Chapter 9
A week went by and Minta settles into a routine, she liked that her life in a sense resembled the old one, where it’s just her, Nat and Milan. Nat seemed to be doing better after he got out of the hospital and true to his words Sila did managed to find one of the best doctors out there to see him. His breathing is so much better and his asthma has been under control. The smile on her brother’s face when he could be a normal kid made her felt like the decision, she made accepting the deal with Sila wasn’t in vain.
She heard the thunder roaring and knew the rain is coming soon. She smiled to herself, she needed some rain in her life. She longed for those days when she’s alone and dreamed of a faraway place. Resting her arm over her head she thought back to the conversation that made the week so quiet. Minta had asked Sila for a week to get used to being with him, it was such an off handed comment she didn’t think he would agree to it, but he did and she’s grateful for that, it was a much needed, break.
And if the two months just breezed by without seeing him, who is she to complain? It would have been the best deal she’ll ever make but of course, she’s not living in a fantasy. He’ll come collecting on his side of the deal, that much it’s a guarantee.
Minta stretched her arms out while lying in bed and staring at the ceiling. Since it’s a Saturday, she has nowhere to go and wanted to relax for once. But when she heard the clock ticking no matter how lazy she felt, it was breakfast time and that’s a precious moment she would never miss.
She walked almost lazily to the table where Nat and Milan had breakfast waiting.
“I thought you’re going to sleep until lunch.”
Messing with her brother’s hair she took a seat next to him. “Since when I missed breakfast with you?”
“Since never,” Nat playfully bumps her arm.
Minta heard her phone buzzed, she wondered who is texting her early in the morning but when she read her text message she couldn’t believe her eyes. She was in such a blissful mood now the day she dreaded just came and even if she knew it was going to happen, she’s still not quite ready for it. The text was from no other than Sila. She could picture his arrogant voice through his text message: Your two months starts next Saturday a package should arrive shortly. Follow the instruction carefully. I will pick you up, don’t disappoint me.
That was it, what a delightful of a message to get in the morning. She pushed her phone to the side breakfast is more important, scooping a spoonful of porridge it almost made its way to her mouth when there’s a knock on the door. Minta puts her spoon down. “I’ll get it,” She didn’t rush, there’s no point when the person behind it had alerted her beforehand.
Instead she dragged her feet, but it made no difference because she wasn’t living in a mansion where it takes forever to get to the door, no her house was small enough where a few steps would reach it. Signing for the package she walked even slower back to the table because she’s going to have to explain some things to Nat and her Aunt, she’s in no mood to bring Sila up if she doesn’t have to.
“Open it,” Nat said excitedly.
“Why? You are acting like there’s something in there for you.”
“I still want to see, opening a package is fun because you don’t know what’s inside especially if you are not expecting it.”
“Fine, you open it,” Minta gave it to her brother.
Milan smiled and nodded for Nat to open it. “How exciting,” He said in such a tone that it was hard for Minta to feel discourage by what’s inside.
But she has a bad feeling watching Nat tearing through the package little by little and can’t seem to shake it off when Nat finally got it opened and pulled the object out all three stared at it speechless.
Minta lifted it up her eyes fixated on it for so long she didn’t think she blinked once. It was one of the ugliest dress she had ever seen. Not that she has the luxury of owning a whole lot of them but what she held in front of her was just awful. Who in their right mind think it’s pretty?
Nat read the note that came with the dress. “The dress is for you, wear it to the banquet on Saturday,” He turned to Minta. “What banquet are you going to?”
“Obviously something I just learned about,” She took the note from him. But the dress, she was not going to wear such a hideous looking thing. She got up and puts it next to her body and they all laughed.
It was a long beige dress, with ruffles everywhere. Did Sila think it was winter where she had to wear a long sleeves dress with buttoned up neck and ruffles around it?
Milan got up and pulled on the dress to look it over. She touched the material, which was a pretty good quality, it was silk. But the style was plain ugly no way around it.
“I can make it work.”
Nat and Minta looked at her the same time. “How are you going to fix a dress like this?” Minta pointed to the ruffles.
She was sure Sila picked it out himself, no girl could come up with a dress so…so out of the norm and think it’ll work. Even a super model would look ridiculous in such a dress, imagine someone like her. She’ll end up looking like a pumpkin that was carved out wrong.
“Trust me, once I am done, you’ll be a pretty little thing. And by the way, who are you going to the banquet with?”
Minta could tell her about Sila but not about the reason why she’s with him. “Sila.”
But if she thought the name would not bring out some curiosities, she was wrong, her brother and Milan quietly stared at her as if they heard her wrong. Milan knew there’s something suspicious going on since that day when Nat went into the hospital, but she didn’t know the whole story and she’s unlikely to get one. All she hoped is Minta knows what she’s doing.
Minta handed the dress to Milan, she turned back to her breakfast but instead of eating it she looked out the window where a few raindrops starting to make its way down, her thoughts already began to drift away. And just when her mind began to start jumping around there’s an urgent knock on the door. All three turned to the door at once but Minta was the first to get up, opening it she stood surprised seeing Pie on the other side.
