Chapter 22: Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Letitia finally yanked the car door open and plopped herself down inside.

“Are you hurt?” asked Elgin.

She shook her head.

“Not bad. Elgin snorted with a hint of derision, “You know how to watch out for yourself.”

“It was a close one. As Letitia spoke, she instinctively reached to touch her lower abdomen.

But then, remembering Elgin was right beside her, her hand froze mid-air.

“Let’s put an end to this, he warned, “Don’t even think about starting trouble with Shela.”

“You think too highly of me. Do I look like I have the guts for that?”

Shela was the apple of his eye, the woman he had promised to marry. How could she ever compete? She was always on the losing end

“But, Letitia said, you always hate it when others mess with your stuff. And I, am one of your belongings.”

“Shela is different

“Because you love her, right?

Elgin didn’t answer. Love? Didn’t seem like it. It was more a matter of responsibility.

After all, Shela had saved him with her body, giving him feelings he never had before.

“I’ve already punished her, Elgin pressed his brow, “What more do you want?”

Letitia’s lips curled into a self-mocking smile, “What can I do? Do I even have the right to ask?”

She knew her place, how could she dare to wish for more?

Suddenly, her chin throbbed as Elgin’s fingers pinched her hard, “Stop being such a sucker in front of me. Even if Shela did something to you today, you’re gonna take it!”

He had already taken her side, sending Shela home to reflect. And she still wasn’t grateful? Throwing tantrums at him? Elgin felt even more irritable!

“Got it, Letitia responded softly.

Only then did he let go and closed his eyes to rest.

But Elgin couldn’t sleep a wink, his mind in turmoil, temples throbbing.

Back in the office, he pulled open the bottom drawer and fetched a scented candle the one that Letitia had given him that he’d chucked into the trash.

The faint scent of the scented candle gradually soothed Elgin, and he drifted off.

Who knows how long later, when Elgin opened his eyes, he saw Samson standing across the desk, tossing the scented candle up and down.

“This thing’s pretty cool, where’d you get it? Samson asked, “Don’t you have insomnia? First time I’ve seen you sleep soundly like this, nearly broke my heart to wake you.”

Elgin coughed lowly, “Hand it over.”

“Let me admire it a bit, share the good stuff!”

wont say it again.”

“Alright, alright, here, Samson tossed it back, “Such a treasure over a scented candle, what gives, some sweetheart give it to you?

Eiginis face darkened

Chapter 22

“No way, Samson clapped his hands, “you’re a married man now, can’t be accepting gifts from other women! So, it’s

Letitia’s

Elgin’s face took on an even deeper shade of annoyance.

He shoved the scented candle back into the drawer, “If you have business, speak. Otherwise, get out!”

“Looks like I guessed right!” Samson burst out laughing, “Didn’t see it coming, Letitia’s got quite the crafty hand… Do you mind if she gives me one too?”

“What do you need it for?

“Whatever you use it for It smells damn soothing, calming the nerves”

Elgin’s lips suddenly twitched, “Do you want it that bad?”

“Yeah.”

“Fine,” he nodded, “Let’s have Letitia prepare one for each member of the company.”

Samson was shocked “Are you serious?”

“Good things should be shared with everyone.”

Samson shrugged, “Let’s talk business then. What are you gonna call the Jewelry Department?”

“I’m still thinking.”

“Take your time, just funnel some budget my way.”

Elgin agreed, “Sure. But I’ve got a reminder for you.”

“Shoot Samson was all ears, expecting something critical, but…

“Don’t help Letitia too much, Elgin warned, “She’s merely an employee I’m lending to you, get it?”

Letitia, now under Samson’s wing, had it much easier. Samson, having worked abroad, preferred a laid-back, results-oriented management style, not fussy about attendance.

As long as the work was done, it didn’t matter if you were in the office or not.

“I’m just looking out for her, seeing as she’s your wife…” Samson replied, “But honestly, she’s got real skills.”

Back at the Jewelry Department, Samson sidled up to Letitia’s desk

“Mr. Stewart.”

“Make me one of those things you made for Gin.”

Letitia didn’t catch on, “What thing?”

“The pouch, Samson gestured, “His is a little ugly, just whip up a prettier one for me.”

Only then did she get it. But… hadn’t Elgin thrown it away? He picked it up again?!

“O-Okay,” Letitia nodded, “Mr. Stewart, I’ll make it after work.”

Samson nodded, “Right, Gin said it’s good stuff, make one for everyone at the company.

Letitia, “What?”

“Well, everyone’s stressed, having a hard time sleeping.” Samson said. “The company will cover it, I’ll get some people to help you out.”

And so

That afternoon, Letitia and a dozen colleagues sat amidst a pile of herbs, sorting, tying, and crafting pouches.

ishing the last one at 8 PM, Letitia stretched her sore neck and clocked out.

On her way back to Ivory Towers, she picked up a water bottle off the ground.

Payday was still days away, and she figured Samson wouldn’t stiff her, but that was a month away. For now, she needed

Chapter 22

to make some cash.

Letitia remembered the nurse mentioning the baby was unstable and needed further checks and treatment. She needed to stock up on prenatal nutrients too.

Money was needed everywhere.

The long journey became less monotonous thanks to Letitia’s focus on gathering discarded items along the way, so focused that she didn’t even notice the vehicle tailing her from behind. With the car window half-down, Elgin watched the petite figure with a heavy gaze

She was… picking up trash! And she was doing it with such practiced ease, it was clear she had done this many times before!

“Mr. Ramirez, Ranen whispered, “Should I go call Mrs. Ramirez?”

“No need!”

She really was full of surprises. Working by day, scavenging by night!

If it wasn’t for his meeting dragging on till now, he wouldn’t have even noticed!

As Letitia neared Ivory Towers, she checked out tonight’s haul – pretty slim pickings.

She was wondering whether to hit the streets again to scrounge up some more when suddenly a hand reached out and snatched them away, “Letitia!

She jumped, then saw it was Elgin and got another shock.

“Are you really that lowly and pathetic? Elgin bellowed.

“I’m earning my keep with honest work! Letitia shot back. “Give them back!”

She tried to grab them back, but Elgin just chucked them away.

A symphony of clattering sounds followed as the water bottles and other items scattered all over the ground, just like Letitia’s dignity

“Elgin, what the hell are you doing! Do you have any idea how long it took me to collect these? What gives you the right to throw them away!”