"Knock Kock~," No one answered, even though a few minutes had passed. Orion, about to return, remembered that he had no breaks for the next few days, so he opened the door at 45 degrees and peered to make sure he wasn't intruding. When the path was clear, he opened the door completely and walked, only to find Helle peacefully sleeping.
She had clutched the book in her hands while the pocket notebook slipped on the bedsheet. 'Um?' Interested by the note, he quietly picked it up and read a few lines when Helle's rhythmic breathing suddenly changed, and she opened her eyes.
"....." Right in front of her was Orion watching her.
"Wha-what are you doing here?!" She squinted her eyes and sluggishly pressed her back on the headboard. Her lips pouted as she disliked how he invaded her privacy.
"I am here for a brief moment. You should wash up first."
Embarrassed by her current state, she headed to the bathroom while he continued to read the note. To his surprise, she had written an up-to-date critique and even involved many different opinions from different lenses.
~
Once Helle returned with a fresh appearance and a clear mind, Orion placed the note to the side and stared at her. "Before the engagement, my grandpa requested to meet you, so this weekend we will be going to meet them.".
"Eh," she nodded.
"Also, as for the reason why we engaged, we need to come up with something for that."
At that moment, Helle raised her eyes, especially to see Orion's expression. She had never expected him to take note of her opinions; after all, he had the upper hand in this contract. But for him to be thoughtful made her annoyed heart melt and crumble.
"Um... how about love at first sight? You can say now we met in my town and you fell for me, and so we engaged." Helle tried to give her opinion but knew that it sounded like a baffle. How could someone so out of reach fall for her, especially in a few meetings?
"Well, it sounds too superficial, but let's go with it for now. Also, we'll go shopping in a few days to buy the engagement dress and a few other clothes for you."
"Eh!" she nodded.
"Also give me your phone."
"?" She handed it, and he pressed on a few numbers and returned the phone.
"I have saved my number. So if any complications arise, you can contact me." Orion took a look at his watch on his wrist and stood up. Giving a nod to her, he left the room while Helle had a severe brain freeze.
'What just happened now? AM I SUPPOSED TO TEXT HIM FROM NOW?!'
~
[The next day]
The dining room was empty even though it was an early morning. It had been a few days since Orion wasn't present for breakfast, and even Donovan wasn't to be seen that morning. The platter of breakfast was delicious and filling, but eating all alone felt lonely.
"Martha, where is Donovan?" she asked. Her brows knitted and her eyes partially squinted. A maid cleared the table while Martha stood beside Helle.
"Sir Donovan had an urgent meeting at his hotel, so he has taken a day off today, Miss," she stated.
"What about Orion?"
"The master is at the factory for supervision. He might return today."
"Eh," She nodded and walked to the living room. She picked up a random book from the shelf and headed to the front yard. Unlike the previous fantasy books, it was a contemporary romance. 'The title is interesting,' she remarked while flipping through the pages.
Basked under the warm morning sunlight, a few birds chirped in the trees, but her mind wasn't fully settled on reading. 'What am I doing?' the constant doubt loomed over her.
Although she was only a stranger, Orion had been a hospitable person. He made sure that her opinions mattered and gave her a lifestyle she could have only ever dreamt of. But she knew she'd soon have to part ways.
"Hello dear, what are you reading about?" An old man walked towards her, whom she had never seen. He wore a straw hat, buttoned-up shirt, and pants. A part of his hair was gray, and even so, he walked sturdy and seemed healthy.
"Oh, it's a romance book. Please have a seat," she scooted to the left due to nervousness and also to give more space to the old man. At first glance, she could tell it was Orion's grandfather, especially since they had an uncanny resemblance.
"I see. So, what is it about?" He asked while closing his eyes and taking in the warmth.
"It's a romance between a young woman who is also a teacher and a businessman," she replied.
"I see, and what else do you like to do in your free time? Entertain me for a while, young lady; you see, my bastard grandson forgets of my existence, so I come to his house every once in a while, but it seems he's dead somewhere, buried in his work." Grandpa Arthur was a funny and candid man. Helle couldn't help but snort at his words since it was the truth!
"I see. Your grandson seems to be a nice man." Helle had a subtle smile while complimenting them. She closed her book and placed it on her lap.
"Depends on which side of him you meet. But since you are his soon-to-be wife, he must've shown you his charismatic side. So, what's your hobby?" Grandpa Arthur teased. It brought a blissful expression, but ignoring the teasing, Helle simply answered.
"Well, reading and finding new books, cooking, and maybe... hiking and visiting new places. That's all I remember."
"Cooking? Oh, now that's a hobby that'll work in life no matter where you go."
"Indeed!"
'Grrrr', the humble grumbling of a tummy too, entered their conversation. Grandpa Arthur chuckled. Tsk tsk, so shameless.