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.
DAY 11
She told her son that Mrs. Betty arrived the following day. An hour after her son's departure, she came. And she couldn't wait to see Phina. Phina eagerly anticipated her arrival and looked forward to her visit. She needed someone besides Jack, Sara, and the security guards to keep her company in the house.
"I'm so happy to see you, my dear." When Phina went to greet her, she said.
Sara greeted her and assisted her in bringing her bags inside the house.
"Me too, mom. I'm happy you could attend. "Ma, how was the trip?" "Hope it wasn't stressful, mom?"
"It wasn't. And the trip went well, my love." With gratitude, she said.
"Mom, let's head inside." After saying so, she ushered them inside the mansion.
Mrs. Betty gave off the impression of being a kind person and a motherly figure. All she can ponder is where Patrick got his haughty demeanor from.
She had treated herself and her two bodyguards to breakfast. The two men were pleasant and full of energy. Additionally, she saw that Mrs. Betty treated them like sons. They spent hours conversing about politics, the nation, and celebrities while seated in the living room. She was so relieved to have someone to chat with besides Sara.
Later in the evening, after Phina's homemade meal, the two bodyguards left. And until they go, they don't stop thanking her for it.
Phina sat down with Mrs. Betty to discuss her business. At some point, Phina had to tell the woman a lie.
"I'm simply a little curious, Phina. Patrick, as you know, enjoys keeping things to himself, particularly when they are private. How do you get to know my son, Rick?" She enquired.
The inquiries took aback Phina. She is at a loss for words. It's not as if Patrick hadn't advised her on what to answer if his mother inquired. However, she detests telling the woman further lies.
However, she was forced to. This girlfriend stuff is also a lie. Therefore, it will be okay to add one more lie. She detests it, though. The mom was naive and desired the best for herself and her son.
"I mean Patrick." She thought Phina didn't know who she was calling Rick.
"I know, mom." She then decided to share her thoughts with her. "My dad works for Patrick, Mama. We had just once met at his firm and exchanged no words. Only a few small talk. However, it all began when I met him again in the lobby, and he introduced himself." She told half-truths.
Her father serves as Patrick's driver but is not employed by the organization. Not that she can bring that up with his mother. However, they didn't meet in his company's lobby; instead, it was through her father. She hadn't even entered the structure previously. When she sat down to watch the news with her dad, she had only heard about it and seen it on TV a few times.
"It's not so Cliché." Grinning, she said. And Phina chuckles. Yes, it was. However, their actual meeting was less corny. "I'm pretty happy that you are his girlfriend. I've always believed my son to be gay. Please don't hold me responsible. He refused to discuss his relationship, and I didn't hear him on the phone with a woman. Usually, his best friend reassures me that my son is not gay. She laughed as she spoke.
"Mom, did he ever date anyone? Patrick, as you are aware, is not very forthcoming." Curious, Phina asked.
"I'm not sure. I've never seen him with a woman, and he never discusses girls. Other from a close childhood friend, of course. However, I'm not sure if he was involved with her. He never disclosed it to me. I haven't seen him with a woman since then. I am aware that he had to balance employment and school. He was so focused on being successful. Therefore, we left him alone." She gave a sincere response.
Phina paid attention to the lady. Her knowledge of Patrick could be improved. Who would have imagined he wasn't born into affluence? Both his demeanor and his speech exude affluence. But why, as though he had never been in such circumstance before, did he have to treat her like some dirt?
At least now she understands his intense desire for the agreement. He came up with the foolish idea because he wants his mother to quit bothering him about a lady, even if she has never seen him with one.
But what fears does he have? What keeps him from having a girlfriend? Is he, as his mother believed, really gay?
He doesn't appear to be gay, though. Why, then, does he need to keep his distance from women? What is he trying to hide? Phina pondered in her mind.
********
Phina reasoned that his mother must have caused Patrick's early arrival. He canceled his evening meetings to welcome his mother and left work early.
Sara greeted him and took his bag away when she answered the door for him. He went to welcome and give his mother an embrace. She returned his welcome with a smile.
She loves her child. Phina became aware.
