Chapter 11 First meeting
William's tone shocked Eva, as she had never heard him talk like that, but she couldn't understand why the Smith family found it shocking to hear the name Harry Hudson.
William took a deep breath to ease his anxiety and spoke in a soft tone.
Our major competitors include Hudson and their group of companies.
To be honest, they lack respectable conduct in their business practices.
Even in his personal life, Hudson cannot make a positive impression on society.
Many rumors surround Liam Hudson, who is widely known as a womanizer, and society frequently gossips about him, even in his advanced years.
He heads the Hudson Group as the chairman. Harry Hudson is his singular heir. “
“I got it, Mr. Smith. Don’t worry, I will keep a safe distance from him. I am just focused on my classes, so I don’t have any interest in my classmates. Until now, I have only talked to one girl. Her name is Joyce, and she is a decent girl who belongs to a wonderful family."
“That’s good. I know you are quite a sensible girl, and that is good for you only. You know, sometimes I find you more mature than my useless son Steve. You know Eva, after Stephen, I wanted a girl child in my family, but look at my luck, I got a son that is too like Steve.”
Eva giggled at his words, whereas Steve pouted, “This is so not fair, dad."
Rose tried to console him while laughing, “It’s ok, dear; your dad is just pulling your leg. But Eva, he was stating the truth. You know, when Steve was born, he couldn’t believe it. He thought the hospital authority exchanged the baby girl with a baby boy. “
“Really. “
“Yes “
“Now this is over my tolerance level, dad I never thought you disliked me so much," Steve complained
"No, Steve, later I accepted my faith and now looking at your business skills, I am proud of you but you have to keep your focus on business like your brother, not on those flings."
“Come on, dad, I was just enjoying my young age, but I am trying hard to focus myself. Trust me, from the day Eva arrived, I didn’t look at any other girl, “Steve claimed while winking at Eva
Eva just scrunched her nose, whereas Rose didn’t hold back to teasing him
“Yes, we all know that. That’s a distinct thing that she never even glances at you."
William rose and Eva giggled at the comments, whereas Stephen just smiled, as he knew very well how William diverted the topic to cheer Eva’s mood up. Stephen likes this quality of his dad, as he always handles the situation very well.
That night, when Eva left for her room, William got settled on his couch with his family
"You all know that the Hudson engages in illegal businesses under the guise of hotel operations. I didn’t want to tell all the details to Eva, as it would scare her to know this, but we should take precautions for her safety.
Stephen does appoint some reliable man for Eva’s safety.
Soon the Hudson’s will know that she is staying with us and our guest. I don’t want them to hurt that innocent girl because of our rivalry. ”
“I will see to it, dad."
Soon they called it a night, and everyone retired to their respective rooms. Eva could not sleep.
The words of William kept buzzing in her mind.
She was thinking about Harry, Today in class, when she met him, she found him a decent man She was glad that she didn’t tell the smith family about how Harry offered a lift to her; otherwise, she doesn’t know how these smith men will react.
But she decided she would follow as William told her; she would keep her distance from Harry.
In all these thoughts, her stomach grumbled again.
She quietly stood up and picked up the basket, as from that night onwards she always found a basket in her room, and the door kept locked.
She never asked Rose about this, but she trusts Rose that she is just ensuring her safety.
The next morning, Eva found only Rose at the breakfast table. She quietly had her breakfast and left for her classes. When she was near her car, she found a new man who greeted her and opened the door for her.
“Eva, he is your bodyguard. He will accompany you from now on, “Rose notified her
“But Rose,“
“I can understand that William had ordered special security for you. I hope you “
“It’s ok, Rose. Bye “
“Bye dear."
When Eva reached the class, the bodyguard remained out of her class. Eva was not feeling good, as all the way to the class, the other students were gawking at her. She was the only one who had a bodyguard accompanying her.
Soon, the class got started. Eva sat in her usual place, but when she found Harry seated beside her, she got alarmed.
Harry wished him with a smile, and she just returned the gesture.
After the class got started during the lunch break, Harry tried hard to start a conversation, but Eva gave him a cold shoulder.
Eva just wished to end the lunch break soon.
As the class got over, Eva started for the exit.
The bodyguard was behind her, all alarmed at his work.
Soon they started for home. After reaching her room, Eva collapsed on the bed.
Today she was feeling very disturbed. She never expected her visit to LA would turn out like this.
Eva felt like caged today as the bodyguard was trailing behind her.
But she knew that they made this arrangement for her safety only, but she was not used to it and didn’t want to get accustomed to this atmosphere either.
She just wished that these six months could pass quickly, but for whom she was kidding, it was only a month that she shifted here.
The following six months seemed to stretch out endlessly for her.
She kept shedding silent tears. She was missing her house, her friends, her free life, and her dad.
Eva just wished that her dad would never get transferred or maybe she could accompany him, but nothing happens as she wished for, and now she has to bear all these rich people’s rules and lifestyle during her stay.
In all these thoughts she fell asleep, and she woke up feeling a touch of a soft hand on her forehead. She blinked her eyes to open them and smiled at Rose, who was sitting beside her, roaming her fingers in her hair softly.
