Chapter 28

“C-Can I ask you something, Mr. Cesar?” I inquired nervously in the car, resting my hands on my lap as I listened to his heated phone conversation. I glanced at him sideways, and as he raised his hand, he asked me to give him a second.

“Notify the supervisors that in a few days I will be visiting all the branches for an inspection. The losses we are experiencing are greater than last month; something is happening with the suppliers.” After hanging up, he took my phone out of his suit jacket along with his own, pressed a few buttons, and then handed mine back to me while putting his phone away.

“There, now you have my number.” My eyes widened as I responded.

“And why is that?”

“You’re my assistant now. How am I supposed to contact you if you don’t have my number?” he said. In a rush, I blurted out, remembering the absurdity of what he was saying.

“I don’t think you’re thinking clearly, Mr. Cesar. You’re an intelligent man, despite your terrible temper. Don’t you think this is the worst idea you’ve ever had since you can remember? I can’t be your assistant.”

“Terrible temper? How can you insult and compliment me in the same sentence? Sometimes I think you have too much courage for your own good,” he said, keeping his eyes on me. Nervously, I cleared my throat and replied.

“It doesn’t make any sense for you to want me to be your assistant,” I stated firmly, holding his gaze.

“So, what will you do with your life? Work in a dirty lumberjack’s cabin, without doing anything to change it? Now I understand why Keylef left; there was nothing worth staying for.” A sharp stab of pain filled my chest as I looked away from him. He only existed to revel in my humiliation. And what if I didn’t want something greater for my life? I suppose the insignificant only serve to remain insignificant. I wasn’t aiming for anything too big. Silence filled the car as I stared out the window, lost in thought. Then, without realizing it, a few tears welled up in my eyes. Mr. Cesar was right; Keylef left because it wasn’t worth staying. My eyes began to close as I fought to stay awake. After being nervous all night about his departure, all I felt was exhaustion. I didn’t want to fall asleep with the devil by my side...

♡

Cesar

I hated people with little ambition, no confidence, and no determination. She couldn’t even tell my brother how she felt about him. And yet, she somehow managed to stay in my mind, even bringing out a part of me I was entirely unfamiliar with. Losing control was not typical of me, but I suspected it was due to her great resemblance to Belladona. Still, I had to know what happened the previous night; she was the one who kissed me... Whatever it was, when something bothered me, I changed it. And if this woman was the main source of my distress, I would change her to my liking.

“We’ve arrived, sir,” Joffre indicated, pulling me out of my thoughts, and I noticed how quiet that woman had become. I instantly realized she had fallen asleep. I let out a sigh, murmuring.

“She has the audacity to let her guard down in front of me,” I chuckled incredulously. “You underestimate me so much; do you think I won’t do anything...” And once again, there was that feeling, the feeling I didn’t understand and that overwhelmed me. I got out of the car, opened her door, and lifted her into my arms. I looked at her face, and her nose was red while there were still a few tears on her cheeks. Without thinking further, I walked to the mansion.

♡

Joffre

“S-Sir Cesar... Are you going to carry her to the mansion in your arms? Are you sure? Wouldn’t you rather I do it?”

“No, I’ll do it myself.” In disbelief, I followed him with my eyes until he reached the mansion’s doors, where everyone wore the same expression of surprise. It wasn’t because he looked unkempt, but because this man of unbreakable pride was lowering himself to a level that was beneath his stature. For a moment, I saw him ascend the stairs, and my eyes widened.

“The second floor... Are you taking her to your room, sir?” I asked, more astonished than before. Mr. Cesar turned to me and said.

“I’ll be working in my room, so make sure not to disturb me,” and without further explanation, Mr. Cesar climbed the stairs, carrying that woman in his arms.

“Yes, Master Cesar. Call me if you need anything,” I said, bowing and sternly addressing the group of gossipers still watching the scene.

“Get back to work quickly, and I don’t want to hear anyone talking about this, or you’ll be fired immediately. Understood?”

“Yes, Mr. Joffre.”

♡

I entered my room and then placed her on the bed. I watched her stir and mutter in pain, calling out for someone named Beethoven. Why wouldn’t she wake up? She was also trembling too much. I took off my suit jacket and tossed it over her, covering her. Was it something I said? Did it affect her so much that she’s like this? Uneasy, I observed her as a strange sensation churned inside me. Why was I having this feeling again when I looked at her? This never happened with Belladona, despite how different they are. So, why did I bring her with me? I was going crazy... I ran my hand through my hair, stepping back. Suddenly, I heard a knock at the door.

“Mr. Cesar, are you alright? Do you need anything?” I ran my hand over my forehead, bewildered.

“I need an appointment with Dr. Clare before I lose my mind.”

“Right away, sir. And... what should I do with the woman?”

“Call a doctor to check on her.” I left the room, trying to calm myself.

♡

Joffre

I watched Mr. Cesar with a lost and defeated expression, then looked at that woman as she writhed in pain on the bed. Perhaps seeing her like that had awakened old fears in him, the death of his family... or what that woman did. Right now, he reflected the personality of someone facing the world by numbing their emotions. Maybe the master had recently encountered Belladona; it might explain his senseless actions.