Penelope
I couldn’t believe how foolish I was to have accepted to take responsibility for something I didn’t do. Neither should I have rashly gone to save Mr Winfrey’s life- what was I thinking?
If not because of my brother Dao Ming, Mr Winfrey would have been the one indebted to me instead.
Which makes me wonder why he would need my help. Doesn’t he have like maids and butler in his penthouse? And come to think of it, he doesn’t even have an assistant. Why is he such a mysterious and secretive person?
Of course- it’s not like I’m complaining or anything, I really want to go to him and help tend to his injuries, and I haven’t stopped thinking about him all night.
When I saw him being beaten up last night, I was so furious and wanted to make sure those thugs never walk ever again.
I even thoughtlessly went up against terrifying Jag- head of Lei. If Mr Winfrey hadn’t stepped in when he did, Jag would have torn me apart.
I was impressed on how he handled himself back then, and thought it was hella-hot that he ended up saving me even though I was the one who was trying to save him.
I really hope he has a plan after all these, because Zhin Feng will return his action double-fold next time and that scared me.
When I was done showering, I stood in front of my bathroom mirror wondering exactly why I was excited to get dressed at 6am, so I could go to my boss’s home to become a maid/nurse for my boss?
I can’t fall for Mr Winfrey, it can never happen.
The deal was just for a year and I’ll be done with everything- both S. Group and Mr Winfrey. Things will only get complicated if I start having serious feelings for him.
But I already do, and it’s driving me nuts. I don’t seem to be able to think straight these days whenever a matter concerns him, and if I keep going these way, I’ll really get both me and my family into more trouble with Zhin Feng.
I arrived at his penthouse at exactly 7:00am, but was held up deciding whether I was too early or not- so, I waited downstairs for 30mins before going up the elevator to his floor.
He sure seemed surprised to see me- wasn’t he expecting me?
Oh no, did I just make of fool out of myself? Was he only making a joke about me taking responsibility yesterday?
I blushed from embarrassment until;
“I didn’t take you for the type who upholds agreements and takes up responsibilities, I’m impressed. Well, what are you waiting for? C’mon inside already” he politely ordered.
I smiled in relief that he was only surprised that I kept to my word after all. It’s a good thing I came then, because we Xiangs always keep to our word.
I’ll still have to report back to the office before noon, but I’m sure I’ll figure out how to juggle both for the next 5days.
“Good morning Sir. I hope I didn’t wake you up, I’m not too early, am I?” I asked nervously.
“No- you didn’t, I’ve been up since 2am because every inch of my body hurts from my injuries.” he replied, faking a cringing face.
What does he take me for, a kid? I quickly reached for my bag, got out a file and I handed it over to him.
“What’s these?” He asked surprised.
“Just a little contract I drafted out for the effective furtherance of our agreement that I you need to sign.” I replied.
Just because I carelessly agreed to take responsibility, doesn’t mean I’ll let him make me do whatever he feel like with that privilege.
So, I drafted a contract that would be able to give me some liberty also.
I watched as he turned the papers in the file over one after the other with raised eyebrows.
“When did you have the time to do all these? You also got beaten, and the doctor specified that you needed to rest. Why did you spend your night doing these instead of resting?” He inquired.
It’s true, I stayed up all night drafting that- and only got less than 45mins of rest before I got up to start preparing to come here. But he doesn’t need to know those details.
“It didn’t take my time at all. I did it in less than 30mins” I lied.
What does it matter to him if I rested or not anyway? It’s not like I would have been possible to sleep since I’ll be worrying about all the mean things he might make me do.
I looked as he suddenly frowned;
“Conditions and Penalties? 2pages?” he asked surprised.
Of course there was going to be conditions, that’s the whole point of the contract?.
“Just a little something to help protect my rights.” I answered carefully.
“Protect your rights- against me? (Exhales)… I don’t understand” he stated disappointedly.
“Well… well, like No. 4 states that even though I mess up here it won’t affect my job at the company. So, whatever happens here stays here” I replied hastily.
“Do I threaten you in anyway?” He inquired upset.
Now, if he puts it that way I’ll start to feel bad for insinuating that my boss’s intents were ulterior.
“It’s not… I don’t… you asked for my assistance to take a bath and I agreed thoughtlessly. It’s hard enough trying to keep the fact that I have a major crush on you a secret, now I get to be all personal with you… Oh my, I just said that out loud, didn’t I?” I blurted, as I quickly covered my mouth with my hands in embarrassment.
Great job, Penelope. At this rate you’ve became dead meat. I think I’m just gonna die right now and here, I thought.
I was embarrassed beyond comprehension, until I noticed a smile creep back on his beautiful lips. That’s good, at least he’s not upset about the contract anymore.
“Ms Xiang, relax…” he encouraged before he walked away with the file.
He went into a room, but came back in less than 20seconds and handed the file back to me.
I was confused, so I flipped the pages of the file to the last one just to see his signature on the signed area.
“You signed it? But, you didn’t even read it through nor did we discuss some conditions you don’t agree with” I stated surprised.
But he still had a smile on his face and it seemed genuine, so it’s not like he signed it because he was upset with me, right?
“Don’t worry, I’ll never do nor make you do anything you’re not comfortable with. I really didn’t need to read all of it, just as long as signing the contract puts your mind at ease” he said cheerfully.
Oh, why is this man so perfect?
“Just so we’re clear, you don’t have to help me take a bath. I was only joking when I said that part, I wasn’t so ruffled up to need assistance in the shower.” he added for my amusement.
Ok, now this clarification should have come up a bit earlier before I just confessed to having a crush on him.
I mean, not only did I spend all night thinking I’ll have to see him naked and I got all excited, just to come here and be disappointed.
Yes. I’m disappointed I won’t be seeing him naked. It was what I wanted, I think. But why do I now feel miserable, and the urgent need to go hide under a rock and not exist anymore.
“So, I don’t have to do that- Really?” I asked, sounding more disappointed than relieved and he noticed.
“No, you don’t. Unless of course you want to, but that would incur a whole new set of responsibility you have to handle- well, because you’ll see me naked. And you know I’m an unmarried man… so no woman might want to married me after you… emm, have seen me naked” he joked and I burst into laughter.
I laughed so hard my stomach hurt and so did he. Damn… is he gorgeous when he laughs.
He caught me staring at him, but I quickly averted my eyes as I cleared my throat.
“Well… welcome to my home and do make yourself comfortable. I’ll just wash up real quick then you can help change my bandages.” He politely stated and I nodded my head before he walked away.