Spending my morning reading in the garden has always been part of my weekend routine. I love the scent of flowers in the air, the sound of birds chirping, and the way butterflies flutter so gracefully. This garden has always been my escape whenever I feel overwhelmed, whether from studying or anything else.
My father built this garden for my mother because he knew how much she loved flowers, especially hydrangeas, even though he's allergic to them. That kind of love feels rare these days. I can only hope I'll find something like it one day.
"Little one."
I turned at the familiar voice coming from the garden's entrance. My grandfather was walking toward me, leaning on his cane while his maid followed behind him, carrying a tray of tea. I immediately set my book down and stood up to help him sit.
"I knew I'd find you here," he said, settling into the chair. "Figured you might be thirsty after all that reading, so I brought some refreshments."
The maid set the tray down and poured tea for both of us.
"Thanks, Grandpa, but you didn't have to. I could've just asked someone to bring it for me."
"Oh, come on, can't you just be grateful?" he chuckled. "The tea is just an excuse, you know? There's something I want to talk to you about, but you always seem so absorbed in your romance novels."
I laughed softly. "You could've just called me to your office, then. What is it?"
He took a sip of his tea before meeting my gaze, his expression turning more serious.
"I don't want to sound overprotective- maybe just a little," he admitted. "But after what happened yesterday, with you disappearing without any warning, I can't help but worry. You're my heiress, and that makes you a target for people who want to take advantage of your position."
I had a bad feeling about where this conversation was going, so I stayed quiet and waited for him to continue.
"Do you see that man over there?" He nodded toward the entrance of the garden.
I followed his gaze and spotted a tall man standing with his back to us. He had an imposing build, broad shoulders, and a straight, disciplined posture.
"Yeah?" I said, raising an eyebrow. "He's not exactly a ghost."
Grandpa chuckled and called the man over. "Silas."
As he turned around and started walking toward us, I was caught off guard. I hadn't expected him to be this… good-looking. His jet-black hair was neatly brushed back, his striking blue eyes held an intensity I couldn't quite place, and his pale pink lips contrasted against his sharp features. There was an air of elegance about him, yet his presence felt undeniably powerful. Even the way he walked was smooth, controlled, yet commanding.
"This is Silas Sinclair," my grandfather introduced. "He will be your personal butler from now on."
It took a second for his words to sink in.
"A… butler?" I frowned. "Grandpa, I already have bodyguards assigned to me after what happened yesterday. Isn't this a bit much?"
"This isn't just about having another person watching over you," he said patiently. "Silas is no ordinary butler. He will serve and protect you in ways that no bodyguard can. Trust me on this."
I glanced back at Silas, still skeptical but unable to deny that his presence was intriguing. Maybe having him around wouldn't be so bad.
"Fine," I sighed. At least he's easy on the eyes.
"Alright then. My job here is done," Grandpa placed his empty teacup back onto the tray. "I'll leave you two to get acquainted. Since you'll be together almost 24/7, you might as well conduct your own little interview to see if he meets your standards as a butler."
I felt my face warm at his words. Why did he have to put it like that? He knew I had a weakness for handsome men. Was that why he chose this one? So I wouldn't be able to refuse?
Before I could say anything, my grandfather pushed himself up with his cane, nodded at Silas, and left the garden. The air suddenly felt heavier with just the two of us.
Silas stepped forward and bowed slightly, his movements fluid and refined. "It is an honor to meet you, milady."
Milady? That was a bit old-fashioned… but it had a nice ring to it when he said it. His voice was deep and smooth, carrying a certain elegance that matched his poised demeanor.
I tilted my head slightly, crossing my arms. "As you should."
What? Did I really just say that? My eyes widened, and I quickly corrected myself. "I mean, it's nice to meet you too, Silas."
His lips twitched as if amused, but he remained composed.
I cleared my throat and gestured toward the chair across from me. "Please, sit. Since my grandfather insists I conduct my own interview, I'd like to know why did you apply to be a butler?"
Silas sat down gracefully, his posture impeccable, as if trained for this kind of setting. His piercing blue eyes met mine without hesitation.
"I have always admired the chairman and the empire he has built," he started smoothly. "It has long been my aspiration to work under his leadership. So when I heard he was looking for a personal butler for his granddaughter, I saw it as an opportunity to serve this family in a more direct and meaningful way."
His answer was polished, deliberate. There was no hesitation, no unnecessary embellishment. Just direct, unwavering confidence.
I leaned back slightly, studying him. "So, you're saying you took this job because of your admiration for my grandfather? Not because you actually wanted to be my butler?"
Silas tilted his head slightly, a hint of something unreadable flickering in his eyes. "I believe that serving you, milady, is an extension of serving the chairman. My loyalty is to this family, and that includes ensuring your safety, well-being, and comfort."
The way he said it was so serious, and so composed. He made it sound almost… intimate. Or maybe that was just my overactive imagination.
I exhaled slowly, tapping my fingers against the armrest. "Well, you certainly know how to say all the right things."
Silas didn't break eye contact, his lips curving just slightly. "Only when they are true, milady."
Great. He was not only handsome but eloquent, too. This is going to be interesting.