ENRIQUE
I stole another glance at her as I took a turn in the road. At first when she had come back into the car without a word, I had been grateful for the silence; no snarky remarks or death glares from her and all. I just needed my peace. But a few long minutes into the drive I started to feel that something was up.
As much as I tried to convince myself that I didn't care nor was it why of my business, I found myself glancing over at her every few seconds. The strange thing was that she didn't even seem to notice me staring at her. Usually, she would say something annoying about it.
I tore my eyes away from her, furious with myself. Why the fuck was I do worked up about it? Who cares what the problem is anyway? She could die in silence for all I cared. As long as she did her job perfectly, her personal life was her own business. The only thing I needed was for her to deliver.
I reached out to turn up the music. She didn't make any move to show that she could hear the music. Instead she only tilted her head a little, resting it more comfortably against the window. I was about to complain when I saw her swollen red rimmed eyes. Had she been crying? I wondered. I reminded myself to mind my own business to no avail.
After fighting a mini battle in my head, I decided to keep my thoughts to myself. I wondered why I was thinking and overthinking all of this. I was never this interested in anyone else's business. But I found my gaze still returning back to her red eyes.
"I'll assume it's definitely not the wedding that's got you this excited," I finally spoke, keeping my tone as passive as possible so she wouldn't think I actually wanted to hold a conversation with her.
I began to glance in her direction a lot more often when she didn't reply. No eye roll. No sarcastic comment. Although I hated it when she spoke in that manner, I hated it more when I was ignored. So I decided to do the same, driving full speed until I reached the penthouse.
She opened her side of the door when I did the same, clutching the strange looking bag in her hand. I wondered why anyone would put their documents into a plastic bag, but I shook my head. The lower class lived so strangely, I couldn't fathom their reasons for some things. Now, in my own environment, I was breathing easier. Back in her neighborhood, I had been so close to throwing up from the stench that oozed off of the streets. How could people even live there? Just the sight of the houses which were packed so closely together made me feel claustrophobic. No wonder her father looked like that, no wonder they all looked that that. The amount of filth in the air they breathed was enough to land them in a hospital.
So of course I expected the shock and awe on her face when she saw how different the penthouse was from her disgusting street. But the look of surprise never came. She just stood there as I tossed the key to my valet, her eyes staring into space as if here was the last place she wanted to be. I observed her in confusion. I couldn't count how many women had fallen at my feet and to my command when they saw pictures of just how exquisite the penthouse was. Most of the females in question would sell their souls for an opportunity to be standing right here in her place. So how was it possible that she wasn't moved?
I walked into the house, turning on the lights to illuminate the room so she would have a clearer view of the luxury she stood in at the moment. This place was a palace compared to her own home and I was sure that when she saw just how influential I actually was, the kind of things I could afford, she would begin to give me the respect I deserved. After all, I was pretty sure she had never step foot in a mansion like this.
But instead she just stood there, a tired, almost bored expression on her face as she waited for me to speak. Try as I may I couldn't understand why. She should be observing with wide eyes, in amazement. What kind of person was this woman?
"Where's my room?" She finally asked. "I'd like to get some rest now."
I tried to contain myself. "Your room is mine, remember? Upstairs, third door by the right."
She nodded. "I'll put a few things of mine in your room so it looks like I sleep there. I'll take any empty room I find for now. We don't have to pretend when there's no one around."
I didn't say a word as I watched her walked up the stairs. It was once she was gone that I realized. Why did I feel so disappointed? She was right, we didn't have to pretend in private. So why on earth did I feel so disappointed? Was I looking forward to sharing the same bed with her? I massaged my temple, trying to think straight. That was just ridiculous. I wasn't attracted to her in any way. So why was I thinking like this?
Sighing, I undid my hair from the bun it was in, gasping in relief when it fell free. At least I had ticked one thing off the list of things I had to do. Thinking of the stress that awaited me infuriated me to the core but there was nothing I could do about it. I decided that it would pay off in good time. All the energy I was expending would be worth it when I finally had Mother off my back.