Chapter 4: Glances

Since then, Theo and I have had numerous arguments. There was a time I wandered into the garden and was captivated by the roses, heavy with blooms. Red roses are my weakness, and they were so vibrant and full that I couldn't resist picking a few. It was too late when the gardener stopped me, warning that I'd be in trouble because those roses were off-limits. He told me they had belonged to Theo’s late mother, planted in her memory, and he had forbidden anyone from picking them.

Of course, he caught me red-handed, clutching the forbidden flowers, and scolded me. I initially apologized, admitting my mistake, but when the jerk dared to shout and belittle me in front of the servants, I snapped. Out of anger, I shoved the roses into his chest and stormed off, ignoring his angry shouts.

 

My mom found out and scolded me, explaining how close Theo had been to his mother and how much he treasured her memories, especially her flower garden. I knew I was wrong, but my hands had acted on their own, drawn to the irresistible beauty of the blooms. My mom suggested that I should apologize.

I refused, but she tried to convince me. I said I would, but the truth is, I really had no intention to, knowing he wouldn't accept it anyway. I could already picture his face, the way his jaw would clench, the coldness in his eyes, and hear the sneer in his voice as he shot down my apology. He would probably just insult me, so why the need to apologize?

 

One morning, I decided to go swimming. I usually jog in the morning, but the water in the pool looked so inviting – cool and calm, promising to wash away the tension that had been sitting in my shoulders for days. I didn't know Theo swam every morning and didn't want anyone else in the pool then. He saw me having fun and got angry, confronting me right away.

 

"Who told you that you could swim in the pool at this hour?" he demanded, startling me.

 

I popped my head out of the water, gasping, and there he was, standing at the edge of the pool. His jaw clenched so tight I could see the muscles flex. I hadn’t heard him approach, hadn’t even known he was there.

 

He wore swimming trunks, and I couldn't help but notice the sharp lines of his shoulders, the way his muscles rippled down his arms and chest, and the prominent bulge in the front of his trunks that made my breath catch in my throat. Mesmerized, I stood frozen, unable to react.

 

"Didn't you hear me? Who said you could use the pool in the morning, damn it!" His voice was like a crack of thunder, but it took me a second to process the words.

 

"W-What?" I stammered, caught off guard.

 

"Get out of the pool now!" he yelled, jolting me back to reality.

 

"What's your problem? Why are you shouting so early?" I retorted, annoyed.

 

"Are you deliberately trying to provoke me by swimming in the pool at this time?" His voice was thunderous.

 

"So what if I swam in the pool? Are you saying I'm not allowed to swim?" I asked, incredulous.

 

"I don't want anyone else using the pool when I do! Get out of the pool, now!" His jaw tightened, and I could see the veins popping in his neck.

 

"How was I supposed to know you use it every morning?" I shot back, my voice shaking with anger.

 

"You're so selfish! I was just using it for a few minutes. Fine, I'll leave if that's what you want!" I said, irritated. My teeth clenched so hard my jaw hurt. 

 

To my surprise, he angrily summoned the servants, who rushed to his side.

 

"Didn't you tell this woman that I don't want anyone using the pool in the morning because I use it?" he demanded.

 

"We're sorry, Sir! We forgot to inform her," the servants apologized.

 

One of them approached me, almost tearful. "Miss Elyssa," she said softly, her voice thick with regret, "please leave the pool. Sir Theo doesn't like anyone using it in the morning. We apologize for not telling you; we truly did forget.”

 

"It's okay. I'm leaving,” I said, my voice quieter than I’d intended.

 

My hands found the pool ladder, my fingers wrapping around the cold metal as I started to climb out.

 

“Your boss is such a jerk," I muttered under my breath.

 

"Did you say something?" he challenged.

 

I reluctantly climbed out of the pool, glaring at him as I did so. Conscious of my two-piece bikini, I knew he was watching me. I don't know why, but I couldn't help but feel embarrassed about how exposed I felt under his gaze.

Then, for just a split second, our eyes locked. In that moment, I saw something flash across his face. Not just anger, but a hint of something darker, more flustered, before he tore his gaze away so fast it was like he’d been burned. A servant handed me a towel, which I accepted with thanks.

 

As I turned to leave, he spoke again, stopping me in my tracks.

 

"Know your place in this house. You're just a freeloader here, so learn to behave!" His words were laced with sarcasm.

 

I already had a mean, hurtful thing to say to him, but I closed my mouth so tight it hurt, and let out a sad sigh as I held it in. I knew I shouldn't make things worse. One more word would start a fight I couldn't stop. My hands squeezed into fists, my nails digging into my skin as I tried not to lash out.

 

I felt so angry it made my face hot. I glared at his back one last time. He'd already turned away like I wasn't even there. Then I stepped hard on the porch stairs as I rushed inside and went straight to my room to change. My hands were shaking as I took off my wet swimsuit, while my heart was seething with suppressed anger.

 

Since then, Theo and I have been like cats and dogs, constantly at each other's throats.

 

He's a bully with a terrible attitude, sometimes even instructing the servants to mistreat me. I endure it because I know I'm living in their mansion. Every encounter is an opportunity for him to hurl insults, which always irritates me.

Sometimes I snap and we argue, but other times I avoid him and ignore his taunts to prevent a fight. He's a difficult adversary, determined to make my life miserable, and I don't know how much longer I can take it.

 

There are times I want to confide in my mom, not to complain but to seek her advice, but unfortunately, she's always busy with her new, wealthy friends, shopping, or at the salon. Besides, I feel too old to tell my mom that my jerk of a stepbrother is bullying me. It hasn't escalated to physical violence yet, so I usually just bear it.

I could only hope I’ll find enough extra strength and patience to bear his annoying, disgusting attitude in the days ahead when our paths will inevitably cross again, whether I want them to or not.