JUDE'S POV
"I am sorry dear, I didn't mean to hurt you, I just don't know how to make you understand that the life you are living is wrong." He says.
"I understand you, Dad, but I am asking you to please stop comparing me to her. I am not her, and I never will be. I am your daughter, and I am trying my best to make you proud. I know you want the best for me, and I appreciate that. But please, let's focus on the present and the future, rather than the past. That woman is our past and I would like it to be that way."
"Okay, I won't bring her up again, I promise." He says.
"It smells nice in here," James says before I can respond to my dad. I just hope Dad hasn't heard his voice.
"Jude, where are you?" My father asks me just as James reaches where I am standing.
"I am at a friend's house Dad," I answer quickly. James chuckles and I give him a stern look.
"That voice did not sound like Juliana's voice, because she is the only person who can tolerate you."
"You are right It's not Juliana it's a guy and he is my new friend. Can I call you later Dad?"
"Sure, but don't forget what I told you if you don't stop sleeping around I am going to take everything from you."
"I remember everything Dad, don't worry."
"Okay, have a good day my dear." He says before cutting the line.
"You almost got me in trouble," I tell James.
"Sorry, I didn't know you were on the phone. Is everything okay?"
"Yes, everything is fine. Dad just wanted to check on me. Come on let's go we eat."
"Are you trying to avoid talking about what your father was talking to you about?" James asks me as he lifts my face to look into my eyes.
"Yeah, I am trying to avoid talking about it because it's just so frustrating. I hate that my father keeps bringing up my mum in every conversation we have even though I have told him a million times that I don't like talking about that woman."
"It's okay if you don't want to talk about it. You don't have to tell me anything." He says as he pulls me in his arms for a hug for some time. "Come let's eat." He says as he pulls a chair for me.
I sit down at the table with James, grateful for his understanding. The conversation with my father still lingers in my mind, but I push it aside for now. I love my father deeply. I just hate it when he brings up the past. Sometimes, it's just too painful to revisit certain memories, especially when they involve someone who has caused so much hurt and pain.
As we start to eat, James makes small talk and tries to lighten the mood. I can't help but smile at his efforts to make me feel better. I can't help but feel happy as I look at James across the table.
As we finish our meal, James reaches across the table and takes my hand in his. "I am glad you are here," he says, his eyes locking with mine.
"I am happy to be here," I tell him. We stare at each other without saying anything for some time. I feel like his eyes are staring at my soul.
"I don't want this to end," James says after some time.
"What is it that you don't want to end?" I ask him.
"What we have going, to be honest with you, I don't even know how to define what we have but I want us to keep going." He says, still staring at me.
"I also don't want this to end, I know that we are just sex buddies but I like being around you," I confess.
"Would you like to go for a walk after we finish cleaning the kitchen?" James asks.
"I would love that." I agree, grateful for the opportunity to get some fresh air.
"Great, I will show the other side of the estate that you haven't seen. You will love the maze especially." He says.
After cleaning the kitchen, I change into my blue shorts and black crop top. "Let's go," I tell James who is wearing grey shorts and a black T-shirt.
"Are you excited?" He asks me.
"Yes, I can't wait to see the maze."
James takes my hand the moment we step outside. "We first go to my favorite place." He says with a smile on his face.
"Where are we going?"
"It's a surprise," he says with a chuckle. We walk for a few minutes until we reach the most beautiful garden I have ever seen.
The garden is filled with colorful flowers, lush greenery, and the sweet scent of blooming roses. Butterflies flutter around us, adding to the beautiful atmosphere. I can't help but feel a sense of peace and tranquility wash over me as we stroll through the garden hand in hand.
"This is amazing," I say, unable to contain my amazement.
"I knew you would love it," James replies, his eyes sparkling with happiness. "It's one of the places that I used to spend time with my father. You know I have not changed anything about this garden. The type of flowers that are here are the same ones my father liked to plant." He says with a sad smile.
"It's so beautiful no wonder you love it," I tell him.
We spend some time exploring the garden, taking in the beauty of nature surrounding us. The sun is shining brightly, casting a warm glow over everything.
After our peaceful walk through the garden, James leads me to the entrance of the maze. The tall hedges tower above us, creating a sense of mystery and excitement. I can't wait to see what lies beyond the twists and turns of the maze.
"I used to play with my father in the maze but it's not the same anymore. I have made a few changes over the years." He says.
As we enter the maze, I feel a sense of adventure and anticipation building within me. James and I navigate through the maze, laughing and joking as we try to find our way out. It's a fun and lighthearted experience.
"I don't know why but I get lost in this maze once Or twice even though I have been here a thousand times," James says in between laughter.
"It's so confusing, I don't even remember where the entrance is," I say as I hold my ribs that are now aching because of laughing too much.
After what feels like hours of wandering through the maze, we finally reach the exit.
"That was fun, I want to do it again," I say.
"We will do it again when you visit." He says.
"But I want to do it today," I say.
"You are joking, right? There is no way I am going back there. I am so tired."
"Come on James, it's going to be fun."
"No."
"Please."
"No."
"Okay, your choice I was going to let you fuck me in the maze," I say as I start walking.
"Hey, wait what did you say?" James asks. I laugh at his reaction I knew he would agree to go back if I mention fucking.