Chapter 5 the mansion

Chapter 5

LEURHEINE ANGELA FERRER'S POV

I felt helpless as I watched the housemaids walk away from where we were. As much as possible, I didn't want to be left alone with this man.

I gasped when I felt his hand on my thigh.

This is exactly what I was afraid of.

Why did I even wear such a revealing nightdress?

It's a gold, silky nightdress that hugs my body tightly and barely reaches my thighs.

Back then, when it was just me and the house staff in the mansion, wearing outfits like this didn't feel inappropriate at all.

But now that he's here, maybe it's time to change my style.

He gently brushed away the tiny bits of rice that had fallen onto my thighs earlier. He didn't even bother using the tissue he took from Manang.

Every time his fingers touched my skin, it sent shivers through me.

I wanted to yell at him for being inappropriate, but I couldn't-my mouth was still full.

After removing the food particles, he finally used the tissue to wipe my thigh.

I had no idea how long I had been holding my breath. My heart was pounding wildly in my chest, and I hadn't moved an inch from my spot.

At last, I managed to swallow the remaining food in my mouth as he shifted his attention to the table.

If he's this considerate, maybe I'll be the one having a hard time making things difficult for him.

I just continued eating my breakfast, and so did he.

Was he not disgusted or put off by what just happened? If it were me, I'd probably lose my appetite. Maybe he was just that hungry.

I hurried to finish my meal because I was itching to get out of there. His presence made me uneasy-especially his actions toward me.

As if my heart hadn't already raced enough last night, he just had to add to it.

We finished eating almost at the same time, but I was the first to leave. I went straight to my room, took a shower to freshen up, and changed into something more comfortable.

I was planning to lock myself in my room all day when a housemaid suddenly knocked.

"Madam, Sir Ken is downstairs," she informed me. "He's looking for you."

"Ken," I called as I descended the stairs.

I found him in the living room, locked in a tense staring contest with Mikael.

Do they know each other?

Ken's expression softened when he turned to look at me. He walked toward me and wrapped an arm around my waist.

"Rhein," he said, "I was about to go up to your room like I always do, but your personal assistant here wouldn't let me."

He put extra emphasis on the words personal assistant, shooting a glare at Mikael, who was standing in front of us with equally sharp eyes fixed on him.

What exactly is their problem with each other?

Sure, Ken, Aubrey, and Seiji have always had the freedom to go straight to my room whenever they visit the mansion.

That's why I rushed downstairs when the maid told me Ken was here. I thought something urgent had come up, which was why he didn't go up himself.

But did he really have to say that?

"Are Bri and the others coming too?" I asked, cupping his chin to make him look at me and interrupt their intense staring contest.

"Yup," he replied, popping the 'p' playfully before pinching my nose. "They said they'd follow soon."

After saying that, he draped an arm over my shoulders.

What's up with him today? He's being unusually touchy.

But I'd rather have him acting like this than deal with Mikael. At least I know Ken. Mikael, on the other hand, is a complete stranger.

The only reason I trust him is that my dad personally hired him. And I trust my dad completely-he's the only family I have. Because of that, I guess I can trust Mikael too, at least to some extent.

But for now, I'd rather stick with Ken.

"Get your hands off her," Mikael said in a threatening tone, his eyes fixed on Ken's hand gripping my waist. "I'm not going to ask you again."

"Or else what?" Ken challenged, unfazed by Mikael's glare. Instead, he tightened his hold on me. "You're just a personal assistant, so why don't you step aside? Rhein doesn't need your assistance now that I'm here."

"It's not for you to decide," Mikael countered, turning to me. "Do you want me to leave?"

Is he seriously asking me that?

Because of his question, they were no longer glaring at each other-now, they were both staring at me, waiting for my answer.

I gulped.

I didn't want to take sides between the two of them because, honestly, I felt like my life was in danger with the intense tension hanging in the air.

But as I said, I'd stick with Ken for now-he's my friend.

"A-ah," I stammered. "M-maybe you could leave us for a bit, Mikael?"

He gave me a sharp look. There it was again-that gaze I could never hold for long-so I quickly looked away.

"I was just asking," he said after a moment, then looked for a seat in the living room. "It's actually not for you to decide, either."

"I'm staying," he added, not even sparing us a glance as he settled onto the sofa.

"Rhein!"

Both Mikael and I turned toward the voice-Seiji had just arrived.

"You're early, huh?" he said, chuckling as he gave Ken a pat on the shoulder. But his laughter died down when he noticed Mikael sitting on the couch. "Oh, hey, man."

Mikael barely spared him a glance before returning his focus to his phone.

"Wow," Seiji muttered in disappointment. "That's rough."

Then, he leaned in closer to me and whispered, "Is that him?"

Even though I had an idea of what he meant, I still asked just to be sure. "Who?"

"The VIP," he whispered again.

"What are you two whispering about?"

Aubrey suddenly appeared behind us and walked right between Seiji and me, effectively breaking our little huddle.

When she noticed who was sitting in the living room, she froze and turned to face us.

"Oh my God!" she squealed softly, covering her mouth with both hands-but it was still loud enough for all of us to hear. "Is that the VIP!? He's so handsome!"

I rolled my eyes while Seiji scoffed. Someone's jealous.

"So, are you just going to stand there whispering, or what?" Ken interjected.

I let out an awkward laugh as I stepped away from Seiji and Aubrey. We almost forgot Ken was standing right beside us.

"Come on, let's eat," Seiji said, holding up a bag full of chips and other random snacks he decided to buy.

"Yes!" Aubrey squealed, snatching the bag from Seiji's hands before plopping down on the sofa right next to Mikael.

"Wow. Okay," Seiji muttered dramatically. "Tsk."

The three of us followed suit and sat across from them. I rested my chin on my palm, staring lazily at Aubrey and Mikael. I wasn't exactly thrilled to witness another one of Aubrey's flirtations.

Sigh.

When I glanced at the two guys beside me, their expressions were priceless. Sitting between them, I had a front-row seat to Seiji's jealous sulking and Ken's barely concealed grudge against Mikael.

"Hi," Aubrey greeted Mikael after placing the bag of snacks on the glass table in front of Seiji. "I'm Aubrey. And you are?"

She held out her hand, which Mikael hesitated to take before finally shaking it. "Mikael."

"Wow," Seiji muttered just loud enough for me to hear. "He snubbed me, but not Bri?"

"You want some?" Aubrey offered Mikael a snack.

I highly doubt he eats junk food.

But to my surprise, he silently took a piece.

"Is it good?" Aubrey asked cheerfully.

Mikael simply nodded as he chewed.

Aubrey giggled before clinging onto his arm like a leech.

Already?

I don't know why, but I suddenly felt uncomfortable seeing her act like that toward Mikael. I only realized I was scowling when I noticed my gaze fixed on Aubrey's hand.

When I looked up at Mikael, I was caught off guard-his eyes were already on me.

A moment later, he discreetly removed Aubrey's hand from his arm and stood up.

"I'll be upstairs if you need me," he said.

"She won't," Ken quipped from beside me.

"I wasn't talking to you," Mikael shot back.

After giving me one last look, he headed for the stairs leading to our rooms.

Yeah, he had his own room here. Definitely a VIP.

To Be Continued...