Chapter 25

Chapter 25


"You live here? Wait don't answer that... of course you do." Audrey stepped inside the private elevator hearing his chuckle. They stepped out into the ten thousand square feet penthouse. The marble floor, high ceiling and posh furniture added sense of luxurious to the place.


"Oh my gosh, the view... is amazing! This is what you see every day and yet you're still grumpy when you go to work! Mr Loyd, you are ungrateful, sir." She gruff jokingly walking towards the full wall of glass window admiring the amazing skyscrapers lighting up New York city. The cars seemed like tiny lights dashing crisscrossing from where she stood.


"You can sleep here, there's fresh towel and you can take the clothes from my wardrobe if you want to change. You can grab whatever you want from the kitchen there. I just need to finish up some work first. I'll be in my office if you need me. Make yourself at home, Miss chef." He gave her a small tour of the place. He went into his office which was at the end of the hallway, while she went to grab one of his shirt and took a quick shower in the guest bathroom. She wore the oversized shirt and went to the kitchen opening the fridge. She made a simple egg mayo and ham sandwich for her and Ethan. She knocked on the office door opening the door slowly and looked at Ethan who was focused on his computer screen that he did not notice her entering. She offered him the sandwich.


"Alright, I'll just take a quick shower first." He stood up from his chair and went to his room. Sitting on the black leather couch overlooking the city, she recalled on the unfortunate events earlier. Ethan sat beside her fresh in his black t-shirt and grey trainers, taking a bite at the sandwich that she made earlier.


"That was literally a very quick shower." She stated and smiled at him gawking at his tousled damped hair which made him looked sexy.


"Don't want to leave you waiting too long." He raised his eyebrows smiling, taking another bite of the sandwich. He finished the sandwich and looked at her studying her face. She looked beautiful even without make up. Her natural long eyelash makes her wide hazel eyes more hypnotizing. Her porcelain skin was smooth with slight fading freckles, her high cheekbone, small perfect nose and her lips was luscious yet her face was sad and sorrowful.


"Tell me about your grandmother, Audrey." He tried to make her share her feelings and knowing it too well how it feels to lose someone they loved. She told him stories about her childhood with her grandmother and how she impacted on her life. She cried and he scooted closer to wrap his arms around her. She rested her head on his shoulder crying and telling him more about her grandmother. They sat for an hour until she cried herself to sleep, finally looking more peaceful, now that she expressed her kept emotions. He moved strands of hair pressed against her cheeks by the dried tears. He realized how gentle and fragile her heart was and felt obligated to keep her held in his arms. He was startled that she was able to make him feel what he was feeling. He had been taught to be resilient and tough yet she was able to touch his numb heart with her innocence and gentle heart. He never felt this way before. Most girls wanted the status, luxury and money, but she did not ask any of those which bewildered him.


He gently carried her to the guest room and placed her on the bed letting her get enough sleep after days of being sleep deprived. He tucked the covers over her, closed the door and went back to the office. The next morning, sunlight crept into the bedroom and shone at Audrey. Slowly, she opened her eyes squinting to the bright light and remembered she stayed at Ethan's house. She got out from the bed, took a shower and got dressed in her yesterday's clothes. She stepped outside her room and saw Ethan talking on the monitor which connects to the receptionist.


"Sir, it's Miss Patricia. She said that she wanted to see you. Shall I send her up?" The man said over the monitor.


"No! Just send her away, will you? Give whatever excuses you can makr." He replied.


"She just left sir, but she said to be waiting for the next date and asked you to give her a call when you get back, sir?"


"Yeah, yeah." He replied simply switching off the monitor. She was repelled but did not want to be taken as nosy. Moreover, she had a long day ahead going to the funeral. Yet the thought of him talking to another woman fondly repulsed her. She walked to the dining table where he was sitting and ate his breakfast.


"Good morning, Miss chef. Hope you slept well last night." He greeted already in his suit making him look dashing as usual.


"Good morning." She return the greet coldly which he sensed but ignored it.


"Please sit and have breakfast, Clarence do make delicious waffles." He said gesturing her to take a seat beside him while the lady whom she assumed was Clarence was busy in the kitchen preparing a fresh orange juice.


"I'm not hungry. Thank you so much for your hospitality, I must take my leave now, my parents will be waiting." She said flatly, unable to get the thought of his conversation earlier out of her head. Who was that girl. Does he often take girls up to his place? She was about to take her leave when he spoke.


"I'm sure Mr and Mrs Bouquet will want you to have breakfast before you start your day. Sit and eat." He commanded as if talking to a child, but she sat down out of respect and gratitude for being for her yesterday.


"I apologize in advanced but I have an important meeting this morning that cannot be postponed. My driver will take you and I will drop by the funeral as soon as I am done at the office." He explained looking at her unusual behaviour but dropped the thought considering her grieving.


"I can just take a cab so you w-" She was not finished talking when he cut.


"My driver will take you, Audrey." He said shortly and they finished the awkward breakfast and left their separate ways.

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