Sadistic Obsession

Chapter 12

"You better keep your words, Reyna," Blaire said before grabbing her bag and bumping against my shoulder as she walked towards the door without looking back.

I let out a heavy sigh. I stopped myself from crying, hating how they saw me as nothing but a woman who wanted nothing else, but money. Putting that matter aside, I went back to work, sketching the initial look of the painting.

It took me almost half a day to finish it before I drove to the Levanti Motors main office. I braided my hair so it would be easier to hide its eye-catching color. The black hoodie I brought with me was a bit oversized, but it was tolerable.

Taking the sketch with me, I headed to the elevator while messaging Kade about my visit. Upon pressing the twenty three button, I clenched my fist. It was still crystal clear in my mind of that time when I came to clear my name three years ago.

Back then, I was yet another spectacle before getting kicked out.

No... I needed to stop replaying what happened before. Right now, I had to finish this art project as fast as possible so I wouldn't get tangled up in any sort of trouble.

The moment I stepped out of the elevator, I immediately felt the gazes on me. Thanks to my hoodie, I was able to avoid meeting their eyes. My gaze was simply locked onto the floor until I reached David's desk.

"Is Mr. Storm busy?" I asked.

David immediately stood from his seat with a smile.

"Yes, but he can be disturbed. You're here for the art project, right?" He led me to Kade's office, knocking first before opening the door. "Mrs. Storm is here."

"N-No... Just call me Reyna," I said with a faltering smile.

"David," Kade called, handing the black card to his secretary.

My attention shifted to Kade's hands. He was wearing those black gloves again. When we were still together, he never used such gloves. It made me wonder what could have had happened that he had to use them now.

I snapped back to my senses.

As if David already knew what Kade meant, he took the card and left the office in a rush. I brought out my sketch and unrolled it.

"I just need your approval on this one before I start," I said.

His gaze settled on me for a few seconds, making it seem like he was sizing me up. Based on the small sigh he let out, I just knew he wanted to say something about my clothes.

Thankfully enough, he did not say anything.

He checked the sketch. Since he wanted a scene that went along with almost all grand ocassion, I drew a winding river between mountain ranges with clouds just beyond the river. Cherry blossoms framed the scene to add soft color on the mural.

"You totally changed the one I showed you before," he commented, finally raising his gaze at me.

"It was ugly," I said with no hesitation.

His eyebrow slightly raised.

"I don't like this," he claimed. "It's too plain. Give me another one."

He handed me the sketch before pointing at the smaller table next to his large black desk.

"You can work here so it will be easier for me to check."

It was a good thing I brought my materials with me or else, it would be a total hassle to go back to the house to get them. I sighed before occupying the extra table.

"Do you have anything to say to me?" he asked out of nowhere.

"Nothing."

"About what happened this morning with Blaire."

"It's none of your business."

The sound of his typing on the keyboard suddenly stopped.

"It's my business since it happened in my house," he said. "What did she tell you?"

This time, I felt his gaze on me. I kept my eyes on my work.

"She said that she is your fiancee."

Silence. His quiet response stung as it confirmed their relationship. But I tried my hardest to play it off casual. I didn't want him to think that up until now, I was still clinging onto my feelings towards him.

"We should hasten our divorce," I added, still not meeting his gaze. "Since we both agree to legally separate, it wouldn't be that hard for your lawyer to draft the papers."

This time, I stopped what I was doing and faced him.

"You don't have to pay any alimony. Keeping your words in our first deal is enough for me."

I was the one to look away first, scared that I might just take back the words I just said. It was hard to admit that I no longer love Kade. I would be a big liar if I said that the divorce didn't hurt and that he had already moved on with the very woman I thought I didn't have to worry about when we were still together.

Wait... My hand holding the pencil stopped before my forehead hit the table on purpose. The thud was a bit too loud, but the pain it shot back at me had fully snapped me back from thinking such pointless thoughts.

"Are you okay?" Kade questioned.

I only nodded before straightening my back. Gotta focus. Gotta finish the sketch today. Those words played in my mind repeatedly to keep my concentration intact.

After what felt like hours, my paintbrush made a small thud after I abruptly dropped it. My fingers hardened that I had to keep opening and closing my hand to avoid the cramp.

I was about to say it was already done, but Kade was already standing next to my seat. His eyes were glued on my sketch.

Since the Storm family were considered the elite of the elites, I decided to use a palette of blue and white with varying shades. It looked simple with its monochromatic color, but its elegance was loud.

"When will you start?" Kade questioned.

"I will start with the sketch on the canvas tomorrow. Then, I'll purchase the items needed afterwards."

Our conversation came to a stop when David entered the room with some takeouts. He flashed a smile as he set them on Kade's table and returned the black card immediately.

When he left, Kade handed me the takeouts and the black card.

"Use it for the purchases." Kade was about to say something else, but he decided not to speak again.

He merely walked back on his table.

"Since there is barely any food at home, use that to buy groceries. No limits."

Home? I almost laughed at that word.

Since my stomach finally felt the hunger that was overdue, I decided to eat while the food was still warm. But then... The first spoon of food didn't even reach my mouth yet when the door suddenly opened.

It was Blaire. The smile plastered on her lips immediately vanished the moment she realized that Kade was not alone in his office.

"What are you doing here?" She did not even hide the annoyance in her voice and facial expression.

"What are you doing here?" Kade intercepted even before I could answer.