Finally, he saw Phina in the room, and she stood up, muttering a welcoming hello.
"Goodnight, Mom." Says she.
"Are you going to bed already?" Surprised, the woman questioned. She then turned to face her son.
"Yes, mother. Even though I'm exhausted, I still want to call my dad. He asked me to call him this evening when I finished my work. Thus, I have no desire to keep him up. He retires early." Phina lied.
"All right. If you so desire, my love. Good night.
"Yes. Ma, good night. She repeated herself and left without giving Patrick another look.
They watched as Sara showed up and Phina left.
"Your dinner is ready. It is on the table, stated Sara.
"I'm coming," he said.
"Go eat, Patrick. I'll be here waiting for you.
"You need to go sleep, Mama. You are not required to wait for me. You must be exhausted."
It's alright. I'm not tired. Give up treating me like an old lady. And I still want to watch the news at nine o'clock in the evening before turning in." He nodded, reluctance evident in his voice. He then proceeded to shower and head back downstairs to the dining area to finish his meal.
After dinner, he returned to the living room, where his mother watched soap operas. He sat down next to her and placed his arm around her shoulder.
"You've finished eating?" He nodded when she asked. "How did your day go? I hope that was okay.
"I'm managing, but it isn't too stressful." He responded. "Why did Grandma travel again?"
"She went to assist a friend. On Saturday, her last daughter will celebrate her wedding."
"Are her bodyguards with her?" Patrick queried.
"Obviously. They accompany her at all times." His mom replied.
"More favorable. How are you, mom? How is business doing for you?
It's moving along nicely. Even on Saturday at 4 PM, I expect a cargo. But while I'm away, the ladies are running the store."
"All right," he replied.
For a while, the son and his mother enjoyed a lovely stillness that his mother broke.
"I talked with Phina today." He gives her a look. "She is a kind woman. She even treated Jason and Harris very well. She feeds them and engages in open conversation with them. I like this girl. She is forthright and easygoing. She doesn't think of herself as very important. She even told me about your meeting."
Patrick tenses up next to his mother. He is unaware of what Phina has shared with his mother. She disagreed with what they talked about the last time. He, therefore, doubts what she would do in this situation.
"She told me her dad works for your company, and that's where you met." She informed him.
When she said it, he exhaled with relief.
"Yes, we met at the company." In agreement, he lied.
Even if he knew it, he appreciated Phina's partial truth to his mother. She remained loyal to him. Nevertheless, she is unable to. What will she think of his mother? And will she admit that she only struck up a deal with an unknown man out of desperation for cash? There's no way she could say that.
He still owes her, though.
"But what happened between you and Phina?" She enquired.
"What do you mean, mom?" Pretending not to hear what his mother said, Patrick enquired.
"Don't be a moron around me, Patrick. How did you hurt Phina's feelings?"
"Mom. It would help if you inquired whether I had been wronged. How are you aware that I am the one who mistreated her? He enquired.
"I am aware. Since I saw her reaction when you entered, and she wouldn't do it if she were at fault."
"I spoke with her a couple of days ago. And ever since, she had been angry." He spoke candidly.
"Have you expressed regret for what you said? For her to act that way, I know she must have been hurt."
"Mom, you are siding with her." Patrick had an incredible voice. He has no idea why his mother is siding with the woman.
"I will, of course. If you are misbehaving, I will not support you. Therefore, you ought to go apologize to her." She spoke to him in a foreboding manner.
He gave a nod. "I will." He stated bluntly.
"Patrick, apologize to her. It would help if you swallowed your pride. It won't kill you."
"You've been heard, Mom. I'll apologize to her." He spoke with greater gravity.
"Better." With stiffness, she said. She then got to her feet. "I'm going to bed."
"So fast?" He was taken aback.
"Yes, my dear." Rubbing his cheek, she said. "Goodnight." She then turns to leave and heads for the guest room that she typically stays in when she visits.
She liked the room downstairs because she wouldn't have to go upstairs.
When she was out of sight, he let out a sigh. He will never be able to comprehend women. They were challenging to manage.
He got up, turned off the television, and walked upstairs to his room.