Velia took weary steps as she entered her apartment. She felt exhausted, her body drained of energy.
She took off her shoes and placed her bag on the sofa, her mind immediately focused on the kitchen. Within seconds, she quenched her thirst with a glass of cold water. Refreshment washed over her, and her chest felt lighter. The weariness was momentarily relieved.
Velia needed some time to rest. She thought about taking a shower and going to sleep, but for now, she needed to take a deep breath.
She sat at the dining table, enjoying another glass of cold water while the prepared meal awaited her. It was Diana's cooking, as usual.
Over a month had passed since Lucas left the apartment. Velia had asked Diana to stop coming, but she refused, citing a ten-year contract that had been signed. The work agreement could not be canceled midway. Diana's salary and benefits were automatically deposited every month, so Velia could not neglect her responsibility.
Velia could not press any further. She could not refuse Diana's continued work, even though she was not the one paying her. At least Diana could prepare meals when she was busy at the hospital.
Delicious dishes were laid out on the dining table, all appetizing to the eye. Unfortunately, Velia did not have the appetite to enjoy them. Perhaps it was due to her extreme fatigue, as all she wanted to do was take a shower and sleep.
Velia woke up slightly earlier than usual the next day. Her sleep had been restless. She got up immediately and drank a glass of warm water.
The sun had yet to fully reveal itself on that weekend. Velia decided to watch TV to chase away the boredom, and the news displayed the events that had befallen her.
"The investigation is still ongoing to apprehend suspects B and RB, who are strongly believed to be SH's henchmen in their criminal activities. RB is an employee at one of Ashford City's leading IT companies. The suspect is believed to have fled a few days before SH's arrest. At the time of this report, the police are still gathering information from a witness who last saw the suspect at a hotel."
Greatech was in an uproar. The incident had also impacted the company, especially the Development and Planning Department.
Ricardo disappeared. His whereabouts were unknown after Sandra's arrest. Speculation arose, with many guessing that he was on the run.
Velia could not comprehend it. She never expected Ricardo to be involved with Sandra despite his rude behavior and demeanor.
The sound of the doorbell caught Velia's attention. She lazily made her way to the door, opening it after confirming who was there.
"Good morning."
It was Vlora who had come. She smiled and greeted Velia warmly.
"Good morning," Velia replied, slightly puzzled. "Please come in."
Vlora nodded and followed Velia, who invited her to sit down. Velia spoke hastily.
"No need to prepare any drinks."
Velia blinked, sitting back down. "What's the matter?"
"Firstly, I apologize for disturbing your weekend, but I have to hand this over to you."
Vlora took out a folder from her bag and handed it to Velia. Inside were several documents that left Velia in question.
"What is this?"
"Ownership documents for the apartment unit, house, and also the car," Vlora explained straightforwardly. "Considering that they all belong to you, I'm handing everything over for you to keep."
Velia was taken aback. She could not say anything.
"Everything that Mr. Hernandez has given will not be a problem in the future. All the documents can be verified for their authenticity."
Velia swallowed her saliva. It was not the authenticity of the documents that troubled her.
"You don't need to worry about Diana, at least for the next ten years. Diana is under contract, and her salary is automatically deposited every month. However, I must inform you that something has happened, which led Carter to terminate the employment contract."
Something had almost slipped Velia's mind. She forgot that she had a car when Lucas left the apartment. She had been using taxis all this time and never contacted Carter again.
"I have already found a new driver, and-"
"Please stop."
Her words were cut off, confusing Vlora. "I'm sorry?"
Velia felt tired. Her face conveyed exhaustion, and the conversation with Vlora worsened her state of mind.
"All of this. All these facilities," Velia said, exhaling heavily. She rubbed her face and held her heavy head. "I have no connection whatsoever with Lucas anymore."
"I understand, but all the agreements were written from the beginning. Everything that Mr. Hernandez has given remains your property. Regarding the end of your relationship with Mr. Hernandez, that is the reason for my visit."
Handing over all those important documents wasn't the only reason Vlora came. There was something else. Something that left Velia stunned, as if her heart had stopped beating.
"I will collect all of Mr. Hernandez's belongings."
Velia froze, feeling a cold sensation. "T-take all of Lucas's belongings?"
"If you don't mind, I will start now."
There was nothing Velia could do to stop Vlora. She simply nodded weakly and instructed Vlora's assistants to carry out their tasks.
They entered. Some went to the temporary workspace, while others went to the bedroom. Velia could only remain silent as Lucas's belongings disappeared one by one.
The desk became empty. The wardrobe no longer held any clothes. Everything vanished without a trace.
Velia bit her lip. Now, not only had Lucas left her life, but every part of herself had also disappeared.
Velia's hand reached out and touched the empty hanger. It felt hollow and cold.
With weary steps, Velia walked away. Her gaze was unfocused as she reached the bed. She lifted the pillow and found a crumpled white shirt, Lucas's shirt.
Tightly, Velia held the shirt to her chest. She tried to hold back her sobs, but everything spun in her head, causing her dizziness.
Nausea. Breathing became difficult. Her chest churned, causing a rumbling in her stomach. Velia felt overwhelmed by it all.
"I can't handle being in the middle of all this. I really want to leave it all behind."
*