6. Expelled

"Go, don't make a mess! There is no place for liars and strange women like you!" said an employee there when Zalina was forcibly taken to the lobby door.

Zalina's strength is quite large, so it is difficult for security to take the girl out.

"Let go of me! I want to meet Jasper. It is essential because he is my future. I have to meet him!" Zalina shouted, struggling to be released.

There was mocking laughter among the employees who heard Zalina's words.

"Yeah, he's my future too, because he's the one who gave my salary. And everyone here knows he's our future," said a woman, accompanied by laughter.

After being dragged out, the security forces pushed Zalina's body out of the building. Zalina fell on the asphalt.

"Damn, I'm sweating to get you out. Why are you being so stubborn? Go, don't get us into trouble!" said Pete.

Zalina stood up and tried to straighten her back. "You guys are so rude. I just wanted to meet him. Can't you be more polite?"

"Don't talk too much. Let's go quickly!"  The officer pushed Zalina back out of the building.

"Ish... They're all so arrogant. Is it because working in a company of this size makes them arrogant?" Zalina grumbled while smoothing her messy hair.

Until working hours were over, Zalina remained in front of the Blackmore company building. She waited for Jasper to come out, ignoring the sneers and disapproving looks from the employees who knew what had happened this morning.

However, until the Blackmore building seemed deserted, Jasper didn't come out either. Zalina finally gave up for the day. She decided to come back tomorrow.

Zalina didn't go straight home, and she visited the museum first. Not to observe historical objects but to stand still looking at one of the whitewashed walls.

At that time, Zalina saw a museum curator talking to one of the visitors. The curator explains a painting clearly. Zalina deliberately listened to the man's explanation. Not because she was interested in the painting he was talking about, but because she purposely waited for the curator to stop talking.

"Excuse me, sir. Do you know anything about the painting titled "Sacrifice"? I saw it here nine years ago," asked Zalina.

 "The "sacrifice" painting?"

"Yes, a picture of a woman with a strange furry creature."

The curator looked thoughtful for a moment.

"Oh yes, I remember the painting of a woman and a mythological creature with a dagger in the chest. It is said that they were lovers but couldn't be together because their worlds were different. The creature sacrificed itself by stabbing its dagger into its heart."  The curator explained.

Zalina was amazed to hear the museum staff's explanation. "Does such a thing exist in this world?"

"Yes, it's possible. But the name mythology is just a myth. The truth of the story is still in doubt."

"Then where is the painting now?" asked Zalina.

"The painting does not belong to this museum. Someone lent it to us at the painting exhibition at the time."

"Do you know who owns it?"

"Sorry, Miss, we can't provide information about the owner of the painting. It's an agreement between the museum and the owner of the painting."

Zalina's face looked disappointed, even though he wanted to touch the painting with the mythological creature once again. Perhaps by touching the painting again, the magical ability in her hand would disappear.

"Thank you for the explanation, sir," said Zalina before leaving the place.

After crossing the bustling city streets, Jasper arrived at his classic-style residence. He got out of the car with something in hand. He looked at the entrance in front of him. Jasper knew that after opening the door and entering the house, loneliness would return to accompany the night.

No one would greet Jasper warmly except for the stiff face of Oliver, the servant. There was nothing he would see but the shiny, cold Siberian marble floor.

The house was too quiet and would continue for who knows how long. He understood that there would be no wife and child by his side. Luckily, he was busy with work and seemed to be living a normal life.

"My Lord, you have arrived." Oliver greeted him with a slight bow.

Jasper nodded and said, "No need to prepare dinner. I already ate out."

"Yes, my Lord," said Oliver.  Oliver's eyes then fell on a gold-framed painting. He reached out to help bring the artwork out of Jasper's hand.

However, Jasper quickly refused. "No. I'll keep it and install it myself in my room. You rest!"

"Very well, My Lord. Excuse me. Call me if you need any help!"

Oliver then went into the corridor that connected the living room and the back room. Jasper was still standing in the room, lit by the soft light of the candles. It's still the same every day.

Jasper walked up a series of wide, carved wooden stairs to the bedroom.

After finishing installing a painting on one wall of the room, Jasper then fixed another painting beside him. The painting depicts a man and a woman with cold eyes and haughty facial expressions.

In the morning, Zalina leaves the house with light steps. Mrs. Roston watched her daughter go with curiosity.

"What's with the kid?" Mrs. Roston muttered in a worried tone.

Zalina stands in front of the majestic Blackmore building. Despite yesterday's rejection from the security and some employees there, it didn't make her give up on meeting with Jasper.

This time he wore more appropriate clothes, the best clothes Zalina had. Her hair is styled in a classic braid for a neat look.

"Today, I have to meet a man named Jasper. If necessary, I will stay overnight here," said Zalina with determination.

When Zalina was about to enter the wide glass door of the lobby, she was already blocked by security.

"Hey, you shameless. Why come back here?"

"To meet Jasper Blackmore. I don't want to make a fuss, so don't get in my way!" Zalina answered firmly.

The security guard, named Pete, then approached Zalina and pulled the girl's hand to get out.

"Get out! Don't get in the way of passersby. I'm too lazy to argue and waste time with you," Pete said.

"Don't touch my hand!" Zalina could see glimpses of Pete's future, but nothing substantial.

"I don't want to touch you, so let's get out of my sight!"

"Oh my God, Still dares to come again." Rose, the woman who had started the commotion yesterday, appeared.

"Why can't I come in? I want to see Jasper. How hard is it to tell him I want to see him? You haven't tried asking Jasper, but you kicked me out!" Zalina said in a loud voice.

"Who the hell are you daring to order us?" Rose asked haughtily.

Amid the heated debate, suddenly, a voice startled them. "Zalina!"

Zalina turned toward the source of the voice. When she saw who was calling her name, she immediately felt a sense of discomfort.

'Why should I meet her at a time like this?' Zalina said in her heart.

 "Hi, Zalina Roston."

 "Chelsea Stump!"