Mr. Carlton refused to let me go on my own. His driver took me home. The driver looked more like a wrestler or at least a body builder than a driver, I thought as I sat in the backseat of Mr. Carlton's gray BMW.
As soon as we arrived, I dashed towards the Evan's house asking for Liam. I dragged him home quickly and sat him down, and told him everything. Except, of course, the details of his father's horrific side businesses.
He definitely didn't want to go back to his father, but was wary about going to stay in a complete strangers house, but him being a perceptive and dutiful child, he finally agreed, somewhat reluctantly. Especially when I told him that his father's people had already made themselves at home on our street.
But still, he managed to be his overprotective and annoying self, being a hundred percent sure that Mr. Carlton had an ulterior motive behind helping us. He was sure Mr Carlton had a thing for me.
I almost burst out laughing at the thought.
Mr Carlton was like a Greek God. The apitome of perfection. I felt like ugly duckling next to him. There was no way he would look twice at someone like me. I couldn't help snickering at the very thought.
We packed as quickly as we possibly could, making sure to take only the essentials. We were done by the time the driver came back with Mr Carlton.
Mr Carlton was in the backseat, so Liam took the front seat while I sat in the back, beside Mr Carlton. As usual, sitting in a confined place with Mr Carlton was extremely uncomfortable, but he was busy on the phone and didn't seem to even notice when I got in.
But as soon as Liam got on, he put his phone down and turned all his attention towards my son, introducing himself.
"Hi Liam, I'm Oliver Carlton. I'm sorry about having to inconvenience you by taking you away from your home at a time like this. I heard your tournament is starting." Mr. Carlton spoke in a kind and friendly manner that was so unlike him, but it seemed to come to him naturally.
Liam turned around in his seat, seemingly just as startled as I was, I mean, how did he know about his tournament. I know he can easily find out considering the situation, but still, to concern himself with these details.. this man never ceases to surprise me, that's for sure. I stared at him with my mouth agape. Mr Carlton glanced at me, gave a quizzical looked and turned back to Liam.
"Thank you, Mr Carter, it's very kind of you to help us." Liam told him politely. "Wait!" He suddenly said, his eyes widening, "I can still go to school and basket practice, right?" My heart went out to him, seeing his face. He looked so heartbroken at the thought of missing school and practice. I knew how much it meant to him, as a child who had never been able to go to school before and had missed out on so much in life.
Mr Carlton let out a big sigh, not wanting to be the one to break his heart, but I admired him for the way he spoke, managing to reason with Liam and being so considerate of his feelings.
"I'm sorry, Liam. I wish there was another way. But just like at home, he can very easily take you from school as well. As he is your father. But I promise it won't be for long, and I will make sure to talk with your couch and principal, to make them understand your situation so you can participate in the tournament even if you miss some practices.
In the meantime, I'm trying my best to fast forward the investigation so that he could be dealt with and you can go back to your normal life. I hope you will be patient with me on this.
Oh and ofcause your friends are always welcome to visit. There is no danger in that. You wouldn't be forced to stay by yourself. Also, there is a basketball court in my house that you are free to use anytime you want." He finished, leaving us both stunned.
"Thank you, Mr Carter," Liam finally managed to whisper.
Mr Carter gave Liam a beautiful smile that showed off his dimple. Yup like as if it wasn't enough that he had a perfect body and smooth tanned skin and handsome face with square jaw and high cheekbones, and a cleft on his chin, that can make any woman swoon in his presence, but God just had to up a notch and put the ultimate lady killer on his left cheek. It made him look boyish and cute. I gave a silent sigh, turning my face away, cursing my bad luck that now I had to keep seeing him all the time.
I looked out my window, noticing that we had left the outskirts of town and entered into a more rural area. The properties here were scattered really further away from each other, making me get a view of the beauty of the vast land separating each house from the other. It went on for a while until I saw only land filled with thick bushy trees, which was almost like a forest. Until I turned my head hearing Liam say, "woah," under his breath.
I turned to where he was looking and caught my breath at the beautiful sight.
"Mr Carter, you live in a castle?" Liam asked innocently.
"That's not a castle. That's just a mansion," Mr Carter said defensively.
"That's a castle, Mr Carter." Liam dead panned. "The houses that we just passed
were mansions."
He was right. Behind an intricate strong iron gate, the beautiful structure that stood in front of us was definitely a castle.
It stood on at least 8000 square feet of land. It was like a picture out of a fairy tale book. The stone walls, turrets, and the long windows, it had the whole package, and it was a sight to see while I watched the sun set behind it, sending red streaks across the sky. I was awestruck just watching the view until Liam turned around, breaking the silence.
He looked at Mr Carlton dead in the eyes and asked. "Are you a prince or something, Mr Carlton?" His face looked very serious.
"Definitely not!" Mr Carlton protested way too quickly, earning a snicker from the big burly man in the driver's seat, known as Felix, Mr Carlton's driver cum body guard. He covered it up with a cough but still earned himself a death glare from Mr Carlton.
I have never seen the man before in the whole year that I worked as Mr Carlton's secretary, but he had seemed fairly familiar with Mr Carlton.
Mr Carlton had always driven himself to and from work. Had he gotten Felix because of us?
He had involved himself in our mess and put himself in danger. So he had needed to get himself protection as well. I felt guilty and remorseful, thinking of the danger I had put everyone into. But as soon as I thought this, I felt a warm calloused hand on mine. I looked up surprised, meeting dark gray eyes that were looking at me warmly.
He gave me a reassuring smile before he gave my hand a squeeze before letting it go. I gave a hesitant smile back as the gates opened and the car entered, driving through the long paved path until we reached the stairs that led to the double doors which opened as soon as the car stopped. It was all so very grand, that I couldn't help turning to Mr Carlton with raised brows. I had started feeling anxious with all the grandeur of this place.
With a sigh he said, "This is not my place. My parents live here, and you have met them Ashley, they aren't scary."
He was right. The Senior Mr Carlton was a warm and kind person who had always treated all his staff very well. He was nothing like his cold partner Mr Richards. And Mrs Carlton was an adorable lady who always spoke in a sweet and motherly manner towards me whenever she came to visit her son.
Looking at them, no one would ever guess that this is where they came from. They always seemed like very simple people.
I was taken out of my reverie as the door to my side opened revealing Felix. I blushed as I realized I had waited long enough to seem like I was waiting for someone to open the car door for me.
I stepped out immediately, apologizing to Felix as my cheeks burnt with embarrassment.
Felix just smiled, before he moved to get our bags out of the car.
Mr Carlton came forward leading us all inside, where I was once again shocked with its beauty.
If the outside was grand it didn't compare
With the inside of this castle. We entered a large hall with a marble floor and a huge crystal chandelier hanging from the high ceiling. There were wide doors that led to other areas of the castle and two wide spiral staircases which led to the next floor. I was definitely going to get myself lost in this huge place with so many doors, I thought.
We were led upstairs by a maid dressed in a black and white maid's uniform. Mr Carlton had left for his quarters telling us to freshen up quickly and come down for dinner fast as his parents were waiting for us..
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Hello, my lovely readers. Here's a new chapter for you to read over the weekend. Hope you like it!
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