Chapter 9 You Are My Person

• Lily was about to get into a cab when her phone buzzed. She checked it, and when she saw the caller, she sighed. Eric. Before she would stop herself from picking up, she did.
• "Hello, Mr. Beaumont."
• "Lily, remember you promised to meet me." Eric's voice sounded through the phone.
• "Oh yes, I'm sorry. I had to rush by the office."
• "Can we meet now then? Meet me at the mansion," he said, without giving her a chance to reply.
• "Oh, okay," she said, and the call ended.
• Lily stared at the phone in her hand, open-mouthed. Why the mansion? She hadn't yet come to terms with what had happened the last time she went there. Neither did she want to run into Alexander. He would still be out with John, hopefully, she thought to herself.
• She turned to the driver. "Beaumont Estate, please," she said, and got in.
• Eric was standing at the door and waiting for her when she got there.
• "Lily," he said as he flashed his usual charming smile.
• "Mr. Beaumont," she said with a forced smile.
• He rolled his eyes. "I told you, just call me Eric," he said, and she nodded. She wasn't ready to be informal with him just yet.
• "Come with me. You must not have had dinner tonight. I told the cook to make something for you," he said as he led her in.
• Lily gasped. "You shouldn't have," she said when she saw the dining table.
• The room was bright tonight. The aroma of the food clouded her brain, and she couldn't deny the hunger.
• "It's not really a big deal. You're part of the family. You always have been," Eric said as he ruffled his black hair. He stepped behind her, pulling back her seat for her.
• She smiled and sat down, taking a good look at the food displayed on the table. At the center of the table was a roast rack of lamb. The tender meat was browned with roasted vegetables—carrots, parsnips, and small potatoes—all glistening with delight. The scent of rosemary and garlic wafted through the air, making her stomach rumble in anticipation. A large bowl of salad was on the side, surrounded by freshly baked bread and a small dish of butter, with cheese melting softly inside. What made her mouth water the most was the starter: an array of delicately smoked salmon canapés, among other dishes.
• Lily looked at Eric with furrowed brows. "Don't you think this is too big for two people?" she asked.
• Eric smirked. "Lily, honey, you deserve even more than this," he said, and her eyes shot to him.
• Lily, honey. The man was getting way ahead of himself.
• As they sat eating, Eric looked at her and smiled. "Actually, I was sad at Grandfather's passing, but I didn't know he would leave such a wonderful gift behind," he said.
• Lily nervously took a glass of wine and drained its contents.
• Eric watched her, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "I know to Alex it would be a hassle for him. He wouldn't understand why Grandfather tied the matters of the company to your personal life. But to me, I was excited and nervous at the same time," he said.
• Lily clutched her napkin, fondling it in her hands. She couldn't bring herself to look at him. She knew he had liked her for a long time, but she had never thought he was serious about it.
• "Actually, I know I've made it obvious that I've had feelings for you, but now I have a reason to pursue you fiercely, as I'm confident I can make you happy."
• Now, talk about wooing a girl, Lily thought to herself.
• "Is that so?"
• The voice that came next was one that was slowly turning into Lily's greatest nightmare.
• Alexander stood in front of the dining table, his arms folded and his face as cold as ever. If his eyes could shoot bullets, Lily was certain she would be dead by now.
• "What do you think you are doing?" Alexander asked, his attention on Eric.
• "Can't you see we are having dinner?" Eric countered, matching Alexander's cool expression.
• "I thought you were going home," Alex said, turning to face Lily.
• She was about to speak, but Eric stopped her. "What your secretary does in her free time shouldn't be your concern. And besides, am I not allowed to speak with her?" Eric said, and Alex coughed.
• Lily shook her head. The awkwardness had made her lose her appetite. "I'll get going," she said as she stood up and took her bag.
• "Lily," Eric called, surprised.
• "Thank you very much for the meal. I did not want to cause any unpleasantness," she said and turned to leave.
• As she walked away, she caught a glimpse of a triumphant look in Alex's eyes, though it quickly vanished as his face returned to its usual cold demeanor.
• "You see what you've done," Eric said as Lily left the hall.
• "What have I done, brother?" Alex asked, feigning innocence.
• "So annoying," Eric muttered and stormed out, heading up the stairs.
• Alexander furrowed his brows. He had expected Eric to go after Lily. Shaking his head, he decided to go in Eric's place.
• When he reached her, she was walking toward the gate. It was a long walk, the trees beautifully aligned on each side of the road.
• "Lily," he called, and she turned to him. She looked surprised as he approached her.
• "I thought you were going home," he said.
• "I didn't know I’d be having dinner with Mr. Beaumont. It was on short notice," she said, her tone cool.
• "You can't address us the same way. If you're going to do that, just call me Alex," he said.
• She shook her head immediately. "I'd rather call him Eric," she said.
• Alex was physically taken aback. He moved closer to her and used his index finger to lift her chin so her eyes could meet his.
• "Don't tell me you're being sweet already," Alex said.
• Lily had been in more intimate situations with Alex and hadn’t felt anything before. But now, her heart hammered against her chest as she tried to avoid his gaze.
• "Mr. Beaumont, fine. You want me to be all nice like Eric. I can do as much. I can woo you. I can make you fall in love with me."
• The promise in his cool voice made Lily's throat run dry.
• "Why would you do that? I was just..." She
• hesitated.
• "Because you are my person, and I hate when someone touches my possessions," he answered.