“Are youdear? “
Yes, I am fine. I slept, I think.
"Hmm, you must be tired. Now come on, let’s go for dinner, as today only we both are going to have it. William and Steve went to London for some work, and osteogenic stuck in office work. Go fresh up. I will order the maids to serve the dinner, “stating this, Rose left from her room
Eva entered the washroom first and washed her face to get rid of sleep and then reached for dinner.
After having her dinner, Eva entered her room and changed into her night and got settled on her bed.
She was trying to get some sleep when a sudden mobile ringtone disturbed her.
She smiled, looking at the screen as it were her dad
“Hi Dad, how are you? I was missing you so much.
“I miss you too, princess; you are fine there, right?"
"Hmm, I am ok, dad." Eva didn’t want to give tension to her dad by telling him about the security thing
“Princess, did you receive those documents?“
"No, which letter are you talking about?”
“The CA sent the tax papers to Smith's house as it needs your signature on it. Just check it; better ask Rose, as it must have reached till. now just sign it and post it by tomorrow evening, OK? “
“Alright dad."
* Princess, it’s urgent so don’t forget, ok .“
“I will search for it right now, OK? don’t worry, dad. “
After chatting for some more time, she hung up theTo her relief, the Smith men were not present in the home till now, so she reached the rose room, but when she found her door locked and lights off, she decided against waking her up.
But she has to find the papers now only, as tomorrow she has to attend class too; then she will not get much time to search for them. She remembers Kathey; she is the one who can help her with it
Soon she spotted Kathey, who was also leaving for her servant room. She called her and ask for the envelope
“Madam, I don’t know what you are asking about, but all the mail I received today is present in Stephen sir’s study room.
“You mean the second floor? “
"Yes, madam, but still, I couldn’t help you, as I may not be allowed to enter the room, and the worker who works on that floor has already left for his home.”
"Ok, I will ask Mr. Smith only; don’t worry, and you can leave now."
"Ok, mam, good night."
"Hmm, good night, Wait a minute, Did Mr smith return from the office yet?“
"No, madam, he will be late tonight, Rose madam told us.
“Okay then."
Kathey left for her servant room that was in the outhouse
Eva didn’t go to her room; she tried to check for Stephen's presence first. When she found his room lights off, she searched for her envelope in his study room. She was a little hesitant recalling Rose’s advice, but she didn’t want to ask Stephen for the envelope of what he would think of her, and so she took some courage and started climbing the stairs.
They also decorated this floor with a lavish interior. There were many rooms on that floor, which made her confused. She was also worried that what if his study room was found to be locked?
She discovered a study room sign outside a door and attempted to see if it was unlocked, but it wasn't. Eva took a deep breath and entered the room.
She quickly turned on the flashlight on her mobile.
Eva hastily began her search for the envelope, desiring to vacate the premises prior to Stephen's arrival.
. She was sorting through the collection of envelopes laid out on the table.
. She wishes to accomplish the work in minutes. That’s what she thought...
Eva was going through them when she heard some footsteps
. Eva always got uncomfortable around his formidable aura. He hardly speaks at first. Eva thought him to be dumb, but when she saw him speaking, listening to his impersonal voice and strict tone, she believed it’s a blessing that he spoke less.
A sudden voice made her nervous. She could hear some footsteps in the study room, so she did what she thought was right. She hid behind the couch. Soon the lights switched on and Eva held her breath
As time elapsed, she remained unaware of any further approaching footsteps.
She attempted to observe cautiously from the rear of the couch.
However, a startled cry escaped her lips upon discovering Stephen's presence, seated on the couch and looming over her.
Before she could make any physical movement, Stephen promptly positioned her on his lap.
Eva started wiggling her legs to get out of his hold. Which didn’t bother Stephen. He stood up and settled on the chair and started with his work. The fragile girl got tired from her continuous efforts, so she requested him in a low tone.
.“Sorry. … I will not do this again. Please let me go.”
Stephen kept doing his work without even responding to her. Eva started murmuring in the low voice, “The staff left my envelope here. I was just here to collect that. Let me go, please. I assure you I stole nothing . “
All her pleadings were going to deaf ears.
Stephen kept doing his work on a laptop.
With a stern look on his face, Eva fell asleep on his lap, her head resting on his chest. After half an hour, Stephen wrapped up his work and exited the study room with Eva, who was sleeping in his arms. When he reached the first floor, he entered the guest room.
He laid her down on the bed and tucked her properly with the comforter.
He gazed at Eva with an abundance of affection. Stephen received a notification from the bodyguard assigned to Eva, stating that Eva had been looking upset all day. Stephen knew that this was all new for her, but it was necessary, too.
Stephen attentively studied the visage of the enchanting young woman who held enormous importance to him, though he could not articulate these emotions in the present moment.
He firmly resolved in his mind that Eva is solely his.
Prior to making his intentions known to his parents or the public, he desires to capture her affection and reciprocate the same emotions he once had for her.
“My dear, you were mistaken to believe that you have stolen nothing as you have already taken possession of my heart, as there is no turning back from this point.”