Jacqueline didn't think she needed such meticulous care. She was always cautious about anything new around her. But in this case, she had no reason to refuse, and Jacqueline was also curious about how the wealthy enjoyed their lives.
It didn't take long for the professional massage therapists to enter the bathroom. Before that, Jacqueline had soaked herself in the herbal bath, which was warm and fragrant.
Jacqueline relaxed her muscles while the massage therapists prepared for their work.
The woman, after bringing in the professional massage therapists, stood in a corner of the room, ensuring a smooth process.
The massage therapists approached her with extreme politeness and care. Jacqueline, a girl accustomed to the harshness of life, was momentarily flustered.
Although she had mentally prepared herself, Jacqueline couldn't help but blush when she felt their gentle hands on her skin. But not long after, Jacqueline completely relaxed under their skilled touch.
After the massage, Jacqueline wanted some quiet time to soak in the bath, so the woman and the massage therapists left the room.
Jacqueline felt a sense of bliss in every fiber of her being. Her body couldn't have been more relaxed.
This new experience was amazing for her. If Madam Claire hadn't tasked her, she might never have had the opportunity to bathe in such luxury, Jacqueline thought while a smile still lingered on her lips.
An image flashed in her mind, it was Benjamin. She wondered if he had requested this attentive service for her. Or was it for Jasmine, Jacqueline shrugged.
To balance her newfound happiness, Jacqueline's defense mechanism suddenly kicked in. Her mind was directed toward the uncertain future she was about to face.
Jacqueline thought about the task Madam Claire had given her. She only knew that she needed to spy for her, but what kind of information she had to provide was a mystery. Should she eavesdrop, steal documents, or do something even more challenging?
When thinking of Benjamin as a mafia don, Jacqueline shuddered slightly. He would surely offer her a capital punishment as soon as he discovered her true purpose.
While Jacqueline was lost in her thoughts, there was a knock on the door, and she heard the voice of the woman from the other side.
"I'm sorry for disturbing you, miss. I just want to make sure there's no emergency in the bathroom," the woman said.
Jacqueline realized that she had been soaking in the bath for too long. "I'm here," she replied.
By the time she stepped out of the bathroom, Jacqueline's face was still flushed, partly from the hot water, and partly from the massage that had improved her blood circulation.
The woman followed her to her bedroom and only left when Jacqueline said she didn't need anything else. Jacqueline also didn't forget to wish her a good night. The woman's face remained frozen with a serious expression, but Jacqueline noticed something unusual in her eyes.
"What's your name?" Jacqueline asked before the woman closed the door.
"Helena," the woman—now Helena—replied. "Goodnight, Milady."
It wasn't until Jacqueline couldn't see Helena anymore that she closed the door.
Despite being very sleepy, as her body had fully relaxed after the bath, Jacqueline walked around the room, searching for something to keep herself awake.
She was still waiting for Benjamin to fulfill his promise and return her phone.
It seemed they had brought more items into the room while she was bathing. There were more books on the bookshelf and more types of pens on the desk. The bed linens had been replaced, and, notably, an easel was placed near the window with expensive paint boxes arranged beside it.
Thinking of the painting of apples that she had seen by chance while strolling with Benjamin, Jacqueline approached it and immediately started mixing colors. But just before dipping her brush into any color, she hesitated. She didn't know what she should paint.
She couldn't forget that painting. She wondered if she should replicate it. However, that thought quickly extinguished like fireworks because she lacked the courage to borrow the painting from Benjamin.
What happened in the apple orchard and Benjamin's attitude was enough to make her less wary of him. At times, she was even ready to accept his kindness, but she wasn't ready to make any demands on him.
To make the brush glide smoothly on the drawing paper and clumsily create lines, Jacqueline painted based on her emotions. And then she realized she was recreating Benjamin's apple orchard.
Jacqueline gazed at her incomplete painting for a few minutes, and as soon as she continued to paint, she heard a knock on the door.
She immediately went to the door, opened it, and saw Benjamin. Their eyes met. Faced with Benjamin's composed face, Jacqueline realized how beautiful it was.
Every contour on his face was like a sculpture; it was the beauty of perfection.
"Good afternoon," Benjamin said.
"I've come to fulfill my promise. Here's your phone."
Jacqueline took her phone from Benjamin. "Thank you."
She remained silent for a few seconds, searching for the right words, and then said, "And the massage therapists... thank you."
"I'm glad they pleased you," Benjamin couldn't hide his smile. A thought sparked in his mind; he would tip them generously and use their services in the future. "I was hesitant when choosing services suitable for you, but fortunately, you liked it."
"Oh, please don't say that, I -," Jacqueline stammered, as Benjamin's words seemed to her satisfaction as if it were grace for him. She always thought she wasn't that important, and Benjamin's excessive admiration made her feel more embarrassed than delighted. But if it were Jasmine, she would consider such pampering natural, Jacqueline thought. So she immediately fell silent and nodded.
"Thank you," she said. The atmosphere between them felt awkward.
"I think it's time for me to go to bed now, goodnight, Benjamin," Jacqueline said.
"Goodnight, Jane."
As he replied, she immediately stepped back and closed the door.
As he looked at the closed door, frustration and confusion were evident in Benjamin's eyes. Not only did Jacqueline feel the awkwardness between them, but so did Benjamin.
He wanted her to talk more openly with him, but everything had become stagnant. He didn't know how to break the invisible wall separating them.
Suddenly, Benjamin heard a distant laughter and furrowed his brow as he recognized the clear mockery in it.
"What do you mean, Samuel?" Benjamin's voice sharpened as he mentioned his butler's name.