Confronting Lord Benjamin

Duke Kensington's calm face did not reflect the inner turmoil he's feeling inside. He took a deep breath and slowly guided Melissa down from the carriage. The owner of the earlier voice had came up to them and ignoring the Duke's presence, he took Melissa's hand and kissed it lightly.

"Lord Benjamin, how are you?" Melissa purposely used the formal address this time, trying to gauge the other party's reaction.

Lord Benjamin laughed lightly and nodded his head while replying, "Benjamin will do. I'm fine, Melissa."

"Good morning, Your Grace." Lord Benjamin turned to Duke Kensington and greeted him curtly.

Duke Kensington just nodded his head to acknowledge the other man's presence. He had half a mind to drag Melissa out of the building site but his rational mind stopped him.

Melissa shook her head at Lord Benjamin's unabashed attitude and walked in, ignoring the two men behind her. At this moment, nothing could distract her from checking out her real 'baby', her precious art gallery.

The moment she was out of ear shot from them, Duke Kensington looked at Lord Benjamin and asked directly, "Are you interested in my fiancée?" 

Lord Benjamin who was staring at Melissa's back, turned to Duke Kensington upon hearing his question and replied, "She's a really lovely woman. I'm sure many would want her as their wife, Your Grace." 

Lord Benjamin couldn't be bothered to talk further to Duke Kensington. He quickly followed where Melissa was going. He rarely got the chance to spend time with this woman, and he would not waste it on another man instead.

For the second time in his life, Duke Kensington felt anger surged through him, prompting an inner urge to hurt someone, this time it's the shameless man in front of him. Knowing his promiscuous reputation, Lord Benjamin most likely had lewd intentions towards Melissa, and this angered the Duke more.

Melissa on the other hand, was focused on the completed renovation of this magnificent place.

As she stepped into the main hall, she was greeted by a spacious, airy atmosphere with high ceilings and ample natural light, filtered through large, unobtrusive windows and skylights. She had chosen polished marble for the flooring, creating a sleek, reflective surface that adds to the sense of grandeur.

The walls were painted white, providing a clean backdrop that allowed the artwork to stand out. These walls featured subtle, built-in lighting to highlight individual pieces without overwhelming them.

Melissa had also thoughtfully prepared comfortable seating areas, furnished with contemporary, minimalist furniture, which were strategically placed throughout the gallery, allowing visitors to pause and contemplate.

Melissa's eyes glistened with tears from a sense of accomplishments. She could already imagine her art pieces being showcase here, and soon when her reputation grew, she would be able to collaborate with other artists and they could hold more exhibitions regularly then. Melissa had also went as far as planning to establish an art school for young children and youth. She was lucky enough to be discovered at a young age and she figured probably there were many other gifted children like her as well. How good it would be to be the one who discovered these hidden talents!

As she was immersed with her thoughts, Lord Benjamin was already standing by her side, and Duke Kensington followed suit, standing on the other side. Both of them shared the same admiration to the beautiful outcome of Melissa's vision on the art gallery. Everything was tastefully done.

"Do you like it?" Melissa subconsciously asked aloud, with no specific reference to whom she was asking.

"Yes." Both men answered the same time, drawing irks from each other.

Melissa immediately turned to both sides and realized she was sandwiched by the two men. Feeling a little awkward, she coughed lightly and started walking ahead, inspecting each crook of the place, from the first floor to the second floor, and even the yard. She had asked for a shaded seating area to be built outside, adjacent to the building and upon seeing the ample seating spaces, she was satisfied.

Suddenly she turned to Duke Kensington and said lightly, "Zachary, I'm thirsty."

Duke Kensington smiled at her and immediately left to get her a glass of water.

The moment he left, Melissa turned to Lord Benjamin, "Benjamin, were you the one who sent me those gifts?"

Lord Benjamin was taken aback by this sudden question but quickly recomposed himself, "Yes, it was me."

"I see. May I know why?" Melissa pressed on.

"I've admired you for a long time Melissa. I meant no harm. I hope you're not offended." Lord Benjamin quickly explained.

He was surprised at her forward attitude. Normally girls would appear shy and act coquettishly when they receive gifts from an admirer, but this girl in front of him appeared to be unaffected, instead she seemed to dislike the gesture.

"You know, from where I came from, these anonymous gifts might be a bit creepy, and usually sent by a stalker or someone with evil intentions. But of course, having known you for quite a while, you didn't strike me as someone creepy or a stalker. So I would just take it as gifts from a friend who's shy and not brave enough to confront a lady friend. I'm not offended. But Benjamin, you should know, not every girl is the same, and not every method works."

After a pause, Melissa continued, "I thank you for the gifts, but I hope you will not send anymore to me, lest Zachary might be offended."

Lord Benjamin looked at Melissa and she smiled at him, easing whatever discomfort she might had caused him. Lord Benjamin was silent, processing her words and for the first time in his life, he felt embarrassed and was rendered speechless by her.

"Benjamin?" Melissa called out to this man who had suddenly turned into a statue. Did she say something extreme? She was merely speaking her mind.

Lord Benjamin finally sighed and smiled sheepishly at her, "Melissa, you're indeed worthy to be spoiled by your loved one. Can we still be friends?"

"Of course! I will never decline genuine friendships." Melissa said while nodding her head.

"Melissa." Duke Kensington's voice sounded behind them.

Melissa turned and saw him coming with a glass of water. She suddenly felt nervous. In her bid to send Duke Kensington away for a while, she had indirectly asked him to get her a glass of water. Now looking at him, Melissa couldn't help but feel guilty. Usually others tend to his needs, and here I am, casually asked him to get me a glass of water. I hope he's not offended.

Duke Kensington handed over the glass to her and smiled. Melissa took it and quickly drink the water to calm her nerves. Unexpectedly, she choked and started coughing violently.

Both Duke Kensington and Lord Benjamin reached out to pat her back. But before Lord Benjamin's hand could touch her, Duke Kensington shot him a look which caused the other man to retrieve his hand while glaring at him. Duke Kensington proceeded to pat her back at ease, as if he was accustomed to touch her.

Lord Benjamin felt annoyed at Duke Kensington's attitude, which clearly trying to flaunt his authority over her. Not someone who easily gave up, Lord Benjamin smirked and thought to himself, 'As long as she's not married, I still have a chance.'