Chapter 9 - I’m here now

Harvey couldn't take his eyes off Imelda. He barely touched his food, completely captivated by her presence. He wondered why he felt so drawn to her, especially since they had already met before. Imelda, on the other hand, had devoured her meal without leaving a single crumb on her plate. She looked exhausted from all the food she had consumed.

"Don't you eat?" Harvey asked, noticing how Imelda struggled to catch her breath.

Imelda was taken aback by the question looked at Harvey with confusion. "Sorry, what do you mean?" she responded.

Harvey let out a tired sigh before asking again, "I mean, don't you eat, Imelda?"

"I do, why are you even asking that?" Imelda snapped back, her tone laced with offense. She had a short temper just like Harvey and she was determined not to let him get under her skin. But, he had managed to irritate her from the very first day they met.

"Why did I ask? Well, it's because of the way you eat. You're consuming so much food, it's like you're on a mission to harm yourself," Harvey said, gracefully setting down his cutlery. He crossed his arms, his curiosity piqued and decided to delve deeper into understanding the woman sitting across from him.

"Tell me, what do you do with all your money?" Harvey leaned back in his chair, seeking a moment of respite for his tired back.

Imelda's frustration was gradually increasing beneath the surface, her efforts to remain composed tested by Harvey's relentless ability to provoke her. She fought to keep her emotions in check but it seemed like he had a natural talent for pushing her buttons. Why couldn't he just behave appropriately, even just once?

"I don't do anything with my money," she replied curtly, not wanting to justify herself to Harvey. He could go bother someone else for all she cared. The only reason she was even here was because her job was on the line.

With a mischievous grin playing on his lips, Harvey glanced over at Imelda, noticing the frown that had formed on her face. He couldn't help but find her reaction incredibly adorable. 'She's just too cute like this,' he thought to himself, a wide smile stretching across his face. Leaning in from his chair, he rested his chin on his hand, fixating his gaze on the woman who had captured his attention.

"You know," Harvey said, his smile still intact as he tried to reach out for her only to have his hand evaded, causing him to chuckle heartily. "I was in such a good mood that I decided to give you a raise, doubling your salary. But, considering you never seem to do much with your money, I suppose you don't necessarily need it." With those words hanging in the air, he abruptly stood up, not bothering to look back at her and made his way towards the study room down the hallway.

Imelda found herself in a position where she truly needed the money and a raise would have made a significant difference in her life. Despite her concerns about appearing greedy, she knew she had to be honest about her financial situation. As Harvey slowly walked down the hallway, she hesitated for a moment before mustering the courage to call out to him. "Wait, I'll tell you," she said, her words carrying a tinge of shame as she realized she was doing this for the sake of money. Imelda watched as Harvey halted his steps, refusing to meet her gaze. He stood there, motionless, as if waiting for her explanation, which she was about to provide.

"I...," she stammered, her heart pounding in her chest. With a deep breath, she gathered the courage to reveal one of her deepest worries. "I can't remember anything about my past. Not a single memory. The only thing I recall is a night when I found myself outside an apartment. A kind lady took me in and became my family, my mom. Years later, out of nowhere, she fell ill unexpectedly. I had to find a job to cover her medical expenses, even though it barely pays enough. It's tough, but at least I'm doing something." She shook her head, trying to push away the memories of the hardships she had endured.

Harvey remained rooted in his place, his gaze fixed ahead, as he posed a seemingly innocent question in his usual composed tone, "Does your mother know that you're not of human origin?"

"She knows, I don't even know what I am" she whispered, her voice heavy with sorrow, her hands clutching each other tightly. Her gaze remained fixed on the floor, unable to meet Harvey's eyes. "I longed for a normal life, to have friends like everyone else. But it was impossible, even until this day." Her words trembled with pain as tears streamed down her cheeks, silently expressing the depth of her anguish.

Harvey shifted his gaze towards her, his heart aching at the sight of her tear-streaked face. A strange sensation stirred within him, unfamiliar yet undeniable. He couldn't quite comprehend it but one thing was clear: he despised seeing her in such distress. Slowly, he approached her, his steps purposeful until he stood before her. Gently, he lifted her face, his touch tender as he brushed away her tears with his fingertips. Holding her face firmly, he spoke with unwavering conviction, "You are no longer alone. I am here now."

As his words hung in the air, Harvey's actions took an unexpected turn. He leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a sudden and passionate kiss. Imelda's eyes widened in surprise, caught off guard by the intensity of the moment.