The Ice Queen's Redemption

**chapter six: A Day of Names and Memories**

Victoria knew she couldn't trust anyone, so she stayed back to give him the injections. It was only 8:15 AM, meaning she had to remain for a few more hours. Victoria Hale, who never took a leave, always punctual and disdainful of those even two minutes late, decided to go after three hours and fifteen minutes. After leaving his room, she realized the duration of time she would waste but concluded it would be worthwhile. She remembered it was almost 8:15, and her workers would arrive in the next fifteen minutes. She rushed to the kitchen, gathered a bunch of healthy snacks, and returned to his room. Placing the snacks on the bed, she said, "You can have it all. I'll instruct my workers to set lunch on the tables before they leave, and I'll be back from the office as soon as possible if I can."

He interrupted, "You're going to leave me alone here? I mean, how could I live here without you? You are the only person I know. What if I get attacked again? Can't you take one day off? Are you scared of your boss?"

Victoria laughed at his innocent way of talking. He was expressing his concerns like a child. He asked, "Why are you laughing? Am I joking?"

Victoria replied, "No, no, you're not. But I can't take a leave. You see, I am Victoria Hale, the owner of Hale Enterprises. I am the boss, and I have principles to follow. Taking a day off isn’t about fear; it’s about responsibility. But don't worry, I'll make sure you're safe and comfortable here. I'll check in as often as I can, and you'll have everything you need."

He requested her to stay like a child for the next fifteen minutes. She said, "Okay, even if I stay, what do you have to do with me, huh? You can watch movies, TV series, or reality shows." He replied, "I don't even know who I am, and you want me to focus on others? You are the only person I trust. I was severely attached, and I still don't know who I am. Please stay, Victoria." He begged.

Victoria felt a flutter in her stomach when she heard her name from his mouth. It had been a while since anyone, except Emma, called her by her first name. Everyone else called her Ms. Hale or ma'am. Behind her back, they labeled her with names like monster, devil, and walking disaster. She knew it, but never reacted. It hurt her, but she moved on. She was dedicated, ambitious, and an inspiration for young people aiming to become as successful as her.

This unexpected moment of vulnerability touched her deeply. For once, someone saw beyond the formidable exterior she had built. For him, she was not the untouchable Ms. Hale, but simply Victoria.

She said, "Okay, I will." Then he replied, "Thank you so much for staying. I'll make sure you won't regret it."

Victoria smiled, went out, and saw all her household staff. She said, "You all can take a leave today," with a smile. Everyone was shocked because no one except her cook had ever seen her smile. Kira, her cook, who used to be a babysitter for her brother, was the only one who was happy to see Victoria happy. The staff took their leave, bewildered but relieved.

Victoria went back to him and said, "Hey, if you want to watch anything, I'll give you the remote, okay?" He asked, "How long are you going to call me 'hey'?" She replied, "Until I get to know your name, duh!" He said, "Why don't you give me a name, then?"

They spent the next few hours together, throwing around ideas and laughing at the silliest suggestions. The atmosphere was light and filled with genuine warmth. Eventually, she settled on Victor. He said, "Oh, yay... Matching names." She smiled and said, "Yeah, it was my brother's name." He looked disappointed and then asked, "Whose room does this belong to? It's weird—it looks like a hospital room, yet it has adult men's clothes, women's clothes, and little boys' clothes. There are stars on the roof like for kids. I'm confused."

She said, "This room belonged to my little brother. Those clothes were my dad's, and those were my mother's favorite clothes. My brother battled cancer." She walked toward a big wall covered with a curtain. She removed it, revealing a large portrait of her family: her mother, brother, and father. "All of them died in an accident a few years ago," she said quietly.

The weight of her words hung in the air, and for a moment, the room was silent. He looked at her, understanding the depth of her pain and the strength she had to carry on. She wasn't just the formidable Ms. Hale; she was Victoria, a woman who had endured and continued to inspire.

They spent the rest of the day reminiscing and sharing stories, breaking down the walls she had built around her heart. For the first time in a long time, Victoria allowed herself to be vulnerable and open, showing a side of her that had been hidden away for years. And for him, it was a chance to see the real Victoria, not the stern and distant figure everyone else saw, but a compassionate and caring woman who had so much love to give.