CHAPTER 5 MR. AXEL'S WIFE

"May I know where Mr. Axel is right now?" Darren asked. "I want to thank him in person," he added.

"This morning, he'll be in his office. Coincidentally, he's also the director of this hospital," Juno replied. "You should rest for now. I'll go with you later to see Mr. Axel."

"Yeah. Thanks, Juno," Darren said. He decided to rest for a while.

Darren took his phone. He saw no messages or missed calls from anyone worried about him. There were only some messages and missed calls from Maya, who seemed confused since Darren hadn't responded.

"This is what it's like when you don't have a family. When something bad happens, you always have to face it alone," Darren muttered. He felt even sadder when he saw the person in the bed next to him surrounded by their entire family. Darren had always been jealous of people who had families. Having lived without the love of a mother and father, he constantly wondered what it felt like.

Darren replied to Maya's messages. He chose to keep the accident he went through a secret. Besides, if he told her, he would also have to explain his job and Aluna.

After finishing the hospital-provided breakfast, Darren was allowed to go home. But first, he went to Axel's office, accompanied by Juno.

Once inside the office, Darren immediately expressed his gratitude to the middle-aged man. He also offered to pay for all his medical expenses.

"May I ask what happened to you last night?" Axel asked.

"I got confronted by some loan sharks, sir. It's just how life is when you're on your own," Darren replied, lying. "But even so, I'll pay the hospital bills through the administration," he added.

"What if I don't want to be paid with money?" Axel responded.

Darren was surprised by Axel's words. But thinking about it, it did make sense. After all, the man probably had plenty of money already.

"Then how should I pay you?" Darren asked.

"Sorry, while you were unconscious, I checked your wallet and saw your student ID. Turns out you're still in high school? And you attend an international high school on a scholarship?" Axel continued.

"It's no big deal. Everything you said is true. But what does my school have to do with this?" Darren asked, wanting an explanation.

"Because from that, I know you're a smart student. So I want you to become my child's private tutor," Axel revealed.

Darren's eyes widened. He was clearly confused by the sudden offer.

"Why are you offering this to me? Aren't there plenty of private tutors out there? I'm sure they're way more qualified than I am," Darren said.

"I've already hired many tutors, but my child wants someone like you. That's what they asked for. If I don't give in, they'll keep acting out, and it's driving me crazy," Axel explained while rubbing his temples.

"If you succeed, I'll give you whatever you want. Money, stuff, anything," Axel added.

Darren's pupils dilated. The offer was clearly tempting.

"Before I accept, may I ask how long I need to be your child's tutor?" Darren asked.

"Until they're smart and get good grades!" Axel replied.

"Alright then, sir. I accept," Darren said.

"Good. Come to my house tomorrow. Juno will write down the address for you," Axel said.

After getting the address, Darren went back to his apartment. The next day, after school, he went to Axel's house.

Darren clicked his tongue in awe at how luxurious the house was. Bravely, he pressed the doorbell. A moment later, the door opened.

Darren was completely shocked when he saw the person who opened the door. It was someone he knew. It was none other than Carissa.

[Damn! Don't tell me she's Mr. Axel's wife?] Darren thought.

Just like Darren, Carissa was also shocked. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw Darren at the door.

"What are you doing here?!" Carissa asked. Her voice was quiet but full of emphasis.

"Mr. Axel told me to come here to be his child's private tutor," Darren replied.

"What?!" Carissa was surprised again.

"Darling! Who's at the door?" Mr. Axel called from inside the house.

"—It's Clarissa's new tutor," Carissa responded. She quickly invited Darren inside. For now, they both pretended not to know each other.

[Clarissa? That means the student I'll be teaching is a girl. That's fine, probably just a middle schooler,] Darren thought. He was asked to sit on the sofa facing Axel. His arrival was welcomed warmly.

"So you finally came. I didn't go to the hospital this morning because I was waiting for you. My daughter should be home soon," Axel said.

"Alright, sir…" Darren responded politely.

"How do you know this kid, honey?" Carissa asked. From the way she spoke, Darren could tell that Carissa was Axel's wife.

"I helped him out yesterday, dear. So I figured I'd have him tutor Clarissa. She asked for a tutor like him," Axel explained.

"Alright then, but there has to be strict supervision, okay? He is a guy, after all, teaching our daughter," Carissa replied. She clearly knew the kind of guy Darren was.

Darren frowned. He was confused by Carissa's remark, but chose to stay quiet rather than interrupt.

"You don't have to worry about anything. I trust Darren," said Axel.

Carissa just nodded while glancing at Darren. She felt uneasy about the boy's presence, but at the same time, she was secretly happy to be able to see Darren more often.

Not long after, the person they had been waiting for finally arrived.

"There she is! This is my daughter," said Axel.

Darren automatically turned to look at Clarissa. He was surprised to see that the girl he would be tutoring was wearing a white and gray school uniform—just like his.

"She's in high school too?" Darren asked in disbelief. Now he remembered Carissa's comment from before. She had once said Darren was the same age as her daughter.

"Yes," Axel replied.

"Hi, Dad… Mom…" Clarissa greeted her parents one by one. Then she noticed Darren's presence. "Who's he, Dad?" she asked.

"He's your new private tutor," Axel said as he put his arm around Clarissa's shoulder.

"Really, Dad?" Clarissa looked happy. She smiled widely at Darren. Clarissa was actually one year younger than Darren.

After the introductions, Darren was asked to start tutoring Clarissa. The two of them were now in a pavilion near the swimming pool. Clarissa had picked that place herself.

Now Darren was explaining a subject that Clarissa didn't understand. He tried his best even though he often needed Maya's help himself.

"Here, this is the answer." Darren completed one of the math problems to give Clarissa an example.

"Wrong, big bro. The correct answer is this." Unexpectedly, Clarissa corrected Darren's wrong answer. That caught Darren off guard.

Darren looked at Clarissa with a furrowed brow. "You seem smarter than me," he commented.

"So you think so?" Clarissa replied.

Darren grimaced. "You actually lied to your parents just to get a tutor? You should treat them well while you still have them," he said.

"Turns out you're not only handsome, but also kind. Oh, by the way, are you poor? Is that why you're tutoring me at such a young age?" Clarissa asked with an innocent smile.

Darren was stunned by Clarissa's behavior. The girl looked innocent, but she was definitely flirty. Fortunately, Clarissa was pretty—just as pretty as her mother, Carissa.