Capítulo 22: Problem

DAY 10

For Phina, Wednesday was the same—just the everyday activities of eating, sleeping, waking, talking, and watching movies.

After breakfast, though, she was unable to speak with her friends. She was over her movie-viewing habit. She had been watching a film until nearly daybreak.

Sara was nowhere to be found. She is alone by herself in the house. Afterward, she descended to meet Jack at the gate. He was engaging in a game with the two other guards.

When she begged to join them, they happily—and somewhat astonishedly—acquiesced. They spent hours playing until Sara came back. Sara led her inside the home, where they conversed for some time. Together, they had lunch. However, Sara had to return to her room to relax before returning to the house to cook Patrick dinner.

Too idle to accomplish anything, Phina returned to her room. She didn't know what to buy, but she did have some money. Patrick had essentially purchased all of her clothes and shoes for her. She could find anything in the kitchen that she wanted to eat. Snacks are also available—many of them.

Patrick has a ton of goodies, including chocolate, in his refrigerator. And to take anything from it, she doesn't need his goddamn permission.

What else is she hoping to buy? She now understands why wealthy people squander their money on pricey automobiles, jewelry, wristwatches, and international travel when they already have it all. These were individuals who were in dire need of food.

Later, she switched on the television and watched Afterlife. It was her third time seeing the series. After she was done, she switched the film to the third season of another series. She was happy that she could watch any movie she wanted to in the house. She likes the house for that, among other reasons. She even sent her brother and pals several of the things she had downloaded on her phone.

Her cell phone rang while she was still watching yet another movie. Her brother was there. She put the film on hold. After that, she hung up and gave him another call, to which he returned on the first ring.

"Hello, sis." He stated.

"Hello, little brother. How are things going for you? How was school? She enquired.

"Sister, school is dull. However, I'm all right." He responded.

"How are the twins doing? Have they returned from school yet? "Have they eaten yet?"

"Look as you are sounding like they are your children." In jest, her brother said.

"Those are my offspring. My eldest children," stated Phina. "How are they doing now? Do they accompany you there?"

"Not at all. I'm headed to Saige's place." He answered. However, they are fine. They have also eaten. They are at home with Dad."

"All well, then. So, how's life at home going?

"Everything is in order. How about you? Are you getting cared for by the rich guy? I hope his behavior toward you has stayed the same.

This place is different. Anything I want to eat is fine. I have nothing to do with it. The house is spacious, and I can wear stylish clothing without leaving it, so if you want to call it fun, it's fun for me. However, this site is dull. I long for my hometown." She spoke candidly.

"Why do I think there's a problem with you? Was there anything the man did to offend you?

"No, Samuel." She says.

"Sis, tell the truth. Does he intend to harm you in any way? He enquired. It worried him.

In addition to being her best friend, Samuel was her younger brother. They have a lot in common.

"Okay, promise you won't tell Dad."

"If it is serious, I can't make the promise."

Always the cunning one. She pondered.

"Samuel."

"Sis, I'm not kidding. Rich men never appeal to me. Thus, I must inform my father if he takes any action to harm you." "Determined," he said.

"All right," she replied. "But it is not serious."

"So, what is it? How did he harm you? He enquired.

Phina sensed that he was already growing agitated. However, she went on to tell him about Patrick's emotional fluctuations. And how he gave her such poor treatment. And his disparaging remarks. And how he looks irritated by her very existence.

"I warned you that man wasn't my type. He views those without money like ourselves with contempt." He stated. "Well, sis, just keep your cool with him. Keep him from getting to you. Tell him we're better than that. There aren't many days left. You consented to this contract because, as I know, you take great pride in it. However, I will always be here to support you if you decide to give up."

"I need to persevere. The money will cover his excesses, and we need the money.

"I know. And the choice is yours to make. I promise to always stand by you no matter your choice." With encouragement, he said

"Thanks, Sam."

"But be careful; I believe in your ability to deal with any situation. Dad taught us well. You also instill confidence in me. So, dear, I trust you." He stated.

This was what she wanted to hear. The supportive remarks. She also understands she can always acquire it from her father and brother. However, she had no desire to inform her father of anything. She doesn't want him to worry or doubt himself. Her brother, nevertheless, will always get her.

"Thank you so much, Sam." She was grateful.

"For what is there to be thankful? Be careful... Additionally, look for yourself. Goodbye.

"Goodbye. Please give the twins and dad my regards. I might give you a call later tonight." She informed him.

"All right. Goodbye. With that, he ended the call.

It was a relief and a pleasure to speak with her brother. She watched the last episode, turned off the TV, and went to bed.

