Chapter 23
sophia needed a housekeeper? she expected Eloise to cook, clean, and serve them?
What made them think she would agree, especially with such a condescending attitude?
Eloise gave awry smile, not even bothering to respond. She tumed and walked away.
“Eloise, I’m only considering you first because we’re friends. Don’t worry about the salary – I won’t shortchange you. Stop being so concerned about appearances
and think it over.
all, the rent for your villa must be quite expensive,” Sophia called after her, her voice trailing as Eloise quickened her pace, leaving them far behind.
See? The world was so peaceful and beautiful without that noise
With her hands in her pockets, Eloise walked home with a light step.
The next day, she began painting the walls. The original white walls were fine for the first–floor living room, but she wanted a soft blue for the upstairs bedroom and small sitting room.
After mixing the paint, Eloise started on the second floor. Her technique was
as clumsy at first, but after watching a
ching a few tutorial videos, she gradually mustered it
Still, progress was slow by herself. So, when Xavier called, she immediately asked him to come over and help.
Xavier didn’t come alone he brought Jack along. The two men surveyed her progress and gave her a thumbs–up in admiration
“Eloise, it’s just a rental. Do you really need to go through all this trouble to renovate it?” Xavier asked as he stirred the paint.
Since I’m living here, I want to live comfortably,” she replied casually.
“Fair enough”
jack, being more experienced, corrected their technique and smoothed out areas Eloise had missed earlier.
“This homeowner must be an unhappy person,” Jack commented as he worked.
Eloise tilted her bead, curious. “Why do you say that?”
“Look at these stack white walls, the gray tile floors, and the empty spaces, what do they remind you of?”
“What?” Xavierasked, intrigued.
“A mortuary.
“Huh?” Xavier glanced around, shivering. “Now that you mention it, it does feel a bit like one.”
“Living in a place like this every day–how could anyone be happy?” Jack concluded
Eloise took another look at the house. From the day she moved in, it had given her only one feeling–cold.
⠀⠀ No warmth, no life–all it had was a stifling stillness
That was why, when William had suggested she could redecorate, she had agreed without hesitation. She couldn’t live in a place like this torlong, she feared she would become part of it, growing cold herself–like a wallding corpse.
The thought made Eloise shudder.
William did he truly have warmth?
When he texted her saying he would cook for her or suggested for them to get married, what expression had he won? Perhaps none at all.
All those moments of gentleness and warmth–were they real? Or were they just her imagination, a projection of her own desires?
William felt more like a digital fiancé than a real one
“The wall color doesn’t match the tiles. Are you planning to replace the flooring Jack asked while painting
Eloise snapped out of her thoughts and chucked at her overactive imagination.
(“Oh, I’m planning to lay down wooden flooring,” she replied.
“Upstairs and downstairs?
Then you should hire professionals. This villa’s too large for you to DIY.”
“I’ve already arranged for someone to handle it,” she replied.
They grabbed a quick lunch at noon and resumed painting in the attemoon. With three of them working, they managed to finish by nightfall.
no exception. She
It wasn’t often they did such physically demanding work, and even Xavier and Jack–both strong men–were exhausted. Boise, naturally, was no
ordered takenut, set up a table in the yard, and the three of them enjoyed food and drinks under the stars while chatting
“I’m thinking of building small flower beds on either side of the yard, Eloise mused, planning how to transform the outdoor space.
