Emily's pov
I thought that nothing could really ring home just how far apart Mr Williams and I were–then I saw his house.
The man had a freaking fountain surrounded by the tapperies of animals, flowers and the mansion itself was jaw dropping, it had a vintage and elegant look to it and we'd hardly made it to the front door before we were met by the butler.
A tall, elderly man called Mr Peterson that walked and talked with grace.
I couldn't help but I admit that surrounded by such luxury, I looked like such a sore thumb sticking out.
Even Mr Peterson gave me a strange look before welcoming me and his master in. A similar expression was shared amongst the other servants when they saw me.
Of course, just from looking at my plain appearance even the most simple mind could deduce that I didn't belong here. But they were polite enough not to show it, I was shown to my room which looked like it had already been prepared beforehand.
There were hygiene products in the bathroom, a soft flowery scent in the air and even the wardrobe was filled with clothes. I plucked at the fabric currently on my skin. Mr Williams probably wouldn't want to be seen out and about with somebody so poorly dressed.
I got washed up and changed into more comfortable clothes, then hastened down to join him for supper.
The food had already been served, but it looks like he hadn't taken a bite from his own plate at all.
"Mr Williams, there is no need for you to wait for me before you eat…"
He gave me a look like I drifted to another language than the one we were used to.
"It's Theodore here, remember? Also there's no point of us having supper together if I'm done with my meal when you haven't even touched yours," I was going to feel really stupid if he kept pointing out the obvious like this for me.
Of course, I was going to begin to feel stupid if he kept pointing out the obvious to me like this over and over again.
We were supposed to paint the perfect picture of a couple in love. It would be strange if one of us ate without the other. And the secrets that we were so desperately trying to hide from every other person would immediately just go out the window just like that.
"Well in that case I'm sorry that I made you wait," I said apologetically as I took my seat.
But from the corner of my eye I was still looking at him, I was so used to see you in the man sitting adjacent to me wearing tailored suits that it was strange to see him like this; hair messy in expensive yet slightly rumpled, casual sleepwear.
What were you thinking Emily? That the man goes to sleep in his suit?
I laughed, with how stiff he could be in the office. I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case but this was the closest I had felt to him since I stepped into this mansion. In the end he was just like every other regular person who wanted to wear something more comfortable after they got back home from a long day of work.
His assessing eyes suddenly met mine, and I immediately looked away. Focusing on my meal like my whole life depended on it.
"Wow, steak…it looks like it was cooked in a five-star restaurant," I said, gushing over it so he wouldn't ask why I was looking at him like a creep.
Fortunately he didn't , but that didn't stop him from moving to a more uncomfortable topic.
"So where do you think we can meet your parents? I've already scheduled a meeting with my mother on Thursday. So it will have to be before that," I nearly choked on my piece of well done steak, but I patted my chest and it slid in more easily.
"My parents?"
"Yes," he nodded, "It's only natural that they are informed right?"
"True…." I said tapping my fork on the plate, "... But a phone call could do the trick too, right?"
His forehead creased lightly with concern.
"Does your family live abroad? That isn't a problem we can still meet them, you already know that I have a private jet –"
"No, no…my parents live in the country, it's just that. Well they are very busy people…"
I could just tell him that I had a dysfunctional relationship with my family, but just how much could he put up with?
He was already beyond my league in every other way. If you knew about the secrets of my family would he still be interested at all? Even if this was just a contract marriage? I still had to present something and if I didn't even have a good background then–
"There is no problem, we can meet them before Thursday."
He smiled, it wasn't big, just a small smile of satisfaction.
"Then I'll start preparing," he said.
"Shouldn't I be the one to prepare it?" I asked confused, he raised an eyebrow at me.
"Why?"
"Well I'm your secretary…" I said almost blushing again.
He stretched his hand over the table until his fingers were placed over mine.
"No, right now you're my fiancee, I can't send you errands as I would normally in the office," he laid out the point in such a way I couldn't argue.
"Okay then…Theodore," I said smiling to myself, our new dynamic was confusing but it didn't feel too bad.
That night, I decided to call my Father. He didn't answer my call, but he sent a message after words that read; "I want to meet you in person, this has been going on for too long."
There was no apology there and I wasn't expecting one anyways. This was nothing new.
I replied back asking him where he wanted to meet.