The next 5 days seemed too quiet, nothing was happening. Atticus didn't like the feeling he was having, Sophia hadn't called back.
'Does this mean she hasn't still remembered'.
He asked himself with each passing day.
And then Friday arrived, he sat on the balcony which stretched out beneath the towering trees that provided a natural canopy of foliage, allowing a glimpse of the vast estate in the moonlight. The soft, silvery light cast by the half-moon bathed the balcony in a cool glow, casting deep shadows on Atticus' handsome face. He reclined in a comfortable chair, one leg crossed over the other, a half-empty wine glass in one hand. Though his expression was impassive, a spark of mischief danced in his eyes. His mind returning back to sophia, her silence was killing.
Thomas entered the room, knocking over the edge of the door frame and stumbling slightly.
Atticus' eyes flicked up as he watched thomas catch himself with a quick hand against the wall, his cheeks flushing a slight pink.
Atticus couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, a small smirk playing at his lips. "Clumsy as always," he remarked, his voice laced with amusement.
Thomas straightened up, shooting Atticus a grumpy look. "Shut it," he retorted, brushing off the front of his suit. "I'm just... distracted is all." Thomas tried to regain his composure.
He cleared his throat before speaking. "Anyway," he began, "I wanted to tell you about the wine delivery that arrived earlier."
He paused for a moment, trying to remember the details. "Right," he said finally. "It's from the Famous Winery collection, and it's supposed to be the best of the best." Thomas' expression deflated a little as he saw Atticus' lack of interest. "You don't seem too excited about it," he said, a trace of disappointment in his voice. "I thought the Famous Winery collection was supposed to be amazing."
Atticus leaned back in his chair, swirling his wine glass lazily. "It's just wine, Thomas," he said bluntly. "It's not going to cure my boredom."
Thomas tried his best to keep the conversation going, but Atticus' mood refused to lift. He tried everything he could think of, from bringing up gossip about mutual acquaintances to reminding Atticus of some upcoming events, but nothing seemed to break through his boss's bored indifference.
Still, Thomas wouldn't quits, stubbornly hoping to bring a smile to Atticus' face. As the conversation dragged on, however, Atticus finally held up a hand to stop Thomas. "Enough," he said firmly. "I appreciate the effort, but there's nothing you can do. What if I can't it back, I don't even know how to get it back"
Thomas rolled his eyes at Atticus' complaint, his expression a mixture of amusement and indignation. "For a man who hates the sight of me so much, you certainly have a lot to say to me," he quip, crossing his arms.
Atticus shot him a withering glance. "If I could fire you, I would have done it a hundred times over." Thomas feigned shock, placing a hand over his chest. "But then who would be there to lighten your grumpy mood?" he exclaimed dramatically. This time, Atticus couldn't help but chuckle. "You are impossible," he said, shaking his head.
Thomas smirked slyly, knowing he had gotten to Atticus with his declaration of skill. "See? I am the best secretary in the whole world," he declared, his tone teasing.
Atticus rolled his eyes, fighting back a grin. "If you're such a great secretary," he quipped, "then I guess pigs must be flying." Thomas gasped in mock outrage. "Pigs flying? That's low, even for you."
Atticus chuckled. "I was just making a point."
Thomas was just about to launch into another self-praising tirade when a sharp knock at the door interrupted them. Atticus and Thomas both turned their heads towards the door, their banter momentarily forgotten.
Atticus' eyes narrowed as he spoke. "Enter."
The door opened, and a young maid poked her head in, her face red with embarrassment. "Excuse me, sir," she murmured, avoiding eye contact. "There's someone to see you. He insists it's urgent."The maid spoke nervously, her voice quavering with uncertainty.
"Sir, there's a gentleman to see you. He says it's urgent."
Atticus, his expression impassive, nodded curtly. "Let him in," he commanded.
The maid quickly nodded and stepped aside, allowing a dapper gentleman in a to enter. He offered a slight bow to Atticus, then handed the envelope to Thomas, keeping his head bowed politely.
Atticus acknowledged his gesture with a nod, and with that permission, the gentleman turned on his heel and exited the room.
Atticus turned his attention back to the letter once the man has left the room. Thomas, still holding the envelope, cleared his throat awkwardly. "Who was that?" he asked, his eyes flickering between the door and Atticus.
Atticus instructs Thomas to read the letter.
Thomas quickly did as instructed, tearing open the envelope and scanning the contents of the letter. His eyes widened as he read. He looked up, meeting Atticus' expectant gaze.
"It's an invitation to the Mr Simon's ball, sir."
Atticus leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "A ball, huh?" he said thoughtfully. "I suppose I should attend." Atticus' mouth twitched in annoyance.
Thomas couldn't help but smirk at Atticus' reaction. "Perhaps if you attended, you could get your mind off mam sophia and give you an insight on what to do next" he suggested with exaggerated innocence.
Atticus smirked at him, clearly amused. "That is true," he smiled mischievously. Although I certainly doubt I'll be able to come up with something. But let's give it a go"
Thomas smiled.