Chapter 15: A Small Token of Affection
As noon approached, Lena received an urgent report and had to leave the manor in haste.
Before leaving, she coldly tossed a remark to Reid: “Recite Chapter Eight of The Book of Etiquette; I’ll check when I return.”
Then, Lena followed the messenger in military uniform as he galloped away, leaving only the sound of hoofbeats gradually fading outside the courtyard.
In the library, Reid loosened his tightly knotted collar and finally gained a moment to catch his breath.
Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows and fell across the armchair where Reid leaned back with his eyes closed.
Lena’s etiquette lessons were never particularly interesting, and after a morning of accelerated thinking, Reid felt nearly exhausted.
His temples throbbed, and even with his eyes closed, he could still hear Lena’s icy voice echoing in his ears.
It was almost like going back to high school.
Lena’s voice began to blend with the sternness of Reid’s memory of his math teacher, just as he was about to slip into a brief nap, a faint floral scent wafted over.
Light footsteps halted beside him, accompanied by the rustling of silk skirts.
“Mr. Reid… are you alright?”
Reid opened his eyes to find Veronica standing before him, holding a steaming cup of herbal tea.
Her platinum blonde hair shone softly in the sunlight, and her blue eyes carried just the right amount of concern.
Veronica gently set the cup beside Reid: “This is chamomile tea with honey; it can help relieve headaches.”
Reid was slightly taken aback.
How did she know I had a headache?
As if reading Reid’s confusion, Veronica smiled slightly: “Your brow has been furrowed since earlier, so I thought you might need this.”
“Thank you, Miss Veronica, but I’m not thirsty right now.”
Reid smiled as he pushed the cup slightly away from him.
Veronica’s gaze lingered on the teacup for a moment; a flicker of an indescribable emotion passed through her blue eyes, but it quickly transformed into a soft smile.
“Perhaps I was inconsiderate,” she said gently, “but I feel… that you shouldn’t be so constrained.”
Veronica’s voice was soft, yet it created subtle ripples, like a drop of water hitting a still lake.
Reid was startled.
Could she see through it?
Reid’s silence seemed to give Veronica courage. She gently cradled Reid’s head, resting the back of it on something soft.
A mix of floral and creamy scents gently flooded his nostrils.
What was this soft thing?
It was difficult to guess.
Reid looked up at her, only to find the tips of Veronica’s ears slightly flushed, as if she were shy, yet held a certain firm gentleness.
But just then, an unexpected change occurred.
Reid suddenly felt a sharp pain exploding in the center of his forehead—
The side effects of accelerated thinking struck out of nowhere.
He instinctively covered his nose, but warm liquid was already leaking between his fingers.
Yes, Reid had a nosebleed.
Oh system, you are ruining my reputation!
“Mr. Reid!” Veronica exclaimed, placing a handkerchief in front of him.
Her blue eyes were filled with panic, yet sparkled with a strange light.
“Are you… is it because of me…” Veronica’s voice became very soft.
Reid was about to explain, but Veronica gently pressed a finger against his lips.
“No need to say anything; I understand.”
Her fingertip stained with a touch of crimson, yet she didn’t mind as she used a lace handkerchief to dab at Reid.
“I never knew someone could care for me so much…”
Blood dripped onto the collar of his white shirt, and Veronica’s gaze softened further, but her breathing began to quicken.
“It’s alright, Mr. Reid,” she undid the silk ribbon at her collar. “It’s better to press with this.”
The warm silk against his skin quickly helped stop the bleeding.
Veronica’s cool fingertips traced down the line of his neck, making gentle circles at his shoulder blade.
“Actually…” Veronica lowered her head slightly, her long eyelashes casting a faint shadow on her cheeks, “I’ve always envied Lena for having someone like you by her side.”
This statement was expertly phrased, neither belittling Lena nor failing to convey her feelings appropriately.
“Oh, I’m sorry!” Veronica seemed to suddenly awaken, shaking her head gently, “I said too much…”
“It’s just that seeing you hurt, I couldn’t help…”
Veronica’s voice trailed off, carrying a hint of regret, as if scolding her own impulsiveness.
“Miss Veronica, you truly are a,” Reid paused, as if choosing his words carefully, “surprising person.”
Veronica’s fingertips lingered above his collarbone: “I know there’s a special bond between you and her; I just hope…”
Her lips almost brushed against his ear:
“That when you need tenderness, you can think of me.”
The sunlight cast their shadows on the bookshelf, intertwining into an ambiguous silhouette.
Veronica’s hand slid down to his chest, feeling Reid’s heartbeat through the shirt.
“No promises, no obligations…” Veronica’s voice carried just the right touch of vulnerability, “as long as you’re occasionally willing to give me a little time…”
“Is that too much to ask?”
Her tone held just the right amount of pitifulness while maintaining a balance that wouldn’t be off-putting.
“Let me take care of you…”
Veronica released her hairpin, leaning forward to let her platinum hair cascade down onto Reid’s lap:
“See, I understand better than Lena how to help you relax…”
Every word from Veronica felt like carefully crafted honey, wrapping herself as the most harmless gift under the lazy afternoon sun, gently unraveling all defenses.
Understanding, yet not overly submissive.
Reid watched her, suddenly finding her very interesting.
Veronica’s gentleness resembled a delicately woven net, making one unconsciously want to draw closer.
Even knowing there was danger, only approaching would reveal what lay beyond this net.
But Reid had to take the risk.
After all, this was also the task of Employer Miss.
“Miss Veronica…”
“Hmm?”
“You truly are an… irresistible lady.”
Veronica’s eyelashes fluttered, and she placed a feather-like kiss on the side of his neck:
“This is just… a small token of my affection.”
