You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 362

When Patricia came downstairs, Johns greeted her with a friendly smile.

“Morning, ma’am.”

She noticed a stack of neatly wrapped gifts on the sideboard. “What’s all this?”

“These are gifts Mr. Padilla asked me to prepare for you to take to Springfield for your grandma,” Johns explained.

Patricia paused, a little surprised.

Before she could say anything, Marian walked over, her face lit up with a warm smile. “Mr. Padilla told us to get everything ready last night. You don’t see many young men this thoughtful these days.”

She gave Patricia’s arm a gentle squeeze. “You didn’t go back to Golden Bay with him, and even though he misses you, he still respects your choices. Patricia, you’ve really found someone good.”

Marian looked absolutely delighted with Oliver. She couldn’t have approved more.

“Where is he?” Patricia asked.

“He’s in the tea room, checking on Sara and the others’ work. He got up early to exercise and didn’t even take time for a shower before getting to it. He’s a little strict with the kids but he’s always so responsible...”

Patricia only half-listened as Marian went on, already turning away from the dining room and heading toward the tea room.

It was seven thirty. The sky outside was still gray and heavy after the snowfall, and the tea room was softly lit with warm yellow lamps.

Oliver sat at the desk, one hand holding a printed report, the other on his laptop mouse, going over the final results.

When Patricia appeared in the doorway, he looked up, a little surprised.

“It’s still early. Why not sleep in a bit?”

She didn’t answer, just walked over, slipped her arms around his neck, and settled herself on his lap.

Oliver set his papers aside, smiling.

Her seriousness caught him off guard. He grinned and tried to lighten the mood. “If you feel that guilty, just make sure I get a good meal before you leave this afternoon.”

Patricia’s cheeks turned pink as she suddenly remembered last night. He’d wanted her so much, pulling her close in bed, his need obvious. She’d wanted to kiss him, half asleep, but he’d just held her tighter and whispered, “Sleep, you’re tired.”

Oliver tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Pattie, I love you. That’s why I want to treat your family well. And I love you because you deserve it.”

“But I haven’t really done anything for you,” she said softly.

He smiled. “Marriage isn’t about keeping score. We already compete enough in school and work. Isn’t that exhausting?”

He squeezed her hand. “All you have to do is let me love you. I grew up with strict rules and expectations. I know I can be rigid and serious, and I’m trying to change, but that part of me is good for marriage. I’ll never expect you to bend to fit me, or do anything just for my sake. I’m happy, Pattie. I don’t need you to fill some gap in me.”

“Just be yourself.”

He kissed her forehead gently. “I’ll love you, always.”