Sweet Aphrodite’s POV
　　I woke up with him beside me. Smile automatically stretched my lips. I stared on his sleeping face and even he is asleep, he looks serious and intimidating. I softly traced his face features with my fingertips. From his proud nose, I ran my fingers down to his sharp jaw. I sighed dreamily at the sight. He looks perfect.
　　I got up and planted a kiss on his cheek before I fixed myself. I went to the kitchen to cook our breakfast.

　　It seems like things are getting too fast especially now that I am in a relationship with him. I can’t help myself but to go with the flow. This makes me happy and I don’t know what would happen next but I guess, that’s how life works. We take the risks and live life to the fullest.
　　I have doubt and I am scared but I refuse to be drowned to it. If I live in the future, the chances in the present would go to waste.
　　I’m in the middle of cooking when strong arms enveloped around me. He put his face in between my neck and shoulder. He planted a kiss on it.
　　“Good morning,” he greeted huskily.
　　I smiled even he can’t see it. “Good morning…” I uttered. “How’s your sleep?”
　　“Never been that good.”

　　He helped me setting up the table. I enjoy every moments. I temporarily forgot my problems in my education and life. I feel like things are getting on its best. Can this be forever?
　　We just started and everything feels surreal. I am going to cherish every moment.
　　We ate in silence but it is a comfortable one. Lennox has been extra thoughtful to me. It is giving me butterflies in my stomach. I thanked him when he put food on my plate and he’s making sure that I have everything before he eat.
　　After that, we washed the dishes together. He’s soaping it then I am the one to rinse.

