Bring Your A Game, Mr

It was Christmas the next day.

Elise woke up, only to find that the outdoors was blanketed in snow. She released a warm breath of air and noticed that there was some white fog that appeared in front of her eyes. It's actually quite cold.

She then dressed in a heavy down jacket and she wrapped herself up warmly before going downstairs. She saw that the servants had already moved the Christmas tree out of storage and placed it in the most prominent spot in the hall.

"Miss Elise, you're up!"

Elise looked at the Christmas tree in front of her and she happily exclaimed, "This tree's quite pretty. Where did you find this?"

"This was bought by Young Master Danny last Christmas. At that time, Mr. Griffith..." The servant suddenly turned silent upon the mention of Jonah and merely said, "Ever since Mr. Griffith passed away, the whole place has been so somber, so I wanted to take this opportunity to decorate the house and add some sparkle to the place."

"Let me help you, then," Elise offered. However, the servants hurriedly rejected, "There's no need for that, Miss Elise. We can handle these things ourselves."

However, Elise didn't heed their rejection and she reached out for the decorations to start decorating the tree.

Just then, Brendan brought his team back home and he walked in to see such a scene. Unexplainably, he felt a warm, fuzzy feeling within him. However, he still harbored a slight grudge against Elise as he grumbled deep down, She's a country bumpkin, so how can she be a worthy match for Alexander?!

"Elise, Alex sent me over to get your measurements for the engagement gown," Brendan said in a flat voice, sounding as if he was completing a task that he was quite unwilling to do.

Just then, Elise paused in her movement and she replied thereafter, "Hold on. I'll be there shortly."

The servants were seemingly confused about what was going on but being servants, they would never question their masters' matters. "Miss Elise, I'll take over from here."

Elise handed over the decorations in her hand and then she walked toward the direction of Brendan.

Meanwhile, Brendan scrutinized Elise from head to toe and signaled for his female assistant to take her measurements. As soon as the female assistant saw Elise's rather hideous face, the former started to scheme deep down.

Apparently, this is the woman who's about to get engaged to the head of the Griffith Family. She's so ugly, though. What's wrong with Alexander?! Why did he pick such an ugly-looking woman?!

"Raise your hands," the assistant coldly instructed. Then, she half-heartedly picked up a measuring tape and started to take Elise's measurements. However, the assistant's expression became increasingly bitter as she proceeded.

She looked at the figures she had jotted down on her notebook and her eyes dimmed. I can't believe this woman has such a great figure. But it doesn't mean anything, though! Her awesome figure doesn't quite compensate for her ugly looks anyway!

"Mr. Griffith, I've taken all of her measurements," The female assistant then turned to Brendan. Meanwhile, Brendan merely grunted and kept his notebook aside before asking, "Do you have any style preferences? You can let me know and I'll include that in my design."

"I'm fine with everything. You can have free reign. Once you've come up with the design, just let me have a look at it."

The female assistant was quite scornful upon hearing Elise's words and the former instantly said without paying heed to the current setting she was in, "Our boss is very talented and his designs are exceptional. There have been so many young ladies from reputable families in town who have worn our designs, and none of them have presented any complaints!"

The assistant's words had an underlying meaning and Brendan immediately reprimanded her, "Claire, you should head back to the office first. You're not needed here."

"But Mr. Griffith!" Claire was evidently quite displeased, but Brendan was a no-nonsense person so she had no choice but to adhere to his words. Subsequently, she shut up and left with the equipment kit. "Don't mind her. I'll bring over the design once everything is ready. Let me know if you have any ideas."

Elise nodded in response. "I'm fine. Thanks for your hard work."

"Well, since there's nothing else important, I'll head back now." Brendan turned around and left with his belongings upon saying that. Meanwhile, Elise retracted her gaze but suddenly, she seemed to recall something and she swiftly turned around to go upstairs.

She went back to her room and opened the luggage she had brought with her. There was a sketchbook inside and on the first page of it was a design of an outfit for a groom. She had casually sketched that a year ago but she was quite pleased with the style. It would be great to be able to wear this gown, Elise thought to herself but she subsequently shut the sketch book.

I'll definitely wear a wedding gown of my own design during my wedding. Well, it's just an engagement ceremony this time, so it's alright to make do with whatever is available.

In the evening, Alexander reached home after a long day at work. As soon as he walked into the foyer, he suddenly stopped in his tracks and he felt a warm, fuzzy feeling swell within him as he checked out the newly put out decorations in the living room. There was a strong festive feeling in the air. Just then, Elise walked out of the kitchen with some food she had just prepared. Noticing Alexander had just arrived back from work, she quickly greeted him, "Hey, you're back! Wash your hands and we can have dinner soon."

There was a slight smile on her face and she seemed to be like a wife waiting for her husband to get back home from work. The thought of this evoked a warm, homey feeling within Alexander.

However, he hastily hid his emotions in order not to lose his composure. Then, he handed over his work bag to a servant and said, "Do you need any help?"

Elise looked at the crockeries placed neatly on the table and replied, "It's fine. Everything's ready."

He took a seat at the head of the table and as he looked at the delectable dishes in front of him, he felt his empty tummy rumble and he couldn't wait to tuck in.

"Jack said that he's scheduled to record a special Christmas program tonight, so he won't be back for dinner. Danny also mentioned that he won't be back for dinner, so it looks like it's just the two of us at home tonight." Elise held a serving spoon and served him a helping of food as she spoke.

"Try this-this was all prepared by Stella and they're very delicious." Elise held a fork and spoon in her hand and served some food onto his plate. Meanwhile, Alexander placed the food into his mouth quite naturally. "It tastes great."

"Stella mentioned that you love this. Looks like she knows you very well."

Just then, Alexander lifted his head to look at her and he casually commented, "Are you about to have your term break soon?”

Elise blinked her eyes in response. "It's almost the New Year, so we have a couple of days of holiday."

"Do you want to go for a trip?" Alexander asked.

Shocked, Elise shot a quick look at him. "What are you..."

"I heard that there's been some snowfall in Switzerland recently. Why don't we go skiing?"

Suddenly, Elise felt her heart race. Is this an invitation from Alexander?

"I... Let me consider it," she replied while shifting her gaze.

However, Alexander didn't give her a chance to reject. "I'll get Cameron to make arrangements and we can depart shortly."

"But..." Elise was about to say something, but he raised his brows and looked at her quizzically. "Do you have an issue with that?"