Chapter 7

Lillian could tell that it was morning already as covered her closed eyes from the rays of the sun. Finally adjusting her eyes to the brightness of the soon, she darts to the right side of the bed where Callum was supposed to be lying up.

But as expected it was still neat indicating that he didn't return to the room last night.

The door suddenly opens”

Good morning Ma! Two ladies who she assumed were maids because of their uniforms greeted with exciting voices.

We are here to help you bathe and dress up. The taller lady chips in, as she sees Lillian’s puzzled face.

Bath and dress up but why? She asks

That is the family rules Ma the second maid answers

I can do that myself, Lillian retorted walking towards the bathroom.

Please Ma, allow us to do our job but since you don't feel comfortable you can speak to your Master Callum to adjust the rules.

Lilian knew she couldn't argue anymore, they can't change it anyways.

The maid quickly strips her of all her clothes before ushering her to climb the warm bath that was filled with rose petals, and special ointment.

She wasn't used to this sort of service even though she was from a rich family. She couldn't stop staring at herself in the large dresser mirror and she was dressed in a simple but luxurious floral gown that was atop just an inch above her knees.

Ma, follow us to the dining room, the entire family is waiting for you to join them for breakfast. Her petite maid uttered, leading her downstairs toward the dining table.

Is Callum there? She asked

Yes, Ma and Master Calvin are there too, they answered.

Lilian felt happy knowing that she won't feel lonely anymore.

Walking down the step she can hear the heated argument between Mr Davenport and Callum over them staying in the same room.

Come Lillian darling, come sit beside me” Mrs. Davenport spoke out loudly immediately after she saw Lillian making her way to the dining room. She was relieved that her presence was able to switch the tension in the atmosphere.

Good morning family, Lillian greeted cheerfully after she sat beside her mother who gently squeezed her palms.

She can feel an intense cold glare across her table and it’s no other person but Callum.

Their eyes locked for a minute taking time to study each other, she would not deny that he looked more handsome than ever.

The way his black hair scattered in front of his forehead gave him a younger look, his chiseled chin looking sharp and in contrast to his full lips. For a second she saw his eyes getting softer while staring at her.

Was she just imagining it? She thought

Callum on the other hand could not deny the fact that she looked stunning even when she was wearing a simple floral dress. He liked the way her curly ginger hair was in a simple ponytail.

But has to brace up so he would not be attracted or become weak towards her.

Lillian welcome to my family,

After breakfast the senior maid will show you around the manor and also my wife shall fill you in with the family rules” Mr Davenport said to her lifting his tea cup to his lips.

I would love to show her around Father, “ Calvin announced, joining them.

Good morning father, mother, and brother” he greets

Turning to Lillian

Can I sit beside you? He asks, smiling sweetly at her.

Sure, sure you can sit” Lilly replied, patting on the chair.

Callum couldn’t help but think that these two seem oddly close, in all their family he was the only person who saw beyond Calvin’s facade.

He believes in covering his true self with his friendly demeanor But is not one to be played on. He is a predator who pry on his likes, people fear him both in the social and business world. And a pry like Lillian will only make him vulnerable.

He doesn't want to develop a soft spot for her, the first their eyes locked at her parent's house he couldn't believe that such a beauty existed until then. He had bedded a lot of high-class beauties but Lillian was different, she had her way of appearing sexy and innocent at the same time. Her doe eyes made her face soft and angelic while her hourglass shape made her body scream sexy.

Whatever that's making him think this way has to stop right now.

I will be on my way now” he announced, taking his suit jacket and walking out.

Lillian, please eat this” Calvin said, putting a handful of grapes on Lillian's plate when he noticed that she was drawing circles on her plate.

He knew something was bothering her and that thing is definitely related to his brother.

This library is humongous! Lilian exclaims looking around with excitement.

The library was very big with twelve shelves filled with books, this was going to be her favorite place to visit in this house.

Wow I love reading and some of my favorite novels are here” she giggles sparing Calvin a soft look.

Calvin could not help but admit that Lillian was a cutie, he would have gone for her if not for the arrangement. Callum is damn lucky he thinks”

Wow

Lillian was stunned by the Garden view, the flowers were beautiful under the rich green glass, and she loved the crystal pond and the Lillies growing around it. This was the deal, she would spend most of her time reading while lying on the rich glass or soaking her feet inside the pond.

Who planted these flowers she asks

Funny enough the whole garden's aesthetics was created by Callum.

Callum! You’re joking that’s a contrast to his demeanor Lillian retorts

He takes care of the garden himself whenever his less busy Calvin declares. Knowing fully well that Callum does not entertain the idea of having trespassers as he calls them in his garden.

He couldn’t help but admire Lillian as she bent down, taking in the scents of the red rose flowers.

Calvin, when did you return to the Manor yesterday” she asks, stepping close to him.

I entered at midnight. Why do you ask

Nothing much I thought maybe you were with Callum last night” she adds

She wondered where Callum went when he left her all alone last night. Does he resent me that much?

She glanced at him seeing that he was staring at her with a sad face, she did not want to appear weak and desperate for Callum’s attention, especially not in front of his brother whom she mistakenly kissed.

Uhm I’m sorry for bothering you with my questions, she immediately cuts him short before he could reply.

No, you are not bothering me, Lillian, Callum is a hard shell but once broken you will find the soft and loveable self which he always hides from the world.

Don’t give up on him, he will come around with time.

Why do you think so? She hopefully asks

Before he needed love and care which his mothers couldn’t give him. He answers

Lilian felt her heart leaping with joy, she needed that encouragement.

Their talk was interrupted by two maids who approached them, telling Lillian that Mrs. Davenport asked for her presence.

She says goodbye to Calvin before following the maids inside the mansion.

Calvin kept staring at her exciting features till he entered the building, he knew that Callum must have spent the whole night in his study room. It was his only escape from reality.

He vows to be there to console Lillian because Callum will break and make her cry more.

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Sit down my darling” Mrs Davenport patted the chair opposite her.

Thank you, Mother “ Lillian thanked her before sitting down gracefully on the chair.

Oh, I love it when you call me Mother! She clamors beaming from ear to ear.

I love your balcony Mother, especially the water pots and the flowers Lillian acknowledges staring at the beautiful flowers.

Those are dandelions, my favorite, she says.

She immediately clicks her fingers signaling the maid to bring out the present.

Take this darling, this is my wedding gift for you she says handing over a beautiful pearl necklace to Lillian whose mouth was widely opened in surprise.

Lilian immediately regained her posture and smiled warmly at her mother-in-law.

I will be rude of me to reject your gift Mother, but thank you Mother “ they're so beautiful

Can I taste it on my neck now? She asks excitedly

No darling not now,

I heard your birthday is next month. So I want Callum to be the first to see them. She answers.

Lillian could not believe that Mrs Davenport knew of her forthcoming birthday but she was glad that her second mother was so caring and sweet.

Sure, Mother, I will love Callum to be the first to see them laying gorgeously on my neckline.

I will forever treasure this gift she says crushing her mother-in-law in a warm hug.

Miss Davenport couldn't help but laugh out loud, she already loves her sweet aura. She was happy that she will enjoy a new company in this quiet mansion.

What is the report?

Sir, she was mostly around Calvin and Mrs Davenport” Robert reports

Halt wasting my time and give me the full details” Callum says, his voice rising towards the end of the sentence.