Chapter Five

Kesa stared at the man sitting on her couch, his eyes were staring off at something even while he stroked Debbie’s hair. He looked disturbed and worried. This was not looking like the same cheerful guy she had been introduced to a week ago.

Since his day off last week, he had been acting differently. No, it wasn’t towards the kids. Kesa didn’t know much about the new housekeeper, hence, she couldn’t seduce any explanation for his actions. She still had not brought herself to open the envelope with his background information. Doubts still resurfaced her mind whenever she thought of it.

At the point, even she, could discern that something was definitely wrong with him. He looked troubled and hurt. So many sad emotions had wrapped around his mind. He was truly a professional at his job, he had still come home and spent time with the children as promised with a smile on his face. He didn’t let his emotions or personal life hunt him to his place of work.

It was only when the children were not watching that the mask of the fake smiles slipped and his true countenance was revealed. He did a pretty good job hiding his emotion.

There was definitely something bothering this guy.

When he noticed that Kesa was staring at him, he offered a smile and glanced away. The last thing he wanted was to let his emotions cloud his workplace. It was his day off, her day with the children, but he had advised her of no plans, instead of choosing to immerse himself within the children. By extension, he was spending time with Kesa. He couldn’t believe that he had caught her staring at him earlier. The lady of ice herself.

Kesa took a glance at her who were children lying down in her laps, content to fathered upon and doted on. That’s what Mason did for them. That is the effect he had on then, like a father had on his children. Even in the little ways that had mattered, he had shown love and care to them. From stroking Debbie’s hair when she got terrified from a nightmare to playfully blowing the pain away when Tyler had hit his toe on the cupboard, he had done it all. In sincere honesty, the children had also made a big difference to him. They had changed him significantly. This wasn’t the same guy that walked in weeks ago looking for a job. Neither were this the same children who weren’t quick to accept strangers.

No other housekeeper had taken time and effort to truly study and take care of the children. Not to mention, going the extra mile to make sure the kids enjoyed their company. It was all just evidence of an appointment or contract, no epitome of love or sincere concern. Before then, she had just members of the staff, one for the kids to loathe and run errands and here Mason was,capturing their heart and earning his trust.

“Would you like something to eat for lunch? I’m going to whip up lunch for the kids” he murmured as he slowly lifted Debbie’s feet of him and arranged them so they would be comfortable.

Mason’s tired eyes met Kesa’s for a split second while waiting for her response. He tried his best to avoid eye contact with her and even a conversation. Standing before her now, he still felt a tinge of embarrassment. Kesa hesitated and shook her head signaling him that he can leave the room. The happy bounce to his step was gone. Asides the kids, something was bothering him. As much as she tried to avoid a conversation with him, they needed to talk- there was really no avoiding it if his job was not just going to be temporary but permanent. She felt a cold shiver run down her spine. She was anxious. Why should she be anxious about speaking with her employee? She had sealed many deals at work and this atom of fear had never settled on her. With a little adjustment to what she was wearing, she summoned her courage and stood tall again.