My Gateman and I: Chapter Three
801 Words
As we sat in the living room, Williams' eyes darted around the space, his fingers drumming against the couch cushion. I sensed a nervous energy emanating from him, a tension that he couldn't quite conceal.
"Summer, can I be honest with you?" he asked, his voice low and hesitant.
I raised an eyebrow, my curiosity piqued. "Of course, Williams. What's going on?"
He took a deep breath, his words spilling out in a rush. "I lied when I said everything was okay. The goods I'm importing... they've been seized by customs. I need money to clear it up."
My eyes narrowed, my mind racing with calculations. "How much do you need?"
Williams hesitated, his eyes avoiding mine. "a million."
The amount was staggering, a sum that made my heart race with anxiety. I waited for what felt like an eternity, my thoughts whirling with doubts and fears.
Finally, I spoke, my voice measured and calm. "I'll check and get back to you by tomorrow, Williams."
Williams' face lit up with a relieved smile, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Summer. I knew I could count on you."
But as he leaned in to hug me, I felt a chill run down my spine. Something didn't feel right, something that I couldn't quite put my finger on.
Next day...
The morning sun cast its golden light upon the estate, illuminating the path to Max's humble abode. I made my way to his gatehouse, my heart heavy with uncertainty. Williams' request for a million dollars lingered in my mind, a constant reminder of the dilemma I faced.
As I entered Max's cozy living room, his warm smile greeted me, a comforting sight amidst the turmoil. I took a deep breath, my words tumbling out in a rush.
"Max, Please I'm so sorry about what happened yesterday, I need your advice. Williams needs a million dollars to clear his seized goods, and I don't know if I should give it to him."
Max's expression turned thoughtful, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. But before he could respond, I hastened to add, "Please, Max, I beg of you, help me. I don't know what to do."
Max's gaze softened, his voice gentle. "Summer, you only came here because you need my advice. If not, you wouldn't have bothered. I'm only taking all this from you because of the promise I made to your father before their accident."
My face flushed with anger, my hand rising to slap him. "How dare you remind me of my father's death! You're just a gate boy, what do you know about my family's struggles?"
Max's eyes widened, his face stinging from the slap. "Forget it, I said. I understand."
I turned to leave, my heart seething with resentment. "Gate boy, indeed. I'll never forget your insolence."
The next day, I sent the money to Williams, my mind still reeling from the encounter with Max. Had I made a mistake by trusting Williams?
As the days turned into weeks, the silence between Max and me grew thicker than the estate's walls. Neither of us dared to break the silence, our pride and hurt feelings refusing to budge. Even the food I once lovingly prepared for Max ceased, a casualty of our unspoken war.
But fate, it seemed, had other plans. My body weakened, my temperature soared, and my mind clouded with a strange fatigue. I needed help, and fast. Williams, my supposed knight in shining armor, was nowhere to be found, his excuses as hollow as his promises.
As night descended, Max's concern for me finally outweighed his hurt pride. He's yet to see me come outside since morning so he approached my door with caution, his knock gentle. I lay in bed, too weak to respond, my eyes fixed on the ceiling.
Max's eyes widened as he entered, his face etched with worry. "Summer, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice soft and urgent.
I tried to speak, but my voice barely whispered. Max rushed to my side, his hands gentle as he felt my forehead. "You're burning up," he muttered, his eyes scanning the room for a solution.
Without another word, he disappeared into the night, returning with a bag of medicines and a warm smile. "I got you some drugs, Summer. You'll be okay."
As he helped me take the medication, his hands tender and caring, I felt a pang of regret. Why had I let our disagreement simmer for so long? Why had I pushed away the one person who truly cared for me?
Max's eyes met mine, a silent understanding passing between us. He knew I was sorry, and I knew he forgave me. As he fed me a warm meal, his eyes never leaving mine, I realized that our bond was stronger than any disagreement.
- Writer
