chapter 11
1034 Words
Leah:
Still admiring the pendant, I accidentally knocked over a glass cup on the table, sending it crashing to the floor in shattered pieces. "What have I done?" I muttered to myself, frantically thinking of a way to clean up the mess before Xavier caught me.
Just then, a door I hadn't noticed before - the bathroom door - swung open, and Xavier stepped out, his towel precariously clinging to his waist. Water droplets glistened on his hair and body, and he stood there, frozen, his eyes locked on me with a bewildered expression.
I was rendered utterly speechless, unprepared for the sight before me. I had no idea Xavier was in the bathroom, and I certainly didn't expect to see him like this. My breath caught in my throat, and I was suddenly overcome with hiccups.
My eyes wandered, taking in the unexpected view. Xavier's chiseled chest was on full display, his veins prominent on his strong hands. He stood confidently, his towel clinging precariously to his waist. For a moment, I forgot myself, admiring the perfection of his physique. His handsome face complemented his sculpted body, a true masterpiece of nature.
Xavier's eyes narrowed, focusing on my hands, and his expression transformed from confusion to outrage. "How dare you," he growled, his intense gaze piercing through me. He repeated the phrase, his voice rising as he took slow, deliberate steps towards me.
Unconsciously, I retreated, my back eventually hitting the hard wall. I was trapped, with no escape route. Xavier's face contorted in fury as he pinned me against the wall, his proximity making me uncomfortable.
He roughly opened my palm, retrieving the pendant I had forgotten was still in my hand. "Has it come to stealing from me?" he demanded, one eyebrow raised in indignation.
I was taken aback, stuttering an apology. "I beg your pardon, Xavier."
Xavier's grip on my hand relaxed, and he stepped back, his eyes still blazing with anger. "How dare you enter my private space and possess my belongings?" he demanded. "What did you plan to do with it? Sell it and give the money to your boyfriend?"
His words caught me off guard. "What do you mean by that, Xavier?" I asked, confusion and defensiveness rising within me.
"What do you mean by that, Xavier?" I asked, trying to process his accusation.
How can I sell something that has a picture of you and your mother? Make it make sense.
Yes please make it make sense, I'm all ears.
"How can you sell something with a picture of me and my mother?" he sneered. "Tell me, how do you plan to do it? You people always have your ways of exploiting others, don't you?" His words cut deep, each one a precision-crafted insult.
I felt a searing pain in my chest, my throat constricting and burning. My eyes welled up with tears, and I stood there, frozen, unable to utter a sound. I could only stare at Xavier, wondering when he would tire of tormenting me.
"I won't stand for any more insults, Xavier," I said finally, finding my voice. "Your father asked me to call you for lunch, that's the only reason I'm here. I knocked several times, but when I didn't get a response, I peeked inside to make sure everything was alright."
Xavier's expression twisted into a sarcastic smile. "Wow, what a caring woman," he said, his tone dripping with disdain. "But did my father ask you to rummage through my belongings, Miss Leah?"
"I'm done here," I said, trying to exit the room. But before I could reach the door, Xavier's grip closed around my wrist.
"You're not going anywhere until you clean up this mess," he said, pointing at the shattered glass on the floor.
I slowly gathered my composure, took a broom, and swept up the shattered cup, disposing of it in the trash can. With a heavy heart, I retreated to my room and slumped onto my bed, surrendering to tears that soaked my pillow.
As much as I tried to put on a brave face, Xavier's words had a way of piercing my soul. I couldn't deny it anymore – it was time to consider quitting this job. Barely a month in, Xavier had already made good on his promise to make my life a living hell.
Just as I was lost in thought, a soft knock on the door broke the silence. "Leah, are you there?" Margaretta's gentle voice called out.
I hastily wiped away my tears and checked my reflection in the mirror to ensure I didn't look like I'd been crying. With a forced smile, I opened the door to Margaretta.
"Hey, Margaretta," I said, trying to conceal the sadness behind my eyes.
"Mr. Richard wants to see you," Margaretta said.
My curiosity was piqued. "Really? Is everything okay?" I asked, wondering why Mr. Richard wanted to meet with me.
Margaretta reassured me with a gentle smile. "No need to worry, Leah. Just go and meet him." With that, she turned and left my doorstep.
I checked my reflection one last time before heading to the dining room. When I arrived, Xavier was already seated, enjoying his meal. "Sir, you sent for me?" I said.
Mr. Richard looked up, a warm smile on his face. "Yes, Leah. You're a very talented cook. I thoroughly enjoyed every bite of this meal."
"I'm glad you liked it, sir," I replied.
He studied my face, concern etched on his features. "Are you sure you're okay, Leah? You look like you've been crying."
Xavier glanced up at me, then quickly returned to his meal, his expression unreadable.
How did Mr. Richard notice? I wondered. "No, sir, I'm fine. I think something just got in my eye."
Mr. Richard nodded understandingly. "Why don't you join me, Leah?"
"I'm okay, sir. Besides, I'll be heading home soon. Thank you for your concern."
"If you insist, Leah, I can have the driver drop you off. Please give your mother my greetings," Mr. Richard said with a kind smile.
"Thank you, sir," I said, returning his kindness with a warm smile. With a gentle nod, I bid him farewell, "Goodbye, sir.”
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