Chapter Four

Ruby stood there for a bit, surprised by Ivan's actions. As soon as the male realizes what he just did, he takes a few steps back and turns around to proceed with the tour as if nothing happened. Ruby didn't think much of it either.

There's nothing to it.

"Here is the living room. Whenever I am having clients, they'll be staying here for a talk. I'm going to inform you an hour before if I'll be having people over. You can make simple snacks just to entertain the guests. Tea, coffee, biscuits, or whatever there is."

"Are you going to send me a signal when I'm supposed to serve it?"

"Oh, no. You're not the one who's serving it to the guests. It'll be a friend of mine. Whenever I have clients, she'll be coming over to serve the food. I'm not allowing you to listen to the conversations I'm having with these people. They're confidential." He explains before proceeding towards the hall. A few steps towards the hallway, there is the passageway outside. There's an indoor pool.

"Will I be cleaning this too?"

"Yes, please. Some machines will help you pour the right amount of chemicals for cleaning the pool, so don't worry about carrying heavy stuff." Ivan continues.

"Here is the library. There are loads of books here, some I use and some I don't. You are allowed in here. However, there... that small room... that connects to my office. It is always locked, so you're not allowed inside."

"Are the guests allowed inside the library?"

"No, never. When I have my meeting with them in the living room, I already have my stuff prepared. I don't need to go back and grab a few things. Guests will only stay inside the living room."

"I see." Ruby mumbles to herself. After a few minutes of walking around and introducing the place, Ivan and Ruby finally circled back to the living room.

"Was everything clear?"

"Yes, but... you haven't explained the garden yet. I would really love to take care of the garden!"

"No." Ivan states with the most monotone voice she ever heard in her life. Feeling a little nervous, Ruby's smile was wiped off her face. The male sighed before running a hand on his hair.

"Is there something precious in the garden? If there's an area you don't want me to touch, you can tell me. I just really love planting various flowers...!"

"No...! No means no. Do not ever go near the garden, not even the entrance. Stay inside the house." Ivan utters before proceeding towards her room.

"I'll give you the rest of the day today to rest. I'll be leaving tomorrow on a trip for 2 days. You can start cleaning anytime, you can make your own schedule as well." The man says before leaving the room. Ruby was left inside.

There's a lot more to this than Ivan is showing. She wanted to know more but at the same time, she just wanted to leave as soon as possible.

She's not escaping, of course... she intends to get the money.

"Oh wait... IS HE EVEN PAYING ME?!"

***

Ivan yawns before pushing himself off the bed. After taking a quick shower, he goes outside to wait for Lizzie Harris, his assistant and friend. Lizzie drives him around if he needs to meet clients, she also stocks the fridge inside his house.

She's a maid but at the same time, she isn't.

Although she has the same career as he does, she likes moving around more. She likes driving, meeting contacts, and just wandering around to get the job done. Whenever Ivan is stuck inside his study, Lizzie would meet the people instead.

Sometimes to ensure their clients' safety, Lizzie sends them home using her car.

Upon arriving at the living room, a sweet scent of honey-cured bacon dances around his nostrils. He had never smelled something so magnificent before. Walking towards the kitchen, Ivan spots Ruby inside.

Wearing an apron above her shirt and shorts. After flipping the pancake on another pan, she switches to the other to tend to the bacon as well. This woman is used to the kitchen to the point where it's amazing.

"Ah! Mr. Moores."

"Ivan is fine."

"Oh, uhm... Ivan. I made breakfast for you."

"I don't usually eat breakfast, so just eat that by yourself."

"I made this for us though. Are you in a hurry? Just have some, it'll be better for you."

"Says the person who only ate cup noodles in her 2 meals a day?"

"H-hey... I didn't have money, okay?" Ruby says before letting out a sigh. After serving the food on the table, she hands the fork to the male. Ivan hesitated for a moment before letting out a small nod. It wouldn't hurt to fill his stomach a bit.

The only reason why he got used to not eating in the mornings was because he didn't have time to make something.

Stabbing the pancake with his fork, he could already feel his mouth-watering.

"Oh... it's good."

"Right?"

"You're good at this... better than I even expected you to be."

"I like cooking. I worked at the donut shop if you're not aware."

"Oh...?" Ivan mumbled as he looked down. He then continues to eat without saying another word. Ruby smiles as well before digging in.

After a few minutes of a silent meal, Ivan finishes his portion and stands up. At the exact moment, the doorbell rings. That gave Ruby the signal that someone is coming inside the house.

"Hey!"

"Quiet down, Ms. Liarris."

"Oh my- is this the person you hired? She's so cute!"

"Don't do that, Lizzie. She's an adult."

"O-oh?! She looks so young though... what's the secret, sweetheart?" Lizzie asks as she fawns over the girl. Ruby smiled, feeling a little nice being called cute and young.

"I apologize, Ruby. If I may, this is my assistant, Lizzie Harris. She goes by Ms. Liarris outside this house."

"If you ever feel threatened by this man, Ruby. Just come to me. He can be an asshole sometimes." Lizzie says while giggling. Ruby smiled as well and nodded.

"Come on, we have to go or we won't make it on time."

"Alright. See you again, Ruby!" Lizzie shouts from the entrance before Ivan presses something from his phone that automatically locks every door in the house. Ruby stood there without saying anything.

Lizzie sounds nice enough and even if Ivan sounds cold, he can hold a conversation sometimes.

A few minutes into standing still, Ruby's lips carved into an awkward smile as she sighs.

"I haven't asked if I'm getting paid or not."