chapter 5
964 Words
6:pm!
My chance to flee has finally arrived . I had to escape before Xavier detected my departure .
With a bated breath, I crept towards the door. My hands closed around the handle heistating for a fraction of second before turning it. The soft click seems deafening. I pushed the door open ,wincing at the faint protest of the hinges.
Xavier's voice cut through the air, halting my escape. “Where did you think you were going?”
My heart sank as I pivoted to face him, our eyes locking in a tense standoff. I forced a steady tone, disguising the turmoil within. “Home”
The single word hung in the air, a challenge. “Is there a problem?” I added, my eyes pleading for release from his intense gaze.
Xavier stood before me, his piercing gaze holding mine. The dim lightning in the room seems to intensify his glare.
“And what's with that tone?”he asked, his voice low and husky.
I shrugged, attempting nonchalance, “what tone sir?”
Xavier's eyes flashed with irritation.
He crossed his arms, his stance rigid. “Don't Play dumb, you know exactly what I'm talking about”.
I felt a surge of anxiety. My hands began to sweat.
“I have no idea what you‘re talking about sir,” I said, trying to sound convincing.
Xavier's tone dripped with skepticism. “Really”?
His eyebrows furrowed, deepening his scowl. The air thickened with tension.
“And why are you leaving now”? Xavier asked, his eyes narrowing.
I felt a surge of frustration, why was he questioning my departure? Did he think I needed permission?
“My work hours are over sir” I replied, trying to maintain a neutral tone. “I'm heading home”
Xavier raised an eyebrow “Aren't you supposed to clean the house”?
I blinked, taken aback. “Excuse me? sir”
I said, aren't you supposed to clean the house he repeated, his tone firm.
I struggled to keep my cool, boiling inside. “No sir. My duties are limited to cooking and serving, there are separate staff for cleaning”.
Xavier's gaze lingered, as if searching for something. “ I see”
The sound of the grandfather clock tickling in the hallway echoed through the silence.
As Xavier's word “you can go” hung on the air, he turned and disappeared leaving me breathless with relief, I exhaled slowly feeling the tension seep from my shoulders.
But my repite was short-lived.
Glancing at my wrist watch, I gasped. 7 PM! How had time slipped away so cruelly?
Xavier's face flashed in my mind, his piercing gaze still etched in my memory. Why did he delight in tormenting me? I fumed, indignation burning within.
With shaking hands, I dialed Hannah's number. “Hey, can you please check on my mom? I'm running ridiculously late”, I pleaded, anxiety creeping into my voice.
Now, I'd had to wait for the last bus, courtesy of Xavier's thoughtlessness.
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As I stepped in my home, Hannah pounced, her eyes wide with concern. What happened? She asked, her voice tinged with worry. “You're so late and I have been trying to reach you.”
Sorry about that babe my battery died.
Okay that's not a problem, you look so upset, is everything okay?
I took a deep breath, unraveling the event of the evening.
“It's Xavier” I began, my tone laced with frustration.”My boss's son.”
Hannah's expression changed from concern to shock.
Xavier? Don't tell me it's the same guy from yesterday, she said, her voice laced with surprise.
I nodded confirming her suspicion
“The same one,” I replied, my expression mirroring Hannah's.
Hannah's eyes widened in understanding
“Oh no, Leah! I had no idea,” she exclaimed. “That's awful! How did you handle him?”
I recounted the conversation, from Xavier's probing questions to his abrupt dismissal.
Hannah listened carefully, her face a picture of indignation.
“That's ridiculous!” She exclaimed, you’re just a cook, not his personal servant.
I nodded sharing her outrage
“I know, right? But he seems to think he owns me”
He must be really crazy, what gives him the right to think that way? I suggest you quit that job. I can't even imagine what is still coming for you next in his hand. That guy is a psycho, who thinks he has the world in his palm.
Hannah's eyes sparkled with determination.
“We’ll figure out a way to deal with him. Leah, you don't deserve this.
How's Mom, is she okay? I haven't seen her.
Yes, she is okay. Probably in her room sleeping.
Okay let me go and see her.
Hannah nodded. “ Go ahead, I’ll make you some tea, you must be really exhausted”.
“Hey mom”, I said, relief washing over me when I saw she's looking okay.
Where have you been sweetie, she said, giving me a peck, I've been worried.
Sorry mom, my phone died, I reassured her. Hope you are not finding the work difficult?
Not at all mom, I was fast to answer.
Alright you can go take your bath, eat and rest, don't worry about me, Hannah has taken care of my needs for tonight, so I'll go to sleep now, Good night.
Hannah handed me a steaming cup of tea, immediately I stepped out of my mom's room.
So tell me, apart from Xavier ruining your day at work, did anything interesting happen today? Nothing really happened, Margaretta told me Xavier's girlfriend will be visiting for the week, I hope she's nothing like Xavier.
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- Writer
