Chapter 17

ELIZABETH'S POV

The house is small but tastefully furnished, a hidden jewel within the woodland tapestry. Its cedar facade, kissed by sunlight filtering through ancient trees, gives way to a porch adorned with plush rocking chairs. As the mahogany door swings open, polished hardwood floors guide me through a living space where a stone fireplace and antique brass candleholders evoke a sense of timeless comfort.

He walks to the fireplace and pauses then he turns in the heater instead then beckons on me to follow him. He takes me to one of the bedrooms and opens the door.

In the bedroom, a four-poster bed takes center stage, draped in sheer fabric. Soft linens invite rest, and antique nightstands hold treasures beneath the soft glow of reading lamps. Beyond, a deck with a private hot tub beckons, adorned with fairy lights that illuminate the symphony of rustling leaves—a luxurious escape beneath the stars in nature's quiet embrace.

“Wait, there are clothes in the closet,” I say to him and he nods.

“You've brought many girls here, haven't you?” I ask him. He chuckles.

“Are you jealous?” He asks with a raise of his eyebrows.

“Why should I be?” I ask him. He shrugs.

“Dry yourself and come down. I will speak to the caretaker. There should be something to eat,” he says.

“There's someone else here?” I ask him. He points vaguely.

“There is a caretaker who lives on the property but not in the house. He is also a wonderful cook. You'll see,” he says and closes the door then walks away.

When I come down, wearing a browns dress I found in the closet, I am able to fully appreciate the entire house in all its grandeur.

Windows, large and strategically placed, frame nature's masterpiece, casting a gentle glow on earth-toned rugs and a velvet sofa adorned with embroidered throw pillows. The scent of cedar permeates the air, inviting me to explore a kitchen where stainless steel meets distressed wood, blending modern amenities with vintage allure. A copper kettle on the gas stove promises the fragrance of freshly brewed coffee.

I see him standing far away from the fireplace, a book in one hand and an apple in the other. He looks at me and his eyes widen then he smiles.

“Who knew brown would be your color?” He asks. I notice the intense admiration as he reaches out and hold his arm then he leads me to the kitchen where I see a small, elderly man with strong looking hands and a warm smile. There are bowls of hot rice and fish sauce on the table with steaming cups, filled with what I don't yet know.

“A lovely lady indeed, Marcus. It is a rare thing to see, these days. Good evening, lovely girl. My name's Jonathan,” the man says.

“Jonathan has been a good friend to my family since before I was born. He is a dear friend to me,” he says.

“Good evening, Jonathan. The food smells nice,” I say to him. He laughs.

“Wait until you taste it. Your taste buds are in for a treat,” he says. I sit down with Marcus who starts eating immediately.

“I would live here if I were you,” I say to him and he laughs a little. He takes a sip from his cup and I do the same. It is a butter sweet brew with a tang to it that makes me take another sip.

“This is good. What is it, Jonathan?” I ask the man who is seated by a light with the book Marcus was holding before. He shakes his head and raises a finger to his lips.

“Family secret. I mean his family. Did you know he's Simon's cousin?” Marcus asks.

“Why don't you live out here instead of with the rest of your family?” I ask. Marcus seems to think about it for a while then he shakes his head.

“I guess I don't want to be lonely. It's just Jonathan here and he is not around every time. I would be far from my family. I am a little too attached, you see?” He says, then takes another sip from his cup. I watch him, watch the way he moves, the way he acts like everything is a dance but I know even he doesn't know he does that.

“This was fun,” I say and he dips his head as though accepting a compliment.

“You're beautiful,” he says. I meet his eyes then look away again as my cheeks begin to heat.

“It is a fun thing to make you blush. You're even more beautiful, then,” he says.

“Go away from me,” I say to him amidst laughter then stand abruptly and start walking to where Jonathan is to see the book on the table when my hand knocks the lamp over. The glass breaks and the flames rise. Jonathan moves before I can even blink, almost as fast as I think Marcus moved and the fire is out before it even begins but Marcus sits there looking at the place the fire had been. His eyes bore such terror that I wondered if he had seen something else. I can see the tremble of his lips and the way his back is pressed against the wall.

“Marcus? Marcus, are you okay?” I ask him. He does not move. His fists are clenched and his breathing is coming to in gasps.

“Marcus,” Jonathan says from beside me, going closer to him.

“It is alright. You are safe. The fires are out. You are safe. It is all done now. Marcus, listen to me. It is all gone,” he says and Marcus blinks then looks away from the place the fire was. He looks at Jonathan then at me then he stands.

“Uh, I'm…I'm sorry. I think I should go to bed,” he says.

“What happ…”I stop as Jonathan places a hand on my shoulder then subtly shakes his head. Marcus walks away from the kitchen and I don't see him again until the morning.