“Sir, where are we going next?” The taxi driver asked Stefan who was still looking at the disappearing Cayenne.

“Send me to the hotel where she works.” He responded without taking off his eyes from her, until she completely disappeared from his sight.

The taxi driver didn’t know the exact identity of Stefan since he wasn’t someone who likes to surf online. He just thought that the two people he’s working for were strange but he didn’t dwell on it. He was paid to drive them not to gossip about them.

Stefan went to his hotel and looked into all the schedule of the employees for next week. He needed to do something to make it up to her. Manager Kim gave him all the lists of the employees who work during day time. He was going to help her take a day off.

“Manager Kim, please call everyone who works at the second to fifth floor today.”

“Yes, sir. Please excuse me.” She left right after receiving his order. She didn’t know what was going on and she had no idea why the employees were being called for. She immediately gathered the four people that Stefan asked for and brought them to the top most floor.

Since they were called to see him, instead of Stefan talking to them in the employee’s lounge, it was obvious that this matter will be confidential.

The four people were a little scared of him. They didn’t know what mistake they have done and surely, they will be punished for it. Or maybe, they will be fired. They couldn’t think of any positive reason at all.

Manager Kim knocked on the door and after getting the acknowledgement, she opened the door and got inside with the four employees following her. “They’re all here, sir. The other two employees are currently on approved leave.”

Stefan just nodded his head and looked at the employees in front of him. “I need someone who can work on daytime Friday shift.”

The four people looked towards each other. There’s a reason why they chose their schedules. They worked during the day on weekends and worked at night from Monday to Wednesday. Thursday and Friday should be their rest days. “Sir, is this mandatory?” one of the employees asked.

“No, this is not. I just need one person who can work with Celine next Friday.”

“Celine?” they were even more bothered with the news. They have heard so much about Celine since she’s a very strict lady. Working with her? That’s the least thing they wanted to do.

“Sir, if we won’t agree to work, will you take this against us? We really have something to do on Friday.” Another employee tried to reason out with him.

“Don’t worry, this will not be taken against you. I just need one volunteer.”

They were still hesitant even after getting assurance from him. They didn’t want to work with Celine. Stefan didn’t say the real reason behind this short meeting with them. He wanted someone who will volunteer out of good will. One of the employees was Jessie.

She works with Cayenne before when Cayenne was still working during night shift. They couldn’t be considered very close but they would talk to each other as well. Cayenne works at the reception but Jessie works on the second to fifth floor. They rarely see each other.

“I’ll work on Friday, sir.” Jessie stated. “Is this an extra work day or am I switching with someone?”

Stefan dismissed the other three employees first while asking the manager and Jessie to stay. “I want you to switch work schedule with Cayenne on Friday. She needed to go somewhere.”

“Cayenne? Cayenne Ardolf?” Jessie questioned to make sure that she got the right person.

“Yes. She will be attending a school activity with her brothers. She wanted to take a leave on Friday.”

Manager Kim frowned when she heard the real reason behind his unusual action. She remembered Cayenne told her the same request but she needed someone who can switch schedule with her as well. When she asked the other employees, no one volunteered because they also have something to do on that day. Whether their reasons were real or not, she couldn’t really force them out even if she’s manager.

Now, it’s the boss who’s asking them personally. Her intuition before was finally confirmed. She knew that there’s a hidden relationship between him and Cayenne.

“I am not against this request.” Jessie added. “And I won’t ask about your relationship with Cayenne either.”

“Thank you.” Stefan faintly smiled and took out a cheque. “Please keep this request a secret. Don’t let Cayenne know as well.” ‘Because I’ll tell her myself.’ Stefan added mentally. “This is just a little additional compensation for my request.”

“Thank you, sir.” Jessie accepted the cheque. “This is a big help to my family already.”

“You are helping me as well.” Stefan retorted before facing the manager. “I believe you will keep this a secret as well. I don’t want Cayenne to have a hard time with her work in this hotel.”

“We’ll keep our mouth sealed, sir.” Manager Kim replied.

“You may leave now. Just brief Cayenne about her leave on Monday shift.”

“Okay, sir.” 

The two of them left without any other questions. Even if they have, they didn’t want to ask him about it. It would be bad if you flip a switch and he might fire you right away. They would never want that to happen because they were well-paid in their work at the hotel. The also received a generous bonus amount at the end of the year.

Stefan smiled after achieving something for Cayenne. However, he was still a little bit bother with what happened to them in the morning. The sight of her leaving was like how his dream played. He didn’t know why but, it was a scary thought.

‘Why am I scared of losing her? I don’t think she’s as important as Alexander. There shouldn’t be any reason for me to be scared.’ Stefan reasoned to himself but he wasn’t the least bit convinced. There’s something off with himself but he couldn’t just point it out. He didn’t know what was wrong with him.

That day he didn’t have any pending work. If it was before, he would be spending his time with a woman in his hotel. He would indulge himself in carnal pleasure and waste his money on them. He’s got so much money but he didn’t know how to spend them or where to spend them. Most of them were sent to different foundations since he’s got no family to give his money to. Still, there were so much money coming to his bank with all the business he’s been doing.

Now, his mind was full of Cayenne’s thoughts. If someone would open his skull, you might see Cayenne’s smiling face imprinted on his braincells. But he was a dumb fool who didn’t have any idea what love is.

Cayenne on the other hand was frustrated. She had been sulking ever since she walked away from him and until now, she was still angrily peeling the apple she’s holding. In fact, the apple was peeled over and over until there’s only a little amount that can be eaten. You can almost see the seeds in it.

Her mother and brothers were looking at her. They didn’t know what happened and they didn’t want to ask either. It was the first they’ve seen such expressions crossing on her face and they didn’t know what to do. They had no idea what kind of person she’ll be like when angry, upset, or frustrated. They were new sides of her.

“You’re becoming more human.” Kyle commented while looking at her.

“What do you mean by that? Am I not human before? Was I like a monster in front of you? An alien?” Cayenne questioned irritatingly.

Her family just laughed at her without saying a word. They never thought that she’d show this side of her to them. Before, Cayenne was always composed, gentle, caring and understanding. The only negative emotion she’d show was sadness. And that was because of their mother’s condition.

“I think you have change these past few days and I like the changes. I like my sister.” Luiz mumbled.

Kyle took the knife from her and peeled another apple for their mother. This time, it was neat and well- done. “You were always smiling at us, caring for us, working hard for the family, stayed strong for us and; you were never angry, upset or frustrated. Even though we’ve been through so much, you’ve never shown us any of your negative traits. I even started to think that you are a robot who knows nothing about human emotions. Now, I can certainly and confidently say that my beautiful sister is a human.” Kyle stated before raising his head to look at his sister. 

Luiz nodded his head in agreement. Even their mother agreed with Kyle’s opinion.

Cayenne’s mother took her hand and smiled at her. “Yen, do you like someone?”