"Hmm… haven't I given you everything all this time? Convenience, fame, relationships. I cared for you as best as possible, My Love."
"That-" I give him a look just as pitiful as Arthemisya's. "You do that to all your artists. Isn't that right?"
The corner of Tiger's lips twitched coldly. "Why are you looking at me like that? Why? Are you not satisfied with me?"
"Ahh!" I gasped as Tiger's toes played between my legs, poking me right in the target. "Wait, ah!"
Tiger raised an eyebrow. "You always loved this part, my love. It was one of the ways I loved you, giving you unmatched pleasure. But I guess I didn't do a good job, and you started wanting more. I'm a little sad that I don't understand you," he complained, finally pulling one of his naughty legs away.
I immediately stood up. "That's right. You don't understand me at all. You always gave me the same answer. Is there anything else outside of pleasure that can convince you that your feelings for me are sincere? Not because you like my body or I like yours," I blurted out.
"What about you?" Tiger's two hands were outstretched, his back leaning against the bathtub's edge. A smile looked very forced, even bitter.
"If my condition wasn't as bad as you know, would you leave me and forget all our promises?"
Three days of unfamiliar days. Staring at the gray sky, I folded my arms. The cloudy weather seemed to share the chaos slowly spreading inside Tiger's mansion.
That's right, I'm locked in here.
After yesterday's small argument, Tiger's attitude turned cold. His mouth was silent, and he only said the manager team canceled my entire schedule. I can only go home if the results of the medical check-up are out.
I doubt I can return to my old home, the small house where Wilky Milkya lives.
The air was heavy, and light rain began to wet the yard. From behind the living room window, I saw Mr. Louis, the security guard who had worked at the Tiger mansion for years, sitting at the guard post, his body slightly hunched and his face tired.
Mr. Louis has made phone calls from the post window many times. Now he is out, pacing with his cell phone pressed to his ear.
"Hello, can I borrow some money?"
When I first came, his attitude was friendly. Only two days ago, his expression turned sour. Tiger had said that he was in serious financial trouble. These personal debts piled up after his child fell ill and incurred a lot of medical expenses. He even offered to help, but Mr. Louis refused. If he were desperate because of his child, wouldn't it be easier to accept Tiger's help?
Oddly enough, when Tiger was in the office, the security guard often got angry on the phone. He seemed much more sensitive and temperamental.
Having been in his position, my heart was moved to show a minor concern. I was a nobody in this house, just a guest who happened to be the young master's lover. I guess kindness is not something that requires position or permission. I quietly brewed some hot tea in the kitchen. I hoped a warm drink could ease his mind a little. I knocked softly on the guard post door, then opened it slowly. Mr. Louis turned his head with a flat expression.
"Are you okay?" I smiled. "I made some tea. Hopefully, it will warm you up a bit."
But before he could greet me, my hand slipped because the tray's surface was slippery from the hot steam. The cup fell and spilled most of the tea onto his thigh.
"Oh, my God! I'm so sorry!" I screamed in panic, trying to pull the napkin off the small table.
"Shit!!" he snapped, jumping up from his seat and patting the fabric of his pants.
"What are you doing? You want to cause harm, huh?!"
My tongue was already numb, so I continued the apology. It felt like Deja vu to my old life. My feelings were fragile, and I wondered why, even in this perfect life, I was still destined to be someone else's punching bag.
"Do you think I need cheap tea from a nice-hearted celebrity like you, huh?! You damn jinx! It's already a hassle. Now you have to pour hot water on me! Oh damn, if I weren't in debt, I wouldn't be able to deal with these horrible people," Mr. Louis complained.
My lips were sealed shut. My whole body was frozen. Mr. Louis' words cut deeper than the hot water that had spilled. I just wanted to help.
Suddenly, fast footsteps were heard from the direction of the house fence. Tiger appeared and got out of the car. Both of his hands were in his pants pockets, and he stood straight between us.
His eagle eyes pierced Mr. Louis sharply.
"What happened here?" he asked coldly.
I bit my lip, holding back the tears that welled up. Tiger turned to me, then looked at the remaining tea on the floor and Mr. Louis' wet shirt.
Mr. Louis tried hard to control his anger. His chest rose and fell, but his voice began to weaken, and he realized who was now in front of him. "Sorry, sir. There's a little incident. So, I was shocked and suddenly screamed," he said, looking down.
Tiger didn't say anything for a few seconds. A tense silence enveloped us. Then, he took a deep breath and said in a firm tone,
"You may rest for the night, Mr. Louis. Please go to your room. I will find a temporary replacement."
Mr. Louis gaped, about to deny it. However, he finally nodded reluctantly and walked away without saying anything further. After his figure disappeared, Tiger looked at me. His gaze was gentle yet full of worry.
"Are you okay? Did you get splashed, too?" he asked.
I shook my head, though my throat was tight. "Are my medical results out yet? I want to go home."
Tiger held my hand. "I'll take you home tomorrow morning."
Night fell. The rain had stopped, but the cold was still biting. I couldn't sleep. Mr. Louis's angry face, harsh words, and the sharp silence that followed kept replaying in my mind.
I ran and ran. My feelings were mixed. In the silence, the sound of my footsteps slowing down could be heard from the direction of the inner room. Curiosity moved my feet to follow.
I saw Tiger strolling, wearing a black shirt and sweatpants. A large kitchen knife was tightly gripped, making me immediately close my mouth.
My steps stopped. My breath caught. Tiger didn't see me. I followed him silently from a distance. He went out the side door and headed towards Mr. Louis' room, which was located in the small building to the west. My breath became heavier.
I didn't want to believe my worst suspicions. Still, the shadow of Tiger approaching Mr. Louis's door strengthened my suspicions. It was too quiet to enter someone's room with a knife. It was almost undeniable.
I hid myself behind the bushes near the small park. My body was shaking. In an instant, millions of thoughts were racing through my head. What was he going to do? Did Mr. Louis' anger this afternoon make Tiger consider something this far? Was the content of the diary accurate?
Mr. Louis's scream sounded like a thunderbolt. Tiger stood in front of the bedroom door, lowering the knife, covered in blood. Drop by drop, it fell to the floor. Tiger was completely pale, dropped the knife, and knelt.
"Arthemisya… this is why I need you so much. Do you remember now, my love?"