Beautiful Stillness ✔️

Chapter 17: Confusion

Chapter 17: Confusion

That day passed and Ulysses went back to his daily routine again. He was a quiet servant during the day who kept getting hurt and a man who secretly fantasized about his young master at night. There was not a day that he was not upset, because Lord Damond would always appear in his dreams. He could not stop thinking about him. Ulysses was so confused by their relationship.

He wanted to stop, but his fragile heart throbbed whenever he thought of cutting ties with Lord Damond. He did not want to go further either; it kept hurting him. Each day was painful, especially because his young master's engagement was nearing. He was so confused about what they had. He knew he was no one and what happened between them was nothing, but how should he interpret Lord Damond's actions? He was human too, and fragile.

That was their last conversation, in that wine room with whiskey. Lord Damond was often away from the mansion because of his work, and when he returned, Ulysses would hide. The master was also often tired whenever he came home, so he went straight to sleep.

One day, Lord Damond came home with the lady from the Estella house. Lord Edmund was also there and immediately looked for Ulysses. Ulysses did not show up; he simply hid at his station. If Matron Aurora had not called him, he would have had no intention of appearing before the aristocrats. There was no way he could tolerate watching Lord Damond and that lady from the Estella house getting lovey-dovey.

"Take it to them. Your work outside is over, is it not?"

[Yes.] He sadly replied to the Matron then picked up a tray of food. [Where are they?]

"By the pool. Just leave it on the lanai."

Ulysses nodded and started toward the pool. He felt a shiver of nervousness as he gradually heard their voices. He did his best not to get their attention, but at a single glance from Lord Edmund, the aristocrat quickly ran toward him.

"Pretty boy!"

Ulysses bit his lip and forced a smile. [Good morning, my lord.]

"How are you?" Lord Edmund asked, smiling as he looked Ulysses over as if excited to see him.

Ulysses did not answer because his eyes were focused on Lord Damond being kissed by Lady Estella by the poolside. The young tycoon ignored what the woman was doing to him, earnestly focusing his attention on Ulysses and Edmund. He did not seem happy to see the two of them talking. What was it like for Ulysses, who was secretly dying inside while watching the woman be so close to him?

"Hey."

He was startled and turned to Lord Edmund immediately. [I am sorry, my lord.]

"I am not that wet. Can I hug you?" Lord Edmund asked and opened his arms.

The poor servant's eyes widened as he watched Lord Edmund's bare, gorgeous body. Ulysses was really embarrassed since the aristocrat was topless. He bent down to avert his gaze, feeling his face burning because of Lord Edmund. Ulysses's heart was still pounding, and he was even more nervous when he felt Lord Edmund's cold arms gently embracing him.

[M-my Lord?]

"Just a hug, Ulysses..." he whispered and tightened his hold even more.

Ulysses literally shuddered as Lady Estella shouted and applauded. His head was buried in Lord Edmund's chest, so he did not see the reaction of Lord Damond. However, he was horrified to hear his young master swearing. Lord Edmund slowly let go and they both looked at Lord Damond, who now had a dark expression as he headed in their direction.

"My lord, where are you going?" Lady Estella asked.

"My lord?" Lord Edmund smiled and put his arm around Ulysses.