Chapter 2: Burnout

“I’m not thirsty,” she lied.

“You’ll make mistakes if you are dehydrated and I wouldn’t lift a finger if you fall.” He smirked.

Broad- shouldered, dark chocolate suit with no tie. His sleeves were rolled neatly to his forearms, he wasn’t smiling nor was he frowning. His expression gave nothing away, he simply observed her like an architect studying blueprints for his hidden flaws.

“So,” he finally said. Raphina Vance.

She nodded. “Yes, sir.”

His grey eyes lingered on her portfolio. You graduated first in your class? And also rejected two international offers?

“I wanted to stay close to my brother,” she gazed down.

His gaze sharpened. Interesting.

You’d researched me? Why?

“I make it my business to know everything about the people and hire.”

“So many be this was normal,” she thought to herself.

Something about the way he watched her made her skin prickle, not with fear but with awareness as though every answer mattered far more than she understood.

Silas closed the portfolio, tell me, why architecture? She smiled softly, my father. Silence followed.

He believed buildings remember the people who lived inside them.

Silas’ expression shifted, barely, almost imperceptible. My father said the same thing. Their eyes met, for the first time…. He looked human just for a second then it disappeared. I’ll offer you the position.

Her eyes widened, just like that?

I don’t waste time … I’m impressed by your early achievements.

She laughed nervously thinking it was all a dream and it could vanish any moment. Most people say I am too idealistic but they are just unimaginative. He extended the contract, she scanned it quickly; housing allowance, medical insurance, all the benefits which could provide Bun-bun a fun filled life. Everything seemed almost too generous until she reached the final clause.

“Mandatory three-year employment agreement.” Her smile faded.

I….I don’t_

Silas noticed immediately, you don’t like the contract? You’ll be working on confidential projects. I understand, but_

“It isn’t negotiable,” his voice remained calm, yet somehow it felt like a locked door.

Raphina hesitated…. Three years felt like eternity working with a cold hearted maniac like Silas. Still, this opportunity could change everything forever.

“Welcome to Croft Holdings, Miss Raphina Vance.” It’s going to be an unforgettable journey. Raphina felt goosebumps and was unsure of her decision to work side by side with Silas.

Back to work, Miss Vance. They worked in silence for hours, he checked her calculations without hovering over her. He pointed, she fixed, he approved by nodding.” At 11:30, he closed her laptop, go home,” he ordered.

I’m not done.

“You’re for tonight. Burnout is not a strategy.” She wanted to argue but her hands were shaking. “Fine, she said, packing up. But if the client doesn’t approve it, that’s on you.

“Eventually, the client hates it,” he said, holding the elevator for her, it’s on both of us. New terms, remember?

At the lobby, he ordered his driver to take her home.

No… not at all. “I’ll take the bus,” she said.

He showed no expression. At this hour? No.

He pulled out this phone, would you allow the driver to take you home or get assaulted by one of these street bastards?

“What are your chances?" he scoffed.

Frightened by the thought of her getting assaulted, she hopped in the car before her mind could process her actions.

“Drive,” he ordered his chauffeur. Silence enveloped them as the car moved swiftly.

Miss Vance, we are here. Huh…where? She looked out the window and saw clearly her apartment.

“How did you figure_” thanks sir. It’s not a favour, it’s risk management because you’re very productive towards project Cycrox. Silas stayed with no emotion.

Raphina smiled awkwardly, she whispered goodnight which didn’t get a response. She got out and walked to her apartment till her figure disappeared into the darkness. She got inside and saw her bundle of joy, Bruno.

Sissyyy….you’re back !!! He ran to hug her as he showered her with kisses. Raphina was pleased to see him standing and energetic. What took you so long sissy? I was waiting for you, to show you my paintings.

Wow!! This is so lovely. The painting displayed her, Bruno and their father. Her eyes watered immediately, reminiscing about the good times they all shared as a family. Her father, Raphael Vance, a hardworking carpenter who did all it takes to ensure she is educated and had a happy and safe childhood. He never failed as father, but failed terribly as a husband to her mother, still she never failed to acknowledge his impact in her life.

Sissy …. Did I make you sad?? …No Bruno you never make me sad, I am always happy to the extent that I get teary. She draws him closer and pecks him on his forehead. It’s late already, you shouldn’t be up, else you’ll get sick. Come on… let me put you to bed.

Outside her apartment, a black-tinted Bentley parked outside till her lights went off.

Sir Croft should we move now? No, we move on my command.

Get out!! I want to be alone. The driver was stunned but didn’t allow it to show as he quietly got down from the car. Silas drove off without his driver.

“This is crazy,” the driver whispered, then sighs. He was used to his boss's ill-treatment of disposing of his service when he’s no longer needed. He believes that Silas is pretty much fucked up and needs help medically, or so he thought.

Raphina Vance…… he puffs cigarettes into the thin air as he repeatedly whispers her name. There’s something off about her that makes him want to hide her away from the eyes of the world. Her achievements at such a young age are so amazing that if not for his effective investigation team, he wouldn’t have believed all that he saw. Which makes him wonder why she lives in such a shitty apartment. The contract will change her life for good but the fact that she is hesitant about signing a life changing deal makes him curious about her type of being.

“Skeptical and profound dumb lamb” he whispered.