24

I crept out of bed, my heart pounding as I made my way to the front door. I peered through the peephole, my breath catching in my throat as I saw who was standing on the other side.

“Arthur?” I gasped closing the door behind me everyone was asleep, even Amelia.

“Hi?” Ha says with a beaming smile on his face.

I looked down at myself, realizing that I was still in my nightgown. I wrapped my arms around myself, suddenly feeling exposed.

Arthur's eyes flickered to my arms, then back to my face.

"I'm sorry to come by so late," he said. I was still not getting the fact why he was here,

"So, what brought you here? I was about to sleep" He grinned, a twinkle in his eye. "Your lights were on so there's nowhere you could be sleeping," he said. I felt like the ground should swallow me up, it suddenly felt like a teenage love

.

“You can't just come here wherever you like,” I said with my face flushed with embarrassment,

“I want to show you something.”

“Huh?”

He pulled out his hand, “it's not like you're sleeping anyway.” He says. Maybe I need to take a break. I've been working all day and week.

“Where are we going? I asked to be sure.

“It's a surprise.” He says looking at me, lovingly.

I stared at his hand, then sighed

“Fine. Give me a minute I need to get dressed.” I said to him

“Ok .. fine…I'll be waiting,” he says, I close the door behind me, my head pounding so hard in my chest.

I climbed the stairs quietly, avoiding any noise that could wake Amelia up.

I got to my room and scanned my dresser.

My mind was racing, my thoughts jumbled. I pulled out a pair of jeans and a sweater.

I quickly pulled them on, feeling more comfortable now that I was fully clothed.

Arthur waited patiently as I got dressed, watching myself with a warm smile.

I crept down the stairs, trying not to make a sound.

My heart was pounding in my chest, and my senses were on high alert. I had to be careful, I couldn't afford to be caught. I reached the bottom of the stairs, and I paused, listening for any signs of movement. All was quiet, and I breathed a sigh of relief. I tiptoed to the front door, my hand trembling as I reached for the handle.

I turned it slowly, the door creaking open. I held my breath, praying that no one would hear

I slipped out the door, closing it behind me as quietly as I could. I let out a sigh of relief, the cool night air a welcome change from the stuffy interior of the house.

Arthur took out his hand, I smiled taking it

As he led me to his car, we got there, I saw his assistant, the one from the airport, he gave me a warm smile then a frown at Arthur.

“Here…be safe,” he says, handing the keys to Arthur.”

“Run along “ Arthur frowned, making me chuckle,

“Bye, you two have fun.” He says, then walks away, disappearing into the darkness.

“Are you sure we should be doing this? I asked, I felt like a kid doing this.

“Well, we don't get to spend much time so now I'm planning to steal you away from time. We both don't have work to bother us.” He says, my stomach clenched as the butterflies were becoming much.

But I couldn't push the feeling aside as we walked towards his car. He opened the passenger door for me, and I got in, trying to act natural. But my mind was racing, my thoughts whirling.

He put on his seat belt.

“Shall we?” He turned to me, and I smiled

“Sure .”

I sat in the passenger seat, my hands gripping the armrests tightly. I tried not to look at Arthur, but I couldn't help but sneak glances at him. He was so focused on the road, his hands steady on the wheel. He was a good driver, calm and collected.

I tried to ignore the growing attraction I felt towards him, but it was difficult. I had to remind myself that he was my boss and that I needed to keep my professional distance. But it was hard to do, especially as we continued in silence.

As we drove further and further away from my house, the tension in the car grew thicker. I could feel it, heavy and oppressive. I couldn't stand it anymore. I had to say something.

"So, where are we going?" I asked, my voice quivering slightly.

Arthur glanced at me, his expression unreadable.

“Some place," he said, his tone even. "There's something I need to show you." My heart was in my throat.

What could he possibly want to show me?

I just had to say something,

I couldn't keep it in any longer. I had to tell him about what had happened earlier. "My Nanny said you stopped by earlier," I blurted out, my words tumbling over each other.

"I-I wasn't home,"

“Yes, she told me. Your Nanny is protective.” He breathed out, making me laugh.

*She's like that sometimes but not all the time.” I said amid laughter.

And then the silence went over again, I threw my gaze at the window, enjoying the beautiful view.

The night sky was vast and dark, the stars shining brightly above us. The moon was full, illuminating the road ahead of us. The air was crisp and cold, the wind blowing gently.

I looked out the window, lost in the beauty of the night. I had always loved the night, the quiet, and the solitude. It was the perfect time to think and reflect. And right now, I have a lot on my mind. I couldn't stop thinking about my boss because apparently, he is, and about what he might be planning. I had to know what he wanted.

As I sat there, lost in thought, until Arthur's voice said, breaking the silence.

“We're here," he said, he announced as he drove into a garden.

The car pulled to a stop, and I looked out the window, surprised to see that we were in front of a garden. It was a beautiful place, lush and green. The flowers were in bloom, their vibrant colors glowing in the moonlight.

Arthur got out of the car, and I followed him, my mind still reeling.

"I think this place is beautiful," I said, needing to say something to break the tension. "The flowers are so vibrant, and the moonlight makes them look even more stunning." Arthur looked around, taking in the sight.

"You're right," he said, a small smile on his face.

"This is a beautiful place. I like coming here to think and reflect." His words made me feel a bit more at ease, and I leaned back on the bench, relaxing slightly.

"I'm glad you brought me here," I said.

"It's peaceful.”

He led me to a bench, and we sat down, the night air cool against my skin.

The silence that followed was comfortable, and I found myself enjoying the moment. But eventually, my curiosity got the better of me.

"Why did you bring me here?" I asked, unable to contain my question any longer. Arthur turned to me, his eyes solemn. "Because I need to tell you something important," he said. I felt my heart begin to race again, my palms growing clammy. I braced myself for what he was about to say.

He seemed to be struggling with his next words, his eyes darting around as if he were trying to find the right way to say what he needed to say. I waited patiently, trying to keep my emotions in check.

Finally, he looked at me, his gaze unwavering.

"I need to tell you something, but it's difficult for me," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

"I don't know how you'll react." I felt my heart skip a beat.

"Just tell me," I said, my voice barely a whisper. "Please, just tell me.”

"I think I love you, Charlotte’," I instantly froze on the spot.