Upon reaching their destination, they discovered Sheira's house was accessible only via a narrow alley. It was clear the car couldn't fit, so they had to stop in front of the entrance.
"Sir, I'll carry Sheira into the house," said Leo, who was following Rey's earlier instructions to take Sheira into the car.
"No, let me do it," Rey replied.
"What?" Leo was taken aback by his boss's decision. Before he could process it further, Rey exited the car and picked up Sheira.
"Why are you carrying Sheira?" Leo asked.
"There's no need for questions. Just show me where the house is," Rey said tersely, avoiding further explanation. "
Um, sir, can I check Sheira's bag for the house key?" Leo requested.
"Go ahead," Rey responded with a nod, as he was still occupied holding Sheira. Deep down, Leo couldn't help but think it was quite remarkable that Rey was carrying an ordinary employee from his office.
"Come on, Leo!" Rey urged, noticing Leo hesitating.
"Right, sir. Let's head this way," Leo replied, directing them to the small rental house where Sheira lived. Upon entering, they were met with darkness. Initially, getting Sheira inside was challenging since the landlord had come out to inquire about her state. After Leo explained that Rey was her boss, the situation smoothed out, especially after they slipped some money to the landlord to keep things quiet, ensuring that no one would gossip about Sheira being brought home by a man. Rey carefully laid Sheira on her bed, making sure she was covered. Watching Rey's gentle care for Sheira piqued Leo's curiosity.
"Why does Sheira live in such a place?" Rey murmured, glancing around.
"Sir, this is just an inexpensive rental house," Leo clarified.
"But why would anyone choose to live here?"
Leo sighed. "As I mentioned, the rent is cheap. She's still a student and works at your office part-time; this is likely the only place she can afford."
"But what if someone sees us carrying Sheira and shares it online?"
Rey mused. "Then we should hurry before anyone notices."
-//-
The following morning, Sheira woke with a start, blinded by the sunlight. "Oh no, I'm late for work!" she exclaimed, panicking as she realized she should have been at the office or on her way, not just waking up.
"Aww!" Sheira groaned, clutching her head, which throbbed painfully, likely a hangover from the previous night.
"What happened last night?" she whispered, trying to recall her memories. The last thing she remembered was being at the bar. She checked her clothes and felt relieved that everything was as it should be.
"Ouch!" Sheira winced, trying to get out of bed, feeling pain deep in her thighs.
"Did I fall?" she wondered aloud, recalling a childhood incident where she had retrieved a similar injury from a bicycle fall. She tried to reassure herself that she must have fallen during the night but simply didn't remember due to drinking.
"Whatever, Sheira. It's not like it hasn't happened before," she told herself, forcing a laugh.
"And eventually, I'll lose my virginity, probably in a way I'd rather forget," she sighed, her expression turning somber.
-//-
On her second day at Rey's company, Sheira tried to put on a brave face, though she felt overwhelmed trying to juggle work, school, and her personal mission involving Rey, all while worrying about her father's condition in the hospital. While lost in thought, Sheira was startled by a woman's sudden approach.
"Excuse me," the woman said. Sheira turned to see an elegant, beautiful woman who was also visibly pregnant. Sheira couldn't help but admire her before responding,
"Yes, how can I help you?"
"Is my husband here?" the woman inquired. Sheira furrowed her brow.
"Could you tell me the name of your husband?"
"Are you new here?" the woman asked.
Sheira nodded. "Yes, I just started two days ago."
"Then let me introduce myself. I'm Bella, Reynaldo's wife, or Rey for short." The revelation hit Sheira like a ton of bricks, causing her smile to fade as guilt washed over her. She hadn't realized Rey was married, especially to someone pregnant. The weight of her initial intentions felt like a heavy burden.
"Do you know where Rey is?" Bella asked, noticing Sheira's distracted expression.
"Oh, yes, sorry ma'am, Mr. Rey is..." Just then, Rey himself appeared, calling out,
"Bella, is that you?"
"Hey, dear," Bella said with a warm smile as she embraced her husband. Sheira watched, taken aback by the tender interaction.
"You didn't have time to make breakfast, so I brought you lunch instead," Bella said cheerily.
"Bella, I've told you to take it easy. Your health and the baby's are what matter most," Rey said, concern lacing his voice as he took the lunch from Bella and lightly stroked her belly. Sheira felt like an intruder, observing this loving couple.
"It's no trouble, dear. Our baby will be happy when you enjoy its mother's cooking," Bella replied.
"Let's head to my office," Rey said, wrapping an arm around Bella's shoulders. Before leaving, he glanced back at Sheira, who remained frozen in place.
-//-
Throughout the day, Sheira's thoughts were consumed by Rey's wife and the mixed feelings of anxiety, guilt, and confusion about her own decisions. As the workday ended and she stood at the entrance in the rain, her mind still swirled with these thoughts. Just then, her phone buzzed with a message.
(Good evening, Sheira Daguise. This is your third notice regarding your outstanding tuition for three semesters. Please settle this before the 10th of the month. Thank you for your attention.)
Sheira inhaled deeply, feeling the urge to scream and cry as she read through numerous bills crowding her inbox.
"Oh no, why is my life so complicated?"
"Do I need to end it all?" she muttered, frustration seeping through.
"Move!" a deep voice called from behind her, snapping Sheira from her thoughts. It was Rey.
"Why are you just standing at the entrance?" he asked and then opened his black umbrella next to her.
"Sir, if you don't mind me asking, how many months along is your wife?" Sheira inquired, looking up at him.
"Why do you want to know?" Rey countered, his tone cold.
"Is that not something I can ask?" she replied defensively.
Rey sighed, "Five months," he stated curtly.
"Oh," Sheira nodded. "That's lovely."
"For me?" Rey raised an eyebrow, surprised.
"Oops!" Sheira quickly clamped a hand over her mouth. She regretted her impulsiveness, concerned that Rey might be angered enough to fire her.
"Sorry, sir. That slipped out." Rey rolled his eyes but kept his gaze elsewhere.
"Are you waiting for the rain to stop?" he asked after adjusting his umbrella.
"I'm just waiting for it to lighten up. It's close enough for me to walk home," Sheira explained.
"How long will that take?" he queried.
Sheira smiled sheepishly, scratching her neck. "What else can I say?"
"You haven't changed, have you? You need to be more polite. How would you speak to a client?" Rey admonished her, catching her off guard.
Sheira frowned. "I ask a simple question, and you don't need to be so harsh about it." Just as she decided to move away with her bag as a makeshift umbrella, Rey followed her and offered his umbrella.
"Come on!" he insisted, still sounding somewhat gruff. Sheira was momentarily shocked but quickly replied,
"Alright, boss!