Chapter 21: Friendly DisagreementKathleen’s P.O.VI had been up for two hours before I started getting ready for work.First I helped my parents by cleaning the restaurant, as they didn't have the money to employ extra hands just yet. But the good thing was, now that word had gotten out that Arthur had hired me as caretaker for his daughter, the misunderstanding were starting to clear and more and more customers started to come to the restaurant, which meant that the business was finally taking off once again.After cleaning up downstairs and taking a shower, I came back into my room to get dressed so I could leave early. I had just put on some makeup and was about to grab my purse when there was a subtle knock on my door.It had to be my mother, who else would be knocking on the door to my bedroom by this time? I had little to no friends, and the few who I was on good terms with were probably getting ready to go to work as well. It was only half past seven in the morning so I had to

Chapter 23: Stay with MeKathleen’s P.O.VTo say that I was taken aback by her request…would be a vast understatement.At first, I thought she was joking, maybe this was a whole ploy for her to try and get me to stay with her. But her face was serious, and her eyes were hopeful. I didn’t think anyone could fake the tears and the heartbreak in their voice like that."What did you say?" I slowly asked, still processing her words."I want you to stay over at night." She repeated herself, feeling more confident now. “Please?”I was flattered that she wanted me to be such a big part of her life, but I also knew that I couldn't just up and move in with her family. I had my mother to think about, whose health demanded my attention often, as well as my father, who would often need help around the restaurant since we were all new to the business.And then there was that jerk of a best friend I had, Cole, who was starting to sound like I was neglecting him, and a life outside this job.But some

Chapter 25: Convincing Kathleen’s P.O.V   Hayley peered at me expectantly, as I sat hunched in my seat, my emotions all over the place as I tried to comprehend what just happened.   I could feel my stomach in knots as I looked from her to her father. But even looking at Arthur proved fruitless as he too seemed to be deep in thought.   I knew that if I agreed, he would definitely pay me extra…but in this case…payment wasn’t the actual problem…was it?   "Well," I said, unable to think of a better excuse. "I would need to get my mother's permission before making a big decision like this, Hayley."   Hayley was quick to respond, her eyes wide with surprise. "You need your mother's permission? But…you’re an adult!"   "Yes, I do," I nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed at having a child point that out to me. "I

Chapter 27: Sincere ApologiesKathleen’s P.O.VEverything was going to be different now that I was going to live in the Dalton mansion. Aside from the fact that I would have to see Arthur more often, I would also have to be near Hayley a lot more so that she wouldn’t be lonely or sad. Especially since she had nightmares quite often.That morning, I was up before three in the morning as I began packing my stuff to move. I slowly packed my belongings, savoring each moment in the familiar room that I grew up in since childhood. It was time to move on, and welcome a new chapter of my life. I had mixed feelings, especially now that my mom wasn’t well.On the one hand, I was thrilled at the prospect of staying close to the man that intrigued and infuriated me at the same time, even though I hated to admit it. I hated his arrogance; how he was always unapologetic about things he did and didn’t even feel remorse for his actions. But at the same time…I couldn’t help but feel drawn to him.May

Chapter 29: First Kiss…Tasted like SnowArthur’s P.O.VAs I sat by the window, my laptop on my lap as I continued to work even as I tried to keep my eyes on my daughter and Kathleen…I could feel her eyes on me. I didn't turn to look at her, but I knew she was there, looking at the window from outside. The thought of meeting her gaze made my heart skip a beat, and my mind raced with memories of this morning when she had mistakenly touched my hand. The memory alone made a shiver run down my spine with uncertainty, so I stayed still and kept my eyes fixed on my computer, not knowing how to react in a situation like this. Despite the fact that I always wanted solitude while working, I decided to work in the living room window seat from where I could keep my eyes on both of them. Hayley was playing with her nanny on the snowy grounds outside, and as long as she was with Kathleen, I was sure that she wouldn’t let any harm come to my baby girl.I was itching to look up and rest my gaze at