It's Your Turn To Cry and Beg, Dear Uncle
Chapter 15: The Lingering Scent

Chapter 15: The Lingering Scent

"Sir?" Mr. Roman continued to call. His voice grew worried.

After all, he did witness his young master and mistress returning home in a fit of anger. It appeared they had yet to reconcile. Many of them also saw them pushing the door while yelling at each other. He even had to dismiss the group of helpers who seemed eager to watch the drama.

The gossip amongst the maids was especially unsavory. There was one time when he accidentally eavesdropped on their conversation where they discussed how young master James and Miss Kyra bickered like a couple instead of an uncle and a niece. But since Mr. James had introduced his girlfriend the other day, some said Miss Kyra was probably jealous.

The most unforgiven one was when they said Ms. Lila was merely a front to cover the illicit affair between young master James and Miss Kyra. They even confidently confessed that he had witnessed that night when Miss Kyra had waited for Mister James and that Miss Kyra had confessed to the young master.

The moment Mr. Roman heard that, he immediately dismissed them and even sued them for defamation. As the butler of this mansion and the one who overlooked the workflow within this place, Mr. Roman was determined to protect his young master and mistress regardless of the truth.

Besides, it was none of their business what went on between their employers. So, the helpers better keep their mouths shut. He had warned them sternly. Not a word should get out of this mansion, not even to the other family members.

Yet, he couldn’t help but be worried about what happened behind this closed door.

Meanwhile, the two people inside were still in a state of confusion and shock. James’s hands were planted firmly on either side of Kyra’s head, trapping her in an undeniably possessive stance. Her swollen, red lips, and their heavy breathing told the story of what had just transpired between them, a silent testament to the intensity of their moment.

Kyra was the first one to break eye contact as she threw her head to the side. She hugged her own body in a protective stance. Despite not being naked, she could still recall his touch on her skin and chest. The embarrassment successfully burnt her cheek even redder.

Yet, for some reason, her action only made her even more adorable in James’ eyes to the point that he became disgusted with himself.

"Sir, please quickly come down as they’re all waiting for you." Mr. Roman’s voice rang once again and completely sobering them up.

James quickly got off the bed and began buttoning his shirt whilst Kyra sat up slowly, one hand pressed to her chest to keep her bra from slipping. Her gaze lingered on James as he dressed, every movement of his oddly captivating, almost tantalizing.

When James looked up and caught her dazed expression, his heart gave an involuntary throb. He swallowed hard, pushing his thoughts aside, and reached out to pull her up.

Kyra gasped in surprise, her mind reeling, but her confusion only deepened as she watched what he did next.

James slipped his hand under her top, gently adjusting the strap of her bra and fastening it securely. With a quiet focus, he tidied her clothes and even brushed her hair back with his fingers, his touch surprisingly tender.

At least, in Kyra’s mind, James was currently caring towards her. Yet, she couldn’t stop herself from asking about what happened just now.

’Does this mean he also holds affection towards me?’ Kyra thought to herself.

Meanwhile, James noticed another trace of his passionate actions upon brushing her hair back and he was rendered speechless. Now, what? How should she present herself in front of the family and Lila?

Kyra knitted her eyebrows at his piercing stare on her neck. "What?"

"Marks..." he mumbled.

"Huh?"

James pursed her lips. "There are marks on your neck."

Kyra froze at his words. A moment later, she darted into the bathroom and turned toward the mirror, tilting her neck to inspect her reflection. Trails of kiss marks adorned her pale skin, starting from the crook of her neck and trailing down to her cleavage.

Her mind went blank. Her family was here. The kiss marks were there. They would see. A wave of panic surged through her. Everything had happened so fast.

James noticed the fear on her face and couldn’t help but find it ironic. ’Didn’t she relentlessly chase after me? And now, she’s so nervous her face has gone pale at the thought of her family finding out.’

"Ah!" Kyra was suddenly enlightened. "I can cover them with concealer!"

