*
*
When Faith awoke, the bedroom was empty.
She listened to the bathroom, but there were no sounds either.
Where was Sterling?
Her gaze landed on the wall clock to see that it was almost noon.
A gasp of surprise escaped her mouth as she pushed aside the bed covers and wrapped the bed sheets around herself.
He must have gone out for work! She also needed to get a job, why did she sleep for so long?
She was quickly reminded of the reason when her muscles groaned in protest as she got off the bed.
Her movements were slow as she started to head towards the bathroom, only for her eyes to catch on to some wrapped boxes resting on the drawer.
Curiosity led her to see the package, there was even a small note attached to it.
Her eyes flickered across Sterling's familiar handwriting.
An apology? A present?
Faith stared at the boxes, her breathing was erratic. She couldn't deny that she was flustered as well as curious to know what was inside.
When was the last time she received a gift decorated like this? She couldn't remember. Before her mother's illness perhaps.
She eagerly loosened the colorful ribbons and opened the box to see a stunning silver necklace, the magnificence of it made her breath seize.
She slowly ran the tip of her fingers across the jewel.
It was gorgeous.
Faith moved on to the second box to see a brand new cellphone and was instantly reminded of the memory of last night.
Indeed, Sterling had been scary. He had shattered her phone in a fit of rage. But now, he was granting her a new one and was even apologizing to her with an expensive piece of jewelry.
Faith didn't know how to feel about it, a simple apology to her would have been enough, he didn't have to go to these lengths.
At the same time, she felt delighted, she felt very special, it was a feeling she hadn't experienced in a long time.
Maybe, just maybe he wasn't completely at fault. If she had just tried to explain to him, perhaps the fight could have been avoided?
But then, she wouldn't have gotten these gifts, Faith giggled to herself.
The smile lingered on her lips as she carefully fitted the necklace around her neck.
"You are forgiven, Mr. Hunter!" Still grinning from ear to ear, she skipped to the bathroom.
*
*
Faith stared at her laptop anxiously. There were no new messages in her emails. How could it be?
She had sent her application to several companies, how was it possible that none of them messaged her?
With her qualifications, she didn't think it would be this difficult to get a new job, was the economy in these recent times so bad?
Wasn't it weird? There was not even a single message from all of them? Not even one of rejection?
'But you can return to Sterling's corporation, isn't it?' A voice in her head whispered and Faith pushed back the thought almost immediately.
Yes, Sterling might agree, but she couldn't go back.
That would be like losing her last shed of independence, he already owned everything.
If he got the power of her job as well, what would happen to her if things suddenly go awry between them some day?
Faith groaned in frustration, burying her face into her palms.
She would have to keep on searching, it might not be the position that she wanted, or may not pay well, but at least she would have a sense of security that was solely dependent on her.
Faith jumped at a sound and then the door suddenly pushed open. She was surprised when Sterling casually strolled inside. She met his stare as he approached.
He wasn't dressed in his usual office attire, rather he wore a T-shirt and a pair of black slacks.
"D_didn't you, I thought __"
"I went to the hospital." He got to where she sat on the bed.
Faith wore a confused look and checked out if he had injuries anywhere, but she found none.
"Your mother's doctor called, they wanted to sign some documents for advanced treatment."
Faith tossed the laptop to her side, instantly alerted.
"They called? But my phone was__"
"They couldn't reach you, so they called me instead. I didn't want to disturb your sleep, so I didn't tell you." Sterling completed.
"Still, you should have told me, how's she? She's okay, right? Are they any__" Faith stifled a breath when Sterling reached to take her hands in his.
"I know you are worried, but the doctor assured me that her treatments are going well, and results will be seen soon. Just take a deep breath and try to relax, alright?" He murmured in a soothing voice.
Faith nodded, holding his gaze. Her throat suddenly felt too tight, her chest clogged with emotions.
He didn't have to care about her mother, but he did.
He shouldn't care that she was anxious but here he was trying to reassure her. He was willing to share her burdens.
He might have his shortcomings, but in the end, it was him who treated her the best, Faith thought, blinking away the pricking sensation that formed in her eyes.
"T_thank you." She whispered when she managed to find her voice.
Her breath hitched when he brushed a curl of her hair from her face.
"I'll do anything for you." A slight smile played at the corners of his lips. Faith was struck once again by his handsomeness, but that wasn't the only reason her heart was thudding so fast against her chest.
She blinked, staring at the spot where he held her hands before returning her gaze to his.
Yes, there was gratitude, but there was also an underlying emotion that she didn't want to acknowledge.
Some days, just like right now, she would think that he was too good to be true, too perfect to be real. But since it wasn't possible for anyone to be perfect, what could he be hiding?