“What are you doing here?” Not that she’s trying to be rude, but she couldn’t find the purpose of him standing in front of her door.
Pie reached into his pocket and extracted a key, handing it to her he stepped aside to reveal a new car, not just any car but a beautiful silver BMW. She looked at the key then to Pie. “What is going on?”
Just when she questioned him, the rain came down harder. Pie quickly looked at the sky then at his wet self. Before he could explain Nat and Milan were right beside her.
“Sis, did you buy a new car?”
“Where would I get the money?” She handed the key back to Pie. “I think you are mistaken I didn’t buy this car.”
Pie smiled, a very small one and turned to walk off. “My boss said to bring it to you, so it’s yours.”
If Pie meant for that information to make her happy or made any sense it did the opposite. She was livid. What does Sila take her for? Yes, she agreed to the two months with him, but it was meant to be a backdoor deal not to broadcast it to the world. And if it’s not obvious before, the dress and now the car would make anyone think there’s something between them more than meet the eyes.
Seeing that Pie was about to walk off she chased after him. “Pie take this back to your boss and tell him I can’t accept it.”
Pie backed away acting like she handed him something dangerous. “I can’t do that, he said make sure you get it. It’s yours to keep.”
Pie knew better than to go against Sila’s order. He was adamant for Pie not to leave her house until the key is in her hand. And he did just that, now whatever she wanted to do with the car was between them, walking faster to get away from Minta, he quickened his steps and was gone before Minta could utter another word.
Squeezing the key in her hand she felt the edge of the metal pricking her skin. She stood in the rain wearing her pajamas looking at the car that she has no desire to touch. She doesn’t want to know what was in his head when he bought her the car but with such move Sila made her feel cheap. As if she’s selling herself to him, in exchanged for her service he provides her with whatever money can buy. If that’s what he wanted all along then she needs to congratulate him for making her feel dirty.
She heard Milan called her name but everything else seemed to drowned out by the weight of the rain, she didn’t know how long she stood there, visibly angry at Sila but more so at the fact, this is what her two months with him will come to. Why can’t the rain just wash away the ugly parts of life, can’t it hear her begging to make everything stop.
“Come inside sweetie, you are going to get sick,” Milan held an umbrella over Minta, but no amount of umbrella was going to cover one man’s determination to make her lose it all.
“I need to return this car,” She said it to herself more than to her Aunt.
“What’s really going on between you and Sila?”
Minta heard the question loud and clear even if the rain was competing, she couldn’t explain it no matter how hard she tries. What was she going to tell her Aunt? She can sprinkle some lies here and there, still no amount of make- believe story was going to make her deal with him any more appealing.
She ran into the house as fast as she could, changing into dry clothes, she threw on a hat and heads out the door before Milan could stop her. Arriving at Sila’s company she walked right up to the receptionist. It was the same woman Minta encountered before.
“Do you have an appointment?” But when the receptionist noticed Minta she offered a tiny smile. “He doesn’t have anything available. And he did tell me he’s not to be interrupted,” The receptionist does remember Minta. She always sensed there’s something going on between them. “Let me take my chance and I’ll let him know you are here.”
Minta smiled and said, thank you.
“Hello, sir, there’s a Minta here to see you,” She didn’t get to say anything more when Sila said to send her to his office and hung up, smiling sweetly she looked at Minta. “He said go ahead.”
“Thank you, again,” Minta offered a sincere smile knowing it was not easy making that call.
Once she walked off the receptionist smiled to herself, she knew Minta must have meant something to her boss, on a very busy day with barely any breaks he would not let just anyone interrupt him. But to what height of her importance to him is the question. She answered the phone when it rang, it doesn’t matter because Minta was the first person since Woot, he has not denied. And that says a lot of what he thinks about her. The receptionist made note to herself, if it’s Minta it’s better to ask than to flat out turn her away.
Minta pushed opened the door only to find Sila buried in his work, the moment he noticed her he lifted his finger to let her know he’ll be with her once he’s done.
She took a seat across from him rubbing her thumbs together she looked around the office only to find herself coming back to Sila. She has never seen him work with such deep concentration. He looked so determined but in a sense there’s a quiet charm that’s hidden so far down only a time like this where one gets to see that side. His eyes never left the task at hand. He’s peaceful and approachable. She smiled widely without realizing it.
“You must have seen something good or else you wouldn’t be smiling like a fool,” Sila finished and got up.
Of course it didn’t last long, all what she just saw went out the window once any sound came out of his mouth.
“What brought you here today?” Sila asked even if he already knew why. Minta slammed the key on his desk, it didn’t get any reaction from him beside glancing at it quickly. “I see Pie delivered the car to you.”
She moved to stand in front of him. “What does it mean, look, I agreed on the two months, but it doesn’t mean you treat me like a kept girl, or whatever it is one wants to label it. I don’t want the car.”
