A Painful Cohabitation

A few hours later, Cid returned home, accompanied by Mia.

Mia, her eyes wide open, silently admired the house. She had already been impressed by the exterior, but the interior left her speechless. Her gaze swept over the spacious living room, which was twice the size of her apartment. However, she hid her amazement behind a serious expression, aware that she needed to contain herself to avoid arousing Cid's suspicion.

— Here we are, he announced in a neutral tone as he opened the door.

Mia, arms crossed, looked at him with a slight smile.

— That's it? No guided tour? she asked with a hint of mischief.

— You can explore on your own. I've had a long and tiring day, he replied, already walking away.

Mia frowned but her smile widened.

— If I get lost in this huge house, it'll be your fault. You should show me around, she insisted.

Cid, visibly annoyed, turned around abruptly.

— What? Do you think I'm a tour guide or something?!

She locked eyes with him, then, flashing an angelic smile, replied:

— Have you forgotten our agreement?

He froze, his brows furrowed.

— I haven't forgotten anything. That agreement, as you call it, was just to find you a place to stay.

— Not just that, she said, shaking her head slowly. You also agreed to meet some of my needs. And right now, I need you to be my guide.

Cid's eyes widened in disbelief.

— You're joking, right?

Mia shrugged, her smile unwavering.

— Not at all. But if you prefer, I can always… make a scene, she murmured innocently.

Cid rolled his eyes and let out a long sigh.

— Someone, please save me… he muttered before giving in. Alright, follow me.

He gave her a tour of the house, making no effort to hide his annoyance. Once the tour was over, he opened a door and declared:

— Here's your room.

Mia took a quick glance at the room, then shook her head disapprovingly.

— Too small.

Without waiting for his opinion, she walked away and entered another, much larger room. She threw herself onto the bed with a satisfied smile.

— This one is perfect. I'll take this room.

Cid frowned and stepped in behind her.

— That's not possible. This room already belongs to someone.

Mia, lying on the bed, turned her head toward him.

— Who? It's empty.

— It belongs to someone who doesn't live here but visits occasionally.

Mia raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise.

— Occasionally? What a waste for such a beautiful room! Now, it will be occupied full-time.

Cid rubbed his forehead in frustration.

— Alright, since you've found your room, I'll leave you, he said, heading toward the door.

— Wait! Mia called out.

He turned back, already exasperated.

— What now?

— I don't have any spare clothes, she replied with a mischievous smile.

— We'll buy some tomorrow.

— But I can't sleep in this outfit, she insisted.

After yet another sigh, Cid relented.

— Fine. I'll get you something from my stuff.

As he was about to leave, she stopped him once more.

— Again?! he exclaimed, frustrated.

— You could be a little calmer when you talk to me, she replied softly. By the way, I'm hungry. What's there to eat?

He stared at her, dumbfounded.

— Do you think I'm your servant or something? First, a place to stay, then a tour, then clothes… now food?

— Do you want me to starve? she asked innocently.

Cid threw his hands up in defeat.

— I'll make you a burger.

— No, thanks. I'd rather have spaghetti bolognese, she said, settling comfortably on the bed.

He shot her a dark look.

— Enjoy this while you can, he muttered as he left the room.

— Oh, and lower your voice when you talk to me! she added with a beaming smile.

Cid fumed, but just as he was about to retort, Mia disarmed him with a single word:

— Scene?

He clenched his fists but gave in once again.

— Yes, ma'am… he muttered before disappearing.

Left alone in the room, Mia burst into laughter.

She bounced joyfully on the bed, savoring her victory and her new life. But suddenly, a voice echoed in the room.

— So, happy with your new life?

Mia gasped and let out a startled scream before spotting Fran, leaning against the wall, arms crossed, a slight smile on his lips.

— How did you get in? You scared me to death! she exclaimed, still in shock.

Before Fran could answer, hurried footsteps echoed in the hallway. The door swung open abruptly, revealing Cid, visibly worried.

— Mia, are you okay?

Mia's eyes widened as she glanced between Fran and Cid, unable to find the words to respond.