Sid was still lost in words about what has transpired today. He couldn't really grasp his son's crazy antics. He was too indulgent to a stranger, a woman for that matter. He never acted that spoiled before. He was still a kid but from his own understanding of his son, he is way more mature than the rest of the kids his age. What triggered him? Was his son at that stage seeking for a mother figure?
He flinched with the sudden idea that came to his mind. He remembered her mother mentioning something important to him since late last year. "Son, i have arranged a few dates for you. I'll let you know who and when you'll meet them. I want a daughter-in-law. I want a grand daughter-in-law." Sid wasn't bothered by his mother's bantering then. Important? He wasn't interested at all. Good thing he never heard from his mother since their last meeting.
Glancing back at the little figure, he believed Louie was never deprived of motherly love and care. He has his grand mother, though they doesn't meet very often, she have always showered his son with love. But was it enough for his son? He has no idea. He don't understand children that much.
And what's the deal with this woman? Sid was wondering why his son was warming up to this total stranger whom they've just met for the very first time. Whom they've just met at a mall?!
Strange. Though she looks pretty harmless, is she really?
Withdrawing from his momentary musing, Sid noticed they were drawing near their villa. It was quite a drive from downtown but he wasn't worn out. It will take more than that to tire him. But the mental battle he has been through today was indeed torturing him and it doesn't seem to be ending anytime soon either.
His jeep went pass a thick metal gate heavily guarded and equipped with modern "lowkey" security and a full display of vehicles were currently parked. The entire space unfront were occupied with cars and trucks and other vehicles specifically used for their family business here in the country-side.
He drove further north and took a right turn entering another metal gate where the villa is situated. Recognizing the car plate and driver, the guards from their posts bowed as greetings to their young master.
Then finally Sid made a full stop in front of a solid two-panelled mahogany entry-door towering a twelve foot ceiling with metal and glass accents. The wood carvings on it were simple linings but has that rustic charm to it.
Laurice who was now half-awake rubbed her eyes and felt something heavy on her lap. Her thighs getting numb.
Arrgh! Feeling the increasing numbness, a hand was suddenly caressing her creased wide forehead.
Looking straight at the pair of soft deep set brown eyes staring at her, she was surprised with the gesture. The feel of his hands were just too good she forgot the feeling of discomfort on half of her body, her cheeks started to heat up.
The man then appeared to be even more surprised than she was. Withdrawing his fingers, he turned back to his usual casual and cool demeanor.
"Are you in pain? Sorry to have troubled you. Louie must be too heavy for you. And it was quite a long drive." The look of concern was a apparent on his face and immediately, Sid went off the truck.
He opened the car door from her side and took the still sleeping child in her arms carefully avoiding to touch her to places he shouldn't touch. The butler went to the young master side's and pay due courtesy to him and the guest.
Unbeknowst the two, the butler was shocked to find out that the guest was a woman. Their master had brought home a young beautiful woman for the first time! The masters of the house seldom take people on their family home. If there will be women, they usually come in groups, mostly close relatives, business partners and close friends. The old man was secretly rejoicing! The nanny beside the butler was also in high spirits! Anyone could see from her face that she was getting all excited for this discovery.
Noticing that Laurice was still unwilling to get off her seat, Sid started to worry.
"Are you alright?" Sid frowns at the sight of the woman. It took awhile before she begin to move a little only to tap her thighs and massage them and her legs that were all numb. She was close to (invisible) tears now but there were no words of complaints coming from her.
"I'm sorry. I haven't been exercising for a long time, this body doesn't seem like mine anymore. I used to be an athlete you know. Haha." She was awkward now considering there were other pairs of eyes around her.
"Do you need help?" Sid never left her eyes and asked oh-so-gentlemanly! missing the reaction of his subordinates. But they dare not intervene. They dare not show their questioning look so as to not offend the young master and the unexpected guest.
What help? Sir, you don't mean that. And you don't need to. These were the cries of the butler and the nanny and even Laurice!
"No, no, i'm fine. I'll be fine. I'm getting off now. See? You don't have to bother." She was getting shy and uncomfortable with the stares she was receiving on her end.
"You're not a bother. Come inside when you're fully awake. Louie will wake up soon enough. He'll be the troubled one if he didn't get to see you."
He started walking towards the entry porch. He stopped on his tracks after a few steps and said to her without looking her way,
"Welcome to our home."
After saying his piece naturally like nothing was wrong with him welcoming her as an invited guest, he passed his son to the nanny and stride galantly inside the villa leaving an astounded Laurice with her mouth wide opened to the side. She regained her senses after some time not processing what he had just said and looked around her. Her eyes widened.
This is their home? It's a mansion!