ZARIA

Chapter 4

Zaria

"Come in, dear, come in!" Betty exclaimed when she opened the front door to let her in. Zaria did as she said, quickly, eager to escape the harsh December wind.

It was almost time for Christmas, and it seemed as if this year it would be snowy if the heavy, white clouds creeping over the sky were anything to go by.

"We were expecting you an hour ago." Mr. Daigo said as soon as Betty ushered her into the living room, his voice cold and harsh, like the winter air outside.

He was standing by the window, his back turned to the room, while Ren sat in the same place as the day before, on the ground by the coffee table, a book once again clutched in his hands.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Daigo. I had a hard time finding transportation. A friend was supposed to drive me over, but she was held back, and I had to use the bus." Zaria apologized, embarrassed to be late on the first day of her new job.

"Let's try to not make it a habit." Mr. Daigo quipped, turning around and looking at her, his face a stone mask as he did so.

She nodded, averting her eyes to the ground, chastised, feeling like a scolded child underneath the heavy gaze.

"I'll show you to your room," Kei said, turning on his heel and quickly striding out, not even bothering to look back to see if Zaria followed.

She grabbed her bag and hurried after him, her stomach turning at the cold welcome. It was just her luck, angering her new boss mere seconds into her first day on the job.

They climbed the stairs, her climbing two at a time to avoid losing sight of the man before they stopped in front of a room on the first floor.

"Here it is. I hope it meets your approval." Kei said as he opened the door and motioned for her to enter. Zaria stepped in, her eyes wide like saucers as she looked around the beautiful room.

It's enormous, she thought as she glanced around it, much bigger than that dump she called her apartment. Big, arched windows framed with dark blue curtains occupying most of one of the walls and letting a ton of light in.

The biggest bed she had ever seen was at the center of the space, with what looked like a dozen pillows in various shades of blue tossed over the white sheets, making it look like an enormous cloud. Zaria couldn't wait to try it out since she was sure it would feel like heaven.

The rest of the room was filled with a giant oak closet that was currently empty, waiting for her things, not that she had many, a desk and a chair in one corner, and, to her immense surprise, a small stone fireplace.

The room was gorgeous and luxurious, just like the rest of the house, and she couldn't believe she would stay there. she didn't deserve this.

"It's beautiful. I... wow..." Zaria whispered, still staring in awe at the room, a big smile gracing her lips.

"Well, that's... You're welcome." Kei said, stumbling over his words as Zaria turned to look at him, the smile still firmly on her face.

"Make yourself at home, unpack if you will; lunch will be served in two hours. Is that enough time for you to settle in?"

Zaria nodded, snorting silently at the thought of two hours for unpacking. She had just one bag containing all her possessions, which would hardly take half an hour to unpack.

"Did you leave your other bags downstairs, or are they arriving later?" Kei asked once he saw the lone bag by her feet, making something in her clench in shame.

"No. This is it." Zaria said, looking away from the man and missing the disbelief that flashed through his eyes.

"Oh. Alright then." Kei said, watching her for a moment more before shaking his head, turning around, and leaving the room.