JOAN’S POV
I had spent the last few days sewing in my sewing room. My mind was focused only on the fabrics and my designs. I had never felt happier.
I was sewing again! I was actually sewing again. And this time, I had everything I ever needed and even more. Designing again was a breath of fresh air for me. It was the one place where I felt in control.
But that morning, as I adjusted a piece of fabric, Emily entered the room with a smile.
“Joan,” she said “Sir Derrick has called for you.”
I froze, the needle halting mid-stitch. Derrick? It had been days since I last saw him. I hadn’t seen him since the engagement. Irene told me he had gone on a business trip.
“Really?” I blinked, trying to hide the excitement I felt. “I-of course. I’ll go right away.”
Emily smiled at me, and I could see the curiosity in her eyes. “He’s in his study. And, Joan… I’ve been meaning to tell you-your pieces, they’re incredible. You have such a talent.”
I looked at the mannequins that were now clothed in the dresses I made.
I felt a blush creep up my neck. I smiled “Thank you. That means a lot.”
I was so grateful that Derrick did this for me. it gave me a sense of purpose, something to hold onto while I tried to navigate my new life here.
“You’re gonna be a well know designer one day” she said “Just watch”
She waved at me then left the room. I giggled as I continued sewing. There was so much joy in my heart that I practically bounced in my seat. I couldn’t wait to see Derrick and show him what I had made for him.
After a few moments, I had finished the shirt I had been working on for Derrick-a simple black shirt, because I had noticed it was his favorite color. I couldn’t resist making something special for him. I had also made a stress ball for him, something I knew he might need. I took both items and placed them in a black gift bag before leaving the room.
My heart pounded as I walked down the hallway toward his study. I hoped he’d like them.
The air felt thick, but there was a spark in my chest.
Why am I so nervous? I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. Focus. You’re just going to give him the shirt, maybe talk for a few moments and be on your way.
I knocked on the door.
“Come in,” Derrick’s voice called from inside.
I pushed open the door, and there he was-leaning against his desk with hands casually tucked into his pockets and strands of his tousled hair falling on his face. His gaze was fixed on a stack of papers. He was as handsome as ever. Every inch of him radiated strength and confidence.
The moment I saw him, I acted without thinking. Without hesitation, I rushed to him and threw my arms around him.
He froze.
For a brief second, his body went stiff, but then he slowly wrapped his arms around me. I sighed softly, feeling the tension in my own body melt into him. His arms felt like home, strong and secure, and I fit perfectly in his arms. The smell of his cologne was intoxicating.
In that moment, it felt like everything else in the world faded away, leaving only the two of us.
When I pulled away, I smiled at him. His usual cold expression was still there, but I could see a hint of surprise in his eyes.
“Thank you,” I said quietly ” For the sewing room. It means more to me than you know.”
Before he could respond, I impulsively kissed his cheek. It was soft but my heart raced with the simple act. His eyes widened, and he blinked in shock. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but no words came.
I handed him the gift bag “I bought something for you”
He looked at it in surprise then took it. I hopped lightly as he brought out the shirt and the ball.
“I made this for you,” I said in excitement “I noticed you wear black often, so I thought… well, I thought you might like it.”
Derrick’s eyes softened as he took the shirt. He held it delicately, like it was a prized possession.
“You made this for me?” he asked in a low tone.
I nodded eagerly. “Yes! I hope you like it.”
He looked at the shirt for a long moment, then whispered, almost to himself, “Nobody has ever gotten me something before.”
His words struck a chord deep in my chest. Nobody? The thought was almost hard to believe. Derrick-handsome, powerful Derrick had never been given something so simple, so personal. My heart ached for him in a way I didn’t expect.
“I noticed you prefer black, so I thought it might suit you.”
He raised an eyebrow as he looked at me “You’ve been paying attention to me, then?”
I nodded “I suppose I have.”
He looked at the shirt again, examining it.
“It’s… perfect.” He whispered, still looking at it “Thank you, Joan.”
“And this,” I said, pointing at the stress ball. It was crocheted. “It’s a stress ball. I know you’ve been on edge lately, so… I thought it might help.”
He took the ball in his hand, looking at it curiously.
“A stress ball?” he repeated.
I nodded. “Yes. Press it whenever you feel tense. It might help.”
Derrick chuckled softly. “Thank you, Joan. This is unexpected… but I appreciate it.”
There was a brief silence between us, and I found myself searching his face for any sign that he felt something more, something deeper. I could see the vulnerability in his eyes. I could see how happy he was even though he tried to hide it.
“I called you here for a reason” he said.
I blinked. A part of me wasn’t ready to let go of the moment that had just passed between us.
“Of course,” I said. “What is it?”
“I’m hosting a dinner with my associates tonight, and I need you to supervise the meal plans. You’re the lady of the manor now, Joan. It’s part of your responsibilities, for appearance’s sake. You understand?”
I nodded. The reality of being ‘the lady of the manor,’ had never truly sunk in until this moment. It felt like a challenge to me.
“I understand,” I said quietly.
His gaze softened just for a moment “Good. I knew you’d understand. I know it’s a lot to ask, especially on short notice”
“I can do it”
Being so close to him made all the nerves in my body come alive. The proximity between was electric. We were standing so close that I could feel his breath warm on my skin.
I couldn’t help myself. Without thinking, I stepped forward and threw my arms around him again, pulling him into a tight embrace.
This time, he didn’t freeze.
Slowly, almost hesitantly, he wrapped his arms around me, and I could feel his warmth. It was a feeling I couldn’t quite explain. It wasn’t just physical; it was something deeper, something that stirred inside me every time we were close. Something that felt like it was building, like it was meant to be.
I pressed my lips to his cheek. But then, in a moment of recklessness, I tilted my head and kissed him…on the lips.
The kiss was soft at first but when he didn’t pull away, when he let me in, I deepened the kiss. The world around us faded, leaving only the two of us. In the middle of it all, I could feel our hearts beating in synchrony. The kiss was slow, sweet, and filled with an intensity that I couldn’t explain. It felt like everything I had ever wanted.
When we finally pulled away, both of us breathless, I pressed my forehead against his.
“I’ll see you later,” I whispered.
He didn’t respond. He just stared at me, holding my waist tightly like he didn’t want to let me go. The way he looked at me made my heart skip a beat, like I was the most precious thing in the world. I could see the emotions in his eyes.
I couldn’t look away. His ocean blue eyes glowed under the chandelier lights and I knew I could stay there and look at him all day but I couldn’t. I had work to do.
I pulled away from him and whispered “Bye”
He still didn’t say anything. He just stared at me. I turned away and left the room, biting my lip like a lovestruck teenager. I hopped down the hallway with a smile.
I had kissed him. Derrick. And he hadn’t pulled away.
I was both terrified and excited for what that meant, but one thing was certain-I couldn’t wait to see him again.