There was nothing I could do but laugh at everything. When I was dying to get a job, I didn't get any, and all of a sudden, I got an opportunity, but I couldn't take it as my contract prohibited me from working elsewhere. I only let out a frustrated sigh and ignored it.
The entire week I spent most of the time with my sister, who was so angry that I left without informing her during my previous visit. I had to convince her to talk to me again.
It was already the weekend, and my thoughts drifted back to the mail I received. The whole week I tried to ignore it or at least pretended to ignore it, but when the weekend arrived, it started to bug my head.
Despite everything, I needed a job. Even though Mr. Wolfe had been taking care of everything, I couldn't simply rely on him. After eighteen months, there would be no future unless we extended the contract. And I'd do anything but extend it.
As the offered job was a full-time position, there was a chance of me saving up the money, as Mr. Wolfe had already been taking care of the bills. A selfish part of me gave me the idea of using the saved-up money for my education.
"What to do?" I mumbled to myself while pouring the coffee into my mug.
"Planning to violate the rules again?"
Mr. Wolfe's voice brought me back from the thoughts, and the coffee spilled over.
"Oh… shit." I began cleaning the mess I created.
He looked at me for a moment, as if he was reading my face. He then asked, "Where's the maid?"
"She said she's not feeling well."
"So, you became the boss and granted her the leave."
"I know it's not my place, but…"
He cut me off. "Forget it."
He walked to his office room. It seemed he forgot one of the files, so he arrived to take it. As he sat on the sofa, going through the contents of the file, I prepared the coffee again for both of us.
I put my sister's life at risk, and I dared not to do it again by taking up the job. I decided to let it go, but a small hope of convincing him rose in me, which made me take steps towards him. I put the coffee mugs on the table and stood before him, expecting his attention.
His usual intimidating gaze fell on me for a second, but then, ignoring me, he focused on his work.
When I didn't go away, he said, still focusing on the file, "If you want to say something, say it."
I fisted my palms trying to figure out the words that would sound as polite as possible, but I failed as I stammered, "Mr. Wolfe! I…"
He put aside the file and crossed his arms over his chest, giving me his attention.
"I…" I bit my lips, scared. He didn't force me to quickly spill the details but listened to me attentively. "There's this new restaurant EatNdLove… I got mail about the requirement of an assistant there. I… want to take up that job."
The calmness on his face suddenly vanished and got replaced by fury while his nostrils flared. It was more than enough for me to understand he was against the idea.
A gasp escaped my mouth as he pulled me towards him by grabbing my waist. Gripping my chin fiercely, he said, "If you are thinking I grew soft on you and that's the reason I didn't halt the payment, then you are wrong."
He gritted his teeth while I looked at him, frightened.
"I didn't stop the payment because I punished you enough by locking you up. So, if you are imagining a softer version of Keiran Wolfe who'd be convinced by looking at your puppy eyes and do things your way… erase it."
It was my fault. I knew what kind of person he was, but I chose to ask him. I even knew he bought me those clothes not because he was apologetic, but because he despised cheap clothes. There was no human in him. All there left was a monster.
"I know." I managed to speak.
His grip on me loosened, and I took that chance to get away from him. "I know my place. It was wrong of me to ask that. It's just my selfish side…"
I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Mr. Wolfe, please enjoy your coffee."
I didn't bother having my coffee and walked away. Seeing the opportunity that was in front of me slipping away, my heart shattered. It was foolish of me to even think about taking up another job, let alone saving up money to have a degree. What a foolish dream!
In the night, I casually talked to Matthew on the phone for a few minutes. He kept talking about his students, parents, and loan rejections for his business while I paid attention to each and every detail.
Even though talking on the phone was not any violation, I had been very careful whenever I talked to him. After all, Matthew was the only good thing that happened in my life. I'd protect our bond just like I had been protecting Mira all my life.
"I know we have met recently, but I want to say that I miss you."
My blushed cheeks reminded me of the day when he kissed my forehead and I got caught by Mr. Wolfe. I controlled my excitement before it made me take any step that'd violate the contract. I told myself that I had to endure everything for the sake of Mira.
"I miss you, too." I replied in a casual tone.
We then again talked for a few minutes, and he cut the call. I deleted our calls and messages as if I had really been cheating on my husband with my lover.
Later, I took a hot shower and entered the bedroom to take a rest, but my steps halted when I saw Mr. Wolfe on the bed with his whiskey glass in his hand.