Chapter 19: The Show Begins
Lying in bed, Sonya was still seething.
She couldn’t understand Julian. He was marrying his white moonlight, even though she wast carrying another man’s child, but he was willing. Why was he still tormenting her? A strange number called.
Sonya answered, hearing a muffled groan on the other end.
“Who is this?” she asked.
“It’s me.”
Sonya frowned. It was Julian.
She was about to hang up, but Julian said urgently, “If you hang up, I’ll have someone demolish your parents‘ house!”
Sonya gritted her teeth. Julian, what do
you want?”
“My stomach hurts.”
“Stomach aches don’t kill you.”
“I want your yam porridge.”
“Take some medicine.”
“Where’s the medicine?”
“Where it belongs.”
“Come find it for me.”
“Why don’t
you just die!”
Hanging up, Sonya drank cold water to calm down. She was about to turn off her phone when Henry texted.
“It might get colder tomorrow. Dress warmly.”
Sonya’s heart warmed.
“How’s the weather there?”
*Pretty cold.”
*Dress warmly, too.”
“Okay.”
Sonya discussed the renovation, Henry listening, occasionally offering suggestions. When she mentioned the yard, he said to do whatever she liked.
“The yard will be a big change. My friend says I should consult the homeowner.”
“You’re the homeowner.”
“What?”
“It’s
your house. And it will be our home.”
Home, but she didn’t feel a strong sense of belonging.
15.71
After discussing the house, Henry mentioned their wedding. His family was preparing; she could start looking at wedding dresses.
Til send you some pictures. Choose one you like. They’ll make it to your measurements. You can try it on at the shop.”
Talking about wedding dresses felt strange.
“Okay”
Henry quickly sent pictures. The dresses were beautiful, ethereal. But she loved a royal blue satin. V–neck gown, studded with diamonds, sparkling like stars.
She sent the picture to Henry, then regretted it. It was probably expensive; he was still paying off his mortgage.
But she decided she’d pay for it herself.
“You’ll look beautiful in it.”
Julian, furious after Sonya hung up, threw his phone on the floor, worsening his stomach pain.
Seraphina came downstairs, concerned.
She rushed to him, noticing her thin pajamas. He took off his jacket and put it around her.
“Nothing. Just a stomach ache. Don’t worry. Go back to sleep.”
“A stomach ache? You must have been drinking too much.”
“Lots of business dinners.”
“You should drink less.”
Seraphina got him a cup of hot water.
“Drink some water.”
“Okay.”
“Should I stay with you?”
“No.”
“I’ll go to bed then.”
Seraphina yawned and went upstairs.
Julian held the hot water, but it didn’t warm his heart. He took a sip, then winced in pain.
He found the medicine cabinet, finally locating it in the living room. It contained various common medicines, neatly organized. The top was stomach medicine, almost expired.
Because of his drinking, he’d developed a stomach problem. Sonya had helped him, cooking soothing porridge, urging him to soak his feet, and teaching him abdominal massage.
His stomach had improved, rarely bothering him.
But recently, no one cooked for him, urged him to soak his feet, or massaged him. His stomach problems returned.
After taking medicine, he slumped onto the sofa and fell asleep. He woke up cold, mumbling, Sonya, give me a blanket.”
He snapped himself awake, slapping his forehead.
15.34
CHOVAL 1 The
The next morning, Sonya went for a run, contacted the flooring installer, and then went w Julian’s villa.
She rang the doorbell for ten minutes before Julian opened the door, annoyed, “What are you doing here?”
“I got the housekeeper job. I’m here to make breakfast,” Sonya said with a mischievous smile. Julian frowned.“The password’s the same. Open the door yourself. Don’t disturb Seraphina and
me.”
“Change the password. If anything is missing, I can’t be held responsible.” Sonya went into the kitchen, which was dusty. No one had used it since she left. When breakfast was ready, Julian and Seraphina came downstairs.
Seraphina smiled smugly. “Sonya, it’s great you’re here to help.”
Sonya smiled. “I lost my job, no savings, no income. I need to work.”
“Don’t worry, the pay will be good.”
“Of course. Mr. Jennings is generous. Oh, the soy sauce is almost gone. Mr. Jennings, could you? transfer me some money to buy more?”
The comment was awkward. Julian glared at Sonya.
Breakfast was tomato beef noodle soup, Julian’s favorite. Seraphina tasted it and said it was too salty.
“Okay.”
“Have you eaten? Want to join us?” Seraphina asked.
“No, three people would be awkward.”
Seraphina smiled. You can eat, in the kitchen. That’s what housekeepers do.”
I almost thought I could sit at the table. I’m so out of touch with my status.”
“It’s okay. You’ll get used to it.”
They exchanged barbs. Sonya began cleaning the pot.
“What’s this?”
She loudly pulled out a large, tomato–stained object from the pot. Seraphina and Julian looked
over.
“Is that a dishrag?*
Seeing the dishrag, they spat out their food.
“It is. I used it to wipe the faucet.”
“Ugh!”
Seraphina started retching and ran to the bathroom. Julian glared coldly at Sonya.
“Did you do that on purpose?”
Sonya shrugged.“You’re
1 wrong.
just
lack
experience.
need I
to learn.”
The best was yet to come!
