Chapter 6

SJ looked up from the report that he is reading when the driver told him that they are now approaching The Upper Hill Apartment on Saturday evening. He placed the documents on the space beside him and looked at Ellisande, who is sitting quietly on her side, her eyes staring out the window.

Ever since she fell down the pool at the country house, she had changed drastically when she went out of her room that night when he came to fetch her for dinner. From the carefree and active lady, she became quiet and submissive, a complete turnaround from all the reports that William had relayed to him over the years.

Unbeknownst to Ellisande, he has started keeping tabs on her when her father died. After pestering him with calls to borrow money to pay off her father’s medical expenses and the debt he had for his hospitalization, SJ became curious of the woman he had married. It took her months mourning her father and he assumed that when she called him up again several times and asked to continue her studies was her own way of trying to cope with the loss. He finally agreed to let her take it online. His reason was because he knew about the bullying she had endured when she was finishing her Senior High. She never said any single thing about it. He knew all this from William.

“The one-year rent has already been paid for and the bill for the water and electricity will be automatically deducted from the office account,” SJ said firmly when they finally arrived on the 5^th Floor of the apartment. “You can rearrange the furniture whichever you like.”

He was met with silence.

SJ turned impatiently and saw Ellisande standing in the middle of the living room, her eyes, looking around the luxurious space.

“Are you listening, Ellisande?!” SJ asked with irritation.

Ellisande blinked and turned her face to him as she clutched the painting she had brought with her. “Isn’t this too big for me?” She questioned quietly. “A studio type will be fine with me.”

“This is not even in the upper class level. This is my parents gift to you. It’s too big for you but this is decent enough. Mom insisted to get you one at Grande Hills but I had to turned that down. You need to maintain and project a decent middle class level person,” he said instead as he nodded at his driver, who is bringing Ellisande’s belongings inside the apartment. “You shall thank them properly and don’t you dare say anything more and insult them again. Here.”

SJ grabbed the manila envelope his driver handed and pulled the documents out.

“This is your Employment Contract as well as other legal documents,” he said as he placed them on her hands one by one. “You will be reporting to work on Wednesday. I’m sure it is enough time for you to read everything on the corporate manual as well as familiarize yourself in the city.”

“Interior Design Associate,” she said and her eyes widened at the salary grade. She looked at him. “I’m going to have a salary?!”

“Are you an idiot?” He snapped. “What kind of a question is that?!”

Ellisande lowered her eyes and mumbled an apology.

“What did you say?” He sneered. “Don’t mumble, Ellisande.”

“I’m sorry for being an idiot,” she then clearly said.

SJ looked at her in disdain and finally pulled out a letter size envelope. “Here are your keys to the apartment,” he said, dropping them on her palm. “I’m keeping the spare with me. Here’s also the key to your car. This is not a reminder, Ellisande! The vehicle parked on the 3^rd floor is not for racing. You will maintain it and have it check regularly, using the money you will be earning.”

He continued to lecture her for the next thirty minutes until he finally run out of things to say. He turned towards the door after calling his driver to get the car ready.

“You’d better do well, Ellisande,” he warned.

He then took off, leaving her to fend off for herself. He took out his phone when he heard it rang and saw Carmela calling.

“Are you back?” She purred seductively.

“Yes. I’m having my driver drop me off there,” he answered as he entered the car while the driver carefully closed the door for him. “Can you order dinner? Chill some wine as well. It’ll be an hour or so drive going there with the traffic now.”

“Already did,” she replied sweetly. “And, I bought this outfit I’m wearing just for you.”

SJ chuckled as he looked at his watch before looking out the city night skyline.

“Drop me at K Park Palace and pick me up on Monday at seven sharp,” he instructed his driver as he picked up the documents he stopped reading and continued.