As predicted, the atmosphere was tense upon hearing this ridiculous request. Even Vilia was shocked to hear it, staring at Carabella, who kept her head lowered. They didn't want to blame Carabella for readily agreeing to her son's request or belittle her for her lower status. However, they were deeply confused about what her son had been thinking over the past two days. Why was he acting so rashly when he had always maintained his perfectionist attitude?
Vilia exhaled heavily. "My son, I'm actually still curious about you. Why are you acting like this all of a sudden?"
"Didn't I tell you earlier that I need Ella by my side?"
"But, don't you know that your fiancé's family is stricter than ours? Moreover, their family has hated Ella for a long time!"
"Don't worry. I can definitely hide Ella well. Besides, haven't Ella and Larissa known each other since childhood?"
"You should think this through more carefully. Do you want Ella's life to be even more miserable?"
Amidst this family argument, Carabella continued to lower her head and stare at her nails. From the start, she knew Alexander's family accepted her only out of pity. However, when it came to caste, she had always wanted to keep her identity hidden. Therefore, she decided not to expect much from this family. All she wanted was money to support her life.
"Uncle, auntie, I know Jefferson was very reckless. After thinking about it, I'll just stay here," Carabella said softly.
"No. Since you promised, you have to keep your promise."
Alexander rested his chin on his hands and narrowed his eyes. "Actually, I agree with Jefferson's actions."
Vilia immediately looked at her husband with a pleading expression. "Are you really not afraid something will happen to your son or Carabella?"
"Now that I think about it, if Carabella is left working in the garden, it will ruin her skin too. She's so beautiful, she should take care of her appearance." Alexander looked at his son with a graceful smile. "Is that so, my son?"
"In my mind, gardening is a man's job, it's really not suitable for Ella."
Vilia remained silent, staring at her husband and son, who were on the same side. "Okay, if you want Ella to work inside the house, I'll let her."
"Thank you dad."
"But, you have to take responsibility for this proposal. Don't let Ella suffer because of this crazy idea."
*****
Carabella was finally freed from a tense argument between family members. Her next challenge was walking close to the man she hated so much. Being involved in this situation made her even more unwilling to forgive Jefferson, as it severely damaged her self-esteem.
Carabella was still packing her things in her room, bringing only a few essentials for her stay at Jefferson's new home. Her head remained lowered, feeling unworthy of holding it up in such an awkward situation.
"Why did you take so long?"
Hearing that distinctive, sharp voice made Carabella roll her eyes and turn to face her enemy. "Why didn't you come into my room without knocking?"
A sinister smile spread across his handsome face. "I'm the young master of this house. Why would I knock?"
"You still have to show some manners!"
Jefferson slowly walked toward this sweet woman who was becoming increasingly stubborn. "I'm curious. Yesterday, when we met in the park, you seemed shy. Then, as time went on, you became increasingly rude to me. Is it because you already consider me your friend?"
Carabella laughed awkwardly, patting her thigh. "Since when did I want to be your friend? I only treat you as my superior because you and I can never be friends."
His footsteps stopped just five meters in front of Carabella. His right hand lifted her pointed chin and he gave her an intense gaze. "If you treat me like your superior, you should be polite to me."
"What if I don't want to be polite? Didn't you say I was very stiff yesterday? And then you didn't like me calling you sir."
Although Carabella found him incredibly annoying, Jefferson was starting to like the situation. His heart warmed every time he argued with her. Now he didn't want to be annoying her anymore. His right hand immediately went into his pants pocket.
"You did it, Ella."
"What do you mean?"
"Today you managed to satisfy me." A faint smile etched on his handsome face made Carabella's heart flutter slightly.
Carabella admitted that every time Jefferson smiled, she was speechless. However, that didn't mean she had a special crush on him. She felt she didn't deserve to love a wealthy family because she came from a lowly background. Furthermore, her father was always causing trouble, making her want to kill him one day.
However, on the other hand, Carabella was also curious about what "satisfying" meant. Was her mission to make Jefferson smile? Why did it have to be her who made him smile? Why not Larissa, Jefferson's beloved fiancée?
"By the way, how did I manage to satisfy you?" Carabella asked, averting her eyes.
"I won't tell you."
"You are so naughty, Jefferson."
"But, I want to clarify with you. What I meant last night wasn't that we were doing what newlyweds usually do."
"There's no way I'm talking to you about that when you're getting married soon!"
"Good job today, Ella." His right hand lifted her tiny chin again. "Don't keep your head down if you don't want to be looked down upon."
In the end, Carabella complied with Jefferson's instructions. She slowly raised her head and flashed a confident, resolute look in her eyes.
"I won't let you keep putting me down."
"Mr Jefferson!"
Hearing the screams of one of the household assistants, Jefferson spontaneously walked out of the room and then went to the household assistant who was running everywhere looking for him.
"Mr. Jefferson, I've been looking everywhere for you!"
"What's going on? Why are you looking for trouble in broad daylight?" Jefferson replied coldly. As usual, he hated people who shouted at him.
"Ms Larissa is looking for you."