CHAPTER 4—He has changed

FAYE

I want to run towards him to give him a tight hug, but I am afraid of the piercing looks he is giving me. They feel like sharp knives with how he stares. I swallowed nervously and couldn’t hide my anxiety.

I dream of seeing the face of the man I adore and love so much.

“You missed me?” he laughed as if I were joking, full of sarcasm and pain. “Why? Did your lover leave you?” There was bitterness in his voice. “Is he tired of you or did you also replace him?”

I had nothing more to say and I just stared at him from head to toe. Only one thing was running through my mind now, him and his current appearance. He looks so different now. He is very handsome, decent, and his posture is so elegant. His formal attire suits him perfectly.

If he used to be thin, now he is muscular. He has become even fairer. I am blushing now because I am filled with admiration for him.

I felt ashamed of myself. He has come a long way compared to me.

But I am happy to see him in that situation. I thought he was also struggling like me.

Thank the Lord that He has given Rome a good status.

“R-Rome. I can’t believe it. Is that really you? You’ve changed so much,” I couldn’t help but say. I stopped myself from running to him because it’s embarrassing.

“Ugh. What now? Anyway, what else are you being foolish about? Sit. Don’t look so pathetic in front of me. I’m annoyed, I’m not feeling sorry for you,” he said with raised eyebrows. “You are here for the job, right? Not just someone who wants to stare at me so ridiculously. It’s like you’ve never seen someone like this before. Jeez, for crying out loud!”

I did not follow him and remained standing. I could see in his eyes that he was very hurt and angry with me because of what I did. I also noticed that his eyebrows seemed to be in perfect shape. The redness of his lips.

God!

I was shocked when I realized that I was fantasizing too much about Rome. Suddenly, I remembered about work. What if he’s the owner of it? My eyes widened at the thought. Oh, my God. Is he the owner? Is he the boss?

I don’t want to be the one to ruin his day anymore, and I don’t want to come back to ruin what he has accomplished, but a big part of me still hopes that we will get back together as a married couple. I know I have already caused damage to his life, but can’t it be undone?

“I’m sorry,” just two words but I was left speechless. I was about to say something but my voice suddenly faltered, causing me to just close my lips.

“Can you stop all the dramas, please? And stop wasting my time!” he shook the table, surprising me. “I asked you to sit down, didn’t I? Is that difficult to understand?”

“Uh, b-because, Rome—”

“Call me SIR!” he shouted to cut off what I was about to say. “We are not close enough for you to mention my name,” he said firmly, standing up to intimidate the table. “And it’s disgusting to hear coming out of your mouth!”

I bit my lip because of what he said and intertwined my fingers on top of my stomach.

“I’m sorry, b-but I won’t be accepting the job,” I softly said and looked down to avoid his piercing gaze, “please find a new employee,” I smiled while keeping my head down. “I’m sorry, I’m declining the job.”

“What?!” he clearly got irritated with my statement.

“I’m sorry again, I’ll go ahead,” I said as I turned away. I stopped in my tracks after a few steps when he bumped the table.

“You need money, right?” I knew he was walking towards me because of the loud sound of his shoes. “Your mother is sick and she needs medicine for her entire life. Your brother was in high school and I know your wish for him is to finish his studies,” he continued. “Your sister also needs money like you, to survive.”

I was bitten by the intensity of his words and felt embarrassed by what he said. I didn’t know that he was aware of my life situation. How did he find out that my mom was sick? Even though I didn’t mention it to him, I know he has no idea about what happened to my dad because I left him at that time. I thought more about his well-being and didn’t want him to worry about the big problem I was dealing with.

“Yes, I need a job,” I faced him, “but I can’t accept this, especially in our complicated situation,” my voice carried a tone of embarrassment. “Not now, it’s not possible and I know you don’t want it. I don’t want to ruin your life just because you see me.”

He laughed again, irritating anyone. He even shook his head and leaned on his table.

“Really, Faye? Are you the one feeling ashamed? You’re shameless, isn’t it? Or are you just embarrassed because I know who you are? Maybe you’re ashamed of your life status and yourself in front of me?” He shook his head and let out a sharp sigh. “Indeed, you are really in the nerve. What a poor woman. You are already in that situation, yet you still face me with that. You have so many mistakes in your life, and you even dragged your foolishness into it,” he said sharply, as if tearing my heart into pieces there.

I was hurt by what he said. He never said those words to me, but can I blame him if he was just hurt by our past? I am the one to blame here, none other than me. I was the one who left him.

And he has no right to boast that I am poor. You’ve also been through poverty, Rome. But I can’t blame him. I changed him. It’s my fault why the old Rome I knew suddenly disappeared.

He didn’t give me an answer, I just nodded. After a few seconds, I turned to leave, but stopped at what he said.