******

Sitting in his office, Patrick riffled through a file. After a two-hour meeting, he had to sign some documents the accounting department had sent. Then, the intercom picked up Susan's call. After pressing the button, he took the call.

"Sir, your mother, Mrs. Betty, is on the phone." She said right away.

"Put her on." He stated.

"Okay, sir."

"Hello, Rick." The voice of his mother rang out in the speaker.

With a sigh, he placed the file on the table.

"Good afternoon, Mom." He said hello.

"Hello, how are you this afternoon? What's up with you? I apologize for interfering with your work." She expressed regret.

"Don't worry, mama. And I'm doing great. How about you? What's up with you? How is everything going? Are you taking your meds as prescribed?" He enquired.

"Obviously. I'm doing reasonably well.

"What about your grandmother? Yesterday, she gave me a call."

"Yes, she did tell me. However, she only traveled to support a friend," stated Mrs. Betty.

"Travel? Why? She must quit taking so many needless trips." Patrick moaned.

He's trying to understand why his grandma enjoys overstressing herself. Even though she is still healthy and agile, he finds it offensive that she travels so much in her senior years.

"You've met your grandmother. She is determined to accomplish her goals. She is not going to change her mind." said his mother. It was nothing new; she was accustomed to her mother's demeanor. "Let her live her life."

He remarked, "I hope she is careful."

His mother is right. His grandmother was not going to change her mind.

"Let's hope so. How is Phina doing now? I miss her. At the mention of Phina, he shifted uneasily in his chair as she suggested.

It had been Tuesday afternoon, and he hadn't seen her in the house. She appeared to be avoiding him. Furthermore, he can't check on her because of his pride. Sara had been informing him about her day-to-day activities.

"Well, she is still around." He responded.

"Well, that's good. Tomorrow, I will visit. I'm bored at home right now. The shop has girls who can manage the customers there. I will thus arrive tomorrow." With eagerness, she spoke.

He noticed she was grinning now, and he couldn't help but smile a little. He's not sure why his mother is overjoyed that he has a wife or girlfriend.

"All right, mama. Not an issue. Tomorrow, I'll be waiting for you. But mother. I have a lot on my plate." He says.

Though preoccupied with work, he knows his mother enjoys spending time with him when she visits. He's not sure if he'll be able to find time for her.

It's alright. Phina is still here, so she'll keep me company." Says she.

He hoped she would not renege on her promise to stay away from him and not spend time with him when she returned.

"If you say so. I have to return to my work. See you later," he stated.

"All right, my love. Don't forget to eat on time." She issued a warning.

"Mom, I will; bye," he murmured, hanging up the phone.

And he resumed his work.

*******

Phina decided to tour the estate and considered buying gifts for Sara and Jack. Telling Sara she was going touring, she left the house.

"I don't know how long I'll be gone today, but I'm heading out, too. I might not return until later." After telling her that she was going sightseeing, Sara said to her.

"Okay." She responded, "Please, can you help me cook for Mr. Patrick in case I don't return early?" She enquired. Her tone was beseeching. She was aware of what was happening between her and Patrick, and she knew that Phina would find it difficult because she was avoiding him and not in the mood to talk to him.

*******

Patrick exited the vehicle when the driver parked in front of the house. After retrieving his phone and tablet, he exited the car. Good night, the driver said as he nodded and turned to leave.

The man will park the car and return with the key to the residence.

He went into the living room. In the living room was Phina. She had on a blue blouse made of chiffon material and short pants. She was a cross-legged, seated girl watching a Korean film. As the show ends, "Beyond love?" is written beneath the screen.

The title of the movie made him scowl. He questioned what women found so funny in Korean dramas. However, he discovered that Phina enjoys a variety of films. No genre of film inspires her. Like the majority of women, they either only watch Indian or Korean films.

Phina grabs the remote and shuts off the TV when she sees Patrick enter. And she gets up to go.

"Your food is on the table." She said as she started to move away.

"Phina." She paused when he called.

She asked, turning around once again. "What is it?" She posed a direct question.

The tone of her voice surprised him. It was the worst he had ever heard her speak. And he was taken aback.

"I.. I.." He hated the way he stammered. The problem is that he wishes to apologize. He's aware that she's still upset with him. However, he finds it difficult to speak the word. "My mother will be here tomorrow. She may stay here for a few days."

He gave her a look as though he was waiting for a response.

"This is your residence. She is welcome to visit at any moment." She says. "I don't have a problem with her."

But you, her son. Patrick finished inside. And he observed Phina ascending the steps.

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