Chapter 5 Small feet

The next day, Amelia underwent a thorough medical examination and was given paperwork with the rules and regulations she was to follow.

Oliver's schedule was a maze of activities: piano lessons, violin lessons, horse riding, fencing, languages, and etiquette. Amelia couldn't help but wonder how such a small child could handle so many obligations.

When she finally found herself alone in her new room, Amelia slumped onto her bed, exhausted both physically and emotionally.

She promised herself that she would do her best to care for and protect Oliver, while continuing her tireless search for her own son.

The next day, Amelia woke up early, ready to begin her first day.

"Today begins my life as Alexander Roberts," she said to herself in front of the mirror, practicing her deep voice once again.

Arriving in the kitchen, she was surprised to find little Oliver already sitting at the table, waiting for his breakfast.

"Good morning, Mr. Roberts," Oliver greeted.

"Good morning, young Oliver," Amelia replied, trying hard to keep her voice serious. "Is there anything I can help you with today?"

Oliver cocked his head, considering the question with childlike seriousness. Then, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, he asked,

"Do you like coffee? Because I'm all grown up now and I want to start drinking coffee like the grown-ups do."

Amelia held back a smile, the child's innocence striking a chord in her heart.

"I think you're still too young for coffee, young man," she replied pleasantly. "But if you'd like, I can make you some delicious hot chocolate. How about that?"

Oliver's eyes lit up at the mention of chocolate, and he nodded enthusiastically.

"Yes, please!"

As Amelia bustled around the kitchen, preparing breakfast, she didn't notice Oliver take advantage of her distraction to pull off a little mischief. The boy poured a generous amount of salt into Amelia's coffee.

When he finally sat down at the table and took a sip, Amelia had to fight to keep it from spitting out. The salty taste filled her mouth.

"Mmm, this coffee has a... peculiar taste," she commented, struggling to maintain her composure. "Maybe I went a little too far with the salt."

Oliver could no longer contain his laughter and burst out laughing.

"Fooled you, Mr. Roberts!" she exclaimed between giggles, pointing at the coffee. "I put salt in your coffee!"

Amelia feigned surprise, although deep down she couldn't help but feel immense affection for the little joker. Letting out a deep laugh, she ruffled Oliver's hair affectionately.

"Well, I see I have to be careful with you, little joker," she said fondly. "Now, let's get some breakfast before your chocolate gets cold."

As they ate, Oliver watched her curiously.

"I like you, Mr. Roberts," he said suddenly, his mouth full of toast. "And I like that you're not a woman. The assistants I had before only cared about wooing my father."

Amelia's heart sank at this. The loneliness in the boy's voice was palpable, and she had to resist the urge to hug him. Instead, she gave him a sympathetic smile.

"Well, young Oliver, I promise you that my only concern will be to take care of you and make sure you're happy and safe."

Shortly after, Terrence entered the kitchen, Amelia couldn't help but notice how attractive he looked in his impeccable suit. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly looked away.

"Good morning," Terrence greeted, his deep voice sending an involuntary shiver down Amelia's spine. "We're eating out today. Roberts, make sure Oliver is ready, we'll be leaving in four hours."

"Yes, sir," Amelia replied, thankful that her voice didn't betray the nervousness she felt at her boss's proximity.

The hours passed quickly, and soon they found themselves in an elegant restaurant downtown. Amelia watched with fascination the change in Terrence's attitude.

With Oliver, he was affectionate and attentive, leaving aside his usual seriousness, seeing him interact with his son in such a tender way made something stir inside her, a mix of tenderness and attraction that disconcerted her.

Throughout the meal, Amelia couldn't help but notice the curious glances she was drawing from the women at the other tables.

Terrence seemed to notice her discomfort and leaned in close, his closeness making Amelia's heart beat faster, and the scent of his cologne enveloping her.

"Pay them no mind, Mr. Roberts," he said quietly, his warm breath brushing her ear. "Some people have nothing better to do than gossip."

Amelia nodded, grateful for his gesture and fighting the blush that threatened to betray her emotions.

At that moment, Terrence announced that in a couple of days they would be leaving for a vacation in

Brighton.

