The moment Joan walked into the room and shut the door behind her, she paused, looking ahead into space. She didn’t know which emotion to focus on.
There was anger, and then there was confusion. Anger because of the scene she met at the stairs, and confusion because she didn’t understand what on Earth’s name was going on with her.
She had already proceeded to put her room in order after Roman left. But just about a minute later, she heard noises, then voices.
They were so clear that she thought they were right outside her door. When she opened her door to check, she saw no one. The voices, however, became even clearer, confusing her. So she decided to figure out where it was coming from, only to arrive at the stairs and see Roman with the woman.
She ran her fingers through her hair and shut her eyes. Was she going crazy? How was she hearing things from far away as if it was happening right beside her?
Something was going wrong with her, and the fact that she didn’t know who to trust with that information frustrated her the most.
Letting out a breath, she finished up with the arrangement, then proceeded to the bathroom. Her mother was still missing. That was one problem giving her concerns.
Once she got ready, she stepped out of the room.
To her surprise, Roman was standing beside her door, leaning his body against the wall.
Joan paused, seeing how he was all dressed up. He looked nothing like the exhausted person, who had blood all over his clothes a few minutes ago. He looked hot. Joan couldn’t deny that.
“That was fast.” Roman uttered, a hint of surprise in his tone as he pushed himself off the wall and scrutinized her. “I was told that women take their time to dress up. I wasn’t expecting you to be out so soon,” He added, burying his hands in his pocket.
“I also wasn’t expecting you to be done with your massage session so soon. I guess she wasn’t good enough.” Joan retorted sharply, suddenly recalling the scene she met at the stairs.
She shot him a glare as her emotions shot up to the roof.
Roman said nothing for a while. He simply stared at her, while thinking of how to clear the air, already knowing why she was that pissed.
“Listen, baby, what you saw earlier is not what you think it is. Irene is… she was…” Roman tried to explain, but when the appropriate word didn’t come through, he paused, and took a deep breath. “We had a business deal sometime in the past. That was why she was here.” He finally got the words out, seeing how her eyes, which were glued to his face, were seeking answers.
“Does she work in a massage parlor, because she seemed to be quite enthusiastic about giving you a massage, and you looked very comfortable with it.”
Roman said nothing for a while. There was this fire in her eyes, which was a stark contrast to the pain her voice was trying to hide. If he could, he would explain his relationship with Irene to her, but at the moment, he couldn’t.
“I am not your ex husband. Be it in your mind or in the physical, never compare me to that bastard. I will not hurt you that way.” Roman uttered, choosing another route.
“In what way do you want to hurt me?” Joan probed, his last words hitting her in ways she didn’t expect.
“The only thing I’m concerned about is your happiness and safety. If I wanted to hurt you in any way, I’d have done it already. I’m not your enemy. Stop seeing me as one.”
For the first time since she arrived at the house, Joan felt some level of calmness. Her chaotic heart mellowed, and the pain disappeared. But she willed her face not to show what she felt inside.
Gazing at the man in front of her, she didn’t know what to think. Was he for real? Was this the universe’s way of saying you’ve suffered enough, you deserve a treat?
“I need to go home.” Joan uttered, deciding to drop the Irene issue.
“You are home.” Roman reminded her.
“Right. I need to go to my father’s house. My mother is still missing.”
“I figured. That’s why I’m here. Let’s go.” Roman gestured for her to follow him, and she did with a frown.
“You don’t have to come with me.”
“I have to, I want to, and I will.” He responded without looking back.
“Can someone else drive?” Joan probed, not sure she was willing to embark on another rollercoaster ride with him.
“Who do you have in mind?”
“Maybe Daniel.”
“Daniel huh?” Roman smirked, but said nothing again until they arrived at the ground floor.
He turned toward the dining room and when he arrived there, he met Daniel brooding alone, seated on one of the chairs.
“Boss,” Daniel uttered, standing up from his seat. At that instant, Joan also arrived at the dining room, prompting Daniel to bow. “Good morning, madam.” He added.
Before she could respond, Roman spoke. “My wife said she prefers you drive us this morning because I’m not an efficient driver. Would you do us the honors?”
Daniel’s lips parted in incredulity. He moved his gaze briefly to Joan before returning it to Roman to ascertain if they were toying with him. But Joan nodded in agreement, while Roman had an unreadable expression on his face.
At that point, Daniel knew it was a trap. So he shook his head.
“I don’t know how to drive, Madam, especially in the mornings like this.” Daniel responded with all the seriousness in the world.
A satisfied smirk curved on Roman’s lips at Daniel’s answer.
Joan, however, couldn’t believe her ears. “You’re kidding right?” She asked.
Daniel shook his head, knowing he would get in deep trouble if he breaks the act. He already saw the smirk on Roman’s face.
“I’m not kidding, ma’am. Boss is the only efficient driver I know in this life. If boss is driving, you can be sure you are in good hands.” Daniel chipped in and Joan gave up.
She turned around and proceeded to walk out of the house, closely followed by Roman, who had a smug look on his face.