Jacqueline followed the puppy through the apple-laden trees, with Benjamin trailing behind her. The moon still hung above their heads, occasionally obscured by careless clouds.
Benjamin's gaze never left Jacqueline. The unstable moon occasionally disturbed his thoughts, sometimes making him feel disoriented by what he saw as if it were five years before...
Benjamin quickened his pace to catch up with Jacqueline, who turned to look at him before her gaze returned to the husky.
The puppy led them to a closed room door, circling Jacqueline before barking at the door, indicating that it wanted her to open it.
Jacqueline walked towards the door, glancing back at Benjamin. He nodded gently in approval. She pushed the door open, and the puppy excitedly wagged its tail and ran inside.
Jacqueline soon realized that it was a room filled with supplies for the husky, containing plenty of dog food.
Jacqueline was surprised. From the beginning, she thought the puppy wanted her help with something other than food.
"It just wants to eat," Benjamin approached her, trying to suppress his smile at her endearing reaction.
Jacqueline bowed her head for a moment, feeling a bit embarrassed and noticing her face getting warm. The puppy tried to put its front paws on her dress to urge her, but it retreated when it saw Benjamin's threatening look.
"It must be dinner time for him, or... he's still not full," Jacqueline mumbled then fell silent as she noticed its furry ring.
"Today is indeed his lucky day," Benjamin said, pulling out a bone from the fridge and a small ball. He rolled the ball towards Jacqueline's feet. "Would you like to play with him?"
"Can I?" Jacqueline hesitated.
"He has to work for what he wants," Benjamin explained.
Despite his dislike for the little dog, as it had intruded on their private space, Benjamin found it to be useful in bridging the distance between them.
Jacqueline enthusiastically played a game of fetch with the small dog, who was equally eager due to the bone Benjamin held. Meanwhile, Benjamin stood leaning against a nearby apple tree, watching them.
"Lady seems quite interested in the little gift I prepared," Samuel approached Benjamin and said.
Benjamin replied, "Not bad, enough for you to get just a warning."
"...more than you," Samuel finished his sentence with a slow tone, while Benjamin's face hardened.
"You, along with it, leave now," Benjamin growled. It was a command to Samuel.
"Yes, Master," Samuel, of course, became polite and professional as he should be.
Looking at the little dog being led away by Samuel, Jacqueline felt a slight attachment. It had been a while since she had been genuinely happy. Her father was in the hospital. She had to face a huge medical bill, and just last night, she had been kidnapped and assaulted.
"It's time to go back," Benjamin said.
Jacqueline nodded and followed him back to the corridor. Along the way, Jacqueline hesitated, wondering how to ask him to take her back.
But by the time they entered the corridor, she decided she had to act.
"Mr. Turner," Jacqueline stopped and called out.
"It's Ben," he corrected her address.
"Be-Ben," Jacqueline stammered.
"Yes, I'm here," Benjamin smiled. His eyes shone with rays of tenderness.
Jacqueline blushed, not realizing how many times her cheeks had heated up today. "It's just... can you take me back?"
Benjamin raised an eyebrow, not expecting her to request that, or perhaps he had never wanted Jacqueline to leave this mansion from the beginning.
"I don't know the way," Jacqueline explained nervously.
Benjamin controlled his emotions, he said, "Of course, I will take you back, but only when my doctor assures me that you've fully recovered."
"But... how long will that be?" Jacqueline asked, sounding downcast. "And my phone too."
Benjamin took both of her hands. "Jane, I'm sorry. I should be the one enduring all those terrible things, not you. I've involved you, so I would feel guilty letting you leave with your wounds unhealed."
Benjamin lifted her hands and pressed his forehead against them. "Let me take care of you until you're well, please."
His remorseful expression and earnest words touched her heart.
Jacqueline bit her lip. This was the first time a guy had spoken to her like this. She felt important to someone, and he would be really disappointed if she refused, right?
Ultimately, Jacqueline compromised. "But please give me my phone."
"I will," Benjamin said.
Benjamin took Jacqueline back to her room and left. A while later, there was another knock at the door. Jacqueline thought it was Benjamin coming to give her back her phone. However, when she opened the door, she saw a woman in a black suit. The woman spoke respectfully, "Lady, we have prepared a bath for you. Would you like to use it now?"
Coincidentally, Jacqueline had intended to ask Benjamin about a bathroom when he returned with her phone. There was a bathroom inside her room, but it lacked the necessary supplies for bathing.
Jacqueline followed the woman to a room just two doors down from her bedroom.
The room's door swung open, and Jacqueline was greeted by a fragrant scent of herbs.
Inside, she saw a spacious bathtub adorned with rose petals.
Was this how the wealthy took baths, she wondered. It was so extravagant.
The room exuded opulence with its immaculate white marble walls, intricate veining, and polished finish. The centerpiece of the room was the oversized bathtub, which was made of the same white marble.
The space was bathed in light. The soft, diffused light accentuated the subtle patterns in the marble.
Embroidered towels and bathrobes had been neatly arranged near the bathtub, ready for use. A small side table, also made of marble, held scented candles and bath oils, adding a touch of romance and relaxation to the room.
"Lady, would you prefer the assistance of our maids, or would you like to handle it yourself?" the woman inquired.
"Oh, I can do it myself," Jacqueline replied, not wanting anyone to see her unclothed body.