18

Sharon woke up the next day. The birds were chirping, the ocean was splashing, and the wind blew gently. She couldn't guess why but she had a good feeling about today and she got up from bed to explore the possibilities.

Peter was already up as always. They passed each other in the corridor and exchanged flirtatious glances, getting more used to each other.

"Good morning, Sharon," he greeted.

"Good morning, Peter. It's a beautiful day, is it not?" Sharon replied with a somewhat seductive tone.

"Indeed it is. Would you like to take a walk through the valley? We could head over to the reserves and see the animals. There's also a small river up there," he said while pointing up the slope.

"It flows directly into the ocean but there's this spot within the mountains where the water sits and spins around before it flows through the river and then to the ocean. It is completely enchanting and I think you'd really like it," he finished.

"Yes, I'd like that a lot. Let's do it," Sharon said excitedly.

They got ready and headed to the valley. They took snacks and drinks with them, walking side by side with smiles all around.

First, they headed to the reserves. There were all sorts of animals there ranging from birds to snakes and monkeys. They seemed so content with their world, Sharon thought! The animals weren't consumed by the same things that plagued humans, like greed, ambition and evil. Their world was simple and calm and beautiful, and in a way, she wished she was like them; happy and free.

Next, they headed to some public gardens. The terrain was smooth and beautiful. They were flowers of all types, shapes, sizes, and species. The butterflies were everywhere, drinking the sweet nectar of the garden.

Peter and Sharon set up their picnic there. They sat there for a long time, chatting, laughing, and enjoying each other's company.

"So, tell me, Sharon. What else happened with Addicus? What did he do that made you run away from him?" Peter asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

He didn't want to ruin the amazing day that they were having but he needed to know everything so he could understand.

Sharon, who seemed to have completely forgotten about all her troubles was now reminded of them.

"As I said before, everything started to change when I turned eighteen. Addicus stopped treating me like a child and it was obvious what he wanted. He started slowly; from always touching my hair to giving me compliments about my looks, to holding my waist when we walked.

"I was a bit uncomfortable with all of it but I didn't think he had any bad intentions but I was wrong. I was so so wrong."

BACK TO THE PAST

"Good morning, James," Sharon said as she hugged him.

"Good morning, dear," he replied, still holding on to her and making the hug much longer than it needed to be.

He finally let go and offered her a seat and some breakfast. They were outside on the huge and magnificent porch of the mansion that overlooked a beautiful lake and a breathtaking garden.

"Today's someone's special day, isn't it"? He said in a teasing tone to Sharon.

"You remembered?" Sharon asked with a smile.

"Of course,I remembered. I could never forget. Happy birthday, my dear. You truly have matured into a very beautiful, talented, and smart young woman," he complimented with a thirsty look in his eyes.

"Thank you, James," she said.

"I have a present for you. A little trinket to celebrate this very special day," he said and pulled out a little box from underneath the table.

"Oh, James. You really didn't have to," she said modestly.

"Oh, nonsense. I've given you presents for things not even half as important as your eighteenth birthday. So, of course, I had to get you something," he said.

He took out the box and got up from his seat. He walked up to her and opened it. It was a necklace; not just any necklace but one with an enormous gemstone attached to a golden chain.

Sharon was dumbfounded. He had gotten her expensive gifts before but nothing like this.

"James, this is too much. I'm sorry but I can't accept this," she said politely.

"Do you not like it?" He asked.

"No, no, of course, I do. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen but it must have cost you a fortune and I don't think I deserve such an amazing..,"

Addicus didn't allow her to finish. He put a finger on her lips.

"Shhhh, my dear! You deserve this and even more. You've brought joy to my life that I never thought possible. You've shown me unprecedented love and affection that no other person ever has. You deserve it," he said and he took the necklace out of the box.

"May I?"

Sharon nodded affirmatively and held her hair to one side.

Addicus put the necklace on her and touched the gemstone which was by her cleavage but he touched it anyway and his fingers also brushed the top of her cleavage. Sharon blushed in embarrassment and discomfort and for a moment, there was this awkwardness hanging in the air.

"I also have something for you," Sharon said, getting up which made Addicus let go of the stone.

"You do?" He asked surprised.

"Yes, I do. It's my way of saying thank you for everything you've done for me since my parents died," she said appreciatively.

Just then, a worker came outside carrying a huge painting covered with a cloth. The man placed it in a standing position and excused himself.

Addicus stood up, wondering about its contents.

"This is my present to you," Sharon said and removed the cloth.

Behold, there stood the most enigmatic and perfect portrait Addicus had ever seen. It was a painting of himself, standing majestically with a golden cane and a lion by his side. He looked like an emperor; a powerful and wealthy emperor and his apparel was flawless and pristine.

"Sharon, this...this is the most beautiful and the most impressive piece of art I have ever seen. It is truly marvellous. You painted this?" He asked still in awe.

"Yes, I did. I spent an entire week on it because I wanted it to be perfect," she said with a smile.

"Thank you, my dear. It is truly wonderful. A very thoughtful gift," Addicus said and gave her a long hug and a kiss on the cheek.