Bound by Obsession

Chapter 4: The Most Avoidable Man

What's with that reply? How could she possibly understand. If his parents really wanted to meet, they shouldn't have canceled appointments all the time. Well, she did not complain as much as the first day. She was able to eat delicious food, sleep on a luxury bed, and even have beautiful new clothes. But what about her work?

With her head resting on the table, Ashley let out a long sigh. "What's the harm in letting me go home."

"Did you say something, Miss?"

Ashley moved to sit with a good attitude. She noticed a middle-aged woman cooking. This woman was Nina, a housemaid that Hellios had talked to that night. And another one Ruth was washing dirty clothes. "I miss Mrs. Winona and Mr. Charlie. Do you know what kind of food they like?"

She had thought of this from the beginning. She should at least bring a gift when she met them later. But, given that they had everything, it seemed like the gifts would be meaningless. So, instead of gifts it was better to cook for them.

"Mrs. Winona?" Nina tilted her head.

What's with the response?

"Don't Hellios' parents ever come here?" she asked softly.

Nina shook her head. "In all the time I've worked for this penthouse, Mr. Hellios has never brought anyone here. So when I found out that he brought his girlfriend here, I was really surprised."

Ah, it turns out he already has a girlfriend .... Wait, why is Nina looking at her with sparkling eyes?

Her hand moved to point at herself, and Nina nodded with an understanding smile. Suddenly she shook her head at the misunderstanding.

"I'm not his girlfriend!"

Nina gasped while covering her mouth with one hand. "Oh I'm sorry, Miss Ashley."

Ashley waved her hand. She stood up and rolled up her sleeves "It's okay. Let me help-"

"Oh no. You can't do that. Please, go back to your seat and don't do anything." Nina immediately refused.

"But, I feel bored."

"You can watch, sleep, or whatever. But not for this. It's my duty, and I can't let Mr. Hellios' guest do my duty."

"No, I-"

"What's going on?"

Ashley and Nina turned their heads in unison to the origin of the voice, where Hellios stood.

"You're home early today, Mr. Hellios."

"Hm," he muttered.

"Food is cooking. Would you like a snack first?"

"No need. I'll be in my study. Just call when the food is ready."

"Yes, Mr. Hellios."

Those cold eyes shifted to Ashley until she unconsciously took a step back. Afterward, he began to stride towards the upper floor. She followed him with a small run.

"When will they come?"

"Tonight."

"Really?" Ashley stared at the back of Hellios who was climbing the stairs. Her hands were clenched tightly into fists. "You're lying, aren't you?"

And Hellios stopped walking. Long silent, then he turned his head. "If you're bored, you can use my study. There are many books there that you can read."

He even changed the topic.

"I have to work this afternoon. I can't be off all the time. Here's my number, if they get here, just call me. I'll ask for permission to leave early and get here as soon as possible."

Hellios stared at the piece of paper in Ashley's outstretched hand. He knew this, he couldn't hold back for too long. "...On one condition."

Ashley automatically looked up. He agreed?

"After work, you should come back here."

Of course she was shocked and felt strange. What kind of requirement was that? She was speechless.

"If you disagree, say goodbye to your workplace."

Isn't that too much?! She saw Hellios walking back and she hurriedly followed him upstairs.

"No, wait! Why do I have to-"

Hellios suddenly turned around and stopped in front of her. With such a small distance between them, the unprepared Ashley instinctively backed up and almost fell down the stairs. Fortunately, he held her waist. And as a result of the sudden touch, she jumped in surprise and held her breath.

She lifted her face and returned Hellios' piercing gaze which was very deep and cold. Their noses touched and she could feel his exhale causing her hand on his chest to tremble.

"Believe me nothing is good if you don't listen to me."

His cold tone made her swallow saliva. Yes, she was afraid.

"So, can I trust you, Ash?"

Stiffly, Ashley nodded. She did not dare to speak. For God's sake, why did this man still look as creepy as before?

Although the answer was not satisfactory, Hellios still trusted her. His hands on Ashley's small waist began to bring her body to the side so as not to get too close to the stairs.

"Call me whenever you're ready to go to work, I'll drive you."

"Oh don't bother- fine." Seeing the deadly gaze of Hellios again, she quickly changed her answer.

Damn, what's wrong with this asshole?

***

He lied.

Ashley realized it after two days of living in the penthouse. He made a lot of excuses with his calm face just to keep her locked up. And it was really scary for her. Luckily she realized it sooner, so she wouldn't stay there any longer.

Carrying a large bag of trash from the back door of the fast food restaurant, Ashley threw it into the trash can there. Afterwards, she took her vibrating cell phone from her pocket and read it.

What time did you finish?

It's an unfamiliar number but she knows who the sender is. Not many people knew her number other than her uncle and the respective managers she worked for. And now add Hellios. Without replying, she put her phone back and walked inside.

She didn't think it was necessary for them to communicate with each other, as this afternoon was the last time they would see each other. After this, she had to go to her other workplace.

"Do I need to buy a new number?" she muttered.

Fortunately, at the nightclub today it went fine. No problems occurred. After the patrons left, she would clean room after room very quickly. There was only one room left. If this continued until the last room before her shift ended, she would be home on time.

Or not ....

Entering the room on a trolley, she saw a disgusting scene. Several men were having fun with the women. Also a familiar handsome yet wild man kissing a nightclub worker. His name was Mateo Walter.

Of all the people who came here, this man was the one she avoided the most. That stupid manager must have sent her here on purpose. She growled inwardly. If it weren't for the fact that the income she earned from here was greater than other workplaces, she would have scolded him.

"Sorry, I thought this room was empty. I'll come back later-"

"I did tell your manager to call you here."

Just as Ashley wanted to turn around, she stopped. Then turning around, she saw Mateo who had already let go of the previous woman. That man looked at her with a grin and licked his lips.

"Come here, Sophia."