As the butler heard the honk of the car, he went outside to welcome his boss, leaving Lina alone in the dining hall.
“Welcome Mr Walton.” The butler greeted Raymond, before going forward to get his briefcase from him, as he took it to his study.
Raymond follows behind him, stepping into the elevator to the third floor. His bedroom and study were beside each other. As the butler went into the study, he stopped on his track to inform Raymond that Lina is in the dining hall.
Whether Raymond heard him or not, he didn’t stop as he entered his bedroom. Raymond closed the bedroom door behind him, the soft click echoing through the spacious room. He walked over to the large windows, pulling back the curtains to reveal the breathtaking city view.
With a sigh, he shed his tailored suit, letting it fall to the floor. His tie followed, discarded carelessly on the dresser.
Raymond’s eyes locked onto his reflection in the mirror. For a moment, he studied his rugged features, his mind still on the events of the day.
He turned away, striding into the expansive bathroom. Marble and glass surrounded him, the sound of soft jazz drifting through the speakers.
Raymond turned the shower faucet, warm water cascading down. He stepped under the spray, letting the water wash away the tension.
As he shampooed his hair, his thoughts turned to Lina. Their complicated relationship weighed heavily on his mind.
The shower’s warmth seeped into his muscles, relaxing him. Raymond’s thoughts cleared, focus returning.
He rinsed off, water streaming down his chiseled physique. Grabbing a towel, he dried himself, his movements efficient.
Raymond wrapped the towel around his waist, his gaze meeting his reflection once more. Some minutes later, he came out of the bathroom putting on a grey fleece bathrobe over a set of short-sleeved navy blue pajamas.
Raymond’s chiseled features and broad shoulders were accentuated by the fitted silk robe he wore. His dark hair, still damp from the shower, framed his angular face.
He walked out of his bedroom, his stride confident and purposeful. The butler, Jenkins, awaited him in the study, organizing his briefcase.
“Sir, dinner is ready,” Jenkins reminded, his eyes cast downward.
Raymond nodded, his gaze fixed on the door. “I’ll be right there.”
Jenkins hesitated before speaking. “Ma’am Lina is already seated, sir, she is waiting for you to join her.” The butler knew they were having issues and wanted to create opportunities for them. He knew Raymond is someone stubborn who wouldn’t say sorry or admit his mistakes.
Raymond’s expression remained unreadable. “I’ll join her shortly.”
With that, he dismissed Jenkins, his attention turning to the documents on his desk. His eyes scanned the pages, his mind processing the information.
A few minutes passed before he made his way to the dining hall, his presence commanding attention.
Lina looked up as he entered the dining hall, her eyes narrowing slightly. Raymond’s gaze locked onto hers as he took a seat opposite her.
Taking her gaze away from him, she continued her meal. Seeing that she didn’t even say hi to him, Raymond was feeling frustrated. Thinking back to his attitude towards her earlier, he thought her anger was justified.
Picking up his cutlery, Raymond began eating. They both ate in silence.
The silence between them was oppressive, the only sound that could be heard was the clinking of cutlery against plates.
Raymond’s eyes occasionally drifted to Lina, her expression unreadable.
Lina focused on her meal, avoiding eye contact.
As they neared the end of dinner, Raymond’s frustration grew. He wasn’t used to being ignored.
Just as he was about to say something, Lina spoke first. “I will be going back to school tomorrow. My finals are approaching.” Actually she didn’t want to inform him before, but her heart yearned to hear his voice.
Raymond’s expression softened, his frustration momentarily forgotten. “Tomorrow?” he repeated, his voice low.
Lina nodded, staring at him.
Raymond leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving hers. “I’ll arrange for a car to take you.”
Lina’s shoulders tensed, her voice cool. “No need, I’ve already ordered a ride.”
Raymond’s brow raised. “You didn’t need to do that. There is a fleet of cars in the garage you can choose from.
Lina’s gaze finally met his, her eyes flashing with annoyance. “I wanted to.”
The air was thick with unspoken words, their complicated relationship hanging like a challenge between them.
Raymond’s jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing. “The driver will be dropping you off tomorrow, and that is final.”
Lina’s face twisted in anger as she murmured to herself. “What a controlling jerk.”
Raymond heard her cursing him as he curled up his lips. “What did you say?” “Nothing.” Lina blurted subconsciously.
Seeing that smirk on his lips, Lina felt he heard her cursing him. Feeling embarrassed, Lina stood, her chair scraping against the floor. “Excuse me.” She said wanting to escape.
But unfortunately, she was unlucky as her foot caught on the chair leg in her haste. She lost balance, her arms flailing wildly.
Raymond reacted instinctively, jumping up to catch her. His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her close.
Lina’s eyes widened as her face collided with Raymond’s. Their lips pressed together, a spark of electricity running through both.
Time froze. Lina’s eyes widened in shock at what just happened. Raymond was also surprised, but he regained his senses immediately unlike Lina. Not wanting to miss this opportunity, after thinking of kissing her many times, after that passionate night they shared, Raymond’s grip on her waist tightened, his lips capturing hers in a passionate kiss.
Lina’s hands instinctively grasped his shoulders, her body melting into his, as a moan left her mouth.
The world around them dissolved, leaving only the two of them, lost in the unexpected kiss.
As they broke apart, gasping for air, Lina’s cheeks were flushed.
Raymond’s eyes burned with intensity, his gaze holding hers.
“Lina,” he whispered, his voice husky. Lina’s heart raced, her lips still tingling.
Suddenly, reality crashed back, and Lina pushed him away.
“I… I’m sorry,” she stuttered while looking anywhere but him.
Raymond chuckled looking at her cute behavior, his eyes never leaving hers.
“No apologies necessary,” he said, his voice low.
Not wanting to hear anything from him anymore she ran upstairs, feeling embarrassed.