"Is Mr. Roberts coming with us?" Oliver asked, his eyes shining with excitement.

"Of course," Terrence replied, "And we'll also invite Mrs. Thompson, our housekeeper."

After the meal, Oliver insisted on going to the restaurant's games area. Amelia tagged along, joining in his fun and chasing him around the maze of tunnels.

As Terrence joined them, Amelia handed him the ticket she had been given to pick up Oliver.

"I have to go to the bathroom," she announced, "I'll be back in a minute."

Terrence nodded, and Amelia headed toward the restrooms. It was then that she realized she would have to use the men's room. With her heart racing and her hands sweaty, she walked inside and quickly ducked into a stall.

As she stood inside, she heard the bathroom door open and immediately recognized the scent of Terrence's fragrance.

She had to close her eyes as she heard her boss using the urinal, trying desperately not to imagine beyond that image. Her treacherous mind couldn't help but wander, though, and she found herself imagining Terrence in a way she knew she shouldn't.

Holding her breath, Amelia waited until her boss was done and gone. Only then did she dare to leave, her cheeks burning with embarrassment and her heart pounding.

"Get a grip, Amelia," she said quietly to herself. "You can't afford these feelings. Remember why you're here."

Back at the playground, she found Oliver yawning.

"Looks like someone's ready for a nap," Terrence commented, scooping his son into his arms.

"I don't want to sleep!" Oliver protested, though his eyes were already closing.

"Come on, champ, you can play all you want tomorrow."

Amelia followed them to the parking lot and they got into the car. On the way back, Oliver fell asleep in the backseat. Terrence took the moment to watch his new assistant through the rearview mirror.

"Mr. Roberts, I must say I'm impressed with your handling of Oliver," he commented in a tone Amelia couldn't decipher. "It's not easy to gain his trust so quickly."

"Thank you, Mr. Westcott," Amelia replied, trying to keep her voice serious, "young Oliver is a lovely boy."

Upon arriving at the Westcott mansion, Terrence carried his son to his room and laid him down on the bed that father and son shared. Amelia couldn't help but feel touched by the love and tenderness that her boss showed towards Oliver.

"Mr. Roberts," Terrence's voice brought her out of her thoughts, "I need you to be ready early tomorrow, we'll go shopping for the trip."

"Of course, sir," Amelia nodded. "What time should I be ready?"

"At 8 o'clock sharp," Terrence replied, staring at her. "And make sure you wear something... appropriate, I don't want you to give a bad impression in the stores I frequent."

The next morning, Amelia woke up early, and dressed carefully. When she arrived in the kitchen, she was surprised to find Terrence already awake, next to Oliver.

"Good morning, young Oliver, Mr. Westcott," she greeted, trying to hide her surprise.

Terrence turned to her, his gaze scanning her in a way that made her feel exposed.

"Good morning, Mr. Roberts," he replied, handing her a cup of coffee. "I see you took my advice about clothing, good."

Amelia took the cup, her fingers accidentally brushing against Terrence's. She felt an electric current run through her body and hurriedly stepped away. Terrence's expression remained unchanged.

During the trip to the mall, Amelia couldn't help but feel nervous. Terrence kept glancing at her out of the corner of his eye, as if he were trying to solve a riddle.

"Mr. Roberts, come with me," Terrence said seriously. "You need a suitable wardrobe for our trip to the beach."

For the next hour, Amelia tried on dozens of outfits under Terrence's watchful eye.

"That color suits you," Terrence commented when Amelia emerged from the fitting room in a light blue shirt. "It brings out your eyes."

Amelia blushed at the compliment and looked away.

"Thank you, Mr. Westcott," she murmured, "but don't you think it's too much? I don't want to overindulge in your generosity."

"Nonsense, I told you I'll take care of it," Terrence insisted, reaching over to adjust the collar of his shirt. "Besides, you'll need some comfortable clothes to play with Oliver on the beach."

While Terrence paid for the groceries, Amelia sat on a bench next to Oliver, the boy watching her curiously.

"Mr. Roberts, you have very small feet," she commented innocently, "like a little girl's."