Chapter 8: It's Just Business
Theodore's POV:
She provided me with her apartment's address, and naturally, I felt the need to drive her back home after the chaos in my office. The journey back to her apartment happened smoothly, and I felt fortunate to have found a woman who was sharp enough to accept my proposal. What's more, she didn't exhibit the kind of intense infatuation that some others might have displayed. It was the best I could have done. As we approached her apartment, I eased the car to a stop, bringing it to a halt.
The building exuded a modern vibe, illuminated by a few lights shining through the windows, indicating that some people were still awake at this late hour. Observing this, I couldn't help but think she seemed to be leading a relatively comfortable life. I switched off my car's headlights and removed the key from the ignition, preparing to leave.
"We're here," I announced, turning towards her, only to realize she had drifted off, leaning against the window. I sighed, realizing I had been so focused on driving that I hadn't noticed she had fallen asleep. I gently tapped her shoulder, attempting to rouse her, but she only stirred slightly, not fully waking up. She appeared so peaceful while sleeping, and I didn't want to disturb her tranquility at this moment. Deciding to act, I exited the car and opened her door, carefully lifting her into my arms and placing my palm on the back of her hair so I wouldn't bump her head onto the car's roof. I closed the car door with my foot before stepping onto the pavement. Despite the chilly evening, her body felt warm against mine. Exhaling, I felt the cold air touch my skin as I carried her inside the building.
I entered the building, and the sliding door opened automatically, revealing a well-lit lobby with a receptionist stationed at her post. As I stepped in, the receptionist's eyes widened, and her mouth opened in surprise at the sight of me carrying the woman in my arms. The realization struck me that the woman had never informed me about the location of her room. Left with no alternative, I approached the receptionist with determined strides, seeking assistance.
"Can you please tell me the location of this woman's room? It's urgent," I inquired, my expression serious, projecting an air of authority. The receptionist seemed momentarily stunned, as if in a trance. After a brief pause, she finally responded, "Oh, certainly, Sir. Barciena, I'll take you to the room immediately." Her eyes remained wide open, and I couldn't help but feel uneasy about someone so overly eager to assist me. Frowning, I swallowed nervously, feeling a slight lump in my throat.
She left her post, her arm reaching forward towards the stairs. I kept my arms still, careful not to drop her. My leather shoes clicked on the marble floor, following the receptionist towards the stairway. She led me to room 203, claiming it was this woman's room. She handed me a key, opening the door for me. I bowed in gratitude once more and closed the door behind me. As I did so, I noticed her mouth moving for a split second, perhaps wanting to ask something before I shut the door. I sighed, accustomed to such situations. Based on her expression earlier, I anticipated she might question why the CEO of a clothing brand like me would be in this apartment.
Entering her apartment, I found it dimly lit, with only the faint glow from the windows illuminating the space. I checked for a light switch, finding it right next to the entrance I had used. With a huff, I balanced the woman in my arms while reaching for it. The apartment instantly bathed in light as I turned the lights on, revealing a modern and stylish interior. However, my eyes squinted as I noticed clothes scattered across the furniture, suggesting a certain level of disarray.
I gently placed her on the couch, clapping my hands to shake off any cramps. I examined her apartment momentarily, my face contorted with a frown at the sight of the mess. From the corner of my eye, I observed her snoring peacefully as she shifted to the other side. A sigh escaped me as I rubbed my forehead, realizing that she wasn't properly taking care of her living space. Is this the woman I chose? The person who was complaining about the mess in the office? Although, it wasn't really 'this' kind of mess.
I couldn't deny my tendency for cleanliness, so I pulled out my phone from my pocket and dialed my best friend, Van. After a few rings, he answered, and without thinking, I began pacing the room as I spoke, "Could you arrange for a cleaning service to come to the location I'm at right now?" I tapped the back of my phone absentmindedly while gazing out the window, admiring the neighborhood's beauty beneath the night sky. My other hand found its way into my pocket as I sighed, waiting for his response.
"Why? Do you need me to clean another dead body for you?" Van joked, his laughter resonating through the phone. "You're funny. No, it's for a woman," I explained while glancing back at the woman asleep on the couch, "What? A woman? Are you drunk?" Van sounded shocked, clearly finding it hard to believe my statement. "Listen, just do what I asked you to," I replied firmly before ending the call and placing the phone back in my pocket. I took a moment to explore her room, noticing picture frames and plaques on display. One frame caught my attention, and I picked it up, flipping it around to find a photo of the woman with her best friend, whom we had met at the casino.
