Until We Met Again ( Rowan and Johnson )
Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Joana woke to a world where her linens were crisp and new, but the room retained its disarray, a testament to her restless night. The maid was due for her morning tidy–up, but Joana had shooed her off, needing a moment alone.

With a sigh, Joana finally summoned the maid back in.

“What can I do for you, ma’am?” The maid entered, her posture meek, her voice tremulous.

Joana’s question was direct and unnerving. “Did you see a woman in Rowan’s room?”

“A woman? No, ma’am.” The maid was genuinely baffled.

Wordlessly, Joana dismissed her, her mind preoccupied with the memory of that woman’s eyes–crystal clear, brimming with an unspoken strength. She possessed a beauty so pure and unadorned, it seemed untouched by the world.

Who was she?

During Landon’s return in recent days, he was often out early and returned late, so Karla didn’t see him much. Rowan, on the other hand, remained in his room studying as usual.

Karla thought she’d be trapped in the house indefinitely, but one evening, Rowan informed her that he was accompanying his father to a gala.

“A gala? That means we can go out.” Karla’s eyes sparkled with excitement. She had been cooped up for far too long.

Rowan shot her a look. “Not ‘we‘. Just me.

“Who says? I can come too.”

“And how would you manage that?”

“Oh, you’ll see. I’ve got my ways.” Karla grinned triumphantly, with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

Rowan stared at her, involuntarily losing focus. He thought to himself that she must be living in the sunlight, which was why she was so radiant.

Behind closed doors, Joana peered out from her window, watching Landon and Rowan depart the estate. She cautiously made her way to Rowan’s room, searching every nook and cranny. Finding nothing amiss, she shut the wardrobe with an indifferent expression and left.

Inside the car, Rowan was silent, his mind racing with worry about Karla–had she managed to sneak out with him, and if so, where was she hiding?

Children are notoriously transparent, and Landon caught the flicker of concern on Rowan’s face. “What’s troubling you?” he asked.

Rowan’s grip loosened as he muttered sheepishly, “I’m afraid of you.”

“Embarrassing,” Landon scoffed, lighting a cigarette as he rolled down the window. Between puffs, he added, “Don’t embarrass me at the event. If you do, I’ll deal with you later.”

Rowan clenched his fist once more, then quietly agreed.

The gala was held in a grand castle with a sprawling red carpet at the entrance, teeming with photographers and reporters. As a flamboyant Lamborghini Miura rolled up, all cameras turned to capture its entrance.

Landon, holding Rowan’s hand, stepped out of the car into a sea of flashing lights. Though Rowan felt out of place, he kept his gaze steady and his demeanor calm, just like his father. Together, they commanded the attention of the crowd.

Once the festivities began, Rowan was whisked away to mingle with children his age, all dressed as if they were royalty. But he remained aloof, perched in a corner, scanning the room for Karla.

Feeling a hint of disappointment, he wondered if she had come at all–until a maid dressed in a costume approached with a glass of juice. “I don’t want it. Take it away,” he said without looking.

“I made this especially for you. You are not gonna drink it?” came a familiar voice.

Rowan’s head snapped up to see Karla posing with mock sternness, hands on her hips, commanding him to drink.

Blinking in disbelief, Rowan took in the sight of her–hair down with a playful cat–ear headband and a maid’s outfit that showcased her long legs. Her beauty was undeniable, no

matter the disguise.