5: Under Pressure

“What are you doing here?” he asked again in a deep chilly voice.

I stopped breathing for a second and struggled to organize my thoughts. His brow shot up as if he is getting impatient in waiting for my answer.

“I… I was just taking a look at the flowers,” I managed to say without my voice trembling even though I felt like I’m shivering. Why I am feeling this way anyway? As if I did something as terrible as killing someone!

Right. I shouldn’t be too guilty and too afraid. I’m just a poor citizen who wants to make money for her mother. Yes, I should remember that and always put in my mind how important this job is to me. I shouldn’t act too weird and stiff in front of Mr. Beaumont. There is no way I would be caught by him!

“When did you arrive?”

His questions are too simple, but why do I felt like I’m being grilled? Damn. I should get ahold of myself, shouldn’t I?

“About a few hours ago. Charlie gave me a tour. Uh, your house is nice…” I don’t think I have more to say so I just decided to leave it that way.

“Let’s go inside. It’s cold here,” he said without the least bit of affection.

I almost scoffed before I followed him. He should at least be a little affectionate to his fiancée, don’t you think? Given his actions, I can say that this man doesn’t know how to fake things. Or maybe he just doesn’t bother to leave a good impression even to the woman he’s going to marry.

Anyway, I think this is better. I’m sure it would only make me more uncomfortable if he’s affectionate with me like how a real fiancé should be. I couldn’t blame him with his attitude, though, nor I could blame Analiese for disappearing in such a critical time. It’s understandable that they are yet to develop feelings for each other since this is a pragmatic marriage. And maybe Mr. Beaumont really wants to know more about Analiese before their wedding that’s why he asked me to move in. Well, technically he didn’t ‘ask’ me. He demanded it like I had no choice but to do what he wants.

If he was telling that to Katherine, especially that child part, I would have slapped him real hard. He was fortunate that I was acting as Analiese, the timid and soft-spoken Racini heiress.

“Mr. Beaumont, you’re home!” Charlie went to us. “Like what you said, I toured Miss Analiese around the mansion. She said she wanted to be alone in the garden for a minute so I left her. I was just about to tell her that the dinner is ready. Since you are here, will you be joining her, Sir?”

“Of course. I can’t just let my fiancée have dinner alone, can I?” Mr. Beaumont looked at me. The dark mischief hiding beneath his orbs didn’t go unnoticed. Why do I feel like he is plotting something against me? Or maybe it is just how he normally looks at people? I’m not sure. All I know is that whatever it is, it’s making me nervous as hell.

“Go to the dining room first. I will be there shortly,” he said to me before he walked towards the grand staircase.

It was the worst dinner I had. The food served were the best of its kind, I’m sure it’s because Mr. Beaumont has his own chef, but the problem was, I was having a hard time swallowing even a small piece of steak. I still tried to be composed, though. Thank God Mr. Beaumont wasn’t throwing me questions this time. He was just silent, so I didn’t say anything too.

After that he just said, “I’m sure you had a long day. Let’s retire for the night. I will go ahead” and then he left.

He is so cold and unaffectionate, isn’t he? Ah. I couldn’t help feeling bad for Analiese. Once she’s back, she would surely receive the same treatment. And to think that he is her husband? Damn, I would rather be a spinster than put up with a man like him. Besides, I don’t doubt I can afford a better man once I finish college and land on a better job.

The bed in the room given to me was large and comfortable. But I felt like I was homesick because I couldn’t sleep. It was already 1:00 AM when if dozed to sleep, reason why I was still so sleepy when someone knocked on my door first thing in the morning.

I was about to shout “Get lost and leave!” when I remembered where I was and the fact that I can’t be too naughty showing my real attitude around Mr. Beaumont’s house. Realizing that, I hurriedly jumped from the bed and went to open the door all while fixing my messy hair and face. I slept on my oversized pajamas, so I don’t know if I look presentable at all.

Thinking that it might be Mr. Beaumont, I wanted to grab something else in my things but it was too late. I already opened the door.

“Good morning, Miss Analiese!”

It was a maid. She had a big smile on her face. She looked at my face and then to what I was wearing. She bit her lower lip. Her smile turned awkward. I guess I looked awful.

“Uhm, hello. What are you—”

“’I’m here to serve you, Ma’am!”

“Wait. Serve me?” I pointed myself and glanced over her shoulders. The hallway was quiet.

“Yes, Ma’am. Charlie told me to help you do your things so I’m here. Are you going to take your bath now? What do you prefer? Cold or warm bath? I will prepare everything!” she said enthusiastically.

“No, no.” I sighed. “I mean, I can do that alone.”

“But—”

“I will be fine, I promise!” Before she could say anything again, I closed the door between us and locked it.

Damn. Why do I feel like there is so much pre