* * * *
We got back to doing our duties quietly and eventually, Lizzy's obsession left the store, not forgetting to flash a smile before leaving. Evening came quicker than I had imagined and all I could think of was how to prove myself to Azek. How to make him see that I'm not who he thinks I am and that I would never hurt him.
“ The best time in our job is when it's evening. Little customers to attend to and most importantly, time for clocking out is approaching,” Lizzy yawned and stretched in gladness.
“ Your eagerness to get off work sometimes makes me wonder why you even accepted the job to begin with,” I chuckled.
“ I guess, I need the money,” she rested her head in her palm which was propped up by her arm. “ Mia, lover boy is back,” she whispered as she stood upright. I turned towards the glass door only to see him walking in. He had come back.
“ Hello, Mia and...,” he paused looking at Lizzy as he tried hard to remember her name.
“ Lizzy,” she reminded.
“ Yeah, Lizzy,” he scratched his head in embarrassment before quickly focusing his attention on me. “ I wanted to get something quickly from the store but I have no idea what the name is, could you help me search for it?” He asked.
“ Erm... Sure,” I smiled as walked out from behind the counter and led the way to the lines of shelves. “ So what exactly are you looking for?” I inquired.
“ It's a tonic. I want to get it for my mom,” he was sweet and thoughtful.
“ Do you know the name perchance?”
“ If I knew the name, I wouldn't bother you,” he rubbed his nape.
“ Sorry,” I realized my mistake.
“ It's okay, but what I do know is that it has a tiger engraving printed on it,” he described and we began to search for it.
“ Is this it?” I showed him one after about thirty minutes that seemed to match his vague description.
“ Yes, that's right,” we had finally found it. “ Thanks a lot,”
“ Don't bother,” I didn't think he needed to thank me since it was my job to assist him after all.
“ Uhm... I've been meaning to say this for a while now but I didn't want to seem too forward,” he said looking away awkwardly. I had a bad feeling about this. “ You're really pretty,” he complimented and ended up blushing hard.
“ Erm... Thank you. I appreciate the compliment,” I had turned my professionalism to the highest level.
“ Is it okay if we exchange numbers?” He wasn't planning on beating around the bush. “ We could hang out sometimes and we can get to know each other better,” he suggested.
“ I'm sorry but I'm married,” I never thought this status would be this handy, not to talk of being a sweet excuse to use.
“ Are you kidding me right now?” He scoffed. The pace at which he switched sides was something to be wary of.
“ Do you think I'm an idiot? It's pretty obvious that you're not married,” he said pointing at my finger. I hadn't worn my ring because Azek hated to see me wearing it.
“ I don't think I have anything to prove, sir,” I tried my best to remain polite. “ If that will be all, then you can go ahead and check it in at the counter,” I made to walk out but then he gripped my wrist firmly. I tried my best to wriggle my hand from his grasp but it was nearly impossible.
“ I don't care if you have a boyfriend, I want you. Besides, I can treat you right,” he drew closer to me and whispered into my ears. Just as I struggled to get out of his grip and prevent him from harassing me, Lizzy came from behind me and sprayed him in the eye with pepper spray which was fitting of him.
“ Ahhh!” He shouted in pain.
“ You're such an asshole! I can't believe I ever even considered you handsome,” she cussed at him. The security soon came and dragged him out.
“ Thanks a lot, Lizzy. My husband would kill me if he found out about this,” I sighed.
“ That's a bit toxic of him if you ask me,” she was blunt but she wasn't all that wrong because, at this point, Azek was indeed toxic.
________________________________________________
“ I'm back,” I announced my presence as I walked into the house. I had come home a lot later than I had bargained for.
“ Where do you think you're going?” Azek’s voice made me freeze. “ Why are you back late?” He questioned.
” I was at work,” I replied looking at him confused.
“ Flirting with Mr. Sweet guy with the long hair,” he snapped and my eyes widened. How had he known about him?
“ Come with me,” he held me tight by the wrist and pulled me upstairs with him. His grip was firm in the most discomforting manner.
Mia's POVI walked into the premises of my duplex with my phone between my face and shoulder as I juggled the goods in my hands.“ Yes, I'll try and make it for the opening of your bookstore,” I said to Nita, my best friend, over the phone.“ Are we still meeting up today?” She sounded disheartened as she already knew my answer.“ I'm afraid not. I have to take Natalie out to shop for dinner gowns, her prom is coming up soon,” I sighed.“ I understand, prom night is every girl's dream,” Nita got lost in her imaginary world. “ It reminds me of my time in school, though nobody liked me,” she said dramatically.“ That's because you are and were crazy,” I spat out.“ I liked scaring and harassing boys. It was fun,” she said. She could be creepy and weird as fuck sometimes.“ Anyway, I'll call you back later on. I'm heading in now,” I said turning the door knob and opening it.“ Alright, see you later,” she blew a kiss from her end and I quickly hung up on her. Crazy.I walked into the liv
A week laterMia's POV“ Mia, do you want to get married? I mean, this is so sudden,” Natalie was worried sick about me getting married. She suspected that something was fishy but of course, I wouldn't let her know.“ Especially since you never told me that you had a boyfriend,” Nita twisted her lips. She didn't believe any nonsense I spewed to her.“ You both shouldn't worry, we were both dating before but it was sort of a secret thing because of his identity,” I clenched the perfectly white wedding gown I was wearing and tried my best to hold my smile up as the make-up artist did her work. Deep down, I wanted to cry but that would have to wait until I wasn't around these two.“ If something is going on, you can always tell me,” Natalie had tears gathered in her eyes already. I waited for the make-up artist to finish up my makeup before getting up to look at Natalie who was on the verge of breaking down in tears.“ Naty, I'm fine. I've told you that I love him and we've been having s
“ Sir, ma'am, we're here,” the driver of the limo we were in announced as parked within the courtyard. His butler opened the door for him to get down, and he left without saying a word to me.“ Sir, aren't you going to help her out?” The butler questioned. He had to be close to ask such a question given Azek’s temperament.“ Her legs aren't broken, she can get down on her own. Even if they were, she might as well just crawl her way into the mansion,” he shrugged as he walked towards the mansion’s main door - his bodyguards following him.“ Azek is a bit on the cold side so don't take it to heart,” his Butler gave me a reassuring smile.“ I'm alright,” I lied as I beamed at him. He took me by the hand and helped me out. I walked hurriedly in an attempt to catch up with Azek.“ Welcome, young master!” There was a long line of maids and workers bent at an angle of ninety as they greeted. I hadn't expected this at all.” Get Ms. Mendez settled in. Help her get out of her dress and show he
Mia's POVTwo weeks later“ Erm... Aren't you going to have breakfast? I... I made you breakfast but of course I got help from Madam Lisa,” I said feeling awkward. I wasn't sure if I said that I prepared it alone, he would want to eat.“ Jeena, throw away the food she made,” he ordered. He was going to throw away the food I had spent my time and effort making just because he didn't like me. I clenched my fist and fought back the tears that wanted to flow so badly.“ Yes, sir,” the maid was hesitant but she couldn't lose her job because of me of course.“ Don't ever cook for me. I never asked you to, to begin with so stop playing wife,” he frowned. Did he think I was insincere? Besides, wasn't he the one who told me that even if it's just on paper, I should still perform my wifely duties?“ I-I’m sorry,” I stuttered.“ Neo, get the car ready,” he said walking out of the dining room.“ Yes, sir,” Neo, his secretary replied.“ W-will you be back early?” I looked away the moment I asked,