She saw James from the reflection of the mirror and said hesitantly, "Umm...can you–"

"I will go down first," said James, expressionlessly. Kyra was dumbfounded by the sudden change of attitude. There was no way she had imagined it, his curt response was apparent and the way he left her felt somewhat distant.

"J-James..." Kyra tried to stop him but the man had already slammed the door shut. Following that, she heard his steps drifting away. Kyra pressed her lips into a thin line.

****

Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the living room downstairs was warm and harmonious. Lila had quickly charmed Creighton and Jane, the elder master and lady of the Synders household.

Initially, they had been displeased by the unexpected presence of a stranger, especially after coordinating with their daughter-in-law for a visit to their grandson’s mansion.

It had been quite some time since their last gathering, and they had hoped for an intimate family dinner. However, James’s aunt, Cressida, had brought Lila along unannounced. It wasn’t surprising, they were well aware of Cressida’s ongoing attempts to matchmake James with daughters from her socialite circle.

Although they did wish for their grandson to finally date someone, that didn’t mean they agreed with Cressida’s meddlesome action and even more so, when she turned a family dinner to a matchmaking session.

Hence, they were especially unfriendly towards the lady. But, Lila was polite and humble. Their dislike didn’t deter the young lady from being kind. At one point, they just ended up talking to her and finding her lovely.

They were even more surprised when Lila told them that she was, in fact, James’ girlfriend. Their attitude immediately took a one-eighty turn. Someone had tamed their grandson!

"My, Lila, I think I know why James fell in love with you," Jane held Lila’s hand and gently rubbed them. The old lady smiled ear to ear.

Lila blushed charmingly at Jane’s words. Meanwhile, Cressida looked proud. "Obviously, when I first laid eyes on her, I knew immediately that such a lovely young lady would be able to charm our James. Turns out, I wasn’t wrong."

"Ahem.." Creighton cleared his throat, feeling awkward amidst the women’s talk. "Where is James and Kyra?"

Mr. Roman was about to respond when James interrupted. "I’m here, Grandpa."

Lila’s eyes lit up as soon as she saw James. She didn’t even bother to keep her ladylike appearance as she stood up and rushed into James’ arms.

"Darling, I miss you," she whined while hugging the man’s waist.

Jane and Cressida exchanged delighted smiles. Lila’s eagerness was endearing, after all. However, unlike his usual self, James stiffened at her touch. A wave of unease swept over him, even a hint of repulsion.

Lila quickly noticed his lack of response—something that had never happened during their time together. But before she could ask, a fleeting sweet scent wafted past her, just noticeable enough to catch her attention.

In that instance, Lila’s entire being froze. A feminine scent?

She was familiar with James’ perfume and even the smell of his shampoo and body wash. After all, they did spend a week together in Italy. However, none of his products had exuded such a feminine scent.

Then, before she could think further, a cheerful voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

"Grandpa! Grandma!"

Lila looked up from James’s arms to see Kyra entering the room, clad in an oversized black sweater. The loose sleeves swallowed her hands, and the hem covered more than half of her white shorts, giving her a delicate and lovely appearance.

"My sweetheart! Come here and let me see you!" Jane’s joy was unmistakable, her tone far more enthusiastic than it had been with Lila. The difference wasn’t lost on Lila either.

Before Lila could fully process the situation, James peeled her arms away and stepped back, his expression unreadable.

"Let’s sit down," he said simply before walking off toward his family without holding her hand and bringing her as well.

Lila stood frozen, her lips pressed into a thin line. Her intuition screamed that something was off.

As she tried to gather her thoughts, Kyra breezed past her, the faint sweetness of her scent lingering for just a moment but enough to send the alarm in her head blaring. Lila instinctively took a deeper breath, hoping to confirm her suspicion, but the scent had vanished.

Still, a seed of doubt had been planted. Silently, she observed James and Kyra, her gaze darting between them.

An ominous feeling crept into her heart.