Emilia had a lovely night with Jacob, soon forgetting all about Christopher and his sullen mood. She was still gleefully smiling upon her return to the manor.
The hallway lay enveloped in darkness, except for a faint glow from a nearby room. It was 21:55, just minutes before curfew.
Emilia took off her shoes, mindful not to damage the pristine marble floor. Moving toward the staircase, she caught sight of a shadow amidst the dim light emanating from the adjacent room.
"Good evening, Mr Hayden." Emilia said as she bowed her head. "Many apologies if I've disturbed you."
"Emilia," he said her name as he leaned forward his face coming into view beneath the lamplight. He was bewilderingly handsome, his features captivating. And he was equally drunk.
"Yes, sir?" Emilia replied, her gaze fixed on him.
"How was your evening?" he inquired.
"It was rather lovely, thank you, Mr. Hayden," Emilia answered, still stood by the doorway, attempting to assess the situation. Nevertheless, her intuition clashed with her reasoning, torn between a desire to stay and offer assistance, and the knowledge that she shouldn't intrude upon Christopher Hayden's space or his privacy.
"I'm glad," he murmured, reclining in his chair. His cheeks flushed, his eyes gleaming.
"Mr. Hayden, are you alright?" Emilia took a few tentative steps towards him.
"Of course, Emilia," Christopher replied, closing his eyes. Emilia approached cautiously, tidying up the empty bottle and glasses. "What are you doing?" He asked reopening his eyes quickly and looking at her studiously.
"Cleaning, sir."
"What happened to your feet?" Christopher's gaze fell upon Emilia's heels.
"Do you mean the scars? I blistered them a few weeks ago, sir."
"In the gallery..."
"Yes, sir," Emilia responded with a weak smile. She vanished from the room momentarily to stow away the glasses in the kitchen, reappearing a few moments later.
"When morning comes, look out of your window."
Puzzled by his statement, Emilia merely nodded. Christopher rose unsteadily, his balance compromised by the alcohol. Grasping the armchair, he struggled to steady himself.
"If you allow, Mr Hayden." Emilia came over and offered him her arm.
"I will not..." Christopher grumbled, attempting to walk again. Emilia caught him before he could stumble too far.
The smell of alcohol filled her nostrils, causing her to wrinkle her nose. She wrapped her arm around Christopher's back to keep him upright. She could feel the warmth of his body through his partially unbuttoned and untucked shirt. It felt almost electrifying.
"Let me help, Mr. Hayden," Emilia insisted.
"And what must you think of me?" Christopher sighed, his glassy eyes fixed upon her golden hair as she looked down to watch her steps.
"I do not pass judgment based on a single event, sir," Emilia replied, trying to conceal her nervousness. Her heart raced within her chest. "Now, let us get you to your room. A restful night's sleep is the best remedy."
Christopher smiled, his eyes glazed.
Emilia escorted him up the stairs, turning right towards the east wing.
"You seem confused," he remarked.
"I apologise, sir. I do not know this part of your home. You must lead the way."
"You don't know...Why don't you know?"
"Why should I know?" Emilia asked in return.
Christopher gestured toward a large wooden door, which Emilia struggled to open. Stepping inside, she found herself in the room that was refreshingly light in colour. Unlike her own bed with its four posters, Christopher's bed was simpler. The room felt airy and meticulously arranged. Emilia tried to avert her gaze from the painting on the wall, depicting a dreamy seaside scene.
Guiding Christopher to the bed, Emilia helped him sit down. He promptly flopped back and laid between white pillows. The contrast in colour between bedding and his light olive skin that was miraculously naturally tanned regardless of him spending most of his day in the office.
"What did you discuss with him?" Christopher inquired.
"Jacob?" Emilia looked at Christopher with curiosity. "Mostly business matters, Mr. Hayden."
"Will you be seeing him again?" he asked.
"Quite likely."
"I see." disappointment flashed through his face. "That is most unfortunate."
"Is there anything else I can do for you sir?" Emilia decided to not delve on Christopher's words.
"No, Emilia. Thank you."
"No worries, sir."
"Thank you for everything you have done." A weak smile flashed through his face before his breathing started to stead and his eyes slowly closed.
Emilia sighed before mumbling a goodbye and leaving. However, she couldn't resist returning to his room, carrying a glass of water, which she left on his bedside table. Witnessing Christopher in such a vulnerable state was unexpected, and she couldn't shake the feeling that somehow she was to blame.
She retreated to her room, flopping on her own bed, but instead of falling asleep, she was tossing around for hours. The very next day was the first conference she was to attend in over a year, and it was to showcase some of the work she was doing for Earthly and the Bleams.
But somehow, this wasn't the only thing on her mind. Although she had a great time during dinner, it hardly evolved into anything more. She struggled to open up enough to let it happen. And now, Christopher was occupying increasing amount of her thoughts. It's been over three months since she started working for him and only saw him a handful of times, but somehow, he still managed to make enough of an impact that the thoughts of him were more prominent.