chapter 14

Scar Boss pulled into the driveway, the silence between them thick and heavy. He killed the engine and turned to Amaira, his eyes scanning her face. She looked... fragile. Pale. Her skin was almost translucent, and her eyes seemed sunken.He felt a pang of concern, but he didn't say anything. He just got out of the car and walked around to her side, opening the door for her.Amaira got out, her movements slow and stiff. Scar Boss watched her, his eyes never leaving her face. He could see the pain etched there, the exhaustion.Scar Boss noticed the change in her right away. She wasn't crying anymore, and that was worse. Her face was blank, like a piece of paper with nothing written on it.He followed her into the house, his footsteps quiet on the floor. Amaira walked straight to the stairs, her eyes fixed on some point ahead.Scar Boss watched her go, his chest tight with emotion. He wanted to reach out to her, to hold her and tell her everything would be okay. But he didn't. He just stood there, his fists clenched at his sides.Amaira reached the top of the stairs and turned towards her room. Scar Boss turned towards his own room, his movements quiet.They didn't say a word to each other. They just went to their separate rooms, the silence between them heavy and oppressive.***Amaira lay in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Her mind was a jumble of thoughts, emotions, and memories. She couldn't seem to escape the darkness that had been following her for weeks.Amaira's thoughts swirled with memories of her boyfriend, Raven and her best friend, Raya. They were supposed to be the people she trusted most in the world. But they had betrayed her in the worst possible way.As she lay in bed, Amaira's mind replayed the memories of their relationship. She thought about all the times Ryder had lied to her, all the times Sophia had pretended to be her friend. The betrayal cut deep, and Amaira felt like she was bleeding from the inside out.As the tears streamed down her face, Amaira realized that she was angry. Angry at Ryder and Sophia for betraying her, angry at herself for trusting them, and angry at the world for being so cruel. The anger burned inside her, a fire that threatened to consume her.But for now, Amaira just lay there, lost in her thoughts, drowning in her pain.***Amaira woke up with swollen eyes from crying. She got out of bed and went to the bathroom to wash her face.As she came downstairs, she was surprised to see the entire staff of servants bustling around the kitchen and living room. There were at least a dozen of them, all busy with their various tasks.Maria, the head maid, smiled at Amaira. "Good morning! Breakfast is almost ready."Amaira's eyes widened in shock. Where had all these people come from? She thought Scar Boss had sent them all away.She looked around, taking in the familiar faces. There is the butler, the cook and even Tom, the gardener. They were all back, as if nothing had ever happened.Emma, another maid, added after watching her confusion, "Scar Boss said we'll take care of everything. You don't have to do anything from today."Amaira felt a surge of confusion and frustration. Why had Scar Boss brought them all back? And why was he being so insistent that she didn't work?She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. She didn't have time to think about this right now. She needed to distract herself."I want to help," Amaira said, walking over to the counter.Maria and Emma exchanged a glance. "Scar Boss said-""I don't care what Scar Boss said," Amaira interrupted. "I want to work."Maria and Emma shrugged and handed Amaira a dustpan and broom. Amaira started sweeping the floor, trying to lose herself in the physical labor.***Scar Boss sat in his office, watching the CCTV screens. He saw Amaira sweeping the floor, her face focused on the task.Scar Boss frowned. He had told her not to work today. But as he kept watching, he noticed something. Amaira seemed more relaxed when she was working. Her face wasn't as tense, and her movements were more fluid.Scar Boss's eyes narrowed. He switched to a different camera, one that showed the garden. He saw Amaira sitting on a bench, crying. She had been there for a while, and Scar Boss had been watching, feeling helpless.Richard walked into the office, his eyes scanning the room. He noticed Scar Boss sitting in front of the CCTV screens, his eyes fixed on Amaira.Richard's gaze followed Scar Boss's, and he saw Amaira working, her face focused on the task. He also saw the other camera views, including the one of her crying in the garden.Richard's expression turned thoughtful. He walked over to Scar Boss, clearing his throat to announce his presence.Scar Boss turned, his face neutral. "What is it, Richard?"Richard nodded towards the screens. "Boss, I couldn't help but notice...this isn't exactly the way to console someone."Scar Boss raised an eyebrow. "I'm not trying to console her."Richard smiled wryly. "Boss, I've worked for you long enough to know what you are feeling. You are guilty and now you want to console her."Scar Boss scrowled and gave him a dirty look. Richard got startled but he nevertheless spoke, "Boss, if you want to console her, you need to approach her differently. You can't just watch her from afar and expect her to feel better."Scar Boss raised an eyebrow.When Richard didn't receive any criticism he realised that Scar Boss was approving to speak, "Considering your...unique personality, I think it would be best to approach her in a way that doesn't seem too...soft."Scar Boss's expression turned skeptical. "Go on."Richard nodded. "Boss, you could try doing something for her, something that shows you care without being too overt. Maybe fix something she's been wanting fixed, or surprise her with something she likes. Best take her out."Scar Boss's eyes narrowed, but Richard could see the wheels turning in his mind.Richard added, "And Boss, it would be best if you didn't...scowl at her all the time. Try to smile, or at least look friendly."Scar Boss's expression turned dry. He scowled back at him and turned away clearly contemplating what he said!