8: Miss

Vanessa's P.O.V.

I was speechless while still crying. I wasn't expecting it to happen so quickly. My Aunt Bia was gone in an instant. Now I'm the only one. I'm now alone. Only a week ago that she was buried, but I feel like it was happen yesterday.  I'm still unable to accept everything. It was excruciatingly painful.

"Please eat up, Vanessa," Zeux said as he placed the food on my table. I looked at him and gave him a bitter smile.

"I don't want to eat because I'm still full. My Aunt hasn't eaten yet. We should eat together."

He stroked my hair and smiled briefly. "I know it's difficult to lose a loved one, Vanessa, but do you think your Aunt will be happy? Will she enjoy what you're doing now? You're thin. You haven't eaten well in a few days."

Because he was correct, I bowed. For a few days, I haven't slept or eaten well. I'm not in the mood for food. I'd rather just look. I'd rather cry than to eat. I'm not sure if I can cry any longer because I've run out of tears.

"I'm sorry, Sir. You must not be here; you must be in the company. Don't worry, I'll handle myself."

"No, you can't handle yourself. I'll be here until you realize you must continue to live; even though you're alone now, you must continue fighting against life's trials."

I put on a fake smile and eat slowly. He must be correct. I'm sure Tita Bia isn't pleased with what I'm doing right now. If she is still alive, she may chastise me. Zeux just stood there staring at me while I'm eating.

"Why are you doing these things? Why do you care about me? Who are you really? Do you know who I am? Do you know anything about me?"

I saw him gulped, and smiled. "Don't ask me again, Vanessa. Just let me do these things to you and you'll find out why I'm doing these things sooner or later."

I smirk. There he is again. What should I be aware of? It's as if I'm a fool, wondering what that is. I'm not sure what his true purpose is for me. Perhaps there is something else? I'm not sure, but I'm sure I'll find it sooner or later.

Fortunately, Zeux agreed not to let me go to work. I'll be the one to decide when I'm ready to work. I couldn't stop laughing. How powerful am I? He pays a lot of attention to me. He gives me a lot of consideration.

Another week passed before I decided to return to work. I assumed that if I just let sadness consume me, nothing good would happen to me. I couldn't help but notice Aunt's room as I was getting ready. I gave a bitter smile. Now that I'm alone, I'm not happy. I'm sad. I just hope I can forget about the pain when I go to work.

When I was on my way to the office, Zeux came to mind. He also didn't show up for several days. I'm not looking for him, but I'm curious why. He didn't say anything to me. I had no idea about him until recently. He only sends his employees to bring me food.

When I arrived at my department, they hugged me one by one. I burst into tears even more.

"I'm sorry for your loss," one of my co-workers said as she hugged me.

"Thank you. It'ss fine. I'll be fine."

Then Blake hugged me. He combed my hair with his hand. Blake hugged me, and I felt safe in his arms because of the tightness of his hug and the warmth of his body.

"I'm glad to see you here again. I hope you're feeling better. Everything will be fine. I know it hurts a lot to lose someone you love, but you're still alive. You must fight life's trials."

"Of course, I will," I said, wiping away my tears.

Before I started working, Blake and I talked. I told him what I had gone through on my own. What I think when I'm alone. He tells me silly jokes that make me laugh. As a result, I've forgotten about my problem.

My workday ended when I didn't even see Zeux. I've looked through the glass several times, but I can't see him. He was frequently passing by our department at the time, but I never saw him. I cleaned my table and then left the office. I saw his friend Jason as I walked towards the elevator. I approached him and inquired as to where he was.

"He's gone on a business trip," he simply stated.

I agreed by nodding. "Ah, okay. Thank you," I said, smiling.

He gives me a ridiculous look. "Why did you ask me then? Did you miss him?"

I burst out laughing. "No way! Don't say that! Don't make some stupid joke!"

"Okay then. If you don't want to admit it's okay. I'll go ahead. Be careful going home," he said, raising an eyebrow.

Because it was a little painful, I squeezed my arm. I noticed the car parked in front of our gate as I walked toward the house. My brow furrowed. I became familiar to me while I'm walking towards the vehicle and look at it carefully. It was Zeux's car! I walk quickly towards our house.

When I saw him get out of his car, my eyes widened and then I smile. He also smiled at me.

"Why are you here, and what are you doing?"

"I just wanted to see you. I just got back from a business trip, and I came here right away because I realized I didn't say goodbye to you. I have some gifts for you that I bought while I was away. Can I come inside?"

I waited a few seconds before nodding. I went inside and looked around to see if there was any clutter. I went straight to my room and changed my clothes. I noticed what he was carrying as I exited the room. Lots of chocolate, clothes, bags, canned goods, and various types of food.

"What is that, and why have you brought it here?" I asked, my eyes widening.

"This is for you. Don't worry, there's no exchange for this. I want to give you all of these because I want to help you."

I smiled at the time. I can see the sincerity in his eyes. He raised an eyebrow at me.

"Why are you looking at me like that? Is there any problem with my face?"

I smiled, then averted my gaze. "Thank you, thank you for all of this, and thank you for your efforts. You really helps me a lot."

He simply smiled. "You're always welcome, and by the way, where can I put this?"

I showed him where he should put it. Suddenly, my heart pounded as I watched him.