Twenty One
1021 Words
Kendrick
My eyes were glued to the beauty before me. I couldn't blink. She took my breath away. Seeing her right now felt like I was seeing a fairy. Though, I knew beforehand that Kimberly was beautiful. She looked spectacular in the violet dress I had given to her.
I wanted her to be well dressed tonight as we were going to dine outside the manor. My family would be returning to the country for an important event and they would be staying in the manor. Hence, I wanted to explain to Kimberly how she should dress and behave around them.
My mother was very observant and would discover any abnormalities no matter where it was buried. Therefore, I needed to prepare Kimberly for what was to come. Though I didn't know why I felt like doing this, when I could just order her on what she had to do and how she was to behave, I just felt like compensating her in advance.
My father and I never saw eye to eye due to our differences in opinion, but my mother was one person I could never say no to.
After Cindy's betrayal, they've been pestering me to choose a mate and get married. However, I wanted nothing to do with women as they were born betrayers.
Never would I have imagined that Cindy would betray me with my brother. She had thought that Nigel would be the next Alpha King. Hence, she chose him over me.
Though Nigel knew nothing of the bond I shared with Cindy, he was ready to let me have her, but I wanted nothing to do with a cheat like Cindy. Therefore, since Nigel was so in love with her, I let her go.
My parents would be coming over with Nigel and Cindy. Therefore, I wanted Kimberly on her best act, and women tend to be obedient when they were pampered.
"Shall we?" I managed a smile as I put out my hand for her to hold.
She stared fixedly at my outstretched hand as if it wasn't real. "Take it," I brought my hand close to her.
She gulped and looked at me again for confirmation. I replied with a reassuring nod and only then did she take my hand.
I felt a sudden surge of emotion run through me at the contact, and I was sure that she felt it too because she flinched and tried to take her hand off. I held her hand in mine until the surge of emotion got settled in us.
I helped her settle in the car and her eyes widened like she was seeing me for the first time. I helped her get out of the car when we arrived at the restaurant and she stared at me like I had grown an extra head.
"Thank you," she muttered as she gave her hand in mine.
I led her to the table I had reserved for us. I pulled the chair and helped her settle on the chair. Two waiters rushed towards us and immediately bowed.
"My Lord,"
"My Lady."
I didn't respond to their greetings, but Kimberly nodded in response.
I passed the menu to her. "What will you have?"
She looked through it, but didn't say anything. I knew she wouldn't place the order. So, I went ahead to order for us both.
I've had her monitored for over a year, so I knew what her favorite foods, snacks and desserts were.
"How did you....."
I knew that she was about to ask how I knew her favorite food, but she stopped herself and took a sip from the glass of water before her.
She stared at the risotto and chicken. Her eyes looked from the food to me as the waiters brought gelato and other Italian dishes.
The look on her face was worth seeing as she looked at the dishes. They were all here favorite. She was a fan of Italian dishes and so was I.
"Let's eat."
I took a bite from the chicken and pointed towards the food, motioning for her to proceed. She paused to pick her cutlery, her eyes not leaving me.
"Bon appétit."
I dug into the food and pretended like I wasn't looking so that she would eat too. It took a while, but she finally dug in.
I watched her eat and a smile escaped my lips. She was so classy. Her etiquette was top notch. Collins did a great job at raising this daughter of his.
I couldn't help admiring the upbringing he had instilled in his daughter.
"Kimberly," I began as soon as the table was cleared.
She raised her head abruptly, and her eyes met mine but she immediately reverted it.
"I have something important to discuss with you."
She blinked repeatedly. Her eyes stared at me in amazement. I ignored the look of surprise on her face and went straight to the point.
"We'll be having some guests over, and...." I paused as I noticed that she had raised her head again. "I want you to be on your best behavior."
She opened her mouth to speak, but closed it without uttering a word. I knew that she was surprised to hear that I said guests were coming over to the manor.
I didn't know why I felt the need to elucidate, but a part of me didn't want her to misunderstand. She would probably think I was referring to Angela when I said guests. I didn't want that, so I clarified.
"My parents, my brother and his wife are coming over," I rephrased.
Her jaw dropped and her eyes squinted. "Do you have parents?"
I almost couldn't hold back my laughter at her question. Was there anyone on earth who didn't have parents?
Why was she so surprised about the fact that I had parents?
Seeing the look on my face, she gulped. "I mean, your parents are....."
"Alive?" I asked but she immediately shook her head.
"No. I..."
I placed my hand on her shoulder to help stay calm. "Relax Kim, feel free to ask me anything."
- Writer
