Chapter 12: Daniel's Suspicion 1

Sebastian awoke to the bright sunlight streaming through the window, the warmth of the sun on his face, making it difficult to enjoy his sleep. He called out, "Hey, Charlotte, can you help me close the curtains? The sunlight is in my eyes." But as he turned his face towards the window, he heard only a squeaking sound, instead of the reply he expected.

Sebastian stood up, He called out, "Charlotte! Where are you?" But there was no answer. He looked around the room, his eyes fell on a plate of food sitting on a table, the silverware neatly arranged and a plate covering the food. But something was off. It looked like a table-setting. He forced himself out of the bed, and sluggishly moved to the table.

"Toast bread," He scoffs, as he moves to the bathroom. As Sebastian stood in the shower, the warm water cascading down his body, his thoughts turned to the night before. He remembered the way Charlotte had looked at him, the way she had smiled. He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. He left the bathroom, with water still dripping from his body. He reached out to a towel on the bed and started to get ready for work. He dressed in his finest suit, feeling like he needed to make a good impression. He left the house and headed to the office.

As Sebastian entered the office, his secretary, Linda, stood up and greeted him with a smile. "Good morning, sir," she said. "Would you like some tea or coffee?" But Sebastian barely acknowledged her, instead walking past her "I don't want to be disturbed." He said with a firm voice, and shutting the door to his office behind him. She turned to face the room, feeling the weight of his boss's gaze on her.

She sat back down at her desk, her face flushed with embarrassment. She tried to focus on her work, but her mind kept drifting back to the way Sebastian had brushed her off. She couldn't help but feel hurt and rejected. She kept her eyes fixed on her computer screen, but her fingers hovered over the keyboard, unable to type a single word.

"Boo!" Susan said in a scary tone from behind Linda.

"Aahh!" Linda screamed, jumping in her seat as Susan's voice startled her from behind. "Gosh, you scared me," she said, laughing nervously as she tried to calm her racing heart.

"I'm sorry," Susan said, smiling sheepishly. "But come on, you have to admit it was kind of funny. Anyway, I have to ask: what did Mr. Sebastian say to you? I saw him come in here all serious, and now you look like you've seen a ghost. Spill the beans!"

Linda rolled her eyes, "I'm not going to tell you anything," Linda said, feigning annoyance. "I have work to do, and I need to focus."

"Oh, come on!" Susan whined. "It's not like you're doing anything super important. And besides, it's not like you're going to get anything done with your mind so preoccupied. You might as well tell me what's going on."

Linda sighed, "Who told you that, please don't get me into trouble you know how our boss is." before she could finish her words Sebastian came out with an angry eye. "What's the meaning of this noise?" Sebastian yelled. "Speaking of the devil," Susan mumbled, her voice nearly above a whisper.

"What the hell are you doing here?" He yelled out.

Susan turned to face Sebastian, looking a little flustered. "I-I was just coming to borrow a pen," she stammered, trying to come up with an excuse. But before she could say anything else, Sebastian cut her off.

"You know how much I hate been disturbed." He said, his voice stern and his face a mask of anger.

"I'm sor….."

"Enough! Get out of here now!" Sebastian said his voice rising.

Sebastian walked back into his office, his eyes fixed on Linda. She could feel his gaze burning into her.

CHARLOTTE

"Hello kids how are you guys doing?" Charlotte asked with a smile playing on her face. "Hope you guys did not stress Mia?

"No we did not, Aunty Mia, was super nice." Daniella replied excitedly. "I love her," Julius said, swinging his body.

"You do?" Charlotte asked making a funny expression. "Oh, that's great to hear!" Charlotte exclaimed, a smile spreading across her face. "I'm so glad you had a good time. And I'm sure Aunty Mia loved having you over. Look, what do we have here, candies! I got you guys candies, lots of them." They all leap for joy, shouting "Candies! Candies!

She looked down at Daniel, her expression softening as she saw the sadness in his eyes. "Daniel, what's the matter?" she asked, kneeling down to his level. "You look like something's bothering you."

Daniel hesitated for a moment, his lower lip trembling slightly. "I don't want candies."

"But it's your favorite." Charlotte show, the candies to him.

"I said I don't want candies. " He yelled and stormed out.

Charlotte tried to stand up, but as she did so, she caught the look of sadness on Samantha's face. Her heart melted, and she couldn't help but give her a reassuring smile. "It's okay, sweetie," she said. "I miss him too. I'll go and make lunch." She slowly moves to the kitchen.