Hearing Ariel say that, Raymond was like, how is that possible? Do you mean I can't afford a few pieces of clothing for you?
But he did not voice those words from his thoughts because he knew quite clearly that he did not pay attention to her clothing so there was no need to make a fuss.
"It's not like I carried emergency luggage when I was getting stabbed to death." She muttered, sounding utterly sarcastic and Raymond stared at her in disbelief.
She just successfully talked back to him.
Raymond stared at her and suddenly, a thought came to mind. This was the same girl who got stabbed in the back by her boyfriend. He stabbed her twice after betraying her and trying to set her up with his superior at the office and yet there was no sign of agony in her.
How was she so calm and okay after experiencing that? Didn't girls usually have a breakdown or something when they face such type of betrayal? Not that he preferred her sulking, he just thought of it as strange.
He wanted to think of it as her being strong willed but knowing that Ariel was the type to dwell deep in relationships and feelings, he knew that option was not so possible.
Or was it?
"Do you feel sad about his betrayal?" Raymond suddenly asked and Ariel paused. She didn't raise her head but kept her gaze down. "Do you feel the urge to cry, to scream?"
"Sir Raymond," she looked up, showing a firm and stern gaze. "... I already lost hope in that relationship the moment I woke up in the hospital, my body bruised, eyes and throat sore from crying out for help just so I could escape that horrible night."
Raymond was silent. She was talking about that night he took her to the hotel and almost got her raped.
"Though it was really painful knowing he could go as far as stabbing me but knowing that I can get back at him in ten fold, I have no time to dwell on stupid sadness. It's not worth it." She said. "I won't cry or yell that I wasted my life with him because honestly, spending my life alone in that house with those people would've been the same thing. No, it would've been worse. It would've been hell." Her eyes trailed away. "At least I could continue living with his constant love assurance and knowing that there was someone who could cuddle me in the cold winter." She smiled faintly and continued eating.
"All the more reason why you should feel hurt at his betrayal." He said and she looked up.
"I am hurt." She said. "But not to the point where I would throw away a golden opportunity such as this."
Raymond observed her. She was actually more strong willed than he thought. Shaping her into a double edged sword wouldn't be a problem.
"That's a good thing, then." He said and continued eating his own food.
Though Ariel said that so confidently, she couldn't deny that deep down it was hurting really badly. Each time she thought about it, followed by the blissful memories of the past, she felt her heart ache.
Marco has been her entire world so of course it hurts. But she didn't want the hurt she felt to show. She didn't want to be seen as a feeble girl who let her weak emotions cloud her judgment.
If Raymond saw her as such a girl, he definitely wouldn't go through with this revenge plan so she had to be strong. Only by being strong, could she get rid of the sadness and pay him back according to what he did to her.
"Ariel, there are some rules I'd like you to follow." Raymond said and Ariel looked up.
"About my character?"
"No, this is different." He said and drank from his glass. "These rules apply to the real you as well."
"Okay."
"First, do not question my motives. Follow my directives accordingly and don't complain." He began and she silently nodded. "Second, do not decline anything I give to you." He paused to see her reaction but she simply nodded so he continued. "Third, do not try to gain my trust. Doing that would be like pouring water into a basket. Nothing will come out of it."
Ariel was silent for a while. She did not nod, neither did she question him. She just stayed silent, analyzing his words.
"Is that too much for you?" He asked her and she shook her head.
"I understand it all and will try... No, I will not break the rules." She said and he closed his eyes.
"That's good to hear."
"Is that all?" She asked him and he nodded. Still, she looked like she was expecting him to say one more.
"Is there perhaps something you want me to say?"
"Not really. But I thought you would ask me to never invade your personal space." She said and his left eyebrow raised.
"Why would I give such a rule when I know clearly that your character will be all about invading my space?" He asked and she blinked, realizing that that was indeed the case.
For a moment there, she forgot that she was going to be acting as his lover.
"Oh! That's right."
"Is there any other thing you're curious about? I won't give you another chance to ask." He said, folding his arms on the table and Ariel gave it a thought.
There was one thing she was curious about but she didn't know if it was appropriate to ask this. She'd find another chance to get the answer from him. She wouldn't have to be the one asking.
She smiled.
"None." Her simple and short response prompted them to carry on with their meal till their plates were empty.
The next day, all sorts of clothes were sent to the mansion and were all taken to Ariel's room. She was stunned but did not refuse them. She couldn't refuse them.
After that day, Ariel seldom met with Raymond. He was very busy during weekdays so during those times, she read books. And not just any book, they were books that had a female main character with a vicious personality.
It was a bit over the top for her but she was sure she could do half as much as what they did.
It was a good reference and after reading three to four of such books, she decided to practicalize it on Raymond.