A whisper of wind drew my attention to the window. I pulled out of bed, checking the window behind my bed. The sight of Xavi's black Audi A6 caught my view while a small smile spread across my lips. He arrived late last night when everyone was asleep. We only had welcome hugs and went back to bed.

Someone gently tapped on my door, and I gave permission for entry. It was Sandra, one of my maid.

"Breakfast is ready, ma'am." She muttered.

"Is Xavi and Brooklyn out already?"

"Yes ma'am. They're awaiting your presence as well." She replied, respectively.

"Okay, fine. I'd be down soon." My fingers twitched, signalling her to leave.

She slightly bowed her head before leaving, while I pulled out of bed, grabbing my towel and walking into the bathroom to freshen up.

After bathing, I threw on a wrapped, v-neck, floor dress and piled up my back hair in a fancy hairdo with a light makeup on and a black, wedge sandals on my feet. Walking downstairs, I realized Xavi and Brooklyn already had breakfast.

"Good morning, mum." Xavier beamed at me with excitement. I joined the table of pancakes, fruit salads and strawberry wine.

Lost in the thoughts of last night, the entrance door cracked to a push while my eyes narrowed at the tall, charming guy with a black suit on his white turtleneck. It was Chase.

'Why is he dressed like this?' I frowned at the thought that I almost didn't recognize him.

Sitting upright, I followed Chase's contemplative cold gaze, that saccade between Xavi and I. Brooklyn just concentrated on the food, eating till her satisfaction.

Chase's grey eyes concentrated on mine as he stride towards me. The strong edge of his stubbled jaw tensed while I noticed the sheen of sweat gracing his ivory skin. I cleared my throat to the stiffness in my lungs while Chase took a seat in front of me. We haven't eaten together since Xavi traveled. Then, I realized I'd been staring at him and his presence forced me to look away.

"Good morning." His greeting interrupted the silence.

"You look different. Impressive." My slightly closed-lips commented with a smile.

"Thank you ma'am. Xavier gifted me a couple of amazing outfits. I'd say I love his fashion style." He blushed, and I observed the both of them smiling at each other with happy eyes.

'They must be getting along well.' I imagine, feeling left behind.

"I see the both of you are getting along well. Chase told me you've already offered him a job." Xavier hinted, taking a good chew of the fruit salad.

"You two discussed?"

"Yes, yesterday. So he is your new errand boy?"

"Yes, why?" I raised an eyebrow.

"I feel my friend deserves more because he's a graduate, but come to think of it. It's not a bad thing to do."

"It's what I want. Perhaps one need to inspect Chase and monitor him regularly." I replied, not minding the fact that Chase is seated right behind us.

"Is he doing well? I mean, how is his performance so far?" Xavier brought up, maintaining an eye contact with me.

"I have a close watch on him. It's just been a month, and he's new to most things and people, but he's trying. To an extent." Gazing at him with an enigmatic smile, I straddled on the chair which I sat and emptied a glass of chilled water placed before me.

Chase gave a tight-lipped smile as he turned away. As if avoiding to look at me. He looked down at his food, continue eating.

"Excuse me." My legs stride into the kitchen to clear my head a bit.

It's been a month since Chase has worked for me. Running errands and helping me work on some documents. We haven't agreed since I told him he would not get any special treatments.

Just then, I felt his presence behind me. He dropped his tray of food in the sink and paused, observing me from behind.

"What are you doing here?" I asked without turning back.

"I need to talk to you." Chase's husky voice replied.

"About what?"

"I have feelings for you, Mrs. Torres. And I won't give up even if you reject me today. I'd come asking you tomorrow. Until you create a space for me in your heart."

I turned to him, stunned at his sudden confession. Chase stepped up to me till we were close enough. The heat in my burning cheeks made me wonder if this was another nightmare.

"You must have woken up on the wrong side of your bed this morning. Are you drunk?" I snapped at him but he didn't look pissed. Lost in thoughts, we shared an eye contact and I focused on his mesmerizing looks. It was just the both of us standing there and I couldn't look away. Chase's bolder hand caressed on my slim jawline and then my nape.

"Do you remember the first time we met at the cinema? I just need you to know. So you'd stop lashing out your anger at me. Sometimes, acceptance means strength." His hoarse voice sounded like a whisper.

