Page 42 of Owned By Two

I considered running the hot water tap and refilling it before deciding I really needed to get some shut-eye.

Besides, if I stayed in the bath any longer, I was going to turn into a prune.

I removed the plug, climbed from the bathtub, and dried myself off on one of the big fluffy towels.

I noticed a rim of dirt around the tub’s edge and shook my head in disbelief.

Too embarrassed to let the workers see how dirty their new boss was, I hastily ran the shower head and ran my hand over the more stubborn stains.

I dressed in a robe and realized the staff must have replaced my father’s with a much smaller version for me.

I wrapped my arms around myself, feeling the soft fabric.

I entered the bedroom and peered at the bed for a moment.

Heaven was right there.

I climbed into it and tugged the blankets over myself.

I let out a sigh of satisfaction and reached for the side I assumed my father had slept on as his books were piled on the bedside table.

I touched the empty space.

It was cold — the same way his love had always been.

I pulled an oversized pillow down and wrapped my arms around it, hugging it tight, as if hugging his body.

All I had ever wanted was to hug him like this, to kiss him on the cheek, and spend time with him.

I didn’t need his money, only his attention.

The one thing he had ruled out.

I didn’t bawl or cry and instead sank into a peaceful and, thankfully, dreamless sleep.

16

UHTI

I awokeat my usual time, rising before the sun — before even Lizzy’s father, who tended to rise when his Earth chickens crowed.

I had never missed an early morning and did not intend on doing so now either.

I didn’t know what kind of schedule Lizzy liked to sleep so I decided to keep up with my current routine — for now.

There was always the chance she would fire and replace me, but it would not be due to laziness on my part.

I would perform my duties as professionally as I always had.

I headed downstairs and enjoyed my usual breakfast of gillac fruup.

It was very energetic this morning and I had to chase it around the room before I managed to corner and consume it.

Nothing beat having an energy-inducing breakfast!

I made my usual rounds and met each department head in turn — from the chef to the housekeeper, from the head gardener to the chief guard.

I was pleased to see everything was in good order.

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