Chapter 18: Laundry, Cooking, and Serving Them? A housekeeper? Laundry, cooking, and serving them?
Why did they think she’d agree, acting so condescending?
Sonya laughed wryly, too lazy to respond, turning to leave.
Menu
“Sonya, because we’re friends, I considered you first. The salary will be good. Don’t worry about saving face. Think about it. Your rent must be expensive.”
Seraphina’s voice trailed behind her. Sonya quickened her pace, finally leaving her behind.
The world felt peaceful and beautiful.
Sonya, hands in her pockets, walked briskly home.
The next day, she started painting. The walls were white. The downstairs living room was fine, but she wanted to paint the upstairs bedroom and small living room a light blue.
After mixing the paint, Sonya went upstairs. She wasn’t initially skilled, watching several tutorials before mastering the technique.
It was slow going. When Leo called, she asked him to help.
Leo arrived with Jake. Seeing her progress, they gave her thumbs up..
“Sonya, it’s just a rental. Why are you going to such trouble?” Leo asked, stirring the paint.
Sonya said casually, “If I’m living here, I want to be comfortable.”
“Right.”
Jake, more experienced, corrected their technique, smoothing out imperfections.
“This homeowner must be unhappy,” Jake said.
Sonya tilted her head.“Why?”
“Look at these bare white walls, the gray–white tiles, the emptiness. What does it remind you
“What?” Leo asked.
“A morgue.”
“What?!” Leo looked around, shivering. “It does look a bit like one.”
“Someone living here wouldn’t be happy.”
of?”
Sonya looked around. From the first day, she’d felt the coldness, the lifelessness.
That’s why she agreed to renovate when Henry suggested it. She couldn’t stay in this cold, lifeless place; she feared it would affect her.
Like a zombie.
Thinking of the word, Sonya shuddered.
Did Henry have warmth?
When he said ‘okay, “I’ll cook for you, “let’s get married, what was his expression? Or did he have no expression at all…?
The tenderness, warmth, affection–were they just her, imagination, self–deception?
$11.49
Henry was like a robot fiancé.
“The wall color and tiles don’t match. Are you changing the tiles? Jake asked, painting. Sonya shook her head, laughing at her flights of fancy.
“I’m putting in hardwood floors.”
“Upstairs and down?”
“Yes.”
“You should hire professionals. This villa is huge.”
I’ve contacted someone.”
They had a quick lunch and continued painting. They finished by nightfall.
They rarely did manual labor; even Leo and Jake were exhausted. Sonya ordered takeout, setting up a table in the yard, drinking and chatting.
“I want to build small flower beds on either side.” Sonya planned the yard’s renovation. 7 saw a huge backyard, a swimming pool, Leo said, taking a sip of beer. “Yes, but the pool is dry, and the yard is neglected,” Sonya shrugged.
This is Cloud Haven Villas. Even small units cost millions. This one has a great location and the largest area, probably tens of millions.”
“Really?” Sonya asked, surprised.
Jake nodded. “At least.”
Sonya pursed her lips. Henry must have taken out a huge loan to buy this place and was still paying it off.
“You should ask the homeowner before renovating the yard, to avoid problems,” Jake said. “Actually, this villa is my fiancé’s. I’m renovating it for our new home,” Sonya confessed.
“Fiancé? Where did you find a fiancé?” Leo was incredulous.
Jake was equally skeptical.
Sonya hummed. She’d mentioned it before, but they thought she
“My aunt set me up.”
Jake and Leo exchanged glances, clinked their bottles, and drank.
“I’m not lying! I’m getting married!” Sonya said angrily.
Leo looked at her seriously.“When’s the wedding?”
“September 6th.”
“The same day as Julian and Seraphina?”
“Yes.”
Leo paused, then looked worried. “Sonya, are you okay?”
she was joking.
“Of course, I am!” Sonya glared
I am!” Sonya glared at Leo, turning to Jake. Do you believe me?” Jake looked at Sonya, then nodded. “Yes.”
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Chapter 18 Laundry. Cooking and 5.
Sonya was about to sigh in relief, but Jake added, “As long as you’re happy.”
Sonya rolled her eyes. He still didn’t believe her!
Julian’s car pulled up across the street. He got out and looked over.
Leo waved, and he walked over.
Sonya glared at
glared at Leo. Leo scratched his head. It’s not polite to not say
say hello.”
Julian, in a black suit, hair slicked back, wearing gold–rimmed glasses, exuded an elite aura, but his eyes were cold.
He stopped at the gate, looking at the brightly lit villa, the messy yard, and the three of them. His gaze fell on Sonya.
“Have you considered Seraphina’s offer?”
Sonya ignored him. “No, I refuse.”
“Name your price.”
“I don’t need the money.”
“Think it over.”
Sonya scoffed. “Do you enjoy bullying me? It’s amusing?”
“Seraphina’s well–meaning.”
“Tell her to keep her kindness. I don’t need it!”
Julian nodded. “I’m planning to demolish and rebuild your parents‘ house into a café. What do you think?”
Sonya stood up abruptly. “Julian, you promised to return the house!”
“I did, but you know the damage your photo caused!”
Sonya took a deep breath. They just wanted to make her miserable.
“Fine, I agree!”
If they wanted to make her miserable, let’s make everyone miserable!
Chapter 10 The Chow Beginn
