Chapter 2: Little Secret

PEONY's POV

 

"I went to the address she provided and waited there for a few minutes as she mentioned someone would approach me. Indeed, a few men in suits came forward. I wasn't sure what happened next, but suddenly I felt a needle prick at the back of my neck. Before I lost consciousness, I saw the woman who provided me the address, receiving money from one of the men," I explained.

 

He nodded in understanding. "So, that's how it went down."

 

"But you can't keep me here. My father needs me, and I need to work," I protested.

 

"Who said I'd confine you here?" he sighed. "While you're with me, you're free to do as you wish. If you're looking for work, you can work for me."

 

"R-Really?! What kind of job?" I asked excitedly.

 

"I'll think about it. For now, just finish your breakfast," he said.

 

I smiled and continued eating. Lucky me! Who would've thought I'd find work here? Let's set aside for now the idea of him buying me; he surely won't harm me, will he?

 

I'm excited. What job will he offer? If it's being his maid, that's fine, as long as the pay is good. If it's gardening, I can handle that too.

 

LUIGI's POV

 

After she finished her breakfast, I returned to my study room. It's good to see her doing well; I feared she might fall ill due to the drugs she received yesterday.

 

I pressed the button on the right corner of my table, and shortly after, my secretary arrived. He knocked gently on the door before slowly pushing it open. With a respectful gesture, he lowered his head slightly before walking towards me.

 

"You summoned me, sir?"

 

I nodded. "Dig into Peony Sinclair's background; I need the information by tomorrow morning."

 

"Yes, sir." He bowed again before leaving the study room.

 

As he exited, my phone rang. I picked it up and checked the caller ID. Seeing Russell's name, I answered the call.

 

"What do you need?" I asked.

 

Russell is both my friend and foe.

 

"It's chilly, Matty!" he teased. "Heard you got a new toy. Don't wreck it this time; let me have a go."

 

"No clue what you're on about," I replied, uninterested.

 

Was his call just for that? Total waste of time.

 

"Don't play dumb, Matty. I know you!"

 

"If you're calling about that, I'm hanging up. I don't know what you're talking about," I said, almost ending the call when he cut in.

 

"I'm at the gate. Heading over to see your girl," he said, then ended the call.

 

I quickly got up and stepped out of my study. When I saw a maid, I called her over.

 

I instructed, "Check if Russell's car is in front of the gate."

 

I briefly glanced at the maid as she walked away before returning to my study. I sat at my desk, engrossed in my computer. Minutes later, I heard a knock on the door.

 

"It's open," I said.

 

The door opened, revealing Russell. I stood in surprise; I hadn't expected him to be there. Damn, why is he here? So, he wasn't joking about being in front of the gate?

 

He grinned widely. "Why do you look so annoyed? Don't you miss me?"

 

"Get lost; why are you here?" I asked, irritation clear in my tone.

 

"Can't I be here? I'm your friend!" he retorted, moving closer to me.

 

"Friend my ass, just go home," I retorted, settling back into my seat.

 

"Don't be like that," he said before taking a seat on the couch. "I heard you brought a woman home last night. Is she dead? You didn't even inform me?"

 

"You're right. She's dead, so leave," I said, trying to push him away. But he remained unfazed, crossing his legs comfortably on the couch.

 

"You're so heartless. I went to Spain because you told me to. I just got back and haven't even rested yet, but I came straight here for you, and you didn't even welcome me," he said, sounding genuinely hurt. "Instead of hugging me, you're pushing me away."

 

"The woman's dead, so what else do you need?" I asked, leaning back in my chair.

 

He grinned. "I'll sleep here."

 

"The hell? No!" I stood up and moved closer to him. "Get up."

 

If he sleeps here, he might run into Peony. He shouldn't see her, or he might disrespect her since he doesn't know her yet. I haven't mentioned to him how Peony helped treat me; all he knows is that I got stabbed, but I didn't mention who saved me.

 

If it weren't for Peony, I might be dead by now. I owe her my life.

 

"Why? I'll sleep here!" he retorted, clutching the chair like a child. His eyes narrowed as if trying to read me. After a moment of silence, he sat up straight and looked at me with a serious expression. "You're hiding something from me, don't you?"

 

I furrowed my brows, feigning annoyance. "What? What could I possibly hide from you?"

 

He shook his head, his disappointment evident. "I know you too well, Matty. You don't seem to care whether I stay here or not. This is the first time you've hesitated to let me."

 

I let out a sigh. "I'm planning to leave; that's the reason."

 

"You've been gone before, yet you allowed me to remain," he replied quickly.

 

I shook my head in resignation. I replied, "Do as you please. I'm exhausted; I'm heading back to my room." With that, I walked towards the exit, but he managed to slip in one more remark.

 

"Since when did you get tired?" he teased. I chose to ignore him and left the room.

 

I need to talk to Peony right now.

 

I went to Peony's room and knocked before opening the door. She seemed not to have heard my knocks, as she was still focused on the window.

 

I cleared my throat to get her attention. When she turned to look at me, I said, "We need to talk. Please, take a seat." I gestured towards a nearby chair.

 

She pouted before quietly settling down across from me.

 

I cleared my throat once again before proceeding with my intention. "Stay put in this room. A friend of mine is in the mansion, and he'll be staying for a while. I'm not sure for how long he'll stay, but I need you to stay in this room. You don't know each other, so he might harm you."

 

"Really? Okay, I won't leave the room," she responded quickly.

 

I nodded in agreement. "That's settled then. Your meals will be taken care of, so there's no need for you to leave. You also have a private bathroom here. If you require anything, simply use the telephone on the side table and press one."

 

She nodded, grasping at the details. "Alright, no problem," she said, smiling.

 

I stood up, preparing to leave. "I'll excuse myself now. Remember what I've told you."

 

She nodded again. She looked hesitant, as if wanting to say something. "What is it? What's on your mind? Don't be shy; you can tell me whatever it is." I probed.

 

She averted her gaze, then asked, "May I have a flower from your garden? Just one."

 

I raised an eyebrow. "Only one? Nothing else?"

 

She turned to face me and nodded. "Just one flower is all I ask."

 

"Very well. I'll have a maid bring one to you," I assured her, turning away. I paused momentarily when I heard her express her gratitude before finally exiting the room.

 

It's a success, but I genuinely hope she stays put. I don't want them to meet. Russell is an asshole, and he might force her into something, thinking that Peony already had sex with me.

 

I don't see Peony that way. She comes across as modest and delicate. I don't even dare to touch her.

 

I shook my head and retreated to my bedroom. Since I have no plans for the day, it's best to rest. After all, I had told Russell I'd do just that. He might get more suspicious if I go back to the study room.

 

Just as I was settling down, my phone rang. I let out a sigh as I picked it up without checking the caller ID.

 

"What do you want?" I asked.

 

"This is your grandfather!"

 

My brows furrowed as I looked at the screen of my phone. They furrowed even more when "Father" appeared on the display instead of "Grandpa," indicating that the call came from my father's number.

 

"Dad, let me talk to Luigi!" my dad's voice echoed through on the other end.

 

"I've got this! I'm the one holding the phone, right?" my grandpa retorted to my dad.

 

I knew exactly the reason behind this call.

 

I sighed as I responded, "I've told you, I'm not ready for marriage."

 

Without waiting for a reply, I ended the call. They can sort it out. I'll settle down when I'm good and ready. I want to live my life to the fullest first.