Upon returning to the dining room with his food, Mula began, "Alright, I have..." His words trailed off as he was taken aback to see Elena already tucking into her meal, clearly famished.
"What the...? I clearly told you to wait for me. We were supposed to eat together," Mula exclaimed, looking dissatisfied as he observed her devouring the food.
Feeling somewhat annoyed, he wished he had known she would dive into the food like that. He could have taken the food to the kitchen to get his, or even changed the food inside the kitchen.
He stood there, shocked, gazing at her after posing the question.
"Sorry, I started eating without letting you know. Trust me, I was very hungry," she said, continuing to eat as Mula approached and took his own seat.
"Even so, you could have waited for me. I wasn't going to spend the whole day in the kitchen. And now, you have ruined the surprise," Mula expressed, to which Elena just shrugged.
"Yeah, after all, dead people don't get surprises! I should eat and stay alive first. Maybe next time you can still surprise me," she remarked cheerfully, continuing to eat. However, she then noticed that Mula wasn't as pleased with her; he was just staring at her.
"Are you upset with me? Alright, I'm sorry for spoiling your surprise. I promise not to do it again another day," she said, looking at him. He nodded in agreement, approaching to kiss her cheek.
"It's alright. Don't worry too much about it," he reassured her, faking a smile as he returned to his seat and began eating.
•
•
•
Adam Kindle's Home.
7:30pm.
On a typical workday, at 6:00 pm, Adam's daily routine comes to an end as his stores and companies around the world shut down.
Returning to his empty home once again, Adam seeks solace to rest his weary bones. Despite not having worked much at the office this day, he feels weak.
The mental exhaustion he experiences is more draining than a day's work. He was particularly restless today at the office, with thoughts of his wife and child consuming his mind.
Adam yearns to wake up one day and find them at the entrance of his house. However, he knows this wish is impossible. His wife has made it clear that she is leaving for a distant place and will not return.
Sitting in his room, attempting to read a book, Adam finds it impossible to concentrate. Frustrated, he discards the book and instead retrieves an expensive drink from the freezer.
With a glass in hand, he begins to drink, hoping to drown his sorrows. Moving to the living room, he watches TV while sipping on his drink. However, as he reaches only halfway through, a knock interrupts his solitude.
Glancing at the clock, which reads 7:35, Adam realizes he is not expecting any visitors. Despite feeling slightly intoxicated, he manages to stand up, his balance wavering.
As he still held the wine bottle, he walked to the door and upon opening it, he found Olivia standing there.
"Olivia?" He exclaimed, surprised to see her, but she looked at him with a disapproving expression.
She clearly noticed the smell emanating from him and then glanced at the bottle in his hand, shaking her head in disappointment.
"You didn't inform me you were coming over," he remarked, observing her as she nervously nodded in response. Adam opened the door wider for her to enter, and she stepped inside.
After shutting the door, Olivia surveyed the living room, noting its disarray that didn't befit a wealthy man like him, indicating the depth of his heartbreak.
As he sat on the couch, he watched her intently while taking sips directly from the bottle of wine. Olivia understood his intent gaze; he sought an explanation for her uninvited visit.
"I came to check on how you're doing, and it's evident," Olivia gestured around, exhaling deeply, "you're not doing well." She noted, observing Mr. Adam's agreement as he reached for the bottle again. Quickly, Olivia intervened, taking the bottle from his grasp.
"Please, sir, you've had enough," she said gently, taking the bottle from Adam's hand as he slumped on the couch, staring up at the sky.
"Do you dare to take away your boss's drink? You know the consequences, right?" Adam responded softly, eyeing the wine and then looking back at her.
"You're getting drunk, sir. I can't let you continue like this," she replied in a soft tone, placing the bottle on the table.
"Give it back!" he insisted, reaching out his hand.
"No, I can't," she firmly stated. Adam sat up, giving her an annoyed look, and she shook her head as their eyes met.
"If you're going to fire me or hurt me, I'd rather that than watch you spiral into drunkenness," she said, moving closer and sitting beside him, holding his hand.
Upon hearing her words, Adam felt a wave of calmness and remained speechless. Initially wanting to be tough on her, he realized she was simply looking out for him, showing care and concern.
She had come on her own accord, knowing he wouldn't be feeling his best. "Sir, this isn't the solution. Drowning your sorrows in alcohol won't heal the pain," she gently advised as he stared at the floor.
He lifted his gaze to meet hers, and Olivia could see tears welling in his eyes. It pained her to see him in such a state.
"Heal? Did I hear you say heal? How can I ever heal? I lost my daughter, the most precious thing I cherished in this world. Now my family is gone too, and there was nothing I could do to stop all this from happening. How can I ever heal from that?" His voice cracked as tears continued to fall from his eyes.
"But this is not the way to solve it. It wasn't your fault she died, and it wasn't your fault your wife decided to leave. She was probably hurt too about her daughter and couldn't bear it," Olivia said softly, placing her hand on his cheek to ensure he was looking into her eyes.
"I know you feel like you have no reason to live, but that's not true. You still have your life to live for. Your wife might have left you now with your kid, but fate could be somehow tricky. You might come across your kid one day. You have to look within yourself and pretend to start life anew. Even though we can never fully heal from such trauma, we don't have to succumb to it," Olivia reassured him.
Adam swallowed hard, gazing at her for a moment before nodding in agreement, feeling a glimmer of hope ignite within him from her words. "Thank you, Olivia. I will never forget these words," he said, locking eyes with her as she smiled back at him.
There seemed to be a connection forming between them. Olivia found herself lost in his gaze, anticipating something more than just a shared moment.
"Olivia," he called out, and she quickly turned to him, her eyes widening.
"Yes?" she responded.
"Before my wife left, she said I was just a greedy person who cares for nothing but riches and wealth. You have been with me for years; is what she said true?" Adam asked, and Olivia immediately shook her head.
"It's saddening when our loved ones misunderstand us. She was very wrong to say that about you. You are a hardworking man who strives for a better future for the people and things around you. You have always been a wonderful person; there is nothing greedy about you," she said, and Adam nodded in agreement.
"Thank you. I don't know where I would be without you always supporting me in everything, especially during my business dealings and difficult times like this," Adam acknowledged, and Olivia smiled and nodded in return.
"You don't have to thank me; you are my boss, after all, and it's my duty to care for you. Anyway, I will arrange this parlor. You should go to the bathroom and take a bath. I will cook something for you immediately; I'm sure you haven't eaten dinner," she said as she took off her jacket, preparing to begin work.