Chapter 5

Isabella's pov;

The room was empty when I opened the door. I moved further into the room and had a look around. Mr Martinez was not present. I heard the sound of water behind a door while looking for Mr Martinez. Mr Martinez was in the bathroom, so I assumed he was taking a bath. It is preferable to return after some time has passed. When I tried to leave the room, Mr Martinez asked, "Where are you going?"

"Nowhere, to be exact. I was just... admiring the paintings' magnificence."

When I turned around, he was in his bathrobe, exposing some of his chest and well-built abs, and water was streaming from his body.

He appeared to be a male lead from a manga. His skin appears shiny yet, when touched, I think it would have a rough roughness.

Furthermore, Mr Martinez was not wearing a mask. I've never seen him without the mask since I moved into this place. This is also the first time I've seen his face.

His blue eyes complement his damp crimson hair, and his pointed nose has a flawless philtrum that ends with sculptured lips. His facial hair gave him a harsh appearance. Without his disguise, he has the characteristics of a thug. He's quite hot! Ahem. I mean, he's attractive. By the way, why is he covering his face? Weird. Maybe he doesn't appreciate being the centre of attention.

"Please wait here." He took a seat by the bed and then left after opening the door.

I sat back down on the stool and took another glance around the room. There is no modern furniture. There are no family photos on the wall. There are no lovely lights. There isn't much decoration. Except for a few decorative artwork on the walls.

Mr Martinez returned to the room where I was, this time dressed in pajamas.

"Did I arrive late?"

What are you late for? What exactly did he mean?

"No."

"You already know you have to hold my hand till I fall asleep. Your compensation will be the amount of time I take to sleep."

"Yeah, I remember, Mr Martinez," I answered with a nod.

Mr Martinez sat on the bed and lay on it later. He gave his hand to me to hold it.

It's my first day at work. I should do a good job. I lifted my hand carefully and placed it on his hands. I was feeling chilly. I believe it is due to the shower he took a few minutes ago, but why is it cold? Didn't he take a hot shower? I took his hand in mine and stared at him. He closed his eyes and fell asleep. He fell asleep faster than I expected. That was lightning fast!

I looked at Mr Martinez, who was sleeping comfortably, as I tried to remove my hand from his.

I think I have to be here for some more time then. When I looked at him, I assumed I was the one with a horrible upbringing, yet I still have a mother and a father living somewhere. Martinez, who had a mother who died when he was young and a father who died a few years ago, has nothing but this house and a business. How did it feel to lose both parents as a child, Mr Martinez?

And I assumed that individuals like me were the only ones who could hide all of their inner sentiments and be joyful on the outside, yet some wealthy people are also experiencing this sensation. I took his hand in mine and stood near his bed, watching him.

I didn't sign the deal because I was greedy for money, but because I owed it to my mother. I'll quit this nonsense and never return to this house once I've paid for the treatment.

After I came out of the room, Noah was standing outside in the hallway.

"Did he sleep?" He inquired.

"Then I'll take my leave to my residence," I remarked, nodding.

"Wait."

Noah pulled something from his pocket and handed it to me. It appeared to be an envelope. I opened the envelope and examined it. There was money inside.

"What is this?"

"Your wage. You will receive it on the days you visit."

"Okay, OK. So, thank you."

I left Mr Martinez's residence and returned to my house, holding the payment. My mother was not at home when I arrived. I waited for her after changing my clothing. How should I use this money? Before that, How am I going to explain this to my mother? I'll have to tell her some lies to get her to believe in me.

I was thinking about the lie I was going to tell my mother, I heard a knock on the door. Mom arrived!

I rose from my seat and headed to the door, which was about to open.

"You're on time today, Mom." With a big smile on my face, I greeted her.

"Because today is my payday. And what did you eat?"

I answered, shaking my head, "I was expecting you. I considered making instant noodles but remembered that you'd chastise me if you found out, so I didn't. Is it true that I'm a good girl?"

She said with a smile, "Let's go out to lunch at a restaurant because you've been a wonderful girl. Change your clothes. I'll be waiting for you."

"Are we going out to eat? Didn't you give that guy money?"

"No worries, I'm taking you out because I wanted to treat you to a good dinner. Consider that my pre-birthday treat."

I nodded and changed my clothing. While I was changing my clothes, I put the money I had received from Noah in my pockets.

"Shall we go?"

I nodded and walked after her. She shut the door behind us and we began strolling together on the sidewalk.

Mom eventually inquired, "What are you craving today? Is there anything on your mind?"

"Um... No. But since I'm hungry, I'll take everything I can get my hands on."

"Eat until your tummy is full today," she added, patting my head.

"Mom, where are we going to eat tonight?"

"The restaurant you've always wanted to try."

"What exactly is it, Mom?"

"You won't be able to eat anything you want if you don't remember before we arrive. Instead, I'll take care of placing your order."

