House

"What's going on, Artemesia? Tell me the truth," Mossy said.

I am still in shock from what I just saw. Did Braxton really post that? Why would he post it? What will he get from it? Or he is teasing me? But for what?

Damn it, Braxton.

Good thing, the name is not visible because it's crumpled.

Is it a coincidence or not?

I don't think that it's a coincidence that he picked up a crumpled paper and just put it on his Instagram unless that's really what happened.

He told me that he doesn't know how social media works so maybe he is just trying something new.

"Artemesia!"

I shrieked from where I sat. "What?"

"Tell me the truth," he said.

"I don't know what to tell you, Mother Mossy. I didn't even know that he posted this and that I'm the only one he is following. I... I don't know how he even got my username. I only made his account and took his profile picture but that's it. I didn't do anything more."

His eyebrows raised.

"Are you sure that you didn't follow yourself?"

"What? Why would I do that? I know that there is still an issue going around us so why would I make it even worse?"

He sighed and put the ladle on the table.

"You are not my talent anymore but you're still giving me headaches! I'm sure the media is after you again. Your first issue with him died down but here comes another one," he said as he put his hand over his head.

I grabbed an ice pack from the fridge. I'm not sure if this will help him because he uses an ice pack for swelling but this will calm him down because it's cold.

"As if you are not used to it, Mother Mossy," I said and handed it to him.

"When will I be used to it Artemesia?"

I pouted.

It's not always my fault. I mean, the media has a lot of things to say. They overreact on everything that I do. Even if I'm just standing near to some.guy they will make a headline that I'm seeing someone or we are dating for months.

"It's not my fault that they care so much about this thing."

He raised his head. "Who wouldn't care about it Artemesia? A handsome billionaire just followed you. No one else but you. He created an Instagram only to follow you. You already have an issue with him so of course they would make a fuss about it."

Exactly, that is what I said. Because that's where they are good at but it's really annoying. They don't even know the whole backstory about it.

It's not actually a backstory but the thing is they don't know anything about it yet they're making a fuss about something that is nothing.

"But I created that account and it's to actually follow the girl he likes, not me."

And why didn't Braxton follow her?

I never thought my idea would be like this. I only want to help Braxton and redirect his plans to something better other than knowing my past relationships.

Could he really understand better with my past relationships and experiences?

Well it's more private than this...

"But they don't know about that. Your contract with him is private and you can't talk about it with anyone, aside from me because I knew about the whole damn thing and I'm the one who pushed you to accept it. But come on, Artemesia. You've been in this industry for years, you should have known better." He sighed.

After what happened in Mother Mossy's place, we still eat together after he feels good. His phone kept ringing for hours. Probably his friends or some paparazzi trying to juice this up but he didn't answer any of it.

We just enjoyed the food that he cooked and warned me about the consequences of being with Braxton. He knew that it's risky to be with him considering the past relationships and reputation that I had but he pushed me through it because he knew that I would.get something from it and he is not wrong.

Because after this, when Braxton is happy with his girl. I will also be happy recording the songs that I wrote, and I promise myself that this time it will be a hit.

I won't waste the opportunity he will give me because I'm suffering through it. My reputation is also at stake.

Well it's already at the edge of a cliff but I won't let it fall.

The same day I messaged Braxton while I was on the way home. I sent him the link to the news about us. I know he is busy so he probably won't reply. My phone is already out of battery so I let it die and charge it at home.

I'm already at home when he replied to my message. I grabbed the phone on my desk side table.

It's stupid.

That's the only thing he said.

He doesn't really care about anything does he? I don't think that he is used to this kind of news about him because as far as I know he's just all around the business.

I heard that he once was a cover of the best and leading tycoon in the country.

Before I could even type a reply, his caller ID popped up on my screen. I immediately answer it within a second.

"Yes?" Suddenly my voice became softer.

"Let's meet outside," he said, straight forward.

My eyebrows raised.

Meet outside? Doesn't he get the message that I sent? Yes he did. But did he even read it? Yes and he said it's stupid. But I think his idea right now is more stupid.

