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“Miss Carter, now that you’ve signed this contract it’s legally binding and you have just a week to move out. The company’s contractors will start coming around to survey the land,” Colby said in a professional tone.
“Cut it out. Leave.” Jack ordered them out. Soon it was only us in the conference room. “I’m sorry about that. I can help you out with moving if you need any help.”
“Thank you, but no. I can take care of myself. I’d like to go now,” I replied standing up. He followed me till I reached the elevator. The doors seemed to take ages to close as his eyes held mine, it seemed they had a silent power calling me back.
I called Mirabel to help me find a place to stay. She had a lot of questions but I promised to tell her about it all later.
A week later, I found myself packing up my belongings and preparing to move off the land. As I was finishing up, I heard a car parking outside my house, my ex-house I thought wryly. A knock came from the door and I went to answer it. Jack was standing at my door looking dashing in casual home clothes.
“Hey, come in.” I opened the door to let him in. He entered, taking in the sight of the house, it looked nothing like it did before. I had sold off things I didn’t need.
“You’ve outdone yourself.” He said facing me. “Have you found a place to stay yet?”
I became suspicious, “Why do you ask?”
He must have heard the doubt in my voice and he replied hastily, “I just have a better idea. My place. Don’t get me wrong. I have a very big home and most of the time I’m not around and it’s pretty deserted. You can move in there for the time being, before you find a place to stay.” His face was open with emotions. I struggled not to rush to his arms and hug him. Did he not realize how persuasive he was like this?
“I spoke to my friend and though that will take time, I see no harm accepting your offer. Though I have a lot of things to move, as you can see. Will you help me?” I smiled gesturing at the box around the house.
He smiled rolling up his sleeves. Despite my reservations, I smiled back and joined him.
CHAPTER8
Jack
The driveback to my place was enjoyable. I had helped her pack her luggage and other stuff she wanted to have with her when she moved. I had no concrete reason why I wanted her to come live with me. Rather, it was a mixture of guilt and a strong attraction. Guilt came from the fact that I played a hand in taking her land from her, and an affection that has been growing between us for a while now. It was undeniable but we avoided the issue.
When I arrived at her place, I had expected her to reject my proposal. However, when she agreed it was as if all the anger and frustration I had been feeling for the past week were worth it.
I parked at the entrance of my home and faced her. “We’re here. I did not expect you to agree to my request, that's why I brought a smaller car. Don’t worry I will send someone to get your other stuff.” I said, trying to break the silence that fell on us since I began driving back home. I hoped she would see this place as her new home but I wasn’t going to put my hopes up.
“Thank you for your generosity. My stay here will be short but I appreciate your help.” She replied in a neutral tone.
Taking off my seatbelt I replied, “That’s fine. Come, let me take you into the house.” I opened the door and stepped out of the car. She did the same.
I watched as she looked around and took in the sight of the house. It was truly magnificent. It was imposing but had a natural feel to it, bolstered by the gardens and fountains around the house. “This is… wow.” She was speechless, but as soon as she said that, she added, “It looks deserted. Don’t tell me you don’t have anyone staying with you? If I lived here alone I’d lose my mind.”
“Like I said before, I live here alone and hopefully your presence brightens it up.” I replied. She looked as if she would say something then stopped herself. She smiled at me. I didn’t understand what she meant by that but I returned the smile. “Let me show you around. We can move your things inside after.”
“I’d like that.” She replied. I approached her and took her soft hand in mine. She did not pull away, that made me feel happy. Subconsciously, I was already courting her, though I was not sure what the outcome of my actions would be.
As I led her through the large oak doors at the entrance, I couldn’t help but feel a flutter of excitement in my chest. It was like I had been waiting for this moment for so long, and now that she was finally here. I wanted nothing more than to show her every inch of my home and hoped she found it beautiful. Honestly, I wanted her to stay for a long time.
The foyer was grand, with high ceiling and a sweeping staircase that led to the upper levels of the house. I could see the awe in her eyes as she took in the magnificent surroundings. The bright light from the chandelier casted a golden sheen on everything it touched.
“There’s more, let me show you.” I said as I took her hand and led her into the living room, where floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the space with natural light. The room was decorated with plush velvet couches, antique coffee tables, and intricate chandeliers that cast a warm glow throughout the space.
“This is beautiful. I can imagine a family sitting around here laughing, enjoying themselves. What was it like when you were married?” She asked, holding my gaze.
“I guess you’ve heard the news that I’m divorced. It was fun at first then it became a routine. Having children brought moments of joy and excitement back to the marriage but as quickly as it came, it was snuffed out.” I replied, rubbing my thumb on the back of her hand.
“I’m sorry about that. What about your kids?” She asked as we made our way through the house.
“They are with her. I see them once in a while and they are happy to the best of my knowledge. For now let’s just focus on the tour. There’s much to see.” I had to change the topic of conversation. I wasn’t too keen on discussing my failed marriage. She took the hint and stayed silent.
I let myself feel the joy of having her here. I didn’t want to think too deeply about anything. Though it was stupid to hope, I wanted her to be happy here and even imagined her as my wife. I remembered the day I woke up in her house and how we seemed to flow naturally around each other like we were meant to be. My marriage with Anna was like walking on glass.
With her by my side, this house that felt lifeless seemed to be coming alive, perhaps becoming special. I took her through the dining room, which was adorned with a stunning crystal chandelier and a long wooden table that could seat a dozen guests.
