Permission

While doing laundry in the compound, she ran across her friend, Mia. Mia is on a break from school.

"Oh my God! See who has arrived! Standing up, she said. She gives her hands a quick wash with water and dries them by rubbing them against her shorts. "Seraphina."

"Hi, Mia."And she hugs her.

"Oh my dear, you don't seem obese. "Mrs. Billionaire, you're well-treated." She spoke.

"Will you shut up, Mia?" Glancing around, she said.

I hope everything is going well.

Sure, everything is alright. I got to see my siblings and my dad. I do miss them.

"Hey, you look lovely. I also miss you, my love. I'm giving this fabric I won to my younger sister. Hey, do you have a moment? I want you to sew a dress for my younger sister. Can you successfully plan it? She enquired.

"At this point, I'm unsure. I'll check my options." Phina responded.

"Oh, please. My mother is pleased with the dress you sewed for her last month."

"I will see if I can make it because my tailoring stuff is at home." Mia winced at what she had told her. My dad is waiting for me, Mia. Look after him." Later, I'll give you a check. Are you at your house, right?

"Yes, indeed. "Where will I be going to?" Grinning, she said. "Alright, go now."

Phina responded, "Okay," and walked out of the building toward their flat.

When she got home, her dad was watching the afternoon news. When he looked up and saw his daughter, a broad smile appeared.

He murmured, "Seraphina."

"Daddy, good afternoon." She hugged him.

"Hello, how are you this afternoon? What's up with you? I long for my lovely daughter."

"I also miss you, Daddy. I came today for that reason." After saying so, she sat down next to her father.

"Samuel is not back from school yet?" Taking a peek at the time, she queried. It is getting late. He should have returned by now, and the school should have been closed.

"They'll arrive shortly. You are aware that Samuel will not pick up the twins until he has had a chance to speak with his friends." said her father.

With a shrug, Phina spoke. "You're right. How are you doing, Dad? "Have you had any food?"

"My dear. Staying at home has not become second nature to me. Thus, everything appears to be fairly dull." He answered.

"Sorry, Daddy, I am not here to keep you company."

He dismissed it with a wave. "What do you mean by that, common? I'm alright. Your time at home is not permanent. You'll tie the knot eventually."

"Oh, Daddy. Which marriage?" She laughed as she spoke.

He just shrugged, not responding to her. "How are you finding Mr. Patrick? I hope he is treating you nicely."

Indeed. I eat whatever I want. I have nothing to do with my work. However, I'm assisting his maid with household chores because I can't stand by and watch. I wasn't taught to be that way by you. However, it appears that he is not fond of it. However, I'm alright. Free Wi-Fi is available within the house. I'm free to browse. His TV is also connected to Wi-Fi so that I can watch free movies on any station. The money is very, very good.

"Yes, sweetheart. However, I'm happy you're alright. Have you informed him of your plans to visit?"

"Daddy, of course. Don't you trust me? She enquired.

"Phina, you have my complete trust. But my doubt is with him. Those wealthy men are stubborn. You hardly know what's going through their minds. Furthermore, it would help if you didn't irritate or annoy him. Phina, exercise caution." He gave advice.

"I will be fine, Daddy." She responded.

And they heard footsteps approaching the entrance. Phina grinned. Her siblings were at home. She's going to see them.

***********

Patrick asked his staff to proceed since he wasn't feeling particularly festive. He had the treat all to himself. Sitting in his office, he went over their latest assignment. He is looking at the names of Japanese investors to open a branch of his business there.

Susan then entered. She was tired, as he could see.

"What are you still doing in the office?" He enquired.

"You are still here." With a smile, she replied. A flash drive that she dropped on his table. "This is what you asked for. All of the materials you requested are copied within.

"All right. Regards." Taking the flash off the table, he said. After glancing at it, he set it down in front of him. "You can go home now, Susan."

"All right. I'm grateful, sir. She says. "Mr. Peters called."

"And what did Henry want to say?" With exasperation, he questioned.

"He inquired about your continued attendance at the club. If you've made a change of heart?" Says she. "But I told him no."

"I'm grateful. Why those two won't let me be is beyond me. You can go home or to the club, Susan, so don't worry. I'll talk to you on Monday. He stated.

"All right, sir. Good night. After saying so, she walked away.

He packed the flash drive and the file into his bag and grabbed his phone and tablet to leave the workplace after she left.

************

When he went home, something about the house was unusual. However, he is still determining what. He asked Sara where Phina was as soon as he sat down to eat in the dining chair.

"Where is Phina?" He enquired.

"She is not yet back."

"Where did you get that information? Who the hell gave her permission to leave the house? " With anger, he questioned.

The woman took a hesitant step back. She tries her hardest to avoid Patrick's angry side because she detests it. But it appears that her employer has become more irate lately. And his fictitious girlfriend is to blame for it.

"I'm not sure. She left this morning at around twelve." She says.

Patrick let out a moan. "Clean the table and make me some tea. Include some brownies as well."

"Sir, aren't you eating?" She enquired.

"I have lost my appetite. Just clear the table." With a command, he got up and stormed to his living room.

His living area is located in the second living room. He doesn't entertain guests there, even though they are welcome. Black and white, two of his favorite colors, are used to design the living area.

While waiting for Phina to return, he grabs his phone and reads something. After bringing him the tea and brownies he asked for, Sara left.

After reading for an hour, he looked at the clock on his phone—10:01—and scratched his eyes. As he turned to summon Sara, he noticed Phina descending the stairs.

He got to his feet and hurried over to stop her.

"And where the hell did you go to?" He sighed.

She pivoted gently back around. It astonished her to see him. She believed Sara had said that he returns late on Fridays.

"I went to see my family."

"Your family? And did you let me know?" He enquired.

"I did, of course. I mentioned it to you last night."

"When did that happen? I told you you could leave, right? Observe the time as well. Take a look at the time you arrived."

"I could not hail a cab at the gate due to traffic. I had to walk inside." Says she.

"Walk? Well, I have nothing against that. It matters that you were never told to leave the house by me. How can I even be certain that you visited your relatives?" Patrick queried.

"Excuse me." Says she. She was becoming angry. And what are you attempting to suggest? That I saw someone else elsewhere? Let me to tell you something... I tell the truth. She says.

With a sneer, he seemed not to trust her. He ascended the staircase.

"It's not like there is a damn thing to do in this boring house." She said as she saw him ascend the stairs and go in her direction.

"Last I remember, it's better than yours." His harsh statement struck a chord. Though the words hurt, she remained silent. He went on. "And part of the bargain is spending thirty days in this dull abode. So take care of it. Stop annoying me, Phina. I wouldn't say I like it. He answered, "To her face," and turned to leave.

Angrily, Patrick turned to go. He doesn't want Phina to make him look bad. He had introduced her to a few people. They are acquainted with her via him. He also doesn't want them to see the real her to protect his reputation.

For as long as the agreement is in effect, anyway. She is free to do as she pleases after the deal is done.

With a sad groan, Phina dropped her luggage beside her and sat on the stairs.

What on earth was she getting herself into?

Patrick is a crazy person. He was unlike anyone she had ever had to deal with. Every little thing she does infuriates him. Why make a deal with her if he detests her so much? She repeatedly asked herself the s

ame question.

She eventually got up and silently made her way to her room.