Sila uncrossed his arms and slightly lean against the desk. “And you think I am doing it for your benefit?” He asked as if he couldn’t believe she thought that. “I never do anything where it doesn’t benefit me.”
His hand almost reaching for her hair, he pulled it back.
“You’re something else.”
She didn’t want to admit what he just said made a little ache in her heart, but it did, and she couldn’t explain it. This is who he really is. His side of the deal was to get her brother better and Nat has slowly showed improvement anything else, Sila’s in control. She agreed to it so why is it still hard to hear harsh words from him? She should have low expectations so when things like this happened, she’s all too familiar and shouldn’t let it get to her.
He walked away from her to sit in the chair forcing Minta to turn around. It was a much better view from where he’s at. He can take her in without missing anything. He hated that for one week when he didn’t get to see her it was bothering him. He tried everything he could to distract himself but getting her image out of his head was an uphill battle. It was easier to hate her than to missed her. He watched Minta standing there with a hat on, plain white T-shirt and faded jeans, yet the simplicity of her outfit made her that much prettier in his eyes. Even if the hat did its job by somewhat concealing her face, it was too late for him. Because he remembered it as if it’s been etched inside his heart. Almost cursing himself for being attracted to her, he lowered his eyes to the floor for what seemed like a time that went on and on. When he finally looked up, he saw her weirdly looking at him, her eyes wondering what he’s up to.
Just as well, it was time to make use of his two months with her.
He stood up, now it was his turn to stand in front of her making Minta leaned against the desk to avoid from touching him. “I want you to have a car so it’s easier for me, whenever I want you, you’ll have transportation.”
“What does that mean?” She doesn’t consider herself to be dumb but around Sila she literally is lost most times.
“Your first mistake is to never agree on something you don’t know the fine details to,” He mockingly patted her cheek.
Minta came forward. “What are you talking about?”
“And what do you think is going to transpire within that two months? You think all I want from you is to talk?”
She felt a little red in the face, swallowing hard she didn’t reply.
“That’s where the inexperienced meet the ruthless. If I want you to spend a night with you, you will have a reliable car instead of the one that’s bound to die in the middle of the road.”
She is very stupid and naïve to think that was not part of the deal. And what did she think was going to happen? Where all he wants is to sit and talk or eat dinner. He wanted to win against her at all cost, and this was the price she had to pay, no, this was what she agreed to pay.
Sila removed the hat from head causing her hair to spill over her shoulders, reaching out he tucked one side behind her ear. Minta didn’t move but the deep breathing was obvious his action agitated her. “It’s more than just you coming to see me in the office. If I want to sleep with you, then you are in no position to deny me of that.”
The corner of his mouth moved so smoothly, like he was born to do that. She tried to push him away, but he didn’t budge. Instead he seemed to be closer. “I am not sleeping with you,” Her voice was crisp but in the very pit of her stomach she’s not fooling anyone especially him.
“Oh, you will. But I am not the type that’ll force any woman to sleep with me. It’s a lot more fun when she’s willing,” He moved so effortlessly and wrapped his arm around her waist pulling her into him. “I’ll wait for the day when that happens.”
His words came out like a whisper between his lips and touched hers. He lowered his head, but she knew that kissing wasn’t his true intention. She leaned backward to get a closer look of his face he wasn’t teasing, but he was dead certain that they’ll end up sleeping together before the two months is up.
“Let go of me,” She kept on leaning backward but it’s like trying to get away from arms of steel. “I soon be begging on the street than to sleep with you.”
And without notice he lets go. Minta found herself halfway to the floor, straightening herself she kept a distance between them. He gave out a smirk, knowing she has no way out. Her brother he assumed is worth more than what she’s willing to give up.
“How’s your brother doing?”
She hated him for threatening her that way.
“Once the two months is up, I don’t ever want to see your face.”
“Wait,” He called out once she was about to open the door. “You forgot something,” He picked up the key from his desk, holding onto it he waited for her to come to him.
“You can keep the car I will find another way.”
“Do you want me to come to your house?”
Minta took a very much needed deep breath, if this isn’t hell, she has no idea what is, making her way back to him she attempts to grab the key from his hand.
“I am counting the day till you are out of my life. Each day that you are in it, is the worst,” She puts her hand out. “Give me the key so I can leave.”
Sila stood there pressing the key to his hand so hard he felt the metal poking his skin. Why can’t he end it with her? Destroying her takes less effort than getting up in the morning but somehow, he managed to get Minta involved in his life more and more. Was this the revenge he is seeking? What if it goes so deep that even he can’t find a way out, then what of him?
Putting his hands behind his back he switched the key to a different hand. “I don’t want to keep you any longer than what we agreed on. I’m not doing it because I like you, far from it. The things I do will only help me achieve my goal and there’s never a time where I considered what it’ll do to you.”
He saw the pain crept on her face then made its way to her eyes that glared at him. She didn’t say anything else, yanking the key from his hand she took off. He silently took in her retreating back, lowering his head he brought the hand that has a couple of red marks on it from the key.
“How far will I take this?”