Ruthless (Ongoing)

Chapter 4

I arrived at exactly 13:00, thanks to Hermione's aid.

"Welcome to Valencia's Tutoring Centre! How may I help you?" A lively, petite woman greeted me as soon as I entered their lobby. I genuinely smiled to introduce myself and said that I already have a scheduled appointment today. I glanced over the entire lobby from time to time while the receptionist was still searching for my name. "Miss Rain Alejandro, right? Please proceed to the main office on the 16th floor. Thank you and have a nice day."

I walked across the large passage, thinking how wide the space is. Am I really applying as a tutor or as a mafia? I reached the end of the hallway and entered the elevator as soon as I pushed the call button. I pressed the number 16 on the right side and let the door slowly close on its own.

"W-wait!" A well-groomed man who's about the same age as me, rushed over. I hurriedly held the 'door open' switch to stop the elevator from completely closing. "Gracias," he said while fixing his necktie. He exhaled a huge amount of air, clearly a sign of being exhausted. We're only on the 4th floor when he starts introducing himself.

"I'm Atty. Denver Atienza, how about you, lady?"

I looked and stared at his face. He seems kind of familiar, but I can't recall where or when I saw him. "I'm Rain Alejandro, jobless," I laughed at the thought of being unemployed as I lend my hand, also neglecting all of my thoughts about him. Right after shaking hands with this attorney, a male voice was heard from the speaker above what we're riding.

'You've reached your destination. Welcome to the 16th Floor.'

"Hope to see you sometime again, Miss Rain," he winked and walked ahead of me. His figure is too perfect, judging by his robust looks from behind.

I looked at my phone to check if there's any reply from mom but, there isn't. "Oh no," I softly mumbled as I saw the time which is 13:21. I rushed over the hallway, thoroughly examining each nameplate posted above the doors.

I think I'm getting lost, due to the building's enormous size. My breathing has lost its control. I'm gasping. I placed my right hand on my chest and held on tight onto my shirt.

Why's everything getting in my way? Having an asthma attack now. How melancholic can my life get? I didn't even bring my inhaler with me!

I can't see clearly anymore, my vision getting darker.

"I pity her family for having a child like her."

"Useless."

"Why were you even born in this world?"

Whispers, gossips, everyone's talking about me. Although I can't determine their identity, I know that each one of them is giving me a disgusting look.

Right, why am I living anyway? I can't help anyone in need. I'm only an introvert who has just recently escaped from home. I wonder, does my family think the same— that I'm useless and a disgrace to them?

Maybe so. My mom pushed me away from her residence without telling me the exact reason why she did it. But I don't hate her, not even my dad.

I feel so trapped by my own thoughts. Is this what people call anxiety? The people who were saying bad kinds of stuff about me disappeared. All that I can see now is pitch black.

"Miss..."

Will proceeding in life change my fate? Can I get to experience joyous moments to treasure?

"Miss," I heard a man's deep voice.

Am I even going to have someone to love for the rest of my life? Someone who'll stay by my side, to love me, no matter how worse things can get between us. A man, who could defend and fight for me.

I felt the ground quiver for a second. Cracks are being formed at what my eyes can see. A vivid light can now be seen after the black surrounding has shattered, turning into little fragments. "Thank God, you're awake now, Rain. You were dripping in sweat while sleeping."

Good grief, it was just my mind playing around with me a while ago— or was it a truth that I didn't know of? Do other people really think of me that way?

An unrecognizable ceiling appeared in front of me after slowly opening my eyes. I properly sat on the bed, once more holding my chest. I'm breathing normally now.

"Who are you?" I asked the man covered in a striped suit and roamed the entire room. "Where am I?" I saw a tiny, brass frame with a picture of teenagers that seemed like they're a couple.

I observed the tremendously astounding lovers further. It's obvious that the girl's too fond of her partner since she did a piggy-back ride for him. The guy was kissing her cheeks while he was being carried from behind. They both have a plain, black t-shirt on. The woman wearing a denim short is evidently blissful.

"That girl, Kassandra is my wife. We've been together since our middle school days," he giggled then pointed to the picture frame I was holding. "I'm Denver, have you already forgotten? It's cool how we got to meet earlier than what I assumed," he added and started walking in my direction.

"You already have a wife?" I inquired.

Denver held my chin close to his face. "Yeah, what about it?" He replied, making my cheeks redden, until my ears. I could feel his warm breath making contact with my nose.

A smirk formed on his lips before he went away from me. "Your face is hilarious!" Denver beamed, crossing his arms together to look serious. "I apologize for what I did, I was just joking. I don't cheat on women, especially my wife," he stated and bowed.

For a moment, I thought that Denver is the man that I'll be loving for the rest of my life. "You're unfair," I mumbled to myself.

"Anyway, you're already rejected," he dictated.

"Rejected? In my job application? I wasn't even interviewed yet, who are you to tell me that!" I snapped.