KIA
Ares had already finished his meal, and Kyle had briefly stepped outside to take a phone call. I remained seated on the couch, awaiting the conclusion of their lunch. As the clock struck 1:00 p.m., I promptly stood up and began clearing the table.
"Are you heading home now?" Ares inquired, offering to help.
"Yes, your lunch break is over, and I shouldn't disrupt your work in a professional setting," I replied.
"No, hon, it's okay. I'm not that busy today since our boss isn't here. You can stay, and we can go home together," he suggested, but I declined without hesitation.
I knew that their work environment might not function smoothly with me around. Kyle had been acting somewhat strangely since my arrival, and I sensed that Ares had noticed as well. Perhaps he wasn't entirely comfortable with my presence. "It's alright, hon. I'll wait for you at home."
He didn't argue further and silently accompanied me to the ground floor, using a different elevator conveniently located within the office-an unexpected detail for me. Given that his staff rarely saw him in person, it seemed this might be the reason the CEO of Vueravista Company was known as the Mysterious CEO. Upon reaching the first floor, the parking lot was right in front of us.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay?" Ares asked once more.
I responded with a nod, saying, "Yes."
"How about I drive you home-"
"Hon, there's no need. I understand that you're all busy right now. I can manage on my own; don't worry," I interjected.
He sighed deeply, nodding his head in acknowledgment. Before leaving the company, I kissed him on the cheek. He still appeared somewhat downcast, but I couldn't stay with him while he worked, risking the possibility of getting him into trouble with his boss.
I waved goodbye as I continued walking. I reached into my bag to check my wallet for money but was surprised to find only a meager amount left. It wouldn't be enough for a taxi ride home. It seemed I had no choice but to walk to the nearest bus stop. While on my way, I noticed a potential shortcut. I approached a vendor and inquired, "Excuse me, is this the way to the bus station?"
"Right here?" he pointed to the shortcut. "Yes, just keep walking straight, and you'll get there," he kindly replied.
"Thank you so much!"
Continuing on my path, I began to feel uneasy in this area. It made me uncomfortable, so I decided to shift my bag to the front, cautious of potential pickpockets. While walking, I passed by a store where a group of men were drinking. I kept my gaze forward, ignoring their catcalls and shouts. Unexpectedly, someone grabbed my shoulder, and I was startled.
"Miss, why the hurry? We've been calling you, but you kept ignoring us," a shirtless man approached me.
"Let go of me!" I shouted, but he paid no heed. "I said, let go, or I'll call the police!"
He paused and chuckled. "Police? You're going to call the police? Why do you think we're bad people? We just wanted to invite you for a drink because you're so beautiful."
Fear gripped me. I felt paralyzed, my heart pounding in my chest, as if an ominous force had me in its grip. It was a tangible, suffocating fear that crept over me, immobilizing me, holding my mind hostage. I took two cautious steps backward. "I-I'm sorry, but I can't..."
"No one refuses me!" he growled and grabbed my hand.
"Get out of my way! I'll call the police! I'll scream!" I declared, determined not to stutter.
"I dare you!" he challenged, coming closer. He was intimidating, his grip unyielding as I pushed back against him. "You're hot! I like you!"
"Hey, man! Don't be so selfish. I want a piece too!"
"Please, please, I'm begging you!"
"No one messes with me. Screaming won't help you. You're mine now! You crossed into our territory, and I'll take good care of you!"
"Get away from me!" I cried out, shutting my eyes and screaming for help. When I dared to open them, I saw the man sprawled on the ground. Relief washed over me. Then, my tears flowed as I watched Ares confront the guy who had grabbed my hand earlier.
Ares, his face twisted in anger, declared, "If you ever touch my girl again, I'll make you regret it!" His friend promptly rose and attacked Ares. Fear gripped me, and I shielded my eyes with my hand. When I peeked, all of them were down. Ares, his voice filled with concern, checked me for injuries, asking, "Sweetheart, are you okay?"
"I'm fine," I reassured him, locking eyes with him. For some reason, he appeared radiant to me, resembling a prince charming coming to my rescue. "But why are you here?" I inquired, curiosity taking hold.
"I was worried about you, so I hurriedly followed you. I couldn't find you anywhere, and then I heard your screams," he explained.
"Boss! Boss! What happened? Are you alright? Who among these arrogant guys dared to cause trouble?" Kyle shouted as he approached us.
"Boss? What do you mean, boss?" I asked Ares, my curiosity piqued.
"Kyle! How many times have I told you not to call me boss? Our boss might get the wrong idea if he hears you," Ares scolded. "Honey, let's go. Kyle, we have to leave. I need to take care of my wife." Ares grabbed my hand, and we left Kyle with the drunken men.
"Sweetheart, from now on, you shouldn't commute alone. It's too dangerous for a young woman to be out alone like that. I was so worried-I never expected something like this to happen. Those guys were awful!" he muttered as we sat inside the car. We headed back to the office to retrieve his car.
"But-"
"No 'buts.' We should head home. I'll call my boss and let him know I left early due to an emergency," he interjected, starting the car and driving away.
"Alright..." I replied. As we drove, the fear from earlier still lingered. It had been the scariest experience of my life, making me hesitant about taking shortcuts. But there was something else bothering me-the odd behavior of Kyle and Ares. It seemed like they were keeping something from me, and I couldn't shake the feeling.