I opened my closet and sighed, "Hmm.. What should I wear today..? I haven't even changed out of last night's clothes yet," I mumbled, running my fingers through the hangers.
After a while, I pulled out a plain, baggy white shirt and a pair of comfy shorts. "Yeah.. this'll do," I said, to myself as I slipped out of my old clothes and changed.
Once dressed, I picked up my phone and tapped open Kaitlyn's message.
"Hey..I hope you're alive?" [ Sent: Yesterday, 10:56 P.M]
I let out a small chuckle. Typical Kaitlyn. But what do I even say? I don't remember the last time I replied to someone's texts other than Vlad's..
I thought for a second, and carefully typed out a simple reply.
"yes" [sent: Just now.]
I put my phone down and made my way to the bathroom. After freshening up, I stepped out and started looking around for Vlad.
"Vlad?" I called out, glancing around the quiet house.
"There he is," I mumbled to myself, spotting Vlad lounging on the sofa, a cup of coffee in his hand as he watched the news on TV—volume set all the way up.
Vlad looked over when he noticed me. "Good morning. You want breakfast? Or lunch? Maybe even dinner, since you're up so late." he teased, a small smirk playing on his lips.
I walked over and plopped down beside him on the sofa. "It's only 11 a.m. It's not like I have work or anything that forces me to wake up early for.." I grumbled, crossing my arms.
I lowered my gaze, feeling a bit nervous as I prepared to apologize again.
"Also… about last night…" I mumbled, fiddling with the hem of my shirt.
Vlad's attention shifted to me instantly.
"I'm sorry," I said quietly, guilt weighing heavy in my voice.
Vlad gave a soft smile and set his coffee down.
"It's okay. Just let me know next time when you're heading out," he said, his tone surprisingly gentle.
Relief washed over me, and I smiled back at him, grateful he didn't turn it into a bigger issue.
"Also… how did you find me anyway? I didn't even answer your calls," I asked, curiosity suddenly getting the better of me.
Vlad chuckled and winked.
"I have my ways."
I groaned dramatically.
"You never tell me anything…" I pouted, scooting closer to him, trying to act as innocent as possible.
"Hey, Vlad..?" I said in a sweet voice.
Vlad raised an eyebrow, immediately catching onto my cheeky expression.
"Say it already," he said, amused.
"Is it true that… my parents were murdered?" I asked in a small voice, almost afraid of the answer.
Vlad's hand paused midair with his coffee. His brow arched slightly as he set the cup down.
"Kaitlyn told you about them, huh?" he said, studying my face carefully.
I nodded silently. Kaitlyn had told me a lot about my past… though there were some things I definitely wasn't going to mention to Vlad.
"And…" I hesitated, carefully wording the sentences, "Kaitlyn also said I used to work in.. architecture?"
"Yeah, you did. Why?" Vlad asked, his voice light, almost teasing. "You thinking about going back to work?"
I thought about it for a moment, tapping my fingers against my knee.
"Uh.. What does an architect even do..?" I asked awkwardly. "Like… do I just apply somewhere and start drawing.. or…?"
Vlad chuckled under his breath, shaking his head in amusement.
"Silly girl," He muttered affectionately, reaching out to ruffle my hair.
"Everything's already prepared. You just tell me when you're ready to go."
"I don't really remember anything though," I admitted, fiddling with the edge of my shirt. "I mean.. my drawing skills are the same as a toddler's."
Vlad chuckled, leaning back against the sofa.
"You've been in a coma for 5 whole months, Annette. You can't expect to be Pablo Picasso right after waking up, you know."
I laughed softly at his teasing, feeling a bit lighter.
"Buttttt, I have a question!" I said, sitting up straighter.
Vlad turned his gaze towards me, setting down his coffee.
"Yeah?"
"Where did I even work..? Like, do I work from home or…?" I asked, tilting my head.
"You used to work for my dad, at our family's building." He said, casually putting his TV remote down on the coffee table.
"Y-your dad..?!" I stammered. "O-okay, so I just go in and continue my work like I didn't die for five whole months?" I asked sarcastically.
"Pretty much, nobody really cares." Vlad replied in the same sarcastic tone.
"Since your social skills are worse than your drawing skills, it's best we start as early as possible." he added.
I rolled my eyes. "Pfft…"
Damn, this guy was brutally honest.
"Besides, I know an architect who's worked with us for 30 years, she can show you around." he said.
"30?! How old is she, 90 or something?"
I said, crossing my arms in disbelief.
Vlad chuckled, "She's.. fifty-something. Don't worry, she's not scary. She's a sweet lady actually—you'll like her." Vlad reassured me.
"Can't I just sleep at home all day…? You're rich enough.." I said as I lazily settled into the sofa, pressing a cushion behind my back.
"Well, of course you can do that. But if I'm the one paying for everything, then..."
He leaned in closer, his breath brushing against my ear as he whispered, "I expect a special reward every. Single. Night. In my bedroom."
I froze, blinking a few times.
My cheeks flushed at his inappropriate comment. I immediately jumped up, crossing my arms over my chest."Y-you… t-that's never gonna happen! I'd rather go to work!" I stammered.
Vlad laughed at my reaction.
"You know, any woman would take the offer."
"I'm not any woman!" I snapped, crossing my arms tightly.
"Oh? Then what are you, a man?" He teased, snickering.
"Maybe you're hiding something from me.."
He pointed at my chest with a mischievous grin. "Those could be fake too. Let me check!"
My face turned bright red.
The second he stood up, I sprinted away.
"I—What the heck, Vlad?!"
He chased after me through the mansion, our laughter echoing through the wide halls.
After a while of running, my legs slowly began to give up, my lungs screaming for air.
I looked back at Vlad, stopping and catching my breath, "Wait.. just a minute.." I panted.
Vlad also stopped, leaning against a cabinet as he caught his breath, a wide grin on his face.
"You run pretty fast. Not faster than me, though."
I giggled, looking up at him. "You almost gave me a heart attack!" I said, lightly punching his chest.
"Good thing you survived." He chuckled. Then, with a teasing smile, he added, "Don't forget—we're going to the office tomorrow." He said.
Ugh.. I was just having a bit of fun and he had to ruin it by reminding me.
"I know, I know.." I muttered, crossing my arms.
"Good. Tomorrow at 7 a.m. sharp. Main building," he said.
My jaw dropped. "Wait—whaaat?! 7 a.m?! You've gotta be kidding me!" I protested.
"Oh, come on. You've slept enough for the next lifetime already. Spare a little time for work." he said, adding a mischievous smirk. "Unless.."
I groaned in frustration, immediately spotting that evil smirk on his face. "Fine… but after that, you're taking me out for sushi!" I bargained.
"That will be your reward—if you can last the whole day without falling asleep," he teased.