Chapter 13

I stirred slowly; the exhaustion I had felt earlier that evening lessened by half. "How long was I asleep?" "About two hours," Skye answered as she helped me out of the massage chair and led me to the dining table. My eyes widened at the spread before me. "You made these?" She feigned indignation as she demanded, "Did you underestimate me that much?" "N-No," I stammered, shaking my head vehemently. I was only shocked that she could cook up a storm like this. The food was delicious. I could tell she put a lot of time and effort into her cooking and that she was not a novice in the kitchen. As if sensing my questions, she explained, "I never got used to the food in Erania while I was studying there, so I learned how to cook. Do you get it now?" It was no wonder her cooking was this good. "By the way, the new company has been registered. But I'll keep its name a secret from you for now," Skye said playfully. I couldn't help chuckling. "Must you keep the name a secret?" "Of course!" She grinned, her dimples flashing endearingly. We talked through dinner about anything and everything. Conversations never ran dry with her. The time went by quicker as well, and before we knew it, the clock struck eleven. Only then did I check my phone. I blanched when I noticed the dozens of missed calls and messages on the screen. "When did I turn my phone to silent mode?" I asked no one in particular. Skye answered without hesitation, "I did it for you. It's after work hours, and you should rest. Lilith is just an overgrown child at this point." She had a point, and I couldn't argue with her. I took my phone and unlocked it. Sure enough, all the messages were from Lilith. "Where the hell are you, Leon? How dare you decline my calls!" "Pick up your damn phone, you bastard!" "I swear, Leon, if you don't answer your phone right now, you're done for!" "You piece of shit!" Whatever torrent of abuse she had called to let loose upon me, she had typed them out instead. I was about to return her calls when something stopped me. A moment of thought later, I set my phone down. Previously, I would reply to her messages instantly out of obligation. But now that I was close to leaving Storm Corporation, I no longer had to put up with her tantrums and demands. Besides, I doubted she had called or texted me about anything urgent. Knowing her, she probably wanted to insult or humiliate me. Skye had called her an overgrown child, a giant baby, a brainless, cruel, and wicked creature with a toddler's whims. "Aren't you going to respond?" Skye asked as she looked at me, grinning. Her pretty eyes turned into crescents, her beauty disarming. "No," I replied frankly. "If I did, she'd likely shriek at me anyway." With that, I set my phone aside and stretched. "Stay in your seat," Skye suddenly said as she rounded the table and stood behind me. "I'm great at giving massages. Think of this as a reward." "A reward?" I repeated dumbly. "Yes." She did not elaborate further, so I dropped the questions. Perhaps she was happy that I decided to ignore Lilith and wanted to reward me for it. Then again, the complexities of the female psyche are beyond my comprehension. I relaxed as she kneaded the tight muscles on my shoulders and back. Midnight came swiftly, and I crashed on Skye's couch for the night. The next day, I reported for duty at the warehouse. Work was piling up at the company, and I had paperwork to review for various projects. Troublesome as it was to do two jobs at once, I endured it. I only had to put up with this for a few more weeks. Just like that, I spent the morning dealing with work. At lunchtime, I went to the cafeteria with Shaun. "I had the kitchen whip up some broth for you, Mr. Schmitt," Shaun said, giving me a conspiratorial wink as he grinned. "It's nourishing stuff." "Thank you," I said. "Don't mention it!" I had only just grabbed a tray of food and was making my way to a table when Lilith showed up. She stormed toward my table as soon as she spotted me. Without a word, she grabbed the tray and tipped its contents over my head. "You piece of shit!" she shrieked. "Where did you get the fucking nerve to ignore my messages?"