chapter seven

I was shocked by the notification that popped up on my phone. My boss confirmed the leave I applied for.

I was dumbfounded. When and how did I apply for leave without being aware? I called him, trying to make sense of everything going on right now.

He picked up on the second ring, and I quickly asked, "Tim, what do you mean by you will find someone to replace me pending the time that I'm able to resume work? Nothing is wrong with me, and I’m perfectly fine. I can even come to work right away."

"I’m sorry, I can’t allow that," he said, and I could sense fear in his apology. "The café is the only business that my entire family depends on for survival. I can’t bear to risk it for just a week of your absence, but I promise you that you would always have a place here whenever you're ready to return," he said, sounding very apologetic.

"Alright, Tim, but can you at least tell me what is going on?" There was a long pause before he finally answered. "I got a call from someone in Fidelis Group instructing me to grant you a week leave and ensure to always keep your slot open for your return.

I thought it was a prank at first, but before I could say anything, a sum of $250,000 was already paid into my account with the narration, 'for your inconvenience,' so I couldn’t bring myself to refuse the offer.

Even if I wanted to refuse to avoid getting involved with the Fidelis Group, I know I would be inviting troubles for myself."

"I’m sorry, Tim. I’m genuinely sorry that you got dragged into this. Please do take care of yourself." I hung up before finally facing Fen to rant, but before I could say a word, the car was already parked in front of my apartment.

"Excuse me, how did you know where I live?" He avoided the question and simply responded, "Kindly stay indoors, ma; it's for your safety." He got out of the car and opened the door for me, ushering me to leave.

I must have been a dummy to think someone that was able to obtain personal information of someone I’ve worked with for less than two months will not be able to get my residential address. I guess I have never really bothered to understand the extent of their power and influence in Shenza city.

I fished out my key from my door, and Fen stayed, watching me closely as if waiting for me to enter the house. I did, and he finally left. I looked at my one room that held everything I own, and it suddenly felt like a cubicle. Going to Fredrico’s place did shift something in me.

I dumped my tired body on the bed, and the scenes of all that happened today kept flashing before me. My mind went blank after doing this for a while, and I checked the time. It’s just 1 pm.

Today is going to be a long day, she said to herself before taking advantage of this break to tour her neighborhood rather than getting wasted in the house.

She got excited and dashed out, but the moment she opened the door, Fen and similar guys dressed the same way as him were blocking her passage.

"What’s going on here? Why are you still here, and who are these people?" I questioned.

"We have been instructed to stay here and guard you," he replied curtly.

"Do you need anything? You look like you want to head out."

"Yes, I am leaving the house, so you people can stay behind and guard the apartment."

"I'm afraid we cannot allow that. We will be able to protect you better in a confined environment, so kindly head back inside."

"No, I would not be doing that, and I don’t want any of you here, so kindly go guard the person that really needs it." They all kept quiet and turned their backs to her. She really wants to berate Fredrico right now, but she has no way of reaching him.

She frustratingly headed back inside while recoiling to a corner trying to think of a way out of her present predicament.

"I cannot afford to be placed on house arrest for an entire week. I have projects to turn in, and even this idleness and suffocating room will make me lose my mind before whatever danger that bastard might be protecting me from comes for me."