Chapter 5 Threat

“Who on earth would do this to you?” My friend, Belle, gave me a glass of water.

After I saw the letter, I immediately called Belle to ask if I could sleep over at her house. I told her the incident happened at my house, and he came to fetch me.

I put the glass on the table and looked at her. “I think it’s my dad’s shark loaners.” I could see the shock on her face as her eyes widened in surprise.

“They came to ask for payment last Sunday. And I told them I couldn’t pay them yet. I’m still jobless. I promised to pay them on the 30th of the month. But maybe they were too eager to kill me because of my arrogance.”

“Why don’t you borrow money from Mico? He’s your boyfriend. I am sure he will help you.” I shook my head at her suggestion.

Right. I just remembered I hadn’t told her about what happened to me and Mico. “We broke up.”

Her eyes widened as she gasped in shock. “When?! Why?! What happened?!” she asked simultaneously.

“Calm down.” I let her sit on my side.

“We broke up two weeks ago.”

“But why?” she asked.

Just like what I promised to Mico. I won’t tell anyone about his identity. Instead of answering her, I shrugged.

“Maybe this is how life goes. Maybe we’re not meant to be.”

“Don’t you love him?” Belle asked.

“I did. I loved Mico. The decision to end this relationship is mutual between both of us.

“Eh?” Her brows furrowed in disbelief.

“Let me get this straight: you're saying that one day you both wake up and realize your love has vanished, resulting in a breakup?” Belle snorted.

“Come on, Au. Don’t keep secrets from me. I won’t buy what you’re saying. I know there’s a deep reason for your breakup.”

Belle’s eyes narrowed at me suspiciously. “Was he unfaithful, and were you just protecting him?” she asked.

I did not say a word. Because I don’t know if that’s really cheating or if Mico just used me.

If I don’t change the topic, this woman sitting next to me will persistently inquire about Mico.

“Let’s forget about Mico. Let’s talk about my house. Can I stay here?” I asked.

Belle looked at me skeptically. “I’m sorry. I can’t let you stay here. My fiance will arrive later and-”

“It’s okay. You don't have to say sorry.”

I smiled to reassure her that I understood if she couldn't let me stay with her. Belle’s fiance doesn't want to have other people living with them. And I don't want to bother them too.

I guess I just have to find a house to stay in. But I need to deal with those shark loaners.

“Are you sure?” She asked.

“Yeah. Of course. I’m good. Don’t worry about me.” 

“Were the shark loaners the ones behind the threat?” I shrugged at her question.

Honestly, I'm uncertain if they were truly behind the threat I received. But I have to confront them.”

Her brows frowned. “But what if‌ they truly are behind the threat? You’ll be in danger of facing them.”

“I will be alright. Don’t worry.” I held Belle’s hand and smiled.

After a few conversations, Belle’s phone rang. Her fiance called and asked her to pick him up at the airport. She looked at me with concern.

“I intended to go with you, but George called.” Belle raised her phone.

“I understand. It’s alright.” We bid goodbye to each other before I headed straight to my house.

I could see a man in a blue suit standing in front of my apartment from a distance. Who could he be?

He noticed my arrival, and I was surprised to see who it was. “Mr. Reed?”

He looked at me with his poker face. He put his hand in his pocket. “Where have you been?” he asked.

“Why are you here? How’d you know my house?” I asked, not minding his question.

I could hear him clearing his throat before he spoke. “I came here because of my nephew. Mico wants me to hire you.”

I frowned in confusion. But why does he have to come personally? He should have asked his secretary to call me.

“But why did you come here? You should have to ask your secretary to call me instead.”

He twisted his lips and narrowed his eyes, directing his gaze at me.

“Are we just talking about business here, outside of your apartment?” he asked.

Oh, right! I forgot. It’s rude if I don’t invite him to my house. I opened the door with my keys. Unfortunately, I was foolish and forgot that my house was still messy. And it was too late to back out and invite him to the coffee shop nearby because he was already in my house. I wanted to dig a hole and bury myself at this moment.

“I’m sorry for the mess. Someone came into my house without my knowledge and messed it up.” I explained while clearing up the path to the living room and removed the clothes and broken pieces on the floor.

I noticed him roaming his eyes around my apartment. And I just let him be. I was too preoccupied with the broken vase to notice he had entered my room. 

When I looked for him, I saw that he was already in front of my vanity mirror, reading what was written on that mirror. “Do you know who was behind this?”

I shrugged as an answer. “I don’t know,” I answered casually.

“This is a threat. Did Mico know about this?” I could feel he was worried. But why? We are strangers to each other. Besides, whatever happens in my life is none of his business.

“He doesn’t have to. It’s not his business to interfere in my life anymore. And just like what I said. We already broke up.”

He gritted his teeth, and I noticed him clenching his fist. Was he mad? What for?

“Stay in my house.”

I frowned in confusion at his statement.

“Huh?”

“Move into my house.”

I was even more confused by what he was saying. “Move in? Why? What for?”

“Would you really care to continue living here even if something bad happened to this place? Aren’t you afraid of thieves? What if they come back and they don’t just threaten you? What if they kill you completely?” he asked.

Why does he care if something bad happens to me? Why is he concerned about my life? I don’t need his mercy... What I need is a job so I can pay off my debt. So that no one will harass me.

“I don’t need your pity. I need a job.”

“I’ll pay you. How much do you need? You just have to live with me and be my housemaid.”