CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN

DALLAS


The piercing sound of the alarm jolted me from the sweet dream I was having. I had hit snooze several times already. I had no choice but to wake up despite the temptation to stay in bed all day.

I tossed away the soft blanket and planted my feet firmly on the floor. I just need to take a shower to shake off the sleepiness. I need to get ready for the day's work.

To be honest, it doesn't even feel like I was working here anymore. Oliver hired two additional cleaning maids after I moved in, indirectly relieving me from my duties. But I insisted on maintaining my routine. I continued to wake up early, and ensure that my tasks were completed before the other maids arrived.

I wanted to maintain a semblance of control and continue to keep my end of our contract, even if it no longer felt like a normal relationship between employer-employee. Something has shifted between us and there was no denying it.

There was obviously some sexual tension brewing between us. Last night's ‘incident’ confirmed it. My cheeks flushed as I remembered his erection pressed against the cracks of my ass. A tiny part of me was pleased that I had an effect on him. I wasn't the only one going crazy by the mere presence of him.

I was slightly proud of how far he had come. A few weeks ago, he wouldn't even hold my hand willingly. But now, he is making me straddle him.

Deep down, I knew that this meant our time together will soon come to an end. His condition was improving and the lawyers are getting closer to solving my mum's case. It was only a matter of time before all the conditions of our contract were fulfilled and we had to go our separate ways.

I shook my head and tried not to think about what I'll do when that time comes. I was going to live in the moment and enjoy it. I was going to fuck him but I'll never let him in. I'll never give him my heart and I'll never fall for him. Because I already know how that will end. My heart will be broken while he'll be happily married to a supermodel.

I flipped off the faucet and stepped out of the shower. I threw on a black short skirt that stopped just a few inches to my knees, and a blue crop top. While I didn't stop doing my duties as his maid, I made sure to ditch the maid's uniform. They were too tight and short, they'd reveal the crack of my ass if I bend too much.

Okay, the uniform isn't exactly that bad. It looks decent on some of the maids. I blame my endowed body for the inconveniences.

Before I went downstairs to get my phone, I grabbed my phone to see if I had any text messages.

There was one from Lisa.

Lisa: Okay, I know it's just two weeks to my wedding and it's already too late for this, but what do you think about replacing the white roses with pink tulip flowers?

I rolled my eyes and chuckled.

Dallas: You do realize this is the sixth time you've changed the flower arrangements? If you keep this up, Aunt In-Suk will marry you off without a wedding (laughing emoji)

Her reply came in almost immediately.

Lisa: I know. I just don't know why it doesn't seem perfect to me. I wish you were here. You're way better at this stuff than I am (exhausted emoji)

I felt a lump in my throat. I hadn't told Lisa I might not be able to attend her wedding. While I feel guilty about it, I don't really have a choice. The thought to ask Oliver for an advanced payment crossed my mind but I quickly shoved it away. He'd probably give me the money, but I don't want to accept more favors from him. I'll have to figure out another way to get to Korea.

I went to the supply room to grab the cleaning materials I'd need, then put on an apron. I started from the living room, dusting the couches, and then I vacuumed. After that I moved to the kitchen. I was done in a few minutes.

The thought to check if Oliver was awake crossed my mind but I quickly discarded it. It wasn't a good reason to go to his room. The last thing I want is for him to think I was a creep.

But I could go to his room to clean it, right?

I carried the cleaning bucket and the bottle of bleach, and I headed to his room. I placed a gentle knock on the door and waited for his response. I got none. I knocked a few more times but still got no reply. Maybe he wasn't in. I'll just go in, clean, and leave quickly.

I flung the door open and stepped in. I set the bucket down when something caught my eyes. The hideous painting I had always commented about was moved from its position. It was weird because Oliver doesn't like moving things. He is the most organized person I know.

I walked to the painting and was about to move it to the original spot when I noticed something. An opening in the wall. Out of curiosity, I shoved the wall slightly and the opening widened. It revealed a hidden doorway. A secret room. Wow! Oliver Kang is full of mysteries.

What could he want to hide so much that he built a secret room?

My curiosity piqued and I stepped into the room. I should probably not be snooping around and invading his privacy. It was wrong. And Oliver wouldn't like it. But I couldn't stop myself. I'd take just a peek. Then I'd leave. He wouldn't even know I was here.

The only source of light in there was a small bulb in the middle of the room. There were numerous paintings in the room, most of them framed and hung on the wall.

Did he paint all of these? The art supplies in the room already gave me the answer I needed.

I scanned each of the pieces, marveling at the powerful strokes on each canvases. The paintings would be very disturbing to a normal person because of the extreme gore content. But I found them beautiful. Each piece convey different messages. Sadness. Loneliness. Pain. Guilt. I deciphered a few of them, until I couldn't anymore.

I noticed some of the paintings had less powerful strokes, as if the artist was terrified of his creation. But the strokes gradually became confident and beautiful with each painting. There was a cryptic note attached to each of the canvases. I couldn't decipher them no matter how hard I tried.

After taking my fill of the other paintings in the room, I turned to the only one I hadn't checked. The canvas was facing the wall and I was so caught up with the rest that I didn't bother to check it. It seems he was still working on it.

I was just about to turn it around when a chilling voice resonated through the small room,

“Don't even think about it!”

I turned swiftly and my eyes collided with Oliver's icy gaze. I saw a flash of red in his eyes.