“Five hundred thousand a month.”

I quickly faced him, “W-What? F-Five hundred?” Is it true? The salary amount is huge!

I’m only in the Philippines. I even surpass the vloggers if that’s the case. This salary is rare even in other big companies.

Is Rome really that wealthy? Isn’t he losing money from the salaries he’s paying out?

“All free, even your uniform, your food, anything.”

He approached me. He was one foot away. I was drawn to his scent. It was so fragrant, very manly. I felt like crying at the thought of wanting to approach him and hug him because I missed him so much.

His scent also gave me goosebumps, as if I just wanted to suddenly dive into him and kiss him endlessly. I also wanted to touch his red lips. I wanted to kiss his beautiful eyes.

“Still not want to accept it?” He wrapped his arms around his chest. Still blank on how he looked at me.

I’ve been staring at him from head to toe since earlier. It’s like I’ve eaten a lot of insects in my stomach to feel the intense tickle on him.

“H-How, how sure are you that the mentioned amount a while back is legitimate?” I confirmed.

He smiled sarcastically. “So you were in doubt, huh?”

“Well.” I bit my lip. “Is that true?”

Maybe he’s just saying that to not kick me out? But in my mind, I hope it’s true because I won’t find another job and get paid like this.

Wow, friend. Only a fool would not accept this job. I am willing to learn everything.

“I will pay you first, if you want, to prove that what I’ve said was true, but I doubt you will run away after you get the money. That’s what you did before, right? What a greedy person,” he said, tilting his head. “A gold-digger.” He smiled with a hint of sarcasm.

I fell silent and bowed my head again, unable to speak any further. I didn’t know where to start, but I wanted to explain to him. I wanted to explain the reason I’ve been hiding hidden for so long. All the explanations I’ve kept in mind, I finally had a sign to reveal all of that to him.

I believe that when Rome hears me out, he will understand me and there will still be a chance for him to come back to me. All I really need is courage.

“Deal or no deal?” he impatiently asked. “It’s taking too long, Faye!” he added, clearly stressed.

In the end, “Deal.” It would be a waste to pass up the opportunity, the salary was very attractive. “I’ll take the deal, s-sir. I’ll do my best,” I added determinedly.

Plus, I’ll be with him, I’ll be with my love. To be honest, I’ve wanted to cry since earlier, I’m just holding back because I’m embarrassed in front of him.

“You are so fond of making a big deal out of everything, you’ll agree in the end.” He shook his head while narrowing his eyes. “Let’s start the interview, then,” he sat on his swivel chair with his eyebrows furrowed. It seems like I’m facing a tiger’s eyes right now.

He sat In front of his table and watched him arrange the papers. I observed his table. The top was made of glass and the foundation was made of wood. He also had a glass hourglass and a cup with ‘I love SG’ written on it, containing pens and pencils.

I also saw his necktie resting on the edge of the table. There were also many candies placed in a glass cup. Not once did he turn his gaze towards me, while I, almost drooling from staring at him. I’ve been sniffing his cologne since earlier, it’s enticing.

Stop staring at me, you’re making my hair stand on end,” he noticed, so I just cleared my throat and played with the ring on my hand. “I look like a real actor to you, don’t I? Is that how people who are not aware really are?” My lips slightly curved. “Tell me about yourself,” he began, a common question from interviewers.

Have you forgotten who I am, Rome? I am your wife who still loves you very much until now.

“U-Uh.”

Shet! Don’t stutter!

“Never mind,” he continued just as I was about to speak. “I know you’ll just lie, I might not hesitate to kick you out,” he said irritably. “You might say you’re very simple and knowledgeable about work, but the truth is, lies and flirtation are the only things flowing in your veins.”

My eyes were sad as I listened to what he was saying. It’s just heart-wrenching to feel the intense anger of someone you love. It’s like my heart was shattered by the words that came out of him.

His gaze was flirtatious towards me, it’s not surprising given what happened.

“What are your strengths?” was his second question.

“My strengths are—”

“Money and boys,” he answered, his tone teasing as he smirked at me. “Especially old wealthy guys. I enjoy boasting about getting a little money.”

“Rome, on the other hand—”

“I said don’t fucking call me by my name with your disgusting voice!” he shouted angrily in front of me, causing me to squint tightly.

A scream echoed in my memory. His scream, how he would hurt me.

Whenever he was angry, he would shout in rage while beating me, lashing my back and thighs, and hitting me with the metal buckle of his belt that almost killed me.

I hid my trembling hand. One hand was on my chest. I didn’t let him know that I was taking deep breaths. Anxiety attack.

I don’t know what to do in this situation.

I need to be alone. I need a beautiful view. I need a companion. I need someone beside me to calm me down.