5

* * * *

We got back to doing our duties quietly and eventually, Lizzy's obsession left the store, not forgetting to flash a smile before leaving. Evening came quicker than I had imagined and all I could think of was how to prove myself to Azek. How to make him see that I'm not who he thinks I am and that I would never hurt him.

“ The best time in our job is when it's evening. Little customers to attend to and most importantly, time for clocking out is approaching,” Lizzy yawned and stretched in gladness.

“ Your eagerness to get off work sometimes makes me wonder why you even accepted the job to begin with,” I chuckled.

“ I guess, I need the money,” she rested her head in her palm which was propped up by her arm. “ Mia, lover boy is back,” she whispered as she stood upright. I turned towards the glass door only to see him walking in. He had come back.

“ Hello, Mia and...,” he paused looking at Lizzy as he tried hard to remember her name.

“ Lizzy,” she reminded.

“ Yeah, Lizzy,” he scratched his head in embarrassment before quickly focusing his attention on me. “ I wanted to get something quickly from the store but I have no idea what the name is, could you help me search for it?” He asked.

“ Erm... Sure,” I smiled as walked out from behind the counter and led the way to the lines of shelves. “ So what exactly are you looking for?” I inquired.

“ It's a tonic. I want to get it for my mom,” he was sweet and thoughtful.

“ Do you know the name perchance?”

“ If I knew the name, I wouldn't bother you,” he rubbed his nape.

“ Sorry,” I realized my mistake.

“ It's okay, but what I do know is that it has a tiger engraving printed on it,” he described and we began to search for it.

“ Is this it?” I showed him one after about thirty minutes that seemed to match his vague description.

“ Yes, that's right,” we had finally found it. “ Thanks a lot,”

“ Don't bother,” I didn't think he needed to thank me since it was my job to assist him after all.

“ Uhm... I've been meaning to say this for a while now but I didn't want to seem too forward,” he said looking away awkwardly. I had a bad feeling about this. “ You're really pretty,” he complimented and ended up blushing hard.

“ Erm... Thank you. I appreciate the compliment,” I had turned my professionalism to the highest level.

“ Is it okay if we exchange numbers?” He wasn't planning on beating around the bush. “ We could hang out sometimes and we can get to know each other better,” he suggested.

“ I'm sorry but I'm married,” I never thought this status would be this handy, not to talk of being a sweet excuse to use.

“ Are you kidding me right now?” He scoffed. The pace at which he switched sides was something to be wary of.

“ Do you think I'm an idiot? It's pretty obvious that you're not married,” he said pointing at my finger. I hadn't worn my ring because Azek hated to see me wearing it.

“ I don't think I have anything to prove, sir,” I tried my best to remain polite. “ If that will be all, then you can go ahead and check it in at the counter,” I made to walk out but then he gripped my wrist firmly. I tried my best to wriggle my hand from his grasp but it was nearly impossible.

“ I don't care if you have a boyfriend, I want you. Besides, I can treat you right,” he drew closer to me and whispered into my ears. Just as I struggled to get out of his grip and prevent him from harassing me, Lizzy came from behind me and sprayed him in the eye with pepper spray which was fitting of him.

“ Ahhh!” He shouted in pain.

“ You're such an asshole! I can't believe I ever even considered you handsome,” she cussed at him. The security soon came and dragged him out.

“ Thanks a lot, Lizzy. My husband would kill me if he found out about this,” I sighed.

“ That's a bit toxic of him if you ask me,” she was blunt but she wasn't all that wrong because, at this point, Azek was indeed toxic.

________________________________________________

“ I'm back,” I announced my presence as I walked into the house. I had come home a lot later than I had bargained for.

“ Where do you think you're going?” Azek’s voice made me freeze. “ Why are you back late?” He questioned.

” I was at work,” I replied looking at him confused.

“ Flirting with Mr. Sweet guy with the long hair,” he snapped and my eyes widened. How had he known about him?

“ Come with me,” he held me tight by the wrist and pulled me upstairs with him. His grip was firm in the most discomforting manner.