Chapter 3 Michael Walton

Michael Walton

I woke up and took a deep breath. I felt real this time: the dream I had about Annie, my late wife.

Her warm gaze and soft hands held me. I leaned close, and along the line, her face subtly changed, becoming that of the maid. Her eyes were ablaze in passion, her every touch shook me, and slowly the images blurred out.

I groaned when the replay of what happened two days ago flashed through my head. Why couldn't I get my mind off the maid?

The alarm rang, dragging me away from my thoughts. I shook my head, wanting to forget about the dream and prepare for the day. It was already embarrassing enough that Patrick got me drunk, and I ended up sleeping with a maid thinking I was with my late wife.

I quickly took my bath and got dressed. I had a meeting by 9AM. Checking my watch; it was 7:56 AM, which meant I still had time for breakfast.

I headed downstairs; my breakfast was already set. I made an experienced conscious effort not to glance at the empty seat to my left..... Annie used to sit there.

I ate quietly, the silence as always was to my preference. I was half way through when I noticed the absence of my usual carrot cake. Annie often baked carrot cake every Thursday before she died, so I made it a rule to have carrot cake every thursday.

Just as I was just about to call out when a maid came in. She held a tray,no doubt the carrot cake.

I usually didn't notice the presence or absence of maids, but today felt different. The maid who brought the cake today wasn't the same one who usually do so.

"What's your name?" I asked the maid, sipping my tea.

The maid seemed taken aback that I was talking to her and replied, "Tracy Sir."

"Where is the maid that serves me carrot cake every thursday?"

"Ohh you mean Larissa," Tracy nodded," she's the one who always bake your carrot cake, Sir. She asked me to help her serve the cake as she wasn't feeling too well."

"Alright, you can go."

After eating my breakfast, I stepped into my car and my driver drove off to the company. I tapped my suitcase, smiling as I had kept a slice of the carrot cake there to savor it later.

There was just something unique about the taste of the carrot cake and having known that Larissa had been the one always baking it unknowingly brought a smile to my lips.

I got to my office and got seated. Shortly after, Jane, my receptionist, walked into the office, holding a stack of papers.

"Good morning sir, these just came in from the D.O.E," she said and placed them on the table.

"Jane, notify me when Tyler and Brad gets here. I need to see them before..." I glanced at the clock, "before 8:40."

"Yes sir."

"And Jane," I looked up from documents in my hand, "Call in Patrick for me, right now."

I looked through the documents; A contract from the president would definitely be a boost to the company if it was awarded to us.

Patrick soon stepped in. "You called for me sir?"

I asked, "What happened on Valentine's day? Tell me everything in detail."

I haven't had the chance to ask him about what happened that day due to workload. He was the last person I remembered was with me before I found myself in the maid's room yesterday morning.

If Patrick was surprised by my question, he gave no sign of it as he slowly recounted the events of yesterday telling me I had too much to drink at the event we attended on Valentine's day.

According to him, he had ordered my driver to take me home early due to my drunken state and that was how the night ended.

I waved my hands, dismissing him. This meant he knew nothing about what happened between me and Larissa.

But what would have prompted me to go to Larissa's room, which was located at the servant's quarters, far from my own wing?

Wait! I suddenly recalled that I'd intended to meet Madam Rosé.

Did I even meet her eventually? I wondered; my memories at that point felt blurry.

I'd look into it. I promised myself. Soon after Patrick left, Tyler and Brad came in.

"What's going on with the D.O.E, didn't you both give me assurances about the deal being in the bag? What's the delay for?" I asked.

Tyler explained, "I honestly don't know sir, we'd already exchanged documents and the lawyers had started checking, but out of the blue, they started giving one reason or the other, delaying the deal."

I couldn't make sense of the delay; Tyler was the best negotiator in the company and I absolutely trusted his expertise.

"Find out what happened, I need to know exactly why they stalled."

Tyler nodded and left. I arched my brow at Brad who was still sitting, "Anything Brad?"

He nodded slowly, "Yes, Sir. I suspect the stalling of the D.O.E contract may have something to do with the Grayson's; I heard that their kid is back."

I jolted in surprise, " Keep tabs on him, I want to know every single detail." Brad nodded before he also left the office.

Thinking about Brad's speculation, I couldn't help but grumble, "History always has a way of biting one in the ass."

I spent the next few hours signing paper works, and contract proposals. Very soon, Rick would be the one handling all this. He should have been handling all this sooner, but I had always felt he just wasn't ready yet.

'Beep beep,' the intercom blinked. I pressed the button, " what is it, Jane?"

"Sorry to interrupt Sir, Mr Rick's on the line, should I patch him through?"

"Yes,"I said, wondering why he didn't call me directly .

" Hello Dad."

"What is it, Rick? I'm quite busy at the moment."

"Chloe, my girlfriend, is in town. So I invited her for dinner. I would like for you to be present."

"I'll be back home by...." I glanced at my watch, "I'll be home by seven."

"Good. See you then."

Soon it was time to leave the office. The ride home was silent, and when we got close; Walton estate came into view and I smiled, 'This is my legacy,' not without a twinge of pride.

I was welcomed by the staff as I headed to my study. I could perceive the delicious aroma coming from the kitchen and I couldn't help but wonder if the carrot cake from this morning was still left.

Sitting on my chair to round up some work I had left there earlier, I didn't know when I fell asleep and how long I'd slept. I suddenly woke up after having the same dream about Annie again. This time, the maid's face was more pronounced and clear.

I looked around and perceived a faint, feminine cologne. I turned and there she was.

She stood by the door, her eyes seemed hooded. I slowly scrutinized her, in no hurry to speak.

She wasn't in her uniform, I noticed. The simple gown she wore highlighted her petite figure. I felt a little rush of desire, wanting her, but I immediately suppressed it. What was wrong with me?

"I came to see you Sir," she said.

I nodded, "Please, have a seat."

She shook her head and said she rather remained standing. We stayed in silence, as I kept staring at her. What was so special about her that I couldn't get my mind off of her?

She looked down for a moment; When she raised her she seemed to have strengthened her resolve.

"I came to say goodbye Sir, I'm leaving. "