Carabella first met Jefferson when she was twelve and Jefferson when he was seventeen. The significant age difference made Carabella always feel awkward whenever she met this cold man. Since his youth, Jefferson had always been known as a cold-hearted and heartless young man. Therefore, their relationship from then until now has never been harmonious. In fact, Carabella really hated him for always being belittled like now.
When Carabella tried to pick up a rose brooch that had fallen to the floor, Jefferson deliberately kicked it a little away. Every time she tried to reach the brooch, her efforts were always thwarted by Jefferson's childish behavior. Was this because they hadn't seen each other for years?
"Why didn't you greet me?" The sharp gaze in his eyes made her head lower even further.
"Excuse me, Mr. Jefferson. I was actually going to pick up my brooch that I dropped. May I take it first?"
Jefferson smiled sarcastically as he kicked the brooch further away from them. Finally, Carabella straightened up and stood face to face with this incredibly annoying young man.
"You finally looked at me," Jefferson said, his eyes flashing as if he wanted to pounce on Carabella.
Of course, Carabella didn't want to remain silent. She was now an adult and didn't want to be belittled by a man who, in her eyes, was so childish.
"I'm sorry. I actually didn't want my brooch to get dirty."
"Why don't you ask how I am?"
"What?"
"We haven't seen each other in six years. Aren't you curious about how I've been doing while I'm abroad?"
"On what basis do I ask you that?"
"Since you know me, of course you should know how I've been doing."
Carabella rolled her eyes, stomped her feet in annoyance, and walked away from the strange man. She crouched down to pick up her rose brooch, which had become dirty from being kicked repeatedly. She wanted to vent her anger at this terrible fate on her birthday. She had only met Jefferson a few minutes ago, but she couldn't stand living in this luxurious residence.
"My caste is still lower than yours. Now I work as a gardener in your family's residence to replace my father."
"You're so stiff, Carabella."
"I just wanted to show my courtesy, Mr. Jefferson. If there's nothing else you'd like to discuss, I'll take my leave."
Jefferson deliberately stretched out his right hand to block his special guest's path. "You look different today than usual."
"I'm wearing the dress your parents gave me for now. I'll wash it tomorrow and return it to them."
"Happy birthday, Carabella."
It was the first time Carabella had heard those simple words finally come from the lips of a cold-hearted man. However, she still considered it a formality, as Jefferson was the young master of this house. She had never considered him a friend.
"Thank you, Mr. Jefferson."
"Actually, I still can't believe your father sold you to my family on your birthday."
"That's none of your business!"
"From now on you have to be nice to me."
"I remain friendly to you because you are my master."
The corners of his lips quivered at Carabella's stubbornness, which hadn't changed in six years. "Then, I won't stand in your way any longer. I heard from my father that they're throwing a welcoming party for you today."
Carabella put her rose brooch back on her dress and bowed her head again. "If you'll excuse me, Mr. Jefferson."
Slowly she stepped away from the young man who had made her blood pressure rise.
"Smile, Carabella."
Her footsteps paused for a moment as she turned around. Their eyes met, slightly apart. Although the words sounded warm, Carabella was incredibly nervous, staring into those brown eyes, as if they were about to devour her. She knew perfectly well that Jefferson was simply making small talk.
Carabella didn't reply to Jefferson's words. She continued her leisurely stroll around the gardens of the luxurious residence, banishing all negative thoughts about Jefferson. Seeing Jefferson's childish behavior earlier had made her resent him even more and no longer wanted to live with him.
Several minutes had passed, and now Carabella was gathered with the Alexander family in the garden gazebo. Carabella still refused to meet Jefferson's gaze, which had been staring intently at her. She kept her head bowed as she sipped chamomile tea.
"Carabella, do you like our gift?" Vilia asked, looking at her special guest with sparkling eyes.
Carabella nodded. "Of course. Thank you for this beautiful gift."
"Jeff, why are you so quiet? You and Ella haven't seen each other in a long time," Alexander scolded, shaking his head.
Jefferson smiled broadly, his chin resting on his hand. "Actually, Ella and I met earlier."
"Really?" Alexander's eyes widened.
"But, it seems like Carabella doesn't care about me because we haven't been close since long ago."
"What are you talking about, my son? Of course, you've always been very close. It's just that you're shy."
Carabella likely wanted to report Jefferson's bullying of her while walking in the park. However, to avoid losing her job, she was forced to keep it a secret.
"I'm sorry, Uncle. I'll care about Jefferson more."
"By the way, Dad, may I speak to Carabella after this banquet? There's something important I want to discuss with her."
"Of course you can. There must be a lot you want to talk to her about since you haven't seen each other in a while."
Once again, Carabella couldn't escape the terrible fate she faced today. After chatting with Alexander and Vilia during this simple meal, Carabella and Jefferson were now left in the garden gazebo. Carabella could only hope that time would pass quickly so she could be free from this annoying man.
"What do you really want to talk about?" Carabella asked firmly.
"As you know, I'm engaged now."
"Then, what does it have to do with me?"
"Carabella, do you hold a grudge against me?"
"No."
"Then, why is your tone so cold?"
"I think you just misunderstood, Jefferson."
"Since you have been cold to me for so many years, you must grant my wish now."
"What do you want from me? Don't make things more complicated!"
"Satisfy me."