Taking a leap of faith, Helle was on her way to the airport with Orion. The nearest airport was at least an hour away, so, enwrapped in silence, Helle gazed outside the window. The lights from houses, the windy leaves, and the faint smell of Orion's cologne.
'What will happen once the contract ends?' Perhaps she could find employment as an accountant, given her degree and experience. The pay wouldn't be that bad, and she might even be able to afford a good life for her family.
"Am I allowed to work there?" Helle blurted out her thoughts loudly, which made Orion give a side eye before shifting his focus back to the road.
"No. Not for the next six months. As I am an affluent person, you could be in danger. But I will be sure to send your mother my lawyer and her necessary things. "
"I see." She nodded in disappointment while stealing a glance at him. There were thousands of questions, such as why choose her? Or why was he here?. Her hands were quivering quietly. Curious eyes but a faint heart.
"There's a small paper bag at the back seat. Could you get it?" Orion asked while still driving.
Giving a nod, she turned her spine back. There were a few pieces of luggage that were recklessly kept. The dim golden light made it easier for her to search. Getting ahold of the paper bag, Helle brought it towards Orion.
"Is this the one?" he took a glance.
"Yes. Keep it in between your hands. It's getting cold."
um? Surprised by his request, she made sure to look at Orion with astonishment one last time before keeping the paper bag in her hands. Instantly it started to heat up, and her hands felt warmer, easing the anxious thoughts within her as well.
'What benefit is he getting from this engagement?' Helle quested to herself. Money or perhaps inheritance? But he already had those, so why? She could only hope it's not anything illegal.
'Should I protest to return back?'
The car took a sudden U-turn, which made their bodies shift to the right side, and after repositioning for a few more minutes, it came to a halt. He took out the keys and unlocked the door.
"Let's get out."
"eh!"
The outside was far colder than the car. The gust of cold wind hit Helle's nose. Shivering, a few hostesses came to attend them. Two of them took away the baggage, and the third hostess showed them to the private jet, which stood proudly. The entire jet was empty, and as they walked in, they were greeted by the luxurious seats and narrow path.
"Where should I sit?" Helle was perplexed. There were too many options!
"Anywhere is fine," Orion answered while taking a seat.
Orion was immediately on his computer, as there were many pending things on his tabs. The new plans for the business venture and the winding down of the accounts made his schedule packed.
Carefully checking the documents, he gave his approval while doing so. His eyes peered at Helle, who was adjacent to him.
She was sleeping soundly.
Just then another report made its way to his mail. As he read through it, his face darkened.
'Carl Kennel, huh,' he called out the Assistant Section Investigator's name as if he were a grim reaper.
~
The next day, when Helle opened her eyes, the vault above seemed completely different from the rustic wood at home. 'Huh?' drowsy and barely awoke, she reached her hand to feel the mattress, and Wala! It was soft. The room had a fragrant scent.
"Where am I?" rubbing her eyes, Helle stretched out her legs. The bedroom was elegant and flowery. With a canopy attached, the windows were large and let in plenty of sunlight. The books were stacked in the racks, and a fresh rose was kept on the table.
"Knock, Knock"
"Please come in." Helle spoke in a hoarse voice. A woman in her forties entered the room. Her hair was tied to a slick bun.
"Good morning, Miss Helle. I am the housekeeper of the house. The master has requested your presence at the dining area. Since he had brought you unexpectedly, we only have a few clothes prepared. Please choose among these." The woman showed the closet full of clothes.
"...."
"If you need any assistance or help, please call for me. I will be in other rooms, cleaning." The woman left.
'wow.....' There were no words that could evoke the joy and the skepticism, as the closet of clothes did. It was mind-boggling yet made her retract. But still, since she would never get such a change in her peasant life, Helle got on her feet and started to skim through the clothes.
~
Dressed in a white knit sweater and blue jeans, Helle was led the way by the housekeeper. It was also a free house tour since there were a plethora of characters in the house. The walls were decorated with a minimalistic and cozy but rustic touch. With mainly the brown and white colors blending.
Walking down the stairs, the arched door led to the dining room, where Orion was dressed in a mock neck black long-sleeved shirt and pants. His wide shoulders could be located from far away, and while Helle took in the view of the entire room, Orion was the central piece!
"Good morning," Helle greeted with the underlying hesitance.
" Morning. Did you get a good sleep?" Taking his eyes off the laptop, Orion locked his eyes with Helle.
"Eh," she responded. Immediately turning away.
"That's good. Especially since there are a few things we need to clear up."
Breakfast was served. It was a simple sandwich and tea with a few sides and breads and seasonal cut fruits. The platter was large and colourful. After the hardy breakfast, Orion got off his chair, and a man walked in along with the housekeeper.
"This is Mr. Snow. My attorney is here to have a few words with you."
"....."
An unreasonable amount of sweat started to form around her palm and forehead.