The Castle

I was looking at the road, whether I should go left or right. I looked at my watch, 5:50 pm. If I go left, I could still reach Enrico's Food House and be there on time while if I go right... I looked at the card given to me last night when I was about to be killed, I didn't realize that it was a personal card, there was a home address that would lead me to Hade.

If I choose right, I might lose my job at the Food House and if I choose left, I might lose the offer. Aish, I don't know what to do.

Sighing, I could still go to Hade tonight but probably after my job and that will surely be late for the night. Hade did not tell me what time in particular so... I faced the left path and started walking slowly, still hesitating but then I didn't want to lose this job. This is ethical and I love serving people their food and so I walked faster, determined on my way.

When I reached the Food House, I went inside and saw Rico at the counter.

He immediately looked up when the door opened and closed, "Vern! Nice to see you." He said with a smile as I walked closer.

I gave back the smile, "Thank you, it is nice to be back."

"So, how are you feeling now?" He asked politely with a look that I could not decipher.

There's no customer yet since the tag outside hasn't been changed to open, the rest of my co-workers were preparing.

"I'm feeling good, Rico." I said with a smile.

"Can I ask you a favor?" He asked and my forehead creased.

"Of course, what is it?" I asked.

He smiled, "Can you please lift the tag into open?" He asked, pointing at the door. "It is now exactly 6pm, we should start working."

"Aye, aye, Captain!" I said with a salute and went to the door to lift the tag while I heard him laugh.

Even his laughter is a melodic voice.

The work has started and people keep coming inside, I am still confused as to why they look so pale, maybe because of the coldness outside. I set aside the thought and serve the customers not leaving the smile on my face to make them feel comfortable.

Finally, the work was done and I walked out of the Food House, just then I felt the cold breeze of air fanning on my cheeks. I was wearing a jacket but the temperature was just too low that even with a jacket, I could still feel the coldness. However, I still have to go to Hade or I will lose my only opportunity to save my father.

"Hey, Vern. Going home?" I suddenly looked at my side to see Rico.

I nodded and gave him a smile.

"Will you let me give you a ride?" He asked politely.

I bit my lip, I could not let him drive me home because I am not really going home. "Thank you for the offer but I don't want to be a bother to you, you still have a-" When I pointed to the food house, I saw that it was already closed and the lights were turned off. Woah! "When did you close the food house?" I asked in surprise.

I knew I was the first to come out and my other co-workers were still inside just earlier. How long was I standing here? As far as I know it did not take that long.

"Before I was here with you." He simply answered, shrugging.

I was still surprised but then I faced Rico once again and smiled apologetically. "Thank you, Rico. But I can take care of myself." I said.

Just as exactly I saw a taxi. I called it and it parked in front of me.

"Oh, okay. Next time then?" He asked with hope in his voice.

I smiled and nodded. "Okay, next time." I replied and got inside the taxi.

"McKary Residence." I said to the driver the moment I closed the door and he just nodded after giving me a glance through the front mirror.

Then, I saw Rico waving his hand when the taxi started running but I was surprised when I saw his eyes turned red, I blinked my eyes, and it disappeared as his eyes turned back to normal. Maybe I was hallucinating? Goodness, I've been hallucinating ever since I met that Hade.

When the taxi got far away, I leaned on the headdress of the car and thought nothing but Hade's offer. Do I really have to accept it? Am I ready to bear a child? I don't think I could be a mother to my child, I don't think Hade could let me. It seems like I will sell my child to him.

A tear fell out of my eyes, no matter what happens. I will still love my child. Will I get pregnant? Would it be successful? What will happen if it won't? I sighed.

I don't know the circumstances yet, but I just want to resolve my problem at the present.

When I reached the Mckary Residence, two guards were guarding the gate. They walked closer to the taxi and so I opened the window. "What do you need ma'am?" One of the guards asked me.

"Is Hade in there?" I asked him.

"Do you have an appointment with him ma'am?" He asked.

But the other one seems to have recognized me. "Are you Vern Felisia?"

I was surprised when he said my whole name, I never told Hade or anyone from his men about my identity but... how? I nodded, "I am."

His face seemed to have relaxed, "Oh great, he's been waiting for you ma'am. Just follow the road and it will take you to the Master's House."

"I'm sorry ma'am, I didn't recognize you." Said the other one who first approached me.

I gave him a smile, "It's okay."

And the Taxi went over as instructed by the guards. "Ma'am, how did you know sir Hade Mckary? This is really my first time coming here." He said with sort of excitement in his voice.

I just looked on the windshield to see the wide plain grass and on every corner is a forest. This is a big private residence, I wonder who the people living here are.

"He's someone I know." I just answered him, I will look bad if I don't.

"It is my honor to meet you, ma'am." The driver said as we reached a mansion.

I got out of the taxi and was in awe the moment I laid my eyes on it... this is a fucking castle!

A fountain is in front of a massive house. Fuck, that Hade is a lucky man.

I sighed, and I am the unfortunate one.

I walked towards the door and when I was about to knock, it just opened on its own. When I took a step inside, I was not surprised with the luxury but I was surprised to see no one.

I was startled when the door suddenly closed and all the lights turned off.

I could see nothing but I could feel my heart beating so fast while my feet wobbled in fear. Shit, what have I gotten myself into?