Chapter 10: Reunion and Reckoning

Warmth enveloped me. My clothes were half soaked, carrying a faint musty smell. I stood on the carpet, not daring to step further in.

I glanced down, embarrassed by the gray stains on my sleeves. The chef didn’t seem to mind, just smiled and waited for my answer.

"No need to make anything special for me," I said, awkwardly hiding my sleeves, stained with gray marks. "Mr. Caldwell isn’t here, so I won’t intrude."

I tried to sound polite, but my voice wavered. I wanted to melt into the floor.

She was surprised. "Miss, it would be hard for me to explain… The meal for Mr. Caldwell is ready, why not try some?"

Her words were gentle, almost motherly. I hesitated, torn between pride and gratitude.

Outside, a servant wheeled a trolley into the courtyard. I backed toward the porch, but the butler quickly handed me a towel and a hot drink, then turned to have someone refresh the guest room and prepare a bath.

The hot mug warmed my fingers, and the butler’s calm efficiency made it hard to refuse. I mumbled a thank you, feeling both awkward and relieved.

I couldn’t get a word in. Swept along by their hospitality, it felt wrong to leave.

It was like being caught in a gentle current, carried forward whether I wanted it or not. I let myself be led, too tired to protest.

While I hesitated, I heard a car pull up outside the gate. The door opened. Polished leather shoes stepped out, the crease in his suit pants sharp as a blade.

I peeked through the window, heart hammering. Harrison moved with the same quiet confidence I remembered, rain glistening on his shoulders.

I smoothed my hair, smelling the faint must on my cuffs.

I tried to brush away the wrinkles, hoping I looked presentable. My hands shook, nerves jangling.

Harrison closed the car door, glanced at his watch for a few seconds. Only then did he seem to notice the crowd; he straightened his lapels and walked through the rain, calm and steady.

He paused at the entrance, surveying the scene. His gaze landed on me, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.