl literally watched Richard grow up. That's what makes it            uncomfortable. 🤢

jaekyungblackflag: Power dynamics are so messed up. He's a butler. That's predatory. 🚩

user93761: I bet that guy's been grooming Richard for years. 👀

sohappythatmytravy(TV): Andrea was perfect for him. Who the hell is this nobody?

ahjuicy: Holding hands is normal in some cultures, y'all are overreacting. 🙄

StarSpangledSpammer69: Yeah, well, this is America. It means something here.

My vision blurred as the words sank in. Everything I had feared was now out in the open and Richard wasn't here to help me navigate it.

"Carl?" Evelyn asked softly.

I swallowed hard and shook my head. "I'm fine." I replied, but my hands were trembling as I handed her back the phone.

I wasn't fine.

I knew this would happen. I saw it coming, but still, I made all the wrong choices.

Not a single comment defended us. Everyone had something to say about how inappropriate it was, how wrong the relationship was. Every accusation, every remark painted me as the villain. And maybe... maybe they were right.

But if I was the one at fault, then maybe Richard could survive this. Maybe if I took all the criticism, it would shield him from the worst of it.

My stomach twisted as I forced myself to take a deep breath. I needed to think. I needed to—

My phone rang, yanking me back to the present. It was Richard.

I hesitated before answering.

"Carl, don't worry. I'm already taking care of it," he said immediately.

"Richard, don't say anything to anyone. They don't know anything yet. Just let the rumors die down." I replied, trying to sound calm.

"Have you seen how they're attacking you in the comments? I can't just sit back and ignore it." he shot back.

"I know," I said, my voice strained. "But I'm leaving the manor anyway."

"Yes, but—"

"Richard," I cut in firmly. "When you return, I'll just be the help, and you'll be the heir. That's all we'll ever be."

There was a long pause. "What do you mean by that?" he inquired.

I closed my eyes. "Just focus on your meeting." I put down the phone before he could complain.

This wasn't how I imagined things would end with Richard.

But no matter how strong our feelings for each other were...

The world had spoken.

It was never meant to be.