Chapter 7 - Timothy

It was Sunday, and it means it was my day off. It has been one month since the day I arrived here, but still, there's no progress in my investigation. I decided that I need to move and take further action.

So I woke up early for my agenda today. I wore running shoes, black running shorts, and a slim fitted black tank top. I plan to survey my old house to know if the enemy is still guarding it, and to do that without drawing attention I thought of this idea of mine.

Thankfully the weather was sunny and good for running. I put on my earphone as rushed down to my apartment. I didn't wear glasses 'cos it would be a bother. Luckily the distance from my apartment to my old house was not that far. I can exercise and at the same time, I can catch sight of what was happening to my former home.

I ran and never stopped until I was out of breath. Sweats beaded all over my body as I went to my destination. As I look around the familiar surroundings, memories flooded upon me. I leaned on a tree and I bent down on my knees while I was breathing rapidly.

I cast my eyes to a recognizable two-storey house about ten meters away from me.

I stood up and gathered my strength as I slowly jogged closer to the place that is once my home. I surveyed the place and thankfully no one there. I smiled but then it was replaced by a frown when I noticed someone's coming. Screw it! I have to postpone my plan in sneaking in. I'll do it later when the sun goes down. I need to plan it thoroughly on how I can get in. I need to find a clue or evidence.

I froze in place when I realized who's the person who interrupted my mission. He was wearing a Navy blue t-shirt that emphasizes his muscular physique, black running short and blue running shoes. He had grown to be a good looking man. I remembered how he used to be so thin when we were young.

My heart beats crazily and I have the urge to turn around but he already saw me. Oh, for heaven's sake! Why do I have to meet him here?! Then I realized, he lives here. We were neighbours in the older days. We used to be playmates when we were young. He was like my older brother, but everything changes when our family came into conflict because of business. Since then, I never played and talked to him.

It was awkward as we ran at each other. I don't know what to say to him, but as his assistant, I must greet him as a sign of courtesy. I gazed at his alluring features. If he was an actor, I would not hesitate to watch his face every day.

Stupid thought! Get yourself together Gab! He is a Fitzgerald! I calmed myself and greeted him.

"Good morning Sir."

He gazed at me and smiled. I was astonished that he was smiling at me. Is he okay? Did he eat something that turned him this way?

"Miss Miller," he greeted back.

"I guess it couldn't hurt if you call me Bella, Sir," I suggested as we ran together. He was slowing down following my pace.

"Bella," he blurted.

"Beautiful," he stopped and looked at me.

Heat flooded to my face 'cos of the intensity of his gazed. I hate this part of him even before. I dislike the way that he looks at me that gave shivers to my being. Maybe, he looks all women like this. I'm Bella Miller after all and the way he looks at me when I was Gabriela Sullivan was the same as now.

"You're a Don Juan Mr. Fitzgerald," I replied and I ran faster as I left him behind. He dashed to my side. He was fast, of course, he has long legs. I wonder if he has a long....bloody hell! What was I thinking?! I cut it up and shook my head.

"Call me Breece, when we are not in the office," he stated. I don't want to call him Breece, 'cos it only reminds me of my ex-friend.

"I like to call you Timothy rather," I chuckled and he frowned. Well, he doesn't want people calling him Timothy. I remember when we were young and I called him Timothy. He was annoyed by it.

I ran faster but he was keeping up with me. I was out of breath and I stopped as I bend down, taking a deep breath. I looked up, and he was on my side observing me or rather looking at my breast! This brute! I stood up and narrowed my eyes at him.

"What?" he queried. His voice was cold again.

"You're looking at my breast!" I said bluntly, eyeing him sharply.

"You're displaying it," he said nonchalantly as he looked away. My blood boiled and rage bottled up inside me. I can't take it anymore!

"You're a pervert!" I looked up at him with rage. He was tall so I had to hold my chin up. He creased his brows, bending down, aligning our eyes.

"I thought you were shy and sweet like a kitten but you're more like a tiger," he stated and smirked. Screw you, Fitzgerald! No more Miss Sweet Bella!

"And you're a cold-blooded, tyrant, perverted baboon!" I roared. He chuckled as if he found me entertaining.

I walked away from him and he held my arms to stop.

"Where are you going?" he questioned. I looked back at him as I raised my brow.

"I'm going back to my apartment Sir," I replied in disdained pulling my arms away.

"Let's eat breakfast first," he ordered, gesturing to his house. I paused and looked at the huge black gate. Fitzgerald home, maybe I can find something about my father's killer.

"If you insisted Sir," I replied annoyingly. He grasped my arms, tugging me into his house. I walked behind him as I take look at my surroundings.

I approached a two storey European style mansion with black, grey and white hues. We barged in enormous mahogany doubled door.

The interior was intricate, with a high ceiling attached to a colossal chandelier. A portrait of their family was hanged beside the huge stairs. Wall was painted with white, and a collection of paintings dangling on it. The floor was black made of marble that was kind of slippery.

"Good morning Master," The old butler welcomed. He bowed to Fitzgerald with his hand folding at the abdomen. Fitzgerald nodded as acknowledgement.

"Bring breakfast at the pool," he ordered. The man looked at me and smiled.

"Right away Master," he replied and stride away perfectly.

I followed Fitzgerald behind. We went to the back of his house where the pool located. At the side of it was a beautiful garden of roses. You can actually build a flower shop out of it.

We sat down face to face as we wait for breakfast.

"So, you do running?" he asked while leaning closer at me.

"I believe so," I replied. I dislike it when people asking me about my personal life. He nodded and throw me another question while rubbing his chin.

"Tell me about yourself," he questioned.

"I believe you knew it already Sir. Please reread my resumé," I answered. I can tell, he was fishing for information. He chuckled as he shook his head.

Our breakfast arrived and I busied myself from eating to avoid his questions and gazed.

We finished breakfast and there's an awkward silence between us. I regretted that I accept his invitations, but then I remembered why I'm here. I need to be closed to him as much as possible. Maybe I will use the things that Ellie thought me.

I licked my lips and gazed at him while I leaned forward.

"Tell me about yourself, Timothy," I queried.

"I believe you knew it already Bella. Try to reread it on the internet," he replied seriously. I clenched my fist and smiled at him. I want to punch his face!

"How can you sure about it? I want to know more about you, " I stated seductively. I undid my ponytail and let my hair fell. I twirled it with my finger while waiting for his answer. His gaze was cold as a block of ice. I can feel that he doesn't like me much, but it's okay. The hell I care!

He stood up quietly and walked towards the pool. I know he cannot stand me, but it was so rude to leave while I was talking!

I went towards him, standing closer and gazed at him. He was crossing his arms around his chest, looking afar.

"Fitzgerald," I said softly trying to get his attention.

He creased his eyebrows and stared at me. Something is moving in my stomach and I don't understand what it is. His gaze was so penetrating that made my whole body weak. His grey eyes were hypnotizing that I cannot take off my eyes on it

"Thank you for the breakfast, Sir. See you tomorrow," I smiled but he did not respond.

Then I remembered what Ellie said to me. My heart was hammering inside my chest. Okay, I will do it!

I bit my lower lip slowly and he stared at it. I move closer to him then wrapped my hands around his neck lightly and tiptoed while I gazed at his lips. His body stiffened with my touch then relaxed. Ellie must be proud of me. He leaned down on me and our face was an inch away. I parted my lips, but horror took over me when I felt a slimy object on my feet. Then my eyes widen when I saw a small green creature jumping towards me.

"Frog!" I exclaimed. I jumped into him with terror, embracing him tightly. Then we fell into the pool.

~End of Chapter 7~