He was only one man.
He was only one man.
He was only one man.
༠::
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Those were the words that kept repeating over and over in my head as I was handed clean clothes, moved to the recipient with Mr. Varkas, and he paid for the hospital bills. As we left the hospital and moved to the parking lot, the words got even faster in my head.
He was only one man, but who knows the demand this one man can make? I’ll just have to endure. I’ve been doing it for years, and I can definitely do it now.
I would try my hardest to please him and then I would ask if I could get a job. I couldn’t live like this forever. I had to get away. I had to find my mother.
It’s been eight years, but I refuse to think anything has happened to her. She was fine. I would definitely find her.
Mr. Varkas opened the door for me when we reached his car, and I muttered my thanks as I got into the front seat, keeping my head down.
We drove in silence to his place, just the hum of the engine. I rested my head on the window, looking out.
Dawn was just breaking through, the sun just a faint glow at the edge, painting the sky in pale gold. The darkness starts to soften, colors blooming in the sky.
It was beautiful.
When was the last time I watched the sunset like this? When did I last find something beautiful?
Thirty minutes later, we arrived at his house, and my jaw dropped as I stood in front of the enormous mansion.
He had said he lived alone, so I didn’t imagine it would be a place this big.
‘My brothers used to live here with me,” his voice came behind me, too close and I jumped in fear, stepping forward.
I turned to look at him, afraid that he would get offended that I stepped away from him, but instead, I was shocked when he stepped back, giving me space.
“They moved out years ago and the house has felt empty,” he continued as he walked inside the mansion and I followed behind him. “I’ve considered selling it, but there are too many of their memories that I couldn’t bring myself to.”
The way he spoke, with heaviness in his voice, and yet love, made my chest tight.
The only people who have ever spoken to me in that tone were Amelia and my mother.
“You must have felt lonely,” I whispered.
We entered the elevator, and he still tried to give me space even though he was broad and this was a small space.
“I am,” he answered, his hands in his pockets, staring straight ahead. “And that is why a part of me feels guilty for asking you to stay here. Because I think I need a companion of some sort, just anybody to keep this mansion alive since I’m barely ever
home.”
1/3
3:20 pm P P P P
Chapter 196
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“You don’t have to feel guilty, sir,” I rushed to say, finally looking at him, and he had such a sad look on his face that my chest tightened. I was sympathizing with him when I knew this might be a scheme on his part, but I just couldn’t help myself. “I’m grateful that you’re letting me stay.”
He scoffed softly, turning his head and meeting my eyes. I looked away reflexively. “You only say that because I’m the only option you have. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to live with a man.”
“T–that’s not…” But I couldn’t complete those words because I would be lying. I didn’t want to be here. I wanted to run far, far away, but then where would I go? I knew no one, had nothing to my name.
Wasn’t it better to stay with this stranger than to go into a world that no longer seems familiar?
The elevator opened, and he stepped out first, switching the lights on. I looked around with my mouth open in awe, turning in circles.
The decorations looked so simple yet it was bold. There was a bar just at the corner of the living room, a grand staircase, and a huge chandelier hanging from the high ceiling.
“Would you like to eat first or shower first?” he asked, his voice startling me and that was when I noticed he had been staring
at me.
“S–shower, sir.”
“You can pick any room you want upstairs. All but one are free. When you’re done, come back down.”
“Yes, sir.”
I moved upstairs, still looking around. There was a long hallway there, with doors on both sides.
I didn’t bother to look around and just opened the first door. The room looked clean, but I knew no one was staying in it from how it smelled.
I showered after taking my clothes off, sighing as the hot water poured down on me.
It has been an eternity since I’ve washed with hot water. It felt so good.
After I was done, I put the clothes I’d worn back on since I had nothing else to wear and went downstairs.
A sweet smell filled the air, and I was tempted to go to the kitchen but I didn’t know if I was allowed to, so I just sat still.
Mr. Varkas entered the living room, carrying two plates, and placed one in front of me. I thanked him, my mouth watering
as I looked at the food.
“I didn’t know you cooked, sir,” I said as I picked up the spoon.
He chuckled softly. “I don’t. I have someone who takes care of these things.”
He sat in front of his laptop, and we both ate in silence.
He was a man of few words, I’ve noticed. I wasn’t a chatty person myself so that was fine.
“I’ll be going to work in an hour,” he said without looking up from the laptop.
I paused with the spoon halfway to my mouth. “O–oh. But you haven’t even slept at all.”
“I can manage.”
1:20 pm
Chapter 196
I lost my appetite after that.
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He stayed up all night because of me. I’m sure taking me to the hospital must have been hard for him, and now he was going to work when he hadn’t even slept.
That made me feel guilty, and I felt the urge to do something for him, to…. to please him.
“Will… will you let me do something for you, sir?” I asked in a small voice, keeping my head down.
I flinched when I felt his eyes on me, but his voice was soft as he asked, “Do what?”
田
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
