Chapter 116 Escape for a While
Rebecca felt like she could no longer look Frederick in the eye.
Even when his Facebook popped up on her phone, and she saw his name, her mind would uncontrollably conjure up images from last night—him helping her bathe and change clothes.
She had been completely wasted.
And he had been so calm and unhurried.
Just thinking about how he had held her in his arms with that composed expression, reaching behind to undo her straps...
And then thinking about the faint red marks she'd glimpsed in the mirror this morning.
She had initially thought they were from bumping against rocks while soaking in the hot spring yesterday.
Using hunger as an excuse, Rebecca skipped breakfast in the dining room.
Then she claimed she hadn't slept well and wanted to catch up on sleep in Izzy's room.
She hid away until nearly noon, when Frederick called.
"Becca, come to the dining room for lunch. After we eat, Peter and the others are heading back..."
His voice was as gentle as always, but Rebecca felt there was a hint of amusement in it.
As if he were saying: You can hide for now, but can you hide forever?
"Let's go, let's go, I'm starving..."
Having kept Rebecca company in the room all morning, Isabella was absolutely famished. With a teasing expression, she said, "It's just helping you change clothes, what's the big deal? When the day comes that you actually have sex, what then—you're never going to leave the house again?"
Alcohol really does cause trouble!
Lamenting internally, Rebecca was practically dragged into the dining room by Isabella.
Ethan had already left last night.
Only Frederick, Peter, and Benjamin were in the dining room.
Rebecca glanced over casually and saw Frederick sitting at the long table, still completely composed.
When he saw her come in, he even thoughtfully pulled out a chair for her.
Her rapid heartbeat made her eardrums buzz. Rebecca lowered her eyes and went to sit down.
Throughout the meal, Rebecca barely ate.
Yet the plate in front of her was never empty.
As if she were some small creature he was raising, Frederick kept serving her all the things she loved and wanted to eat.
Across from them, Benjamin's eyes widened in shock. "If I took a photo of this scene and posted it in the alumni group, Mr. Windsor, how many jaws do you think would drop?"
Rebecca looked up.
Benjamin smiled. "Becca, if Frederick ever bullies you in the future, come to me for dirt on him. I guarantee you'll be able to strike back hard and fast."
Her heart skipped a beat, and Rebecca blurted out, "He hasn't bullied me."
Frederick froze, amusement flooding his eyes.
Benjamin also paused, looking at Rebecca, then at Frederick, before switching to a polite smile. "Pretend I didn't say anything!"
Early that morning, because Rebecca and Isabella hadn't come downstairs, Frederick had skipped breakfast, and he had followed suit.
Finally getting to eat lunch, and before he could even fill his stomach, he had to watch this display of affection.
Looking up again, he saw Peter grinning smugly. "That's what you get for running your mouth. Serves you right!"
Benjamin fell silent.
After lunch, Peter and Benjamin prepared to leave.
Walking toward the exit, Benjamin turned to ask Isabella, "Is Ms. Taylor catching a ride with us, or staying here?"
Before Isabella could answer, Rebecca grabbed her arm.
Meeting the urgency in her eyes, Isabella glanced at Frederick.
Seeing his indifferent expression, Isabella spoke up: "Sure!"
Rebecca froze in place.