My Gateman and I: Chapter Four
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As the night wore on, Max's care and concern for me only intensified. He stayed by my side, monitoring my temperature and feeding me warm broth, his gentle touch and soothing words a balm to my frazzled nerves. I felt a deep sense of gratitude and guilt, knowing that I had pushed him away for so long, and yet, here he was, nursing me back to health with a devotion that humbled me.
But as the hours ticked by, my mind began to wander back to Williams, my thoughts consumed by a nagging unease. Where was he? Why hadn't he come to see me? The doubts crept in like a thief in the night, stealing my peace and replacing it with a growing anxiety that threatened to overwhelm me.
Max noticed my distress and tried to reassure me, his voice low and calming. "Don't worry, Summer. You'll be okay. I'm here for you. We'll get through this together."
And yet, despite his words of comfort, I knew that I needed to confront Williams, to demand answers and closure. A sense of determination grew within me, a resolve that hardened with each passing moment.
"Max," I whispered, my voice still weak but firm. "I need to see Williams. Take me to him."
Max's eyes narrowed, his face set in a determined expression. "I'll take you to him but not today Summer. We'll face him together, and we'll get the answers you deserve."
The next morning, the sound of a car horn pierced the air, signaling Williams' arrival. Max, who was enjoying his breakfast, rushed to open the gate, his movements swift and efficient.
Williams drove in, his car gliding smoothly over the driveway, and came to a stop in front of the house. He emerged from the vehicle, his stride confident, and entered the house without a second glance at Max.
Max, however, continued eating his food, his expression unreadable. He seemed oblivious to the tension that had just walked into the house.
Williams, meanwhile, was determined to play it cool. He sauntered into the living room, a smirk plastered on his face, and attempted to make small talk. "Hey, Summer, how are you feeling today?"
But I was having none of it. My eyes narrowed, my voice icy. "Why didn't you come to see me yesterday, Williams? I was sick and needed your help."
Williams shrugged, his smile faltering for a moment. "I was busy with work, Summer. I didn't have time to come over."
I raised an eyebrow, my skepticism evident. "That's not true, Williams. You mean you couldn't come to see your sick girlfriend, hmm.
Williams' eyes darted around the room before settling on mine. "Well, I did come by...later...but your gateman told me you weren't around."
My eyes widened in disbelief. "What? You mean Max told you that?"
Williams nodded, his expression unconvincing. "Yes, that's what he said. I didn't know what to do, so I left."
My anger simmered, my patience wearing thin. I quickly stood up, my feet pounding the pavement, and confronted Max, who was still eating his breakfast. "Max, did you tell Williams I wasn't around when he came by yesterday?"
Max looked up, his eyes calm, his expression unrepentant. "No, I didn't. Williams never came by yesterday."
My hand shot out, my palm connecting with Max's face in a resounding slap. The food in his mouth went flying, and he winced in pain. "How could you lie to me, Max?"
Williams, who had been watching the scene unfold, burst out laughing. "Oh, man, Max. You're in trouble now."
I turned to Max, my eyes blazing with fury. "Why did you tell Williams I wasn't around? What's going on between you two?"
Just as I was about to hit him again, he held my hands, his eyes pleading. "Summer, I swear, I didn't tell Williams anything. He's just trying to cover his tracks."
I took a step closer, my voice low and menacing. "Stay clear of me, Max. I don't want to see your face around that main building again."
Max's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in anger. "Fine, Summer. If that's how you want it. But know this - I never lied to you. And if you're tired of me, all you have to do is say so. I'll leave, and you'll never see me again."
The air was thick with tension, the silence between us palpable. Williams, still chuckling to himself, seemed to be enjoying the show. But my anger was far from over.
As I stormed back into the house, Williams followed closely behind, his eyes pleading with me to listen to him. "Summer, please, you have to listen to me. Max is not what he seems. He's been lying to you, manipulating you. You need to get rid of him."
I crossed my arms, my eyes fixed on him. "I understand what you're saying, Williams, but I'm not going to sack Max. He's been loyal to my family for years, and my father trusted him with his life when he was alive."
Williams' face turned red with frustration. "But Summer, you don't understand. Max is a danger to you. He's been lying to you, hiding things from you."
I shook my head, my voice firm. "I appreciate your concern, Williams, but I can handle Max. I know what I'm doing."
Williams' eyes narrowed, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Fine, Summer. But mark my words, Max will betray you. And when he does, don't say I didn't warn you."
I turned away from him, my heart pounding with anger. "I'll take that risk, Williams. Max has served my family well, and I won't betray that trust without good reason."
Williams' face twisted with anger, but he knew he was beaten. He turned and left the room, leaving me shaken and upset. I took a deep breath and went to find Max, who was still fixing the wound on his face.
"Max, I'm so sorry," I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper.
Max looked up, his eyes cold and unyielding. "It's not your fault, Summer," he said gruffly. "It's my fault. I'm the one who got myself involved in your case first."
He walked out on me.
I took a step back, surprised by his response. "Max, please understand-"
But Max cut me off, his eyes flashing with anger. "No, Summer, you understand. He's been playing us both from the start. And I'm not going to stand for it anymore."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me feeling shocked and confused.
I realized that Max was hurt and angry and that my apology wasn't enough to fix things. I wondered what I could do to make things right between us.
- Writer
