Third person's POV
Tabitha, still with a composed expression, asked, "Are you in dire need of money? Are there any other people in your family?"
Wilmot scratched the back of his head, "Yes, I have a mother back home who runs a small farm."
"Are you married?" she inquired further.
"As a security, there's hardly any time to maintain a personal life. If I had a wife, she would often be left alone in an empty house. It would be unfair and cruel to her, so it's better to be alone," Wilmot explained.
Tabitha continued her questioning, "Where did you work before?"
"My life has been one of constant turmoil. I grew up in poverty, and later became a mercenary. After my discharge, I've worked everywhere, in casinos, nightclubs, as a private bodyguard, an enforcer. Anything dirty or grueling that could earn me a paycheck."
"Who was your previous employer?"
Tabitha was no longer the once kind, cheerful, and lively girl she used to be.
Now, her face was as calm as a still lake, without a ripple.
Sitting quietly, her demeanor exuded a sense of calm that seemed untouchable by her surroundings.
Yet, an intimidating aura surrounded her, sending a chill and a sense of deterrence to those who came close, as if warning them not to test her limits.
She had matured significantly and no longer took people at face value.
Wilmot answered smoothly, "He's a casino boss. I was a collector for high-interest loans."
"Casinos should have decent income, why did you stop?" she asked.
"It was good, but I broke a big taboo," he replied.
"Oh? Tell me more," Tabitha prompted.
"When I went to collect money, the debtor's family was in dire straits. According to the rules, if they couldn't pay, the wife would have to work at the casino to pay off the debt. Their daughter pleaded with me on her knees, and I took pity on them... Then, I lost my job because of it."
Orson added, "Tabitha, you can trust him. I've checked in advance. He's not lying. He came here after falling out with the local powers. It was through a reliable friend's recommendation. He's agile and can protect you well."
Tabitha nodded, "Alright, you can stay here."
Her attitude was lukewarm. She set a few rules.
He was not allowed to enter her room without her permission. He had to stay three meters away when not needed. He was not allowed to initiate conversation with her.
Basically, he was not needed at home most of the time.
Wilmot was obedient.
Every time Tabitha sunbathed in the courtyard, he would lean against a wall with his eyes closed, seemingly lost in thought.
But he was always at a distance that was neither too close nor too far, exactly three meters.
Tabitha looked at him. His hands were crossed in front of him, and his head was drooping as if he were asleep.
Despite the casual posture, Tabitha saw Derek in him.
She quickly shook her head. Was she going mad to think of that man again?
Although they were of similar height, their temperaments were vastly different.
Derek was naturally fair-skinned, while this man had a swarthy complexion. She had seen Derek's cold and noble appearance on a live just last week, unlike this man who seemed rough and accustomed to hardship.
He rarely looked at her. When not called upon, he was like a computer in standby mode.
For meals, Wilmot would wait until Tabitha and the housekeeper had eaten and then eat whatever was left.
Learning from her experience with Joanna, Tabitha had no desire to open her heart to anyone, even if they were her bodyguard.
As long as she didn't form emotional bonds, there would be no reluctance to part ways.
The best approach was to keep her heart hidden.
Leaning on a lounge chair reading medical books, a plum tree nearby had its blossoms fluttering down onto her book.
Tabitha looked up, her gaze somewhat dazed. She always thought of Tucker, who used to lie on the plum tree lazily.
Many things seemed like they happened just yesterday. Every scene was clear in her memory. But those times and those people were gone forever.