Chapter 16

Elena's POV

After putting Ethan to bed, I had something to clarify for the upcoming surgery, so I looked around for Horace and noticed he was nowhere to be found.

I went to his room, knocking, but was met with silence.

So I knew there was only one other place he could be, his home office.

I walked gently, as it was already late at night.

When I got there, the door was slightly open, but I still knocked lightly and got no reply.

Peeping my head in, I noticed he was rather engrossed in something on the desk.

So I opened the door and made my way in slowly; he didn’t see me until my voice rang out.

“What is that?” I said, reaching to touch the photo.

He pulled it away, closing it hurriedly.

But not before my eyes registered its content.

It was a photo of a woman.

Could it be his wife? I thought.

“Oh.” Shocked, I pulled my hands back. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have touched it.”

He waved me off, shaking his head. “It’s fine. What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be in bed?” He followed, rather too quickly.

“Uhm, sure. Yeah, you’re right. I just wanted to clarify a few things concerning the surgery. Like prior family medical history from you or his mother.”

Shit. Maybe not the right time. But it wasn’t my fault; that was initially what I had come to discuss.

He paused and just stared at me. “Must we do that right now? I’m kind of not in the right frame of mind.” He finally said.

“Uhhh, are you okay? Do you want to talk about it?”

He had his elbow on the desk, positioning his hand under his jaw. “I just need to be alone right now, please.” He said, almost snapping.

I took that as my cue to leave. “Alright, fine. whenever you’re ready, you know where to find me.”

I closed the door behind me gently, Mumu's mind wandering to what could have happened to her

The next morning, he still didn’t come out at the usual time for breakfast, but I didn’t pry.

He seemed like he needed time, and I decided to let him have it.

Then, the door to the dining room pushed open, and in walked his assistant. Monica.

She looked at me as I fed Ethan,

“Hi Monica.” Ethan blurted out, not really paying attention.

“Hi, baby.” She ignored me like I was too small for her to witness.

Then she made to go up the stairs, definitely to his room.

“Hello, miss,” I called back.

She turned, surprised by my action.

“Yes.”

“Yes?” I scoffed.

“You come into a house that isn’t yours and you can’t say hello to the people in it.”

“Well, I’ll say hello to the owners, not some wannabe lounging around and eating free food of others' hard work.”

Stunned, I scoffed again. “Oh, really?”

I called Ethan’s nanny, “Take him upstairs, please, would you?”

“Yes, ma’am.” She bowed slightly before taking Ethan away.

I was so pissed and wanted to wipe off the smug look on her face. Against my better judgment, I decided to use the black card I had. “Well, too bad for you. This happens to be my boyfriend’s house, and I don’t know how much he tells you, but my boyfriend, your boss, is very capable of feeding everyone in Crimson Park for a year, so he’s not complaining about doing it for me.”

This seemed to hit her hard.

She walked towards me. “I know what game you’re playing, and I know all these are fake and would never last. Guess what? I’m going to find all the evidence I need, expose you, and get you sent out of this house because you have no place here.”

“Awwnnnn. What? Are you just so enthusiastic about your job, or am I noticing a trace of one-sided love?”

Her eyes widened. And I admit it was low. Too low, especially for me. But I was done with being the good girl in situations that always got trampled upon. Those days were behind me.

“I swear to the moon goddess, bitch. I will make you eat your words. Trust me.”

“Well, until then, I guess.”

“What is going on here?” Horace’s called out.

We both stood back, and she feigned a smile like everything was fine.

“Nothing much, we were just catching up.” She lied.

I couldn’t be labeled as the troublemaker, so I followed suit.

“Yeah, just talking girl things.”

He looked suspicious but didn't push it.

“Oh, that reminds me, Monica. I’ve got a job for you.”

“Anything, sir?” She was basically fawning over him. What a bitch.

“I need you to shop for new clothes for my girlfriend, she doesn’t have enough.”

What? I thought to myself. Stunned.

“Who?” Monica asked, obviously also shocked.

“What do you mean by who? How many women do you see in this house?” He barked.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I haven’t fully awoken for the day yet.”

“Then pinch your body hard because the day has already begun.”

“Find out her size and get whatever she needs; she’s been too busy with Ethan’s surgery to have time for herself.” He said before walking back up the stairs.

“Yes, sir. Oh, sir, I have a few documents you need to go through.”

“Not today. If it’s minor, talk it out with Elena. If it’s major, wait for some other time.” He replied without looking back.

She turned to me. “Alright, sir. I’ll wait.” She muttered, with a venomous look on her face.

“Laugh all you want now, a time is coming, all you would have for company would be tears.”

I chuckled dryly. “Whatever, girl, suit yourself.”

“Keep laughing, but I promise you this, Elena. This isn't over. When I hit you, you won’t see it, and it’s going to be hard.”

She spat, looking very determined.

“People should learn to give up on something they can’t get, but you have refused, no problem. I’ll be waiting till then.”