Are you trying to trick me?

Krizzia's POV

I flinched at his judgment. How could he be inconsiderate? I'm just a few minutes late. By the way he raised a word to me, as if my sin is really heavy. I pouted secretly.

Who do he think he is to insult me? Can't he ask me first in regards to my reasons for why I came late?

Why does he have to be arrogant to me anyway? I'm not a bad girl you know!

I smiled at him, uncomfortable.

"Don't give me that force smile. You're just telling me that you are forced to do that ill-favored emotion."

My lips tremble as well as closing my mouth from shock. He's really hard to persuade. I feel like I was struck between heaven and hell. It's hard to escape and it is also hard to handle a demon in disguise!

He stepped forward. I stepped back. "W-what are you d-doing?" I asked with my voice low and also stammering. I can't understand, the first time I met him... I also stammered and my system couldn't calm down!

Do I fear him that much?

I saw him smirking. That dark face, it's getting darker and unreadable. I cannot define his emotion as well as I felt like he's going to eat me alive.

I swallowed hard. Especially when I have nowhere to go. In cornered. My back clasp on the door.

"What do you think I am doing then?" and he always turns the question back to me! It irritates me but I can't do anything with him.

He's so near to me now and he frightens me more when he cornered me in between his arms. Towering me. I felt so small in front of him.

"Sir, can we talk about this in a good way?" I give my very best to hide my fear and that includes avoiding his melting gaze.

"Why should I? Are you trying to trick me?" I bit my lower lip as my eyes began to water. I feel my hands became sweaty and tightened the grip on the plastic container I was holding.

I have to say something. I can't be mute while he humiliates me. I took a deep breath before urging myself to counter him the amount of intensity he's giving me.

If he really likes doing this to me, then I will be forced to counter him. His arrogance annoyed me to the edge of the world. A man like him who claims he can buy all the things he desires to have is disgusting. I cannot tolerate this inferior beast and stamp me whenever he wants too.

I'm not his slave. He doesn't own me and most especially, he's not someone related to me. He does not have the privilege to do this to me.

"Is that what you think of me?" disappointment is within my tone.

His eyes twinkled, as if he was amused. "You're just turning the question back to me, woman." geez, his voice is indeed scary.

I let out a light chuckle, telling him that he is being unreasonable. "I was the one who asked you first and it was you who initiated to turn the question back. Are you fooling me around, then?" and speaking of manners. I don't think he deserves my sincerity.

Respect couldn't be brought. I may be indebted to him but he cannot force me to respect him. I ruled my life. I am free to decide what's best for myself.

"So, you're brave now to talk back to me huh?" If he thinks his intimidation works for me. Well, he has to wake up!

"It's because you're being unreasonable! Don't you know how tired I was just to come here? I wake up so early and make this banana cue for you before going to my morning work! I did my very best to not be late..."

He leaned closer to me. Refraining me from speaking. His face is just an inch from mine. My heart went crazy again. Bombarding me.

"You did your best? Is the best of you that you mentioned shallow?"

The bravery I created earlier was like being smashed in a single swing of a giant stone. "You..."

He smiled at me, evilly. Holding me softly on my chin and lifting it to have a better view in his eyes. "You should've thought about that earlier before telling me that you did your best. I don't fucking care if you have work or other extra curricular activities before coming here. Time is time. A deal is a deal."

He's so cruel. I hate his kind.

Like a possessive CEO in other people's eyes who cornered his girl and became intimate in front of other people... He took his face closer to my ear.

Many did see us at that embarrassing position. It's not just him who worries me. I'm also bothered with other people's mindset towards us.

I felt like crying.

"To remind you, Miss Quinn. You are indebted to me and you should learn how to monetize your attitude. Because when you displease me with your actions, don't blame me for being the most terrifying person you ever met." Every single word he utters, it left a mark on my head. Slapping me the fact that I am no match for him and that I cannot reach his level. He was like telling me how pitiful I am to encounter such a person like him.

Yes, I am poor and I don't have anything to match his stead. But does he have to be tough on me?

He withdraws his arms and pushes me aside to unlock the door and enter. He's like a king with no heart and ignores everybody who cannot afford to compete with him.

I can visualize myself as a servant of his kingdom. A pitiful servant who has no choice but to follow his orders, to please him with all the means.

Unexpected tears escape from my eyes. Afraid to make him notice it. I put the container down to the floor and run away.

Wiping my continuous tears off of my cheek. I ran as fast as I could. People who saw me crying were sincere about asking me. But I chose to ignore them and run through the villa's exit.

"Lady Kriz!" Someone was calling me.

"Miss, please stop running!" followed by another one.

I glanced at my back and saw men in suits. I know them. They are his men. How dare he ask them to follow me!

I didn't listen and ignore them. Until I was able to reach our house. I was chasing my own breath as I was holding my knees. The sweat and my tears sync.

"Kriz, what happened?" -Crisly

"You look horrible, where did you go?" -Zach

"Are you crying?" -Cheryl

They asked me alternately. And I don't even feel like answering them.

"It was nothing. I was saving money so I decided to run all the way home." I lied even if Zach's gaze is telling me not to lie because he can tell just by looking at me.

"Is that so?" Cheryl believes me. I sigh in response and went inside the house. They followed me.

Especially Crisly who clung to my arm. "Kriz, why didn't you and Zach wait for me yesterday? You should've tagged me along with you to that construction site!"

If she only knows what we've been through, she wouldn't like to come to us. But it was better that we did not wait for her. Because if we do, things might have gotten worse by now.

"I'm sorry, Crisly. I was really busy and was able to forget your requests the other night." her heavy sighs were telling me that she's sad and disappointed.

I can't do anything for that though.

Having them around me lessens my fear. Helping me to let go of the things which bothers me earlier.

Suddenly, Zach interrupted us and hold me by my wrist. "Come with me."

Crisly lets go of my arm and I had no choice but to join him. He took me to our back yard. As expected, he interrogated me. Asking me many questions that tackle that arrogant boss.

"I told you. A man like him is hard to deal with. You should've let him sue us, and we'll pay the charges."

"But we don't have much money, Zach! How will our parents react to our carelessness? My mother is also sick. I have to sustain her medicines and also our daily needs. It's difficult, but I cannot afford to add more problems that connect money. I'm so tired!" It's not like I'm a robot. I got tired too. Taking multiple jobs for a day, is making me feel like dying.

After a series of activities I went through, my body experiences pain and cramps. How much more if that little-big grudge will annex to my full ledge plate?

"So you prefer to kneel on him again and ask for the mercy he cannot give? Quit being stubborn, Krizzia! This is not good anymore!" he's definitely disappointed in me. By the way he brushes his thick hair with his hands, I can tell that he's also frustrated.

I'm confused. I don't know what's right and what's wrong to follow. It made me go nuts!

"And what do you want me to do? To pay? What if he asks for the amount we cannot afford?!" I didn't mean to tell him. I was driven by my emotions and I felt really regretful for that.

He went to embrace me and comfort me as well. His embrace is like a home that was rare to have. "I'm sorry... I will find a way for this matter. Don't worry. Trust me, hm?"