Chapter 22 Almost Exposed

When Curtis finally returned, it was a week later. Coincidentally, Sabrina was home on her day off. She and Daniel were deep into their cleaning routine, making the mundane tasks seem almost enjoyable. "This morning, I received a letter addressed to you. Seems like your brother sent it but got the address wrong, so it ended up here," Daniel shared. "The letter says your grandfather's health is improving. I'll pass you the letter later, but perhaps you should give your brother a call." Sabrina's recent workload had left her with little time for her brother, leading to only brief text exchanges. She had already planned to call him today, so she was elated to receive this heartwarming news. Before getting married, her grandfather and brother were her whole world. After her grandfather fell ill, she became deeply worried and anxious. Now that she knew her grandfather was fine, Sabrina could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Pausing her household duties, she reached for her phone, only to be interrupted by Curtis's entrance. After a week's absence, he looked weary. Though he had changed into fresh clothes, the fatigue on his face was evident. Sabrina tucked her phone away and approached him with concern, gently asking, "Where have you been all week? Busy with work? You look drained. Rest up, and I'll call you when dinner's ready." Curtis had endured a grueling week at the office, dealing with a heavy workload. It had taken a toll on his energy and spirit. However, observing Sabrina and Daniel immersed in their household tasks, he felt a sense of relief and lightness in his mood. Curtis found it intriguing, yet strangely pleasant, how the presence of these two could sway his emotions. "Thank you," he managed, his usually stoic demeanor softening. To Sabrina's surprise, this simple acknowledgment made her feel cherished. Curtis went to rest. For the rest of the afternoon, whether she was on a call or attending to tasks, Sabrina deliberately kept her actions and voice muted. Their apartment had good soundproofing, so even if she spoke normally, it would not disturb Curtis. Growing up in a house lacking insulation with her brother and grandfather, any noise would seem loud. Back then, if one of them was resting, the other would act just as she did now, respecting rest as a heartfelt expression of familial care. Daniel noticed this gesture, and his affectionate smile grew. He had always held Sabrina in high regard. Today, he felt even more fortunate that she was part of their family. * When Curtis woke up, he found a warm glass of water on the table beside him. It was clear that Sabrina had placed it there. This small act held special meaning, as it was the first time anyone had done something like this for him. Having been away from home for a week, Curtis could still detect the faint scent of Sabrina on the bed, sheets, and pillows. He felt enveloped by her presence, and a warmth spread across his cheeks. Quickly, he got out of bed and downed the water in one gulp. As he stepped out of the room, he heard laughter coming from the kitchen. Sabrina and Daniel were engrossed in conversation. To his surprise, another familiar face was there, someone he hadn't expected to see. "You're finally awake?" Victor greeted him with a casual air, dressed informally and sipping juice. "I tried to visit earlier, but you were asleep. Your Grandpa suggested I stay for a meal." Curtis's expression soured instantly. "What are you doing here? It's a break, not work hours!" "Hey, hey, calm down, okay? I know it's break time. I'm not here to discuss work with you. I just came to ask if you want to go out with me for a while, but your Grandpa insisted I have lunch here." Curtis refrained from commenting on whether Daniel had genuinely invited Victor or if Victor had imposed himself shamelessly. The atmosphere between Curtis and Victor felt oddly tense, not like a typical employer-employee relationship. Their rapport seemed more akin to that of close friends. "You both don’t look like just employer and employee," Sabrina remarked casually, startling Curtis, who feared their true relationship might be exposed. He shot Victor a sharp glare, but Victor responded with a nonchalant shrug, as if he hadn't said anything at all. "Why hang around someone as dull and rigid as him at home? Isn't it boring?" Victor teased, comfortably positioning himself between Sabrina and Daniel, carrying on as if they were old friends. While Sabrina had no intention of passing judgment on Curtis's personality, Daniel couldn't hold back his thoughts. He hadn't wanted to mention it in front of Sabrina, but now that someone else had voiced the same opinion, he couldn't help but agree. "You're absolutely right. When he's at home, it feels like he's at the office. If he enjoys working that much, he might as well live at the office. Last week, he didn't come home at all." Victor burst into hearty laughter. "I thought maybe the two of you had a fight. Turns out he chose to stay at the office willingly. And during what's supposed to be your honeymoon phase?" "Why don't you leave if you have nothing better to do?" Curtis snapped in frustration. Victor was well aware of the real reason behind Curtis and Sabrina's marriage. Feigning innocence, Victor retorted, "Tsk tsk. Such poor hospitality. Can't I at least stay for dinner? Sabrina, can I?" All eