Sadistic Obsession

Chapter 5

The next morning, I was already done eating breakfast when Faustina called, saying that she was already outside the restaurant waiting for me. It seemed like she truly wanted me to work as a staff in her company that she even came to fetch me herself.

Either way, I met up with her and we drove to her workplace. It was a building meant to show its sleek and modern style composed mostly of glass. At the top, its name, Celestine Media, glimmered in glory just as how its actors and models shine in each of their fields.

“It’s pretty, right?” Faustina said with a proud grin. “If you work here, then you can always brag about it.” Then a chuckle followed. “But do not badmouth it or anything because you’re done for once the HR finds out. Anyway, let’s get inside.”

I simply nodded and followed her lead. Despite the early morning hours, the office was already busy. A lot of the staff went here and there, asking for this and that, for what seemed like hours, but the very next minute, the office became dead quiet.

“It’s always like this whenever we are preparing for a new event and premiere of new dramas.” Faustina led me to her small office where each corner had bookshelves filled with either books or scripts. “I cannot guarantee you that it will always be a piece of cake in working here, but the pay is good.”

I nodded.

“We are currently short staffed for the upcoming fashion show that Celestine Media will be hosting. It is a one day and one night event. Be a temporary helper and if you like to continue working, then we can take you for a probationary contract.” Faustina smiled. “What do you think?”

I thought about it for a while. One day and one night work might be a good experience if I truly want to work as a support staff here. Besides, I could use my other day off for the event and I would not have to leave Ms. Leonora one staff short during her peak season, too.

“Okay… I’ll give it a try,” I said, despite the lingering fear of trying out something totally new.

“Great!” Faustina stood and led me out of her office. “I’ll hand you over to the HR staff for now and I will meet you for lunch at the cafeteria on the second floor.”

We headed to the 13th floor and Faustina did leave me by myself at the HR office. It was a good thing the staff was friendly as she gave me the list of requirements I needed to pass before working as a temporary staff member. It did not take me too long to speak with the HR staff so I immediately rushed to the elevator to meet up with Faustina.

It was a good thing that the elevator was empty the moment I got in so I pressed the 2 button. I took one more glance at the requirements as well as the expected tasks I had to do during the event. It drove my nerves on edge since this would be my very second job and I hoped it would go well.

Only then, I noticed the elevator doors opening on the 12th floor. I stepped back and stood at the back since a group of people were entering.

I raised my gaze and immediately regretted it. Right before me… One of the men entering the elevator was none other than my husband… ex-husband. Our gazes met. Of course, I was the first one to look away, clutching at my bag with my head lowered.

What was he doing here? I… If I had known he would be here, then I would have not accompanied Faustina.

“Will you be attending the fashion show?” I heard his secretary ask.

“Hmm,” Kade answered, his voice low and clear. “I need to speak with the model in person.”

The ride in the elevator felt too cramped and suffocating for me. Minutes felt like hours of being deprived of oxygen. I needed to leave this place or else… Something bad might happen. It felt like that would definitely occur if I stayed here for any second longer.

The moment the elevator stopped on the second floor, I pushed my way out of the elevator. My clutch on my bag tightened as the familiar scent of Kade reached me. A pang of pain in my chest hit me but I just lowered my head as if that would somehow erase my presence.

Out of panic, I just walked to the right hallway even though I was not sure if it led to the cafeteria. It did not matter for now. I took long breaths to calm my nerves, however, even before I could get myself together… Someone grabbed my arm from behind before dragging me to the emergency exit.

“Ow…” I staggered a bit when I was suddenly pushed back against the wall. “What was that…”

My voice vanished upon meeting that person’s cold gaze.

Kade.

I held my arm that he gripped just a few seconds ago. My gaze was locked on the floor, not knowing what to say and unable to ask why he brought me here.

“How did you know?” he asked, his voice both sharp and cold.

My gaze landed back to him.

“What?” I asked, unsure of what he was pertaining to.

“How did you know I would be here? You read the terms in our divorce, right? Or are you too stupid to understand what no contact means?”

His accusing words pierced me like stray arrows even though they were far from the truth. My chest tightened, but I still mustered the courage to tell him the truth.

I shook my head.

“I… I did not know you would be h-here.”

He scoffed.

“You should come up with a better lie that is at least believable.” An annoyed smirk tugged at his lips, the smirk he wore when something pissed him off. “What? Is the money that my mother gave you not enough? Do you want more after stealing from the company?”

I froze. My tongue went numb and even though my mind kept telling me to defend myself, my body refused to cooperate.

Kade took one step closer, backing me against the cold wall.

“You are not a charity case to beg my mother for money, Reyna. You are a f*****g thief so know your place unless you want to rot in jail,” he threatened.

His gaze was piercing and showed no sign of mercy, mirroring how his words were cruel. Kade turned his back on me.

“This will be my last warning, Reyna. There will be no next time.”

He left with such scalding words.

Then, silence. My breath hitched before I covered my mouth tight. The last thing I wanted was for someone to hear my sobs. With tears blurring my vision, I rushed down the stairs and immediately left the building.

After that brief encounter, there was no way I could face Faustina without ugly crying. Hence, I sent her a message that I needed to go home due to an emergency. However, I also assured her that I’d still be working as a part-timer during their upcoming event.

Rushing back into my room, my knees gave out the moment the door shut behind me.

“I… I did not beg for that money…” I muttered, tears freely staining my cheeks just like the time Kade banished me from our home.