Given the current situation, her departure might result in termination from her job. To add to her concerns, her daughter is likely fretting about her welfare back home. She finds herself at a crossroads, teetering on the brink of a breakdown.
Carissa clenched her teeth and trembled, desperately trying to compose herself, before shutting her eyes tight and pressing her hands against her sides. When she opened her eyes again, she resolved to leave.
Just as she turned around, a click resounded. Looking over her shoulder, she saw the grand doors swinging open like the gates of heaven.
Turning back around, she began to take steps towards the exit but stopped. After a moment of contemplation, she decided to enter the house instead.
As she walked through the foyer, she was struck by the opulence and luxury of the interior. The sculptures and decor are exquisite. Feeling overwhelmed in such a large house, she was unsure of where to go until David's deep voice called out to her from behind.
"Don't play ignorant. I'm here," he said.
She turned to face him, her gaze dropping to the floor as she felt the weight and fatigue in her legs. As she attempts to sit down, he quickly intervenes, commanding her to remain standing and reminding her that he has not given her permission to sit.
"I don't recall asking you to sit. Stand still," he orders sternly.
She stared at him, her mouth falling open in shock as she took in his emotionless expression.
"Now, update me," he continues, turning his back to her.
She hesitates for a moment before reaching for her notebook and proceeding to brief him on his upcoming appointments and meetings.
"Let's start with tomorrow's schedule," she said, flipping through the pages.
He stands motionless, giving concise responses to each detail she presents, his tone devoid of any emotion.
"You have a meeting with the board at nine," she stated, looking up expectantly.
"Ensure the presentation is prepared by then," he replies briskly.
With a nod, she swiftly jotted down a note before resuming with the rest of the agenda. Despite her efforts to maintain professionalism, the tension in the room was palpable.
As she finished listing the appointments, he turned to face her once more, his expression still inscrutable.
"Is there anything else?" she inquired, unsure of what to expect.
He simply shook his head, dismissing her with a wave of his hand.
"Nothing."
"I will take my leave then." She promptly gathered her belongings. As his gaze remained fixated on her, he noticed the slight signs of frostbite on her skin and the potential for hypothermia due to her slurred speech earlier and momentary loss of coordination while speaking.
As she slung her bag over her shoulder and turned to face him, she caught him observing her. She was about to speak but he interjected.
"You can remove them." He gestured towards her dress, his expression now showcasing a hint of concern as he took in her attire.
She averted her gaze and tucked a smile behind her lips at his next words.
"What would you like to change into afterward?"
As she avoided meeting his eyes, her mind wandered to a day from the past. The fateful day she had visited him and had partially been soaked in the rain.
He had offered her a hot bath and they had ended up cuddling and sharing stolen kisses as he carried her to his room.
As she reminisced about the passionate moment, her thoughts drifted into a fantasy. The recollection of their tongues entwined and their bodies colliding in that tumultuous weather ignited a fire within her. She became lost in the past, forgetting the present until David's exclamation jolted her back to reality.
"Carissa!"
Startled, she looked up at him.
"Yes, I am capable of adapting to whatever attire you provide," she hastily replied.
He eyed her. "What?"
"Previously, you inquired about changing my clothes due to my current-"
"I don't care about that. I was referring to your shoes and jacket, as their damp odor is revolting. Please keep your distance before I fall ill." He glared at her, causing her to gulp in surprise. "Don't tell me you assumed I had any sort of concern for you."
She shook her head, her eyes beginning to water.
"Is that all? Can I go now? Sir?"
"I don't require your assistance. Actually, I never did."
She swallowed his insults and began to exit, feeling some sense of relief.
"Wait." He stopped her, causing her to turn slightly.
"Why don't you have a cup of coffee before you leave?"
She looked at him, trying to determine if there was any meaning behind his words, but gave up and shook her head. "I'll pass."
"I insist, Ms. Draven," he stated as he took a step closer.
Feeling compelled, she nodded and he gestured for her to take a seat before leaving. He returned with a cup of coffee and handed it to her. As she sipped from the cup, a sly smile formed on his lips.
"So, how is he doing, Carissa?" He asked, not looking at her as he trailed a finger over his glass. "I'm referring to your husband."
She froze for a moment before relaxing her stance. Unsure of what to say, she remained silent.
"What happened? Why are you using your maiden name again after marriage?"
His words seemed to sting her as she shot a glance at him while he observed her in a calculating manner.
"Don't tell me he went bankrupt and you left him because that's your usual modus operandi."
She furrowed her brow, taken aback. "What?"
"Yes, you manipulate. You are an ingrate and a user," he spat coldly, meeting her gaze.