　　He went to his room after then I took a bath and changed my clothes.
　　I went to the kitchen again to check our stocks in the pantry. There are still a lot and this could go for two weeks. I proceed on the large fridge. I fixed the arrangements of the cartons and items inside. My movement slowed down when something caught my attention.
　　I picked the small clear bottle that contains reddish brown liquid. I caught Lennox drinking something like this twice and he puts it back quickly when I come. What is this drink? Coffee? Energy drink? Alcohol?
　　I twisted the cap then I sniffed on it. It has an indistinct smell, I can’t explain it. It is not a coffee then because if it is, it should have a strong and bitter aroma. This is my first time smelling something like this.
　　I was about to taste it when a hand grabbed it from me. My eyes widened a bit when I saw Lennox. He closed it then our eyes met. I shivered in fear when I saw his mad gaze.
　　“What the hell did you do?” His lips pressed tightly after.
　　“I’m sorry. I just got curious,” I weakly said.
　　His glaring eyes hurt me. “Then stop being fuckin’ curious, Sweet Aphrodite!” He left after that.
　　I touched my chest. Did I really upset him over a drink? I think that is a little bit too much. There is no need to be mad about that. Why would he get mad? I really don’t know the conciseness of the boundaries that he’s putting and where do they apply. I am confused.
　　What is that drink for him to get mad that I touched it? Does it have some kind of drug? I covered my mouth when thoughts overflowed in my mind. Is he that kind of man?
　　My overthinking is already reaching its highest form that it makes my head hurt. I feel sad too, that I made him upset again but I really did not mean it.
　　Just an hour ago, he’s too sweet and gentle and in a snap, he shouted at me because I touched his strange drink. Maybe he is right and I should stop being curious. But I don’t know the limitations of that. Should I stop asking then? This makes me sad. I can feel the obvious gap between us. Even he told me that he loves me, he’s making a wall for him to stop me from entering fully. And is that even right in a relationship?
　　I wiped away the tears in my cheek. I did not know that I cried. Why am I being too emotional? I am already weak and he’s making me weaker.
　　It is on the right timing when I received a message from my former boss. He texted me to go on his store. I need to unwind to forget my overthinking. I changed my clothes and readied myself.
　　Before I left, I stared on the grand staircase. I want to inform him that I’ll leave. But thinking that he’s still mad at me, I left without any words. I don’t want to see his cold stares. I am upset to him, too, because of shouting at me over a small thing. I feel like that was too much. I don’t know if I am right so I’ll take this opportunity to let the both of us cool down.
　　I don’t know what he needs from me. When I came to the store, it has a lot of customer. It's been like this that’s why I was always tired after the duty. He smiled at me and let me in. His space became a little bit bigger after a small renovation.
　　“How are you?” he asked nicely and let me sat.
　　“I am fine, Gab,” I answered.
　　I politely accepted the canned drink that he handed to me. It made me feel refreshed after it made its way in my throat.
　　I noticed two guys on the corner who keep on looking at me. Gab stood then dragged the two in front of me.
　　“These are my nephews who came from province that I told you, Sweet. Ronald and Arthur.”
　　They offered their hands that I immediately accepted and shook.
　　“You can call me Sweet,” I said, smiling.
　　“We heard a lot about you,” Ronald said then scratched on his head. “I hope it’s good,” I joked then chuckled.
　　“Of course. And Uncle Gab is right that you’re really pretty,” Arthur said.
　　I smiled shyly and I feel a little awkward like the usual when I receive compliments.
　　Three customer came that’s why the two entertained them. I glanced at Gab.
　　“Why did you call me here, Sir?” I politely asked.
　　He sat beside me and I immediately gave him a bigger space. He flashed his gentle smile. “I just want to ask if you already have the nice job? Uhm, the problem at the province is already solved and my store keeps on growing so if you still need a job, you can go back here. You know that I see you as a daughter and I really hated the past situation that pushed me to fire you. Now that everything is going fine, you can come back.”
　　My eyes widened a bit then when I recovered from surprise, I can’t help but to smile kindly.
　　“That’s so nice to hear, Gab. I am glad that your problems are solved. You deserve this growth. But you don’t have to worry, I am already doing fine. I already have a place to work and live. Thank you for the offer. I really appreciate it,” I happily said.
　　He sighed in relief. “That’s good. I am really guilty that I fired you.”
　　I shook my head and gave him a reassuring smile. “That’s really fine, no need to be sorry. I understand. You have reasons and circumstances.”
　　He smiled. “Is your boss kind? Don’t tell me he’s making your life a hell?”
　　I immediately shook my head and I chuckled. “No, Gab. Lennox is kind,” I assured him.
　　His forehead creased. “Lennox is the name? He seems familiar…”
　　“Oh, you’re the one who gave me the details about the job.”
　　“Ah! That? I was just given a flyer and I gave the details to you because I was eager to help you. But nevermind. There is a lot of Lennox and maybe I just heard it somewhere.”
　　We talked for few hours. I kinda missed him, too. Gab has been really nice to me. I tried chopping some orders, too, just like when I was still working here. His nephews are funny too that’s why I can’t help but to listen to their humorous stories.
　　“Eat your lunch here. It’s almost twelve,” Gab said.
　　My eyes widened a bit when I heard the time. I stood and glanced at the wall clock to confirm the time and it is really quarter to twelve. I picked my sling bag, panicking.
　　“I need to go back to the mansion. I still need to cook,” I uttered.
　　“Oh, damn,” Gab uttered and panicked too. “Just bring this then,” he said then packed a whole roasted chicken.
　　“I have a motorcycle. I can bring you home,” Ronald suggested.
　　I glanced at him then politely shook my head. “You don’t have to. Thank you for the offer but I can manage. You have work here.”
　　I accepted the paper bag and with big steps, I made my way out of the store. The three of them followed me outside.
　　“Thank you for this and for the stories,” I said and pointed the free chicken that I got.
　　“I should be the one thanking you because you already made my whole year happy,” Arthur joked.
　　“I should finish your life then, before you can even experience your whole happy year.”
　　My eyes widened when I heard Lennox’s voice. He stood proudly beside me. His face is dark of expression and I don’t know what to feel when I saw his fist formed in a ball. The three looks intimidated by his presence.
　　“Sir!” I said in a surprised tone.
　　He glanced at me with smoldering eyes. I felt the coldness pass through me. With his jaw clenching, I know he’s mad.
　　“Sir, huh?” he uttered mockingly.
　　He grabbed me by hand to drag me towards the car but a hand stopped us. Then it hold my free hand. My eyes widened when I saw Ronald with annoyed face.
　　“Who are you to drag Sweet like that?”
　　I shouted when Lennox’s fist landed on the poor boy’s face. He lost his consciousness as he fell on the ground. The two immediately went to unconscious Ronald.
　　“You don’t fuckin’ touch what’s mine!” Lennox said before we went to the car.
　　I keep on looking at the window, worried about the poor guy. My breathing is fast and irregular. When I glanced at Lennox, he is terrifyingly mad. The way he maneuvered the steering wheel shouts danger. Our eyes met and I suddenly want to run.
　　“You’ve been a very bad girl, Sweet. Face my fucking punishment for you!” His voice thundered.