A thought flickered through my mind—I realized I knew nothing about this woman. There were no family pictures displayed, suggesting she might be living alone. I couldn't be entirely sure unless my perception indeed is mistaken. Nevertheless, once I returned home, I couldn't help but plan to conduct a thorough background check. After all, she was soon to be my wife in society, and I couldn't risk associating with someone with a tainted record, as it would undoubtedly damage my reputation. Yet, she played her part so convincingly, appearing completely clueless. Could it all be an act, I wondered? Perhaps I was overthinking things.
It seems I finished my business here already, and thus, I prepared to leave. I straightened my button-up shirt and carefully opened the front door, mindful not to disturb. Stepping back into the familiar hallway, I closed the door quietly behind me. A glance at my watch startled me; I hadn't realized that midnight had passed. Feeling a sense of urgency, I hastened my steps, retracing my path back to the lobby. My pace quickened almost to a sprint, causing the sound of my footsteps to reverberate through the hallway. I hurried past the receptionist, and as the sliding door opened, the same cold breeze greeted my skin, just as it had when I first arrived.
Without hesitation, I rushed to the other side of my car, flung the door open, and quickly settled into the driver's seat. My foot pressed down on the gas pedal as I swiftly departed the neighborhood, my brow furrowed in frustration for forgetting something crucial. "Tsk, how could I let this slip my mind?" I chastised myself, increasing my speed even more to reach my mansion closer to the city.
Within minutes, the cityscape view became adorned with twinkling lights despite the late hour. However, I couldn't afford to savor the sight at that moment. I took a right turn as I drove back to my villa in a flash, and the car screeched chaotically. The urgency pushed me onward.
As I pulled up at the gate, several bodyguards were waiting at the entrance, and my maids promptly opened the gate to allow me to drive through. The sweet scents of the garden quickly filled my nostrils, confirming that I was indeed home. Stepping out of the car, I closed the door behind me. My best friend, Van, greeted me with a bow as I stepped out, showing his respect.
"Welcome back, boss," Van addressed me with a smirk, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. I nodded in acknowledgment, passing by him and patting his shoulder. "Do you mind taking me to him?" I whispered, glancing at him from the corner of my eye. His expression darkened slightly, but he responded confidently, "Of course, I've got it, don't worry." He promptly turned towards the villa, walking along the brick pavement, and I followed suit, tracing his footsteps as I heard the gates close behind me.
I walked into the opulent villa, my gaze immediately captured by the grand chandeliers suspended high above the ceiling. They bathed the lavish lobby in a soft and inviting warm glow. This vast and extravagant place was my home, but despite its grandeur, it often felt hollow, lacking human presence beyond the maids and bodyguards who ensured my safety. My life was secluded, constantly vigilant against potential threats and assassins that might target me. It was a necessary precaution, but it weighed heavily on my shoulders.
Sighing, I grew exasperated with the isolated lifestyle I had to endure. Safety came at a cost, and it meant sacrificing the freedom of socializing and forming meaningful connections. My life was a constant balance between luxury and loneliness.
As I trailed behind Van, he guided me deeper into the villa, where we kept more than just secrets. This section was strictly off-limits to everyone except for Van and me. Even my maids and bodyguards were never allowed access to this hallway. We eventually halted in front of a wooden door, emanating a distinct scent of blood. I scrunched my nose in response, waiting for him to open it.
"He had to be brought back here for interrogation. You don't mind, right?" Van turned to me with a smile, his hand resting on the door before opening it. "Not at all, it's fine," I reassured him, and with that, he swung open the door, unveiling a spiral staircase that stood in stark contrast to the sleek, modern design of the villa we had been in.
As we descended the spiral staircase, we proceeded deeper into the basement. Eventually, we arrived at the only door at the bottom. Without hesitation, Van opened it, revealing a gruesome sight—a man restrained in chains, his body bruised and drenched in blood. The room reeked of the metallic scent, unmistakably a torture room. I had kept it here, just in case it was ever necessary. After my time away from the States, I almost forgot that I installed this grim chamber in my villa.
The man coughed, his body twitching as he managed to lift his head to look at us without remorse. We remained by the entryway, silently observing him. "What? Now you decide to visit me?" he scoffed, blood seeping from his mouth as he spoke sarcastically, his chains violently clanking as he struggled against them. I anticipated this reaction.