She didn’t take her eyes off me. It’s clear that Arlo has a thing for women. But he better not include me in his list of women he uses and tosses aside.
Yes, I have a crush on him, but I’m not like other women. I still have great respect for myself, and we must uphold our dignity as women.
“Good morning,” I greeted him cheerfully.
“Good morning, too. How was your sleep?” he asked.
“I slept well,” I replied.
“That’s good.”
“I don’t remember what happened last night. Maybe I said something I shouldn’t have,” I said.
“Nothing bad, but you did say something I didn’t understand. You mentioned someone avoiding you because they were planning to do something to you. Then, you suddenly started crying. Are you hiding something, Lily, aside from your brother’s debt?” Arlo asked.
“No, I was probably drunk, so I said things that didn’t make sense. By the way, I noticed you have cats and dogs?” I asked, changing the topic. He looked at me.
“Yeah, my pets weren’t here yesterday because they were at the vet,” Arlo said.
While he was talking to me, he stared at me. I didn’t go near his dog and cat because I have allergies and asthma. Since I was a child, my doctor has advised me to stay away from cats and dogs.
“Rain is the white one, and Thunder is the orange one—both Persian cats. Brad is my dog. Do you like animals?” Arlo asked.
“I love animals, but I’m allergic to their fur,” I replied.
Arlo called one of his house staff to take his cat and dog away. I sat down. I think our breakfast was late since I woke up late. Tomorrow, I’ll wake up earlier. Even though I’ve only been in Arlo’s house for two days, I feel like a lot has already happened to me.
I didn’t eat right away and waited for Arlo to finish washing his hands. When he arrived, he immediately sat down.
“Later, I’ll give you the money we discussed so you can pay your brother’s debt. If it’s not enough, don’t hesitate to tell me. Then, we’ll visit the doctor later for a check-up. While you’re in my home, you’re my responsibility,” he said.
“Did you change my clothes last night?” I asked. His lips parted slightly, and he seemed hesitant to answer.
“Umm… yes, because no one else was in the house.”
“You shouldn’t have bothered changing my clothes. I wouldn’t have died wearing what I had on,” I said.
“I’m sorry. Don’t worry, I didn’t do anything. Are you mad about what I did? I promise I won’t do it again. I didn’t have a choice because you vomited last night. You drank so much. Why did you drink like that when I thought you weren’t going to drink?” he asked me.
“I just felt like drinking, that’s all. Why do you care if I drink?” I snapped.
“Babe, I’m just asking.”
“Let’s just eat,” I said.
I couldn’t get the scene I saw last night out of my mind—him kissing someone else. Is this how he lives, never taking any woman seriously? I hope I can leave here soon and get my passport back from Mama.
“Ma’am Lily, your phone has been ringing for a while. Someone named Ethan is calling,” Ann informed me.
“Your brother?” Arlo asked.
“No, my suitor,” I replied. His jaw clenched at my answer.
I used the name of Violet’s child as the contact name for her new number. Arlo’s gaze sharpened, and he stared at me with a sour expression on his face.
“You have a suitor?” he asked as if he didn’t believe it.
“Of course I do. I don’t want to end up an old maid,” I answered boldly. He seemed affected by what I said because I was directing it at him.
“You should answer; he might get upset,” he said.
“Do you have a problem?” I asked.
“No, take your call,” he said, and I stood up. I heard him let out a deep sigh.
