Chapter 5

After a long and exhausting night, I said goodbye to my strict boss and decided to head home. But when I reached the bus station, that was the only time I realized that no buses were running at this hour. It’s already midnight.

I sat on the concrete bench, hugging my bag and staring out at the road, watching the cars pass by.

There were still plenty of people, and the stores, eateries, and various other things you see in the city were still open. Typical.

I took a deep breath. If I take a taxi, they’ll charge me a lot, especially at night.

So, maybe I'll just walk home? And use my fare money to buy some food instead?

I leaned back against the shed’s backrest. I closed my eyes, trying to piece together everything that happened today, the insults from my colleagues, the water poured on me in the restroom, the looks from the people around me, and most of all... the things he said. My boss. The man who had always seemed so untouchable, so ruthless, but earlier... he was different.

I looked up. Was that really Tirso I was talking to earlier? Why did he seem like a different person?

“Don’t ever say you deserve to be treated like trash again.” The weight of his voice seemed to be etched into my brain. I couldn't forget it.

I closed my eyes again. Tightly. I wanted to think it was nothing, that it was just work, that maybe he just got caught up in the situation. But why did it feel like it wasn't? Why did it feel like... something else?

As I was drowning in my own thoughts, headlights suddenly stopped in front of me. A black car. I didn't have to guess who it belonged to.

The tinted window rolled down, and there I saw him. My boss. The man I didn't expect to see again at this hour.

I sat up straight. What was he doing here?

“Irene.” He called my name in a cold but clear voice. “Get in.”

I bit my lip. “Sir, I—”

“Don't make me wait,” he cut me off. “It’s too late. There's nothing left for you to catch. Get in the car.”

I hesitated. I was embarrassed. I knew it was dangerous out here, but this is my boss.

"Irene..." he called again, his voice colder, heavier.

Did I even have a choice? I really couldn't manage to walk home. Worse, I might run into some drunks on the way and they might attempt something against my life. I still want to live.

Slowly, I stood up, gripped the strap of my bag tightly, and approached the car door. I opened it and sat in the passenger seat. The scent of the car greeted me. A masculine scent. But the air conditioning was freezing.

"Your seatbelt, Irene," he reminded me. I immediately buckled it across my body.

He was silent as he drove. A few more seconds passed before he spoke again.

“You shouldn’t be out here this late,” he said, not looking at me. “Anything could’ve happened.”

“There were no more buses, sir,” I answered softly.

And he’s the reason why I'm out late so I didn't make it.

He sighed, pressing his hands against the steering wheel. “You should’ve called someone. A friend. A family member.”

I looked down. "I don't have a family anymore, Sir. No friends either."

After I said that, I felt him glance at me for a moment before returning his gaze to the road.

I didn't know if he felt pity or worry, but I felt the air inside the car suddenly become heavy.

Silence reigned once again.

“I’ll take you home,” he said finally. Without hesitation. It was like a command.

“You don’t have to, Sir. I can—”

“I said I’ll take you home.” He cut me off with his stern voice. "You're a woman, Irene. It's not safe to walk at this hour."

I just kept quiet rather than argue further. I looked out the window as we passed the streetlamps.

I glanced at him slightly when he suddenly cleared his throat.

"What's something good to eat right now?" he asked.

"Oh, it's alright. I'm still full, sir," I answered.

"I'm just asking. I didn't say we were going to eat," he said quickly.

I suddenly felt small with embarrassment. I thought he was inviting me to eat. How embarrassing!

"So, what is it?"

I straightened my posture. "Jollibee, sir." I suggested. That was my favorite thing to eat.

"Is that your favorite?"

I pursed my lips and nodded. "Yes, Sir."

"Tirso, Irene. We aren't at the company."

I swallowed hard. Did he not want me to call him Sir?