"Isn't that risky?" I asked.

"What do you mean?"

"It's not a good idea. Considering the fact that we are already in the headlines Braxton?"

"So?" He asked like it's nothing.

I took a deep breath before answering him.

"The media will go after us. Who knows if you are being watched right now Braxton? And do you want your name besides mine again? In a scandalous headline? I don't think a businessman like you would want any of that."

Neither do I like any of that. I've already had enough of the headlines about me. I want to go on hiatus for the meantime and just relax. Without any issues bothering me. Maybe after my work with Braxton I'll go to some peaceful place.

I treat this contract with Braxton as work because it is already my work. It's just not a nine to five job because I'm on call whenever he needs me. Like this time but isn't that weird? I should be paid more than the contract because he can bother me all the time he wants.

Because he is my employer and I don't even have a day off with him.

Or do I?

I guess I should be clear with the terms of our contract so we don't step on each other's private lives.

But it's crazy of me to think of that. He wants me to talk about my exes so I guess it's just him who can keep his private life. Not that I want to know about his personal life.

I want to keep mine where it should be but I have no choice.

So I'll just go with it.

I'm sure it's not gonna take long, since he is a businessman, for sure he is smart and he can pick up all the techniques that I will teach him.

It's just flirting. How hard can it get right?

That's why I need to be done with this. I really need a vacation. Away from this bustling city, away from issues and pain.

That's right.

I'll do that.

Then I will write.

I will find the motivation and inspiration to write food songs that would be a hit.

"Fine, let's meet at my place."

"What?" I asked.

"What again Ms. Vena?"

"Your house?"

"You said it's risky outside and I get your point. So let's talk here, do you have any problems with it? If you are worried about the security I assure you that no one will ever see your face here."

I rolled my eyes.

Its like he is trying to hide me. Well, he really should because I can taint his good and clean reputation.

"Nothing, I don't have any problem with it, even if you cover my head with a paper bag just for us to not be linked again," I said.

"As you want," he said. Even though he is on another line I can feel that he is smirking right now.

I just feel it.

I know that he is.

"Wait, how am I supposed to get there? I don't even know where you live. Are you sure I won't be lost---" He cut me off.

"I'll send you a ride."

"O-okay."

I don't know what to say so I just agree with him.

Thirty minutes had passed and a black Audi car stopped at my house. The driver asked for my name and let me in, he drove in silence.

It's a good thing because I don't know how to socialize that much with a stranger. For sure he is wondering why his boss asked him to pick up a girl from somewhere. I don't even know how Braxton got my address. I guess he just knew about it or maybe saw it online.

Either way, I don't care as long as we finish what we're about to do.

When I arrived at his place.

My jaw dropped.

I'm still in the car and from here, the view is mesmerizing, what more if I come inside his house. This isn't even called a house, it's a mansion!

It's huge!

As in!

I'm not even kidding, this is twice my house or more than that!

The gates open automatically, the driver parked it in front of the main door that automatically opens once you step on the mini stairs.

I walked inside, the house is just magnificent, there is a grand staircase in the middle of the house and it's shining in gold coated paint.

I expected his house to be minimalistic, more of black colored furniture, ceilings and walls but this is the other side of Braxton. It's more luxurious than I ever thought!

On the right side corner of the house, the garden is overlooking, I walked towards it to peeked outside and there goes the fancy garden. While on the other side of the house, the pool is very inviting.

This is the house that I dreamed of having when I was young.

The furniture looks expensive as hell!

"What are you peeking at Ms. Vena?"

I shrieked when I heard his low voice behind me.

"Gosh, Braxton! You scared me!" I said.

His brows raised.

My heart thudded fast, even though I almost had a heart attack I had the time to check him out.

He's not in his usual black suit. He is just wearing casual grey jogger shorts and a blue sweater that is rolled up to his arms.

My eyes went up.

I gulped at the sight of his gorgeous face.

How did he get so handsome like this?

No…