‘La Croix Haven'. I have read the signage a hundred times already. My mind is doubtful, yet at the same time certain. Yesterday, when I asked Monica where Sebastian lived, that is what she said. So I bet this is where the demon stays.
With two pieces of luggage in my hand, I went straight to the receptionist. I don't know what floor Sebastian is residing on so I need to ask that. Kinda nervous of the idea that they might not be going to disclose such information. It's one of their policies to preserve their customers' privacy in every way possible.
“Yes, Ma'am. How may I help you?” the woman cheerfully greeted me—giving me a short smile.
“Ah, yes. Does Sebastian Montenegro resides here?”
Although I knew already. I still need to confirm it. Just in case, Monica was mistaken.
“Yes, Ma'am. Are you Miss Winter Liondale?" she asked, now looking at me intently. Her once beautiful smile also faded in an instant. Her face shouts disgust, yet she remains professional. Though not completely.
“Yes, I am.”
I don't care if she likes me or not. Or if she has a problem with me. First, I don't know her. Second, she doesn't feed me. So, whatever her opinion about me is invalid—useless.
“Mr. Montenegro stays in the penthouse. Here's your key,” she handed me a golden key, with the S.E.M letter engraved on it. Sebastian Ephraim Montenegro.
“Thanks,” I responded shortly before heading to the elevator.
I think Sebastian had already informed the receptionist about my arrival. If not, surely she would not have disclosed it. Considering how she looked at me earlier, as though she wanted to bite me. Goodness, she must like the devil or perhaps love. And if she thinks I'm one of Sebastian's women, she's totally mistaken. Because never will I be one of his trophies. I'm not too cheap for that.
Ting!
My eyes wandered as the elevator opened. The white and gold exterior of the floor greets me as I reach the top. It was kind of simple, but eye-catching and exuded elegance. I stepped gently towards the large golden door. Sebastian's initials were inscribed on the front door in the distance. Before placing the key into the keyhole, I sighed. This is it. The door has a fingerprint lock as well, but it's strange since I merely clicked it and it opened right away.
This was also the door of my office before, and only Cana and I were allowed to enter. Unless I specifically invite or enable someone to enter. Now that I think about it, it makes me wonder. How did Sebastian get in there when the door was locked? My employees aren't allowed to go there, yet he was able to. Why hadn't I pondered this before? Is it conceivable that Aunt Natasha isn't the only one to blame for the company's collapse, or that she has an accomplice?
I shook my head, stifling the stream of ideas. Whether Aunt has an accomplice or not, I still can't get the company back. So what's the point of pondering about it? I'll just get a headache thinking about that and, lastly, I won't get anything from it.
I sat on the couch as I entered Sebastian's residence. The i***t hasn't arrived yet. Perhaps I'll take a nap first. And, regrettably, I have no idea where my room will be.
I should've just let him come get me. Otherwise, I won't have to worry about what I should do and what I shouldn't do right now. Damn, pride.
Instead of napping, I changed my mind and decided to go on a walk in his entire facility. I first proceeded to the comfort room, then to the kitchen, and then I went downstairs and saw two closed rooms that I didn't open because they were closed and locked. Maybe if I went in, Sebastian would think I was being inquisitive. It was exactly 11 in the morning after I toured his entire unit when the main door opened and Sebastian was birthed out from it.
I was stunned as I watched him walk closer to me.
"You're here already," he said.
So, he comes home at noon? I suddenly went back into a trance when he snapped in front of me. What's going on isn't really registered in my mind yet. I was definitely dazed.
"What are you doing here?" I fired away. And too late to realize what I had said.
Sebastian quickly lifted his brows and gave me a strange expression, as if my query was ridiculous.
"Because this is my home," he responded shortly, loosening up his tie.
I bit my bottom lip and shook my head in humiliation. Winter, what kind of question is that?
How come I can't think of anything to ask? Our situation is also a bit awkward now, especially since it's just the two of us. Wait. How many times have we talked just the two of us? Why do I just feel like this today? It's weird.
I tried to calm myself before looking him in the eye again. What now if my question was stupid? It was just a spin of a moment. I was shocked, so that’s what I asked. There is no big deal.
"Can I start working tomorrow?"
The devil furrows his brows once again. It seems as though he likes raising his brows frequently, or it's probably his hobby. But doing so can only cause wrinkles when done regularly.
"Ok," he responded.
I was taken aback when he agreed, and my eyes widened in astonishment. I'm wondering as to what he ate, as he was quite nice today.
"So, where's my room?" I asked again.
Since the devil is now being considerate and kind. I'll have to put it to good use. Perhaps he'll return to his nasty behavior tomorrow or the following day, but at the very least, I've taken advantage of his benevolence today...once and for all.
"The room next to mine," he stated, "follow me."
Sebastian carried my baggage like a true gentleman as he climbed onto the stairs. I, who was perplexed, followed in his footsteps to wherever he was going.
Eventually, he stopped at the white door next to the black door. I assume the black one was his room, like his conscience. And the white ones would be mine. It's like he is the devil and I am an angel. We're so much different. And it makes sense.
He stepped in after opening the door, still carrying my bags. Somehow, Sebastian looks like a handsome room boy taking care of my things.
"This will be your room, and that is your own bathroom," he says, pointing to the right corner of the room. He placed my things beneath the large closet. Leaving it there for me to unpack.
If I had not known how ruthless he is, I would have fallen in love already. He had it all: money, good looks, and a good body. There's nothing more to ask for. Personality, on the other hand, is always important to me. No matter how attractive a guy is, if he has a nasty character, everything about him will be unfavorable. Though, this doesn't apply to everyone. Some girls are still after for looks rather than personality. And all of our ideals are valid. But of course, it would always be better if someone had it all: looks, money, and personality. That would be a total package and almost everyone's ideal. Either for men or women.
"I'll be back at work now...and be home at 8:00 p.m., so don't create a mess in my residence," he warned.
I rolled my eyes as I gazed back at his judgmental stare. "Okay." As if I'm a messy kind of person. Beside. I'm no longer a kid who likes to play around and mess things up.
Sebastian exited the room, and as soon as he shut the door, I sprang onto the bed, landing with my back straight on the plush mattress. Finally, a comfortable bed. It's been a long time since I've endured sleeping on my boarding house's hard bed. My back had finally let out a breath of relief, appreciating the softness and warmth of the bed it had provided.
I rolled back and forth, letting out a gentle scream of delight rather than dread. I suppose becoming his maid isn't such a horrible thing. Perhaps I should focus on the positive aspects rather than the negative parts. But as human, as I am, I cannot help highlight the bad rather than the good. And that's what I need to work on.
I hugged the pillow as I tried to close my eyes. Maybe I'll simply sleep for a while because I'm tired as well. And I'll just eat when I wake up since I'm still not hungry yet. But before I went to sleep, I got out of bed and turned on the air conditioner. I can't sleep feeling heated, as though I'm in hell. After achieving my goal, I climbed back into bed. Eventually, after I closed my eyes, my consciousness was quickly overwhelmed by darkness, and I was knocked unconscious.