Family Breakfast (2)

The servants came in carrying platters of perfectly crafted food and fresh fruit. The table quieted down while everyone ate, giving me some time to recover my composure. 

Morgan kept her eyes glued to Christian, even as she ate. I found the scene so comical because it looked like she was ready to pounce across the table to eat him next.

"Christian, when do you think you'll visit again?" she asked in a high-pitched voice.

Now that they were officially engaged, it was more appropriate for her to converse with him.

Christian gracefully placed his fork on his plate and looked at her with a small smile. 

"I'm not sure; it may not be until the end of the week. I have a number of meetings at the company. There are many who wish to collaborate with us," he said with a professional smile.

Morgan pouted but nodded in understanding. She knew better than to get in between a man and his work.

"Collaborate? I'm curious who would be so eager?" my mother asked nervously. 

I doubt anyone is as eager as you are.

I scoffed in my mind at my parents' questions. Could they at least try to hide their greed a little?

Christian smiled at her probing, "Yes, some of the other top families have sent representatives to meet with me, I believe the Lombardi family is one of them."

My father nearly slammed his glass on the table, only catching himself at the very last moment. He sat quietly, looking around the room until his eyes fell on me. 

A big smile bloomed on his face. "Leslie, I remember you asking me to let you get a job a few times in the past. I was reluctant because I was worried about your safety."

Yeah, right, you were worried that you would lose your control over me.

My eyes widened as I looked at him. After finishing school, I had begged him on multiple occasions to let me work. I didn't want to rot away at home like Morgan did, but he always firmly denied my requests, stating that's not what ladies of the Moresi family did.

"I'll allow you to work only if it's at Christian's company. I'll feel relieved that you will be somewhere safe and in good care," he stated.

My heart was about to burst. His words caught me completely off guard. Not only would he be allowing me to work, but it would be at Christian's company!

A smile bloomed on my face as I turned to look at Christian to see if he agreed. A small, fleeting smile appeared on his face before he resumed a contemplative expression, as if he was seriously considering my father's proposal.

My father saw his neutral expression and quickly opened his mouth to try and sway him.

"She did decently well in school, and you don't need to give her any important job. It's been her desire to work, take it as her having some fun. Can you show her this small favor?"

"Dad!", Morgan cried out, but he shut her up with a single look.

Christian thought about it for a few moments, then nodded, "Sure, for my future bride, I'll find a place for her sister to work. It won't be a problem."

"Leslie, hurry up and thank Christian! Remember, I'm only allowing this because I trust him," my father quickly said.

I quickly bowed my head. "Thank you so much for this opportunity". My words were soft and cheerful, conveying the joy I was feeling.

"Not a problem, I'll speak to my assistant later today to find you a job. Feel free to start tomorrow if you'd like", he returned my thanks with a faint smile. 

My heart was pounding. I couldn't believe this was happening, it was like my horrible luck had finally turned around.

I was so elated that Morgan's death stares didn't even bother me. My life was finally starting to change, and it was thanks to Christian.

-

After breakfast, Christian excused himself, saying that he had some business to attend to. The rest of us barely made it to the living room before Morgan burst out in fury.

"Dad! How can you suggest such a thing?! Now Leslie will see Christian more often than I will!" she cried out.

"SHUT UP!" he shouted, silencing her, "Don't you see I'm doing this for you?!"

She looked at him with bloodshot eyes, tears were ready to burst out at any moment, "For me?"

"Yes! Didn't you hear what Christian said? All of the top families are trying hard to get collaborations with him, and they all have eligible daughters!" he explained.

"But dad, Christian and I are officially engaged..." Morgan mumbled. 

"Engaged doesn't mean anything! If someone like the Lombardis sends their daughter to his bed, and she gets pregnant with his child, do you think he will think twice before breaking it off with you?!"

Morgan burst into tears, shaking. "No! It can't be! Christian loves me!" she cried.

"Ha! Love is such a fickle thing, you need to be more careful! This is why I'm sending Leslie, the one person you can actually trust! She will act as your eyes and ears!" he said.

Ha. Yes, dear sister. You can trust me to take care of Christian for you. I promise to make sure no other woman climbs into his bed.

Morgan froze as if she were struck by lightning before turning over to me. 

"Leslie! You must tell me if any slut tries to approach Christian! I can't allow anyone to scheme against me!" she said, shaking my arm.

"Morgan, watch your language!" my mother scolded, "And of course, Leslie will keep watch for you. Be grateful for your father's quick thinking!"

Morgan wiped the tears from her eyes and nodded, "Thank you, Father."

She then turned to face my mother, "But mom, you don't think that Christian will want Leslie after spending so much time with her?"

"Preposterous! Christian hardly looks at her! He chose you! When your father proposed marriage, he agreed to marry you, not Leslie. Plus, I highly doubt they'll even see each other at work; he's far too busy to entertain her."

I simply stood at the side, watching this whole scene unfold. It was refreshing to hear Morgan's jealousy come to light finally.

"Enough!" my father shouted. "Morgan, act with dignity. If Christian knew you were acting like a shrew he would leave you without looking back. This is a critical period for you; make sure you're on your best behavior."

He turned to glance at me, "Leslie is your sister. She would never do something that would hurt you; that's against the tenets of our family."

Morgan nodded quietly, "I understand, Father."

After everything was settled, we all turned to retire to our rooms.

"Leslie, meet me in my study before you leave tomorrow. I need to speak to you", said my Father authoritatively.

"Yes, Father", I replied simply before returning to my room. 

-

When I entered, I noticed the new sheets on my bed, and the smell of the perfume was mostly aired out. The hamper and broken perfume bottle were cleaned up by the maids while I was at breakfast.

There were no signs of what transpired here left, making it all seem like a dream. 

I flopped down on the bed and looked at the ceiling, wishing I were looking at Christian instead.

C'mon, Leslie, don't tell me you're falling for him. You're both just having some fun, nothing serious.

As I continued to fight with my thoughts and feelings, I rolled over to lie on my side and noticed something under my pillow. 

"What's this?"

I reached under the pillow to find a small folded piece of paper and a gold chain. I noticed the chain immediately, it was the one Christian always wore.

My heart raced as I unfolded the note.

[Don't miss me too much]

The words on the note were few, but they made me blissfully happy.

How did he even manage to leave this here? Did he visit my room after he left breakfast?

I read the note dozens of times before carefully folding it and placing it deep inside my jewelry box, the only place with a lock.

The gold chain felt heavy in my hand. I wasn't sure what meaning it had, but there was something romantic about it— like a token of affection.