Chapter 7

I can’t figure out what was wrong with my boss. I know he’s mad at me, which is why he always makes sure to criticize and humiliate me. But why the sudden approach? Why keep messing with my brain now?

I gripped my hair as my thoughts spiraled, an annoyed groan slipping from my lips. What exactly is he plotting?

“I already told Mama,” I heard Serenity say to Scarlet.

They were in the living room with me. I was supposed to stay in my room, but I would’ve gone crazy if I did, so I came out instead. I thought being outside would distract me, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Alaric.

I took another leave for the sake of my sanity. I planned to go to work next week. That’s what made me feel guilty because I wouldn’t be able to help much with the house expenses, since there would be a deduction from my salary because of this.

I let out a sigh and tugged at my hair again.

I didn’t even notice when Mama sat down beside Serenity, and she ended up seeing me on the verge of losing my mind.

“I told you, Mama. She’s been like that since Monday,” Serenity complained.

I sat up straight. I glared at Serenity, but she ignored me. Instead, she raised a brow at me.

“What’s the problem, Sera?” Mama asked gently. I could see the worry in her eyes.

“Nothing… I’m just thinking about something embarrassing…”

“No. It’s about work for sure. She even said she doesn’t want to see her boss anymore,” Serenity insisted.

I let out a small gasp, and they noticed it. That alone confirmed it was all about my boss.

“Is your boss giving you a hard time?” Mama asked worriedly. She moved closer and held my hand.

“I’m okay. You don’t have to worry about me… I can handle this.” I made my voice sound casual, like it wasn’t a big deal.

“I don’t think so, Mama. She comes home staring blankly at nothing as she walks to her room. She couldn’t even spare me a glance because she was deep in thought,” Serenity said. I glared at her again.

Why does she notice everything? I know I haven’t been myself lately whenever I get home. But how could I not be? After what Alaric did. After those kisses!

“Ate, if you’re having a hard time at work, it’s okay to resign,” Scarlet said with a smile. “Serenity and I both have scholarships now, so tuition fees won’t be a problem anymore.”

I turned to Mom. I didn’t know they had scholarships. Their tuition fees had always been one of the things Mom and I worried about the most.

Mom nodded at me. “They both passed. So if you want to resign from your job because you’re having a hard time, that’s okay with me.”

It was reassuring to know that I didn’t have to be scared of getting fired. My mom and my two sisters were fine with me resigning.

I felt relieved. The only reason I couldn’t afford to resign or skip work was because of money. Now that my two sisters have scholarships, it’s a huge help for us.

So the guilt I felt from skipping work disappeared. To hell with Alaric. If he fires me, then so be it. I’m no longer afraid of losing my job.

And what is he even doing in our company… in our department? His own company’s office is way better. And why the hell am I reporting directly to him if he’s a damn CEO? I don’t understand these schemes. There must be something going on.

The next day, I felt happy now that I didn’t have to think about anything. It’s Friday, but I have no desire to go to work anymore. And I don’t feel guilty about it. They can deduct this day from my salary. It’s not a problem anymore.

I turned to my digital clock on my nightstand and saw that it was already ten in the morning. By this time, there was no one around the house. Mama was at work, my two sisters were at their university, and Papa was probably here if he didn’t go out to look for a job.

I was about to go back to sleep when my phone suddenly rang. I raised a brow when I saw that it was a new number.

“Hello?” I answered.

For a few seconds, no one spoke. My brow lifted even more.

“Hello?” I said louder this time.

I heard someone clear their throat on the line, and immediately, I knew who was on the other end.

Alaric!

“Where are you?” he asked in a low voice.

I instantly rolled my eyes. His voice actually sounded good on the phone. Why is he such a jerk in person?

“I don’t want to go to work,” I replied casually.

He stayed quiet.

“Did you hear me?” I asked. “I’m not working today,” I repeated, just in case he hadn’t heard me.

He chuckled. “I heard you the first time, Seraphina.”

“Good to know!” I smirked.

Did he think I’d be scared now? No way! His threats about firing me won’t work anymore!

…