Benjamin Wright woke up early and got ready for work. His butler, Uncle Tim prepared a simple breakfast according to Benjamin's request. When Benjamin approached the dining table, Uncle Tim gave him a once over and shook his head. The look on his face was unreadable.
"Uncle Tim, this job is important to me. I finally got what I wanted. You should be happy for me!" Benjamin said with a chuckle.
"Your Highness, it's not that I am not happy for you but when I thought of you working as a bodyguard when you have quite a few yourself, I seriously don't know whether to feel sad or laugh." Butler Tim explained with a sigh.
"Haha! Ok, ok, I might be late today. If my parents or brother call, tell them I'm busy and will return call." Benjamin instructed.
"Not to worry Your Highness. I know what to do." Butler Tim assured him.
On that note, Benjamin went straight to his garage and picked a normal sedan to drive to work. He had always been a race car enthusiast so most of his collections were sports cars, apart from the few SUVs his parents bought for him. However, given the nature of his work, he purposely bought a normal sedan to avoid any questions by his employer.
Butler Tim watched Benjamin walked off with such a zest and couldn't help but sighed more. This prince could be really stubborn once he had made up his mind about something. Watching him growing up, Butler Tim was the closest person to Benjamin. Therefore the name Alexandra Zane was no stranger to him. The young prince was so in love with the young lady for so many years but refused to approach her the normal way. Now he actually willing to work as her bodyguard! If the Archduke and Duchess knew about this, Butler Tim couldn't imagine their reactions! Sigh….Butler Tim could only leave everything to fate. He had promised the young prince that he would not tell anyone about her, and he would not betray his trust.
Benjamin arrived early at the Zane Manor and felt contented. Finally he would be able to meet the love of his life. Once he parked his car, Benjamin proceeded to meet with Mr Wen, the estate manager at Zane Manor.
"Good morning Mr Benjamin. Before you start work, there are a few things you should be aware of. Firstly, you are to arrive here before 7.30am daily. The young miss work at the National Hospital and it starts at 9am so departure from the house must be promptly at 8am. Not a minute later. Our lady appreciates punctuality the most. If you are not able to come to work for whatever reason, please notify her personally in advance. Once you arrive, you are to go over to the third floor and wait at the living room area. The third floor is off limit to everyone except you and her personal maid, Sophia. Even Sir Dominic Zane doesn't go there. Our lady values her privacy so do not enter her room unless she permits. There is a room for you to rest and Sophia will show you. Her work finishes at 6pm but some days she's required to work night shifts. When she does, you will be notified by her. You don't need to bother about her lunch. She usually takes lunch at the hospital cafeteria. While she is at work, you are free to do whatever you want but must stay close to the hospital vicinity should she needs you. If there's any extra instruction, our lady will inform you. This is her mobile number. Please save it. She has yours saved already. Dinner is usually at home and you are permitted to dine at the Manor as well before you get off work. Do not talk to the young lady when you drive her as she mostly work during the car ride and values silence. In short, it's best to only speak when you are spoken to. This is the car key to the SUV you will use. It's parked in the garage. Any questions?" After a lengthy instruction, Manager Wen asked Benjamin.
"No. I understand. Shall I proceed to the third floor now?" Benjamin asked.
"You may go. Mr Benjamin, please take good care of our young miss. She is the heart and soul of this family and the Manor. We all love her dearly." Mr Wen finally softened his tone and smiled at Benjamin.
"Not to worry Mr Wen. I will definitely ensure her safety and well being with my own life." Benjamin assured him seriously.
Benjamin then proceeded to the third floor cautiously. From what Mr Wen said, Alexandra seemed to value peace and silence the most. With that in mind, Benjamin's steps became lighter. When he reached the third floor, Benjamin was shocked beyond words. The third floor seemed to be of another world altogether. It was as if this area was not part of the Manor.
The whole area was painted in black and dark blue hue. The floor was covered with black tiles, so shiny that you could see your reflection clearly on it. The walls were graced with the most amazing paintings Benjamin had ever seen. Vibrant colours were used in those paintings, making the whole place lively. At the living room area, there wasn't a single set of furniture except an armchair situated in front of the fireplace. Next to the armchair, there was a small round table.
There was a huge balcony situated at the end wall and its doors were open. Fresh breeze flown into the area making the curtains fluttered gracefully. Intrigued, Benjamin walked to the opened balcony and saw that it overlooked a huge garden filled with all kinds of flowers one could imagine. There were also pine trees and maple trees adorning the area, making it appeared vibrant and scenic.
Benjamin was truly awed at the scene. Even the vast garden and yard at his own family castle in Northernlands couldn't rival such scenery. His parents preferred to keep their garden trimmed and the plants strategically planted. However, the garden at Zane Manor seemed to be the opposite. Maple and pine trees were grown randomly all around the space, it's as if the owner intended to be able to stop and rest anywhere she liked when visiting the garden. Rows and rows of flowers were planted in the garden, with no end to it. At the end of the garden, there appeared to be a gazebo. But it was too far for Benjamin to see what was inside it.
Immersing himself in the beautiful scenery in front of him, Benjamin didn't realize Alexandra approaching him.
"Enjoying the view I presume?" Alexandra leaned in close to his ears and asked.
Benjamin was startled and immediately stepped back. He saw Alexandra standing there smiling at him.