CHAPTER 5

“Hey, wait for me!” I ran after him.

He stood before the door and looked at his phone once more. That drives me crazy and even more curious. Irritated and confused, I went to him and asked, “What are you up to, now? Can you just tell me what exactly is going on?”

He raised his index finger to cover my mouth. "There's someone at the front door earlier.”

My brows stitched together. "What do you mean there is someone out there? That’s impossible, okay?" I demanded, my chest pounding so fast I didn’t even know why.

"What do you mean it’s impossible? There is someone out there earlier and I don’t know who, okay? Maybe it’s just your friend… or your family’s colleagues," Saelas said.

"Friends? I don’t have friends. And I don't want one." I crossed my arms.

"A colleague, then?"

I shot him a sharp look. "It’s not like this is your first day on earth, professor. Can’t you see the house is surrounded by guards? No one can just walk in here."

"Then who’s that?"

"I’m asking the same question," I snapped, rolling my eyes.

"Stay here," Saelas’s voice dropped low and protectively, as he walked toward the door. But my legs moved on their own, following him.

"I said stay inside," he growled, glancing back.

"Just open the door," I pressed, refusing to back off.

"Can you stop being stubborn for once?"

"Can you stop overreacting? Just open it."

Instead of unlocking it, he pulled out his phone and opened an app.

"You installed a camera—"

"Shush."

I rolled my eyes and peeked over his shoulder anyway. A hidden camera? Seriously? Why isn’t he a cop or some undercover investigator? He’s too good at this stuff.

I saw the camera but there wasn't anyone outside. 

"It's just a box, Saelas."

"I know. I know. But can you please shut up for a moment? It’s not helping."

I just gave up and shut up then he slowly opened the door.

"Wait there. I'll get it." He went outside, picked up the package, and opened the door, bringing it inside and placing it on the table in the living room.

"Lock the door," he ordered with a firm and serious voice.

"Why would I follow your order?" I shot back, crossing my arms.

"Fine. Then let whoever’s outside grab you the moment the door opens."

My mouth went dry. "Blah, blah, blah," I muttered, rolling my eyes to cover the nerves creeping in.

He's overreacting. Can you calm down, Mr. Professor? The way you act and that tone was enough to send chills crawling up my skin.

"What is it?" I asked, my heart racing.

"I don't know. But I have to be the first one to look at it." His voice was laced with suspicion.

"Can you stop overreacting? It's probably just—" The words stuck in my throat and my heart sank when I saw what spilled out.

Photos. Dozens of them. Pictures of me, naked in bed and exposed. Next to me was a man whose face had been intentionally blurred out—faceless.

"W-wait… that's me." My words shook.

Was it my clothes when I went to the bar last time? And this man is probably…

"And it was me." Saelas’s jaw tightened as he indicated the man in the photograph. His voice lowered and colder. "This is a setup." 

His jaw tightened like he was angry or something. 

"Setup? What do you mean?" I asked, my legs wanting to collapse under me.

Who will set me up? I don’t remember anyone who can possibly do this to me.

"Who was with you that night?" he asked in a sharp tone. He was talking about the night at the bar where we first met.

"N—Nobody. I was alone."

"Not even someone you know? A friend?" His questions were coming more quickly now and more suspicious.

Last night? How can I remember such an event? All I remember is that I went there that night—alone. I sat there and drank alone. Then—Oh, wait!

"Oh, wait. There was a woman. She walked up to me, told me she was a fan of me and then, we had a short conversation in which I no longer remember the details. She offered a glass of drink."

"And you accepted it?" His voice grew sharper.

"Y-yes. But I didn't know—"

His tone became even more concerned than suspicious. "What came after?"

"I got dizzy. Drunk, though I hardly drank. I used the wrong bathroom… and that's when I ran into you."

His fists were balled. "Did you notice her face?"

I shook my head. "No. But I remember that I saw that she had a tattoo. A flower on her neck which is all purple instead of red.I’m not sure if it’s purple or just purple because of the lighting."

Saelas’s expression grew dark. "James..." He muttered a name under his breath, but I heard it.

"James…? Who's that?"

His jaw clenched. "James is my best friend.”

My hands shook. "But how do you know it's him? Plus, I don’t even know such a name. Why would he do that?"

"It’s not him but he can possibly help with this.”

“How can you say so?”

“Because the woman who came over to you is his ex-girlfriend. They were together since high school but they broke up because James chose his career more than her."

I took a step back, my mind reeling. "But… How am I even a part of this? I just met you after I met that woman."

Saelas looked down at the ground. "You don ‘t have to know."

"That isn't right. You told me I'm involved with you now, no matter what I want. I deserve to know."

"You're not involved. Not if I have anything to say about it," he said, not looking at me, attempting to leave.

"Hey!" I yelled after him. “I don’t want to get involved with this. I am telling you now. If this will be the reason of my downfall, I’ll make sure you’ll go below me.”

He stopped and turned back to face me.

“Are you blaming me?”

“Indirectly but yes. Yes, I am blaming you. I am warning you, Mr. Margaux. I hate failure and downfall and even if you’ll be the reason for it, I still don’t want it.”

He stared at my eyes for a moment, trying to read it but I tried my best to look at him without emotion.

No. I can’t go down or fail. Not now that the whole Sollivierre company is in my hands. Even if I want to cling to him, if I have to choose between him and the company, I will let him go the easiest.

I left him standing there, stunned.

I couldn't sleep. My mind was a storm, questions rotating with no answers. This is the reason why I didn't want any friends. They always became enemies. It sucked.

I was going out for some fresh air. That's when I saw him. Saelas was on the couch, slouching forward, elbows on knees, head low as if the burden of the world was on his shoulders.

"Hey," I said softly.

He raised his head, taken aback. "Hey… why are you still awake?" He gestured to the seat beside him, inviting me to sit down.

I toyed with the pillow in my hands, keeping away from his gaze. "And you? It's already late. Tomorrow will be a mess if my professor himself can't concentrate."

He let out a dry laugh. "I'm worried. About you. That something will happen while I'm asleep."

I arched my brow, grinning. "You're getting soft on me now, huh?

He snorted, scrunched up his face. "Woman, it's what I have to do. If your parents hadn't pleaded with me to watch over a nagging girl, I'd be at the bar."

I don’t know if that's sarcasm or reality. But one thing for sure—I’m affected by what he just said.

"So… I'm a burden." My voice broke.

"N-no, I didn't mean it that way—

"It's okay." I got up, not wanting him to notice the pain in my eyes. "If that's what you believe, fine." I walked away, heading back to my room, slamming the door shut.

A few minutes later. Then came the banging.

"Seriously, are you not going to open this door?" He was strained on the other side. "You're going to just keep walking away from all of this because you don't like the way it turns out? Fine. Do as you please."

Do as I please? Fine. I’m going to sleep then.

“Reina?” he called. I didn’t answer.

“You’re going to open this door or I’ll break it?”

“No.”

“Fuck! Open this goddamn door!”

I flung the door open, dragged him in by the shirt, and pulled him inside.

"What the-"

“Now, will you shut up already?"