CHAPTER 33: SOFT SPOT
I was awakened by the slight snore I heard from somewhere. With still sleepy eyes and a little bit groggy, I slowly moved my body and willed myself to sit, but only to be startled at the vision I saw who was just a few meters away from me and sleeping soundly on the carpeted floor. I rubbed my eyes several times thinking that I was simply dreaming, but the minute I reopened them, Lewis was still there and was still in deep slumber.
I try to recall what had happened the night before to answer my budding query of why he slept here instead in his room. I remembered almost everything that occurred, because what we drank was merely champagne. From the dining room where we had a little celebration of dad’s health improvement to the pain I felt inside my heart when I recalled the day I got drunk after I filed a divorce case against Michael, which caused me to relive those miserable memories, to the time he had settled me at one of the cushions in the living room. But after that, everything was blank and I don’t remember anything at all.
I suddenly felt chagrined as I gazed at Lewis. I was abashed and guilt-ridden knowing that I was at fault why he had to settle on the floor instead at the comfort of his bed. I had never witnessed anyone sleeping on the floor my entire life, yet alone a dignified and highly-educated doctor, which deeply discomfited me.
I immediately thought of a way to somehow alleviate the guilt I was feeling and to somewhat compensate for what he did for me the night before. Swiftly, I grabbed my blanket and lightly draped it on his body, which was in a fetus-like position before silently headed towards the bathroom.
Still conscience-stricken, I made my way out and gently closed the door behind me so as not to disturb his sleep. After doing so, I quickly headed downstairs and went straight to the kitchen. I decided to do our breakfast today, my own little way of thanking Lewis for not leaving me in my broken state the night before and settling up with his efforts. It was still dark outside and the vast kitchen was in complete silence. No servants were to be seen yet, so I helped myself in finding the things I needed for the breakfast I had in mind.
The glorious sun was peeking when I gathered everything I would be needing. After nearly two hours of baking and cooking, I was done and personally prepared every dish I made on top of the center island. I made a wide array of breakfast choices and in volumes, so that even the household staff will have their fair share. My eyes glittered with satisfaction and accomplishment after everything was set. I remembered my daughter with the cinnamon rolls and egg’s benedict that I made, these were some of her favorites.
The kitchen staff were bewildered at the sight of me as they entered. They all stared at me with confusion and disbelief before gazing at the wide center island, which was filled with food.
“You prepared these all by yourself, Miss Hunt?” One of the servants voiced out, still in daze.
“I woke earlier than usual, so I decided to prepare breakfast this morning. Summoned the rest, each and everyone has a fair share of breakfast delight this morning. I’ll go wake up Dad and Lewis.”
“Right away, Miss Hunt,” Everyone said in unison and hastily busied themselves to what was told of them.
I first headed back to my room. I need Lewis to help my father off to bed. But the minute I opened the door, I was taken aback to see him sitting at the foot of my bed while hands gripping his head as if it was aching. With the thought of him still light-headed and somehow sickened, I swiftly walked towards him with deep concern.
“Are you alright, Lewis? Is something the matter?”
He gazed up at me, looking like a handsome zombie as if he didn’t acquire a much needed rest, which only heightened my guilty-conscience.
“Are you alright, Penelope? I was deeply troubled when I woke up without seeing a glimpse of you anywhere.”
A wide smile plastered on my face for the sincerity of his words that were laced with utmost concern and worry. “I’m good. Thank you for taking care of me the night before, Lewis. And I apologize for causing you trouble and for making you stay here.”
“You didn’t make me stay, Penelope. I volunteered myself to watch over you as you sleep. You were talking in your sleep last night and I couldn’t leave you like that, so I decided to stay with you.”
“I did? I hope I didn’t say anything harsh against anyone. I didn’t remember myself talking in my sleep last night.”
He shook his head and smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes, which made me wonder why. “No, you didn’t. But you mentioned a lot of disturbing and sensitive issues, which alarmed me.”
My mind immediately ran wild as I thought of the things I might have said, which according to him was disturbing and sensitive. I am perfectly aware that those were about my past, which I didn’t wish to dwell on now. Not wanting to spoil my day, I swiftly diverted the topic.
“I prepared our breakfast this morning, so better freshen up and wake Daddy up.”
As if I mentioned something out of this world, he stared at me in utmost befuddlement. “You prepared breakfast?”
“Yes! Why? What’s the matter?”
“I never thought… Oh, never mind. I'll go ahead” He concluded before quickly standing up and walking towards the opened door.
I watched him as he puzzledly went out. A huge smile appeared on the corners of my lips at his expression after hearing what I said about preparing breakfast. I couldn’t contain the amusement and the building fondness I was starting to feel blossoming inside of me. I don’t know what begets me and when it all began, but I must admit, I was starting to like the man and have a soft spot for him.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
