Page 34 of The Devil

I wonder what E stands for. Erik? Eugene? Who knows.

My eyes dance over the words, and the corner of my mouth lifts because it really feels like whoever I’m working for wants me to feel welcome in his home.

Surely, these people wouldn’t go through so much effort only to trick me?

I press the paper to my chest as I glance around the luxurious room, and walking to the windows, I peek outside. Seeing a lake, my lips part, and a smile spreads over my face.

Letting out a happy shriek, I run to the bed and throw myself onto the mattress that feels as comfortable as it looks.

Emotions pour into my heart, everything from happiness to relief to intense gratitude.

Turning onto my stomach, I bury my face in the crook of my arm as the tears come.

“Thank you, E,” I whisper.

I don’t know who you are or what made you do this for me, but thank you so much. You have no idea how close I was to downing a bottle of pills and calling it quits.

Once my emotions settle, I climb off the bed and go to the ensuite bathroom. The tub is so big, and the entire left wall is covered in a mirror.

My eyes land on my reflection, and I take in my blotchy face. Untying my ponytail, I pull my fingers through my hair, which falls in waves to my bra strap.

I look like roadkill compared to Cassia.

I tie my hair up again, and grabbing the letter from the bed, I leave the room. I glance at the shut door at the end of the hallway, and for the first time, I wonder if my employer is home.

Shoot, I should’ve asked Cassia.

I check the time on my phone, and seeing it’s almost three am, I dart down the stairs to get cleaning supplies from the kitchen.

As I polish every surface and mop the floors, I notice everything is already spotless, but I continue doing my job.

Just after six, I sink down on one of the couches and pick up the remote. Switching on the TV, I see it’s already set up, and I go into the app I use to watch my K-dramas.

Finding the show I’m busy with, I press play and scoot backward.

When the characters appear on the big screen, I grin like an idiot because it feels like I’m at the movies.

The only thing missing is popcorn and a soda.

I glance at the hallway, and pausing the episode, I get up and go to the kitchen. I feel like I’m sneaking around as I open the pantry door. I don’t see any popcorn, but there are various packets of chips. I take one and also help myself to a soda from the fridge.

I head back to the living room and press play again. Getting comfortable, I open the pack and pop a wavy chip into my mouth.

God, now this is the life. I could so get used to this.

Halfway through the episode, the hero saves the leading lady from people who are trying to kidnap her, and my thoughts turn to Mr. Oliveira.

Oh no!

I sit up straight and glance at the windows.

Realizing I’ll probably never see him again, my shoulders sag, and the excitement I’ve been feeling since I walked into the mansion dies away.

I set the packet of chips down on the coffee table, and as sadness creeps into my heart, I contemplate going to the gas station tomorrow night to see if he’ll come.

He didn’t show up the past two nights, and after killing those four men, he’ll probably avoid the gas station at all costs.

It really sinks in that I won’t see him again, and it feels like I’ve lost something very important.