Stray cats had wandered to the door before, and Simon Lockwood had, without exception, coldly driven them away.
The housekeeper figured her boss must actually hate small animals.
So people liked cats and dogs, and naturally, so people hated them. There was nothing strange about it.
A flash of conflict crossed Joanna Kennedy’s eyes. As if sensing it was about to be abandoned, the kitten let out a soft cry. "eow..."
Joanna Kennedy held the kitten a little tighter and said, "I’ll talk to Simon Lockwood myself..."
The housekeeper said no more.
After bringing the kitten into the villa, Joanna bandaged its wound and prepared so goat’s milk. The little thing was starving and practically buried its head in the small bowl to drink.
Joanna crouched down, watching the adorable little kitten. After a long mont, she sighed softly.
She had sounded resolute earlier, but in truth, she wasn’t confident she could persuade Simon. She was only a guest here herself; how could she have the nerve to make demands?
’What will I do if Simon says no? Take the kitten back to my dorm? I have to work; I don’t have ti to care for this fragile little life.’
’But since fate brought us together, I can’t just stand by and watch such an adorable kitten die.’
At five in the afternoon, the sound of a car ca from outside the villa. The housekeeper erged from the kitchen, peered through the French doors, and muttered, "Dinner isn’t even ready yet. Why is he ho from work so early today...?"
Joanna followed the housekeeper’s gaze just in ti to see Simon Lockwood get out of the car. He was tall with long legs and a cold expression, a light gray suit jacket draped over his left arm.
She beat the housekeeper to the door.
Simon walked up to the entrance, paused for a few seconds to smooth out the slightly wrinkled shirt he’d worn all day, and was just about to push the door open when it swung inward.
A young woman stood before him, dressed in a white cotton short-sleeved shirt and matching casual pants. Her black hair was casually swept up. She smiled at him, looking a little apprehensive.
Her bright eyes and pearly teeth gave her a radiant, blossoming beauty.
Simon’s dark eyes paused for a mont. His hand froze in mid-air before he finally lowered it and walked past Joanna into the house.
He had just raised his hand to set down his jacket when Joanna intercepted it, eagerly taking the suit jacket from him, smoothing it out, and placing it on the coat rack.
Simon watched her, bewildered. Joanna blinked her big, innocent-looking eyes at him.
Simon: "..."
Simon took a deep breath and started up the stairs. He hadn’t taken more than a few steps before he heard footsteps shadowing his every move.
He stopped; the person behind him stopped too.
He walked; the person behind him walked too.
After this happened a few tis, Simon finally turned around, his tone cool. "Joanna Kennedy, what are you doing?"
Caught off guard by his sudden question, Joanna rubbed her nose. "The housekeeper is cooking, and I can’t really help, so I thought I’d see if you needed for anything..."
’You have to butter soone up before you ask for a favor.’
"I’m going to my room to take a shower," Simon sneered. "Are you going to help with that, too?"
Joanna: "..."
Her face instantly turned beet red. She stamred, "My apologies."
Then she went clattering down the stairs.
She face-planted onto the sofa, the heat in her cheeks not yet faded. Burying her face in a throw pillow, she let out a silent, frustrated scream.
’Off to a terrible start!’
Standing on the second floor, he had a clear view of the living room below. Simon’s indifferent expression faded as his dark eyes stared intently at the small, huddled form on the sofa.
The darkness brewing in his eyes deepened. After a long mont, he closed them. When he opened them again, his usual indifference had returned. He retracted his gaze and walked toward his bedroom.
’No need to rush... I have all the ti in the world.’
Twenty minutes later, Simon ca downstairs. Dinner was ready. He took the long way around the table and sat down opposite Joanna.
Joanna could sll the faint, clean scent of soap on him, mixed with a hint of warm steam. Her fingers curled involuntarily, and her cheeks grew warm.
People always want to do sothing to cover up their embarrassnt. Joanna stood up, ladled a bowl of shredded chicken congee, and placed it in front of Simon.
"Th-this is really good."
’The mont she said it, she regretted it. This was Simon’s house; of course he’d had it before. She didn’t need to state the obvious.’
Joanna inwardly shut down. She lowered her head and ate in silence, trying to figure out how to naturally bring up the kitten.
Simon stared at the bowl of congee for a mont before speaking slowly. "...I let you stay here, but not to be my maid."
’Putting away my clothes, following around, serving food...’
Joanna paused her eating. She stirred her congee with the spoon, round and round, and said slowly, "I don’t feel like a maid. Isn’t this how you used to treat ...?"
Her voice trailed off, but Simon still heard her clearly. His expression didn’t change, leaving Joanna unable to tell if he was angry. Anxiously, she said no more.
Simon finished the bowl of shredded chicken congee nonetheless. He stood up to leave.
Joanna’s expression tensed. She knew if she didn’t speak now, she’d lose her chance.
"Simon Lockwood!" Simon’s gaze shifted to her, and Joanna imdiately lost so of her nerve. She began slowly, "Can I talk to you about sothing?"
Simon didn’t speak, just watched her in silence.
Joanna clenched her fists, mustering her courage. "I was in the back garden today, and... I found a little kitten."
Simon frowned. Joanna quickly added, "I know you don’t like cats, but it’s hurt. Could... could it stay for a few days? I’ll take it away after that..."
After speaking, she stared nervously at Simon, as if awaiting a verdict.
One second, two seconds...
The light in Joanna’s eyes was about to fade.
Simon spoke, his tone indifferent. "Do whatever you want."
’Is that... a yes??’
A flash of surprised delight lit up Joanna’s eyes, and her face broke into a wide smile. Her beautiful, almond-shaped eyes sparkled like crushed diamonds. "I-I’ll make sure it doesn’t bother you at all!"
’How could a tiny kitten possibly bother him?’ Simon didn’t say this, rely giving a noncommittal "Mm."
His tone was mild. "You can keep it, but it needs to be vaccinated."
’Oh, right. How could I forget that? And the kitten’s wound needs to be treated by a professional at the vet.’
’But how am I supposed to get there?’
Joanna agonized over whether she should ask Simon to borrow a driver.
But Simon spoke first. "I have nothing scheduled at the company tomorrow."
It was a seemingly random statent. After saying it, Simon turned and left.
Joanna stood frozen for a good ten seconds before it clicked. She clattered across the floor, running like the wind to the sunroom, where she crouched down and gently poked the little kitten curled up on its cushion.
The kitten let out a little "mreow" and nuzzled her finger.
Joanna broke into a goofy grin. As she laughed, her eyes reddened, and her vision blurred.
Simon’s casual words had suddenly made her feel like she wasn’t just a guest here, but that she and Simon were... living together.
She sniffled and spoke to the kitten. "Your new dad has agreed to keep you. Aren’t you happy?"
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