"Mom! You can't treat me that way... You mentioned that it was a pre-birthday treat for me. How can you be so cruel to me?" I pleaded with her, but she ignored me and walked ahead of me.

"Stop begging and start remembering." She then burst out laughing.

I attempted to recall the name as I walked behind her, but I couldn't think of anything because I'd requested her to take me to several restaurants in the city.

"Will it be a Jake's restaurant?"

"Nope."

"Sweet mom's?"

"No."

"I'm not sure, Mom. It's extremely difficult."

She laughed and kept walking.

We rode the bus to that location. We arrived at the HYU restaurant after a short walk.

"What is this place?"

"Oh, come on. Let us enter."

"Are you certain that we're eating here? You're aware of how much food costs here, aren't you?"

"You don't have to be concerned about it. Don't worry about the food I'll order for you since you can't remember the name."

While she was tormenting me, we strolled into the restaurant.

"Why are you pouting your lips?" she said after we were seated in the restaurant, holding my cheeks together.

"Because I'm not the one making the order?"

She chuckled and added, "I was only joking. Go ahead. Order whatever you want."

I stood from my place and walked to her and gave a hug while saying, "Thank you so much, mom."

"Okay. Okay. Order first."

We purchased a large amount of food from several categories, and it arrived fast. After you've finished your meal,

"Don't be furious, Mom, I have something to tell you."

"What exactly is it?" She shifted her expression to one of intensity.

"I'm not sure how you'll take it. You promise not to be angry with me."

"You appear suspicious. Are you in a relationship?"

"What!? Mom! No! Me? Dating? Come on, people."

She giggled and went on, "If you're dating, I'll be astonished as well. Okay. So, what exactly is it about?"

I took the envelope and placed it on the table after rubbing my hands together with tissue paper.

"What exactly is this cover?" "There's cash inside," she said as she opened the envelope.

"I earned it."

"What exactly are you saying? We discussed it extensively, yet you still did what you wanted. Do you not believe in me? Do you believe my income is insufficient to feed us?"

"Please, mother. Please pay attention. Why are you so upset before even hearing me out?"

"I've already heard a lot from you."

"The job is at my school, Mom. I'm going to work as a librarian's assistant."

"You started working at your school? In a library, perhaps?" She suddenly sounded at ease.

"Y-Yeah. The library was looking for students to help the librarian, so I put my name in and was apparently chosen by chance."

"Then everything is fine. You are qualified for the position."

"Really?? You agreed? But why?"

"You should be pleased, not surprised, that I accepted."

"You've never accepted anything before, so why now?"

"You'll be spending more time in the library because it's a library. Who knows, perhaps you'll start studying as well. But I'm curious how you obtained the position in a library, your least favourite place."

"Yeah, but the pay made me do it as well."

"In any case, do it well. And while you're there, study. Furthermore, do not sleep at the library."

I nodded and resumed eating.

"How much do you make working there as... what job did you say?"

"Assistant."

"Yeah, how much do you get paid as a 'assistant?'"

How should I respond? Let's say an arbitrary amount of money.

"Um... a hundred dollars?"

"Okay. Use it to purchase school supplies. Don't throw it out unnecessarily."

"Yes, mother."

We finished our meal and left the restaurant. I burped, which made her giggle.

"Did your stomach fill up?"

"Yeah, I ate until here," I responded, pointing to my throat, and adding, "and I'm not sure how I'm going to get home."

"I thought about getting you some ice cream, but since... you're full, I suppose we should go home," she sighed.

"No! No way, no how. There's still room for ice cream. I want one, Mom."

"Isn't there always room for ice cream? Come on, mom. Let's get it."

We discovered an ice cream stand and Mom purchased ice cream for both of us.

"How do you want to spend your birthday?"

"I don't have much on my mind right now, but I've been thinking about painting recently. Mom, may I join your art class?"

"When did you first get interested in art?"

"I'm not sure. When you asked about the gift, it just flashed into my head. Give me a palette if you want to buy something for me."

"Okay. Got it!"

"How about that art class?"

"Okay. You are welcome to participate."

"May I please have a new phone?"

"No!"

I sighed and followed behind her.

After a while, she said, "Let's get a new phone this year."

"Really?"

"Yeah, but only if you get good scores in all the subjects without failing."

"I'm not looking for a new phone."

"Do you want to graduate this year? You will not graduate this year if you do not begin studying. Do you intend to stay behind and study for another year?"

"I'll study now. But wait and see, I'm going to pass every subject this year, acquire a new phone, and graduate."

"Best wishes."

Mom and I eventually got home after enjoying two ice creams in a succession.

"Use it well," Mom said about the envelope I gave her in the restaurant.

I nodded and she handed me the envelope.

We fell asleep on the bed after turning out the lights. I'm not sure how many days it will take to add up all the money, but I've finally found a means to make more money quickly this time, so I'm not going to waste it. I'm going to make good use of it, Mom. I'll save up for the treatment, and we'll get better together, mom.