Beloved Stranger

Chapter X: The Boss Part II

Sephora

"Bullshit," I suddenly recognized his voice. It's Harlan! That's why his appearance and the scent I noticed during our last meeting felt so familiar. A wave of anxiety hit me. But his style is different now, like a college student. I didn't recognize him right away because he was wearing a black hoodie and baggy denim jeans. Shit! How did he find me? Or has he been stalking me this whole time? I pretended not to know him.

"It's okay, I can pay for this," I said, trying to brush it off with a smile.

"Tsk, really? Are you pretending not to know me? That's bullshit!" he said, irritation clear in his calm voice. The cashier glanced at us while Harlan handed his card over for my purchase. After the cashier packed my items, Harlan grabbed the paper bag without a word. I didn't argue because I could sense his mood shifting—he probably still didn't know about my miscarriage.

"I'll take it. My place is nearby, I'll just walk," I told him as we stopped in front of his parked car outside the store. He sighed.

"Why do you keep running away from me? Who do you think you are? I already know about your miscarriage. Don't think I wouldn't find out where you are, what you're doing, where you've been, or where your damn house is. You don't know what I'm capable of, do you? You're so clueless," he whispered harshly, his grip tight on my shoulders. Tears started welling up in my eyes, and I couldn't fully understand what I was feeling. I pulled away from his grasp, knowing I had to get home and feed Grey.

"I'm sorry I couldn't tell you. I need to go home. I need to feed my cat," I said softly.

Harlan

"So the cat is more important than this conversation? Shit. Okay, let's go feed your cat then," I said, following her as she walked back to her condo. She told me I couldn't come inside, but I couldn't let her go this time. She put the box of wet food in the fridge, and I sat down on her couch, waiting. Her phone kept buzzing with texts. Curious, I glanced at the screen—it was Damien. Shit. What's going on between them? Is it more than just friends? No way. She walked toward me but avoided eye contact.

"Look, I need to meet someone. Please, can you go home now?" she asked.

I smirked. "Seriously? Right now? Can't you remember that we need to talk?"

"I would love to, but I really need to meet someone now. I've already scheduled it," she replied, clearly anxious.

"You've got to be kidding me. I'm not a patient or merciful person. You're coming with me," I said, standing up.

Before she could react, I scooped her up, carrying her out of the condo. I was beyond furious, but I couldn't bring myself to yell at her. My driver was waiting for us in the parking lot.

"What the hell?! Put me down, Harlan! Are you out of your mind? I'll call security!" she yelled, struggling in my arms.

"Just shut up! You're hurting my ears," I snapped.

"Oh, really? Then put me down! I have things to do!" she insisted, glaring at me.

In the middle of our argument, Damien suddenly appeared in front of the van. It's 7 p.m. Was he the one she was meeting? Of course. Shit. I can't believe this.

"So, you're meeting that jerk? I know him," I said, glaring at her. Her eyes widened in surprise before she scowled at me.

Her phone rang again—Damien was calling. I snatched it from her and ended the call.

"You don't know what this is about! It's none of your business!" she snapped.

"Well, it is my business, whether you like it or not. We're going to my house," I told the driver. She shot me a death glare and turned to look out the window.

I still had her phone in my left hand.

"All right, I'll come with you. But just for a while, and then I'll go home. I have important things to do, okay? Ugh, so annoying," she muttered the last part under her breath, but I heard it.

"Of course," I replied sarcastically.

"You better. I'll report this to the police if you don't let me go afterward," she warned, still looking out the window.

I laughed. Is she serious? I own all the property around here. The police won't do anything.

"Yeah, sure," I chuckled.

"Are you laughing? Are you insane?" she asked, irritated.

"Are you forgetting something? You used me to get pregnant, and then you had a miscarriage! You think I didn't care? Are you crazy? Shit, are you for real?" My voice rose as I grabbed her arms, pulling her closer. I was so angry.

"I'm sorry you felt that way. But that wasn't my intention. I didn't use you. I'm sorry if that's how it seemed," she said softly.

"Great. But that's exactly how it felt. Stop the van, Leon. Get out," I barked at her, my frustration boiling over as we left her in the middle of the highway.

"No, we need to talk, like you said," she insisted.

"Fine. But you're not going home," I replied, smirking. She shot me an irritated look.

Ryujin

Last week, Sephora offered me a job, but now I can't get in touch with her. She said today was our meeting with the other person she's hiring. Damn, I've applied to so many other jobs, but none have called me back. I still have some commissions for paintings, but they aren't enough to cover my bills. Carla and Celen have jobs now, but they aren't art-related. It pisses me off that they didn't even ask if I wanted to apply too.

"Tsk, then again, their jobs suck. The pay is too low," I muttered, trying to console myself.

I tried calling Sephora again. She finally answered but said something important had come up, so our meeting was canceled. Damn, I hope nothing bad happened to her again.

Damien

Sihyun and I were shocked when Harlan suddenly fired us without explanation. Sihyun really needed the job to cover his tuition fees for college—he's in his 4th year and graduating soon. Without the job, I've been helping him out financially. Of course, I need the job too. I'm not as rich as Harlan. I'm stable, but not wealthy. I have a share in his club as one of his investors, and I own a small, not-so-popular restaurant. But it's still frustrating as hell.

I've been trying to call Sephora. She rejected my call earlier, which is weird because we were supposed to meet tonight to discuss something important. I texted her multiple times, thinking she might've fallen asleep. Eventually, I went to her condo, but after knocking on her door five times, there was no answer. I could hear a cat meowing inside—probably the one she mentioned when she left my place. I'm getting more and more frustrated.

Kringgg

"Yeah? Where are you? What? Wait, I'm coming, okay?" I said, hanging up. Sihyun's being bullied again. I told him to stand up for himself, but he never listens. Damn it!