"Good morning Ms Zane." Benjamin smiled and greeted her politely.
"Morning. You can call me Alex in private, Ms Zane in public. Can I call you Benji instead?" Alexandra asked.
"Yes sure. Are you ready to leave?" Benjamin was happy. No one had called him Benji before and Alexandra would be the first. He would make sure she would be the only one to call him that. Being of royal descent, he was to be addressed properly by others and no nickname was allowed except loved ones. However, no one in the family had called him that and preferred to call him Benjamin.
"Yes, lets go. Bring the car around and wait for me. I will be out in 15 mins." Alexandra instructed Benjamin while handing a backpack to him.
Benjamin looked at the young lady walking ahead of him with admiration and love. For someone who possessed such wealth and power, Alexandra was truly a simple person. Today she was dressed in a knee length navy blue skirt and a white blouse and a pair of sneakers. The only accessory she wore was a sporty wrist watch. Her hair was tied up in a simple bun secured by a diamond clip. The diamond clip was probably the only indication that this young lady was from a rich family. There's no trace of make up on her fresh face but one could not help but take a second look when they saw her.
Benjamin went to the garage and drove the SUV to the main entrance of the Manor. He waited patiently for Alexandra to come out of the house. Once she entered, he drove to the hospital. Along the way, he stole a look at her and found Alexandra reading something intently on her tablet.
"Benji, do you have a girlfriend?" Benjamin was startled by this unexpected question. He looked at the rearview mirror and found Alexandra was still looking down at her device.
"No, I don't." Benjamin replied, wondering the reason behind this sudden question.
"I see." Alexandra answered.
In fact, Alexandra was nervous when she asked him that personal question. She didn't dare to look at him when she asked him that. However she just couldn't help it. Her curiosity was at its peak as this question had lingered on her mind since last night.
When she saw him standing there looking out at the garden this morning, his hair blown softly by the breeze, there was a subtle smile on his lips. Alexandra wondered if he was thinking of something or worse, someone when he smiled like that. With him standing there quietly, Alexandra felt a weird sense of belonging. It was as if he was meant to be here, with her. She almost wanted to run her fingers through his hair but drove that ridiculous thought out.
Now that the question was answered, she felt relieved. Wait, why was she relieved? Okay this is getting out of hand. He was her bodyguard for God's sake. 'I really need to focus on something else.' Alexandra thought seriously.
Luckily they arrived at the hospital not long after that.
"Benji, I have an hour for lunch today. Let's grab lunch together. My treat since today is your first day." Alexandra said with a smile.
"Thank you Alex. What time shall I pick you up?" Benjamin was thrilled to hear that. No way, how lucky could he get. Any chance to spend time with her was a blessing indeed.
"Come by at 1pm. Let's go for sushi at the Sentinel." Alexandra replied. With that she exited the car and walked into the hospital.
Right on the dot at 1pm, Benjamin waited at the hospital entrance. Few minutes later, he saw Alexandra walked out and couldn't help but smiled. However, his expression turned grim when he saw an unknown man walking out with her. They seemed to be familiar with each other and were chatting happily. Judging from his attire, he seemed to be a doctor at the hospital. Benjamin couldn't help but sigh inwardly. First day at work, and a love rival had appeared. What are the odds?! Benjamin groaned in his heart.
Spotting the car, Alexandra quickly waved goodbye to the man and got into the car. She smiled at Benjamin but soon noticed he had a unhappy expression on his face.
"Benji? What's wrong?" Alexandra asked.
"Nothing Ms Zane. Let's get you lunch." Benjamin tried to adjust his mood, not wanting to scare Alexandra off on his first day at work. She might think he was a weird guy and would probably fire him.
'Ms Zane? Why did he call me that? Is he upset with me?' Alexandra couldn't help but pondered in her mind.
"Lets stop at the flower shop on the way. I need to get something." Alexandra said.
When they stepped into the flower shop, Benjamin followed Alexandra while she strolled around. When she asked him what flowers he liked, he told her orchids. He actually didn't know much about flowers but he was always fond of orchids. When he said orchids, Alexandra gave him a questioning look as if she couldn't believe he said that.
Suddenly she broke into a laugh before choosing a pot containing a delicate and beautiful purple orchid. At first Benjamin was puzzled but soon he realized that the orchid was bought for him.
"A welcome gift. And also to cheer you up from whatever that made you sad just now." Alexandra said while handing the orchid to him.
Benjamin's mood was instantly lifted when he heard this. He couldn't believe Alexandra would care so much about his feelings!
They enjoyed their lunch heartily and talked about many things. Alexandra was surprised that Benjamin could carry a meaningful conversation with her throughout their lunch. Benjamin seemed to possess unlimited knowledge on every topic they discussed. She was utterly delighted at this revelation! Finally, someone that could relate to her and her interests. Not to mention this someone was so pleasing to the eyes as well. What a bonus, Alexandra thought happily.
That night, they went home in silence. Alexandra had to cover an unexpected night shift and therefore work ended later than usual. Alexandra fell asleep on the way home. When they reached the Manor, Alexandra was still sound asleep. Not wanting to cross the line, Benjamin was unsure of what to do. Fortunately, Alexandra's personal maid, Sophia came over and politely requested him to carry her upstairs. Although he was excited to be able to carry his loved one, Benjamin controlled his emotions lest it showed on his face. He carefully carried her in his arms and went straight to her room.
Benjamin slowly put Alexandra on her bed and took off her sneakers. Sophia came over not long after that and informed Benjamin that his room was at the end of the corridor if he wanted to rest. Apparently he was allowed to stay at the Manor if the young miss' work ended late. With that Sophia said good night to him and left the room.