I went downstairs and asked Oliver where the garden was. "Down that corridor to the left." he informed me, pointing near the billiards room. I thanked him then hurried in that direction with excitement.

After a few wrong turns I was able to find the garden. It was outside yet hidden by the apple trees surrounding it. It was beautiful.

I noticed a man on the swing. It was Niccolo. He turned around and walked towards me. I backed up against one of the trees. I hate to admit it, but for some reason I was terrified of him.

he was inches from me, his face emotionless. "Glad you found the garden alright." he said without blinking.

"Yeah, it's a beautiful place." I replied, somehow comforted by his presence.

He was quite a bit taller than me which I usually find intimidating, but today it was comforting.

We admired each others' faces for a while until my eyes wondered down to his lips. He noticed my staring and leaned a bit closer. I moved nearer, almost touching his lips with mine. He moved back suddenly, regret fading into his eyes.

He left the garden in a rush to get back to his office. I stayed in the garden a bit longer, trying to remember what just happened. I laid on the bench, looking up at the trees and clear sky. The rain from yesterday made everything look so vivid. 

Tomatoes were seen going in a corner of the garden. They didn't look well, so I watered them and mixed around the soil a bit. I did have the outfit for it.

About an hour's worth of gardening, I decided a relaxing soak in the tub was well earned. I skipped rather eagerly from the garden. A group of well-dressed men sat 'round the living room with Niccolo in the center. I must look like a stupid child to them, dirt and sweat on my face and outfit.

My smile faded as one of the men stood out to me. He had curly dark hair, he looked frighteningly familiar. Niccolo looked up at me from his work. The men whispered among themselves before Niccolo demanded silence.

"I-I'm sorry." I blurted out before dashing up the stairs. I shut my door and got into the warm bath water. I covered my face with a towel, trying to forget what just happened. I knew I had embarrassed Niccolo once again and all he's done is be nice to me.

"Thalia?" a voice called from the bedroom. "Oliver, is that you?"

"I'm afraid not." Niccolo's voice responded.

I didn't dare to remove the towel from my face, I had already embarrassed the both of us enough for one day. I don't really care if he sees me in the tub, either. I'm not ashamed of my body and I don't care who judges me.

I sighed loud enough for him to hear me. "Are you in the tub?"" he asked, dare not to enter the bathroom. Though he was an intimidating and terrifying person, but he was respectful.

"Yes." I said, hoping he wasn't too upset with me for what happened in the living room. "Are you alright?" he sounded like he wasn't sure what words to use. "Um..." I hesitated, "Yes, though I hope your colleagues still respect you." I said embarrassed, sinking further into the water.

"They'll be fine." he responded, reassuring me. I could sense his hesitation walking into the bathroom. "We have a lot to talk about over dinner." he said, fixing his hair in the mirror before leaving.

I don't expect him to be forgiving about every little thing, but it is comforting when he does.