"And what does that mean?"

"Just like my grandmother always said, you'll have to figure it out yourself."

My eyes narrowed to his, unable to understand his attitude. Suddenly, his hand tucked back an among of my hair. I perceived his cologne with him close to me. He smelled divine. I took a step back and my hands gripped onto the worktop of the kitchen units.

"I know you, Alexa. I know all of you. So stop pretending to be someone else." Chase's hoarse voice sounded like a whisper, making me hold my shallow breaths.

'What do you mean? Does he know my past?' I cried mentally. His words touched me to the bone.

"You know what I mean." Chase's earthy breath touched my neck, and I felt a sweat lingering from the back of my piled hair to the small of my back. We shared an intense eye contact and for the first time, I looked at him lost and lust. Right at this moment, I couldn't understand what was happening. Why do I feel invulnerable and voluptuous?

'Clash!'

The tray of ceramics drooped from her hand, making Chase, and I jerk to the direction.

"Sorry." Shelly whooshed. "I'd go get the broom."

Her body trembled as she hopped out of the kitchen.

Looking back at Chase, he sent a grateful smile to me, as if I finally understood. Truth is, he left me dumbstruck. More confused than I was before. An awkward silence reigned between us for a while... Why was I here, again?

"Ummm... Excuse me." I rolled my eyes at him and stepped out of his presence.

I walked into my room to clear my head. One push and the door boomed close. With my back placed on the door, I held onto my exaggerated chest. I felt my heart was melting to my lung while I tried controlling my raced breathing.

'God! What was that? One minute I'm angry with Chase, the other, I'm pissed with myself. What's this feeling? Chase works for me... He's like a son to me. Is he someone from my past? Living with Chase feels like living with a ghost. How come his face looks so familiar?'

'Ring! Ring!! Ring!!!' I rushed to my phone on the bed and it was Evelyn.

"Hello Mrs Torres. I hope you're doing fine?" She asked immediately I clicked on the answer button, composing myself to reply.

"Yes, I'm good. Hope no problem?"

"No problem, madam, I just wanted to ask if you'd be coming today. We've missed you." She admitted over the phone.

"I'm unsure yet. I really want to, but I plan to meet someone today." My hand wiped out my face as I exhaled.

"Okay then, let's keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best. Bye ma'am."

My finger pressed the end button after her peasantry. The phone slipped from my hand to the bed, and I held my head together. Taking down the pile of hair at the back of my head, I felt a little relieved.

'Why is this happening now? I don't feel alright. I feel like break down, crying and cuddling my pillow. I don't understand why I'm like this... I'd have to meet another therapist. An experienced therapist. I feel I need something I can't have... I feel anew, like someone I don't know. I don't understand myself.' My vision blurred to the distortion in my head.

Then, I heard the car engine starts outside. I could hear Xavier and Chase laughter from my room. Everyone is busy with their lives now. I should figure this out.

Picking up my phone, I scrolled through the contact list. My hands were already trembling. This happens when I overthink something. Right now, I feel pressurized. I don't want Xavier to worry about me. I haven't told him yet. I believe I could get through this myself.

"Hello Elle."

"Hello Beautiful, how are you?" Her high-pitched voice made me realize she's probably in her car. She had to reduce the speaker so I could hear her properly.

"Where are you?" I inquired.

"On my way to the hospital. Why?"

"I don't feel okay, Arielle. I'm losing my mind by the day and yes, I think it's time I see another therapist. I'm having hard time with the stranger in this house."

"What stranger?" She rolled her eyes at the word.

"Can you come over, maybe?"

"Sure, I will cancel my appointment this morning. I'm on my way, okay? Just relax, I'd book an appointment for you with Doctor Collin Groff. See you soon."

She ended the call before I could. I looked at my reflection in the mirror across the room and I feel wretched. Suddenly, felt tears welling up in my eyes. I laid back on the bed, my head went fuzzy.

'Did Chase say something that triggered me? Does Chase really knows me? What does he mean by that... Acceptance is strength? Why am I overthinking this?' The tears split over and flowed down the corners of my eyes, giving me the sensation of floating in the middle of an ocean of emotion. And there was no one to help. Hopefully, Elle will help me out this time.