The sheer curtain danced as the gentle breeze blew and the sound of birds chirping brought warmth to the silent room as the world continued to revolve in its ignorant despite the violent episode that happened earlier in the house.
Frederick Mortcombe placed her on a one-seater couch as he pulled the coffee table closer, hoping to restrict her movement while taking a seat on one of the sofa's arms. He was not willing to take any risk.
Audrey was nibbling on a sandwich with tear-stricken cheeks and puffy red eyes while the captor held an ice pack on her forehead to reduce swelling as much as possible.
He observed the meek woman whose body hiccups with every sniffle. How her small shoulders arched as her head drooped. He could not help but think how such a fragile woman could be so strong causing damage to herself without flinching as though she was possessed.
Was her desire to die deeply rooted within her?
"Be honest with me. Was there a time you have done this ever since living here?" Frederick cocked his head to get a better angle of the woman's expression.
"Not that I'm aware of."
He kissed his teeth hearing her remark. All this time, he was trying to protect her from the outside and yet, never once did he ever think there would be harm coming from the inside. Much less of someone who had no recollection of whether it may or may not happen.
How was he supposed to deal with such delicate matters? Place video surveillance in her room and invade her privacy? Was that his only option?
The room remained silent until she had her last bite and excused herself for a bathroom break. When she walked away, Frederick's eyes did not stray until she disappeared behind the door.
Seeing her walking in short pants and a plain tee shirt, made him realise he had rarely seen her in them. She truly did well in covering up every single scar she had, down to her wrists and ankles!
Considering she had been in her room for as long as he was away, Frederick invited her for a stroll in the garden right after. The sun was blazing its heat as best as it could but with autumn approaching, it was the perfect weather for an outdoor activity. Neither hot nor cold.
He waited by the bedroom door and was astonished to see her outfit. She wore a terrific long-sleeve pink flamingo-printed turquoise dress, which was fine for the season. Except she also donned a sandy brown neck scarf, which she never once wore!
Although she looked brilliant, was it necessary? Or was it to hide the reddened finger marks on her neck?
Frederick was about to comment on it but he bit his tongue in fear she would misunderstand his words. No, he decided to save them for later on in their stroll.
Step by step they went down the stairs, every housekeeper they met had their eyes widened to the max and their mouth agape. All but Gerard!
Initially, the young master was not sure what sort of expression they were holding but there was a hint of a teasing smirk flitted across their face. He could only shake his head at their farfetched thoughts.
As they sauntered into the garden, the fresh floral scents permeated through their noses way before their eyes laid on the beautiful colourful petals that waited to greet them. The greens of bushes and trees refreshed their sights as the cool waft kissed their exposed skin.
It was the perfect setting for some unreserved conversation to get off their chests.
"About last night... I owe you an apology. I admit it was a foolish statement that was thoughtlessly said. But when I said it, at that time, well... I didn't know your cond— I mean, you're a Bloodsworth and I had killed your entire family, leaving you to be a—"
He started off nicely but as he went on, it turned into a rambling as he failed to choose the right wording. But Audrey did not look the slightest offended. However, Frederick knew he had to tell her so there would be no more misunderstanding in regard to all these simplistic problems.
"I know my words sounded as though I hated to look at these scars. At that time it was meant to be a sarcastic remark since I held you hostage. It meant nothing! But to be honest with you, as a man of the underworld, I like seeing them," he said as he traced one of the scars on her arms, a bittersweet smile cracking on his face as sadness peeked through his eyes.
"So remove this and wear your scars with pride," Frederick slowly loosened the knot of the piece of cloth on her neck without her approval. "Because the rest of them thought you're hiding a love bite. Unless... that's what you want?" He jested, trying to lighten up the mood.
He immediately laughed when her brown eyes panicked and her hands jumped to her neck, accidentally clenching his hands making her blush to the deepest shades of red. Her hands flailed without a purpose not knowing what to do with them.
Frederick, with the scarf in his hand, grabbed both of her nervous hands and held them tightly in place. "Chill. It's only a joke. Here," he handed the cloth to her as his hazel eyes twinkled in pure bliss to see her flustered self.
His heart raced seeing how adorable she looked when teased. It was not his intention but it was a happy mistake indeed. He could not believe how the words rolled out of his mouth without him realising.
He covered his eyes with his palm as the stunning smile never left his face, feeling cringed and embarrassed. Yet, the other hand was still clutching hers tightly.
Meanwhile, Audrey's gaze was swimming at the other end with her shoulder stiffened at every graze, feeling the temperature rising but she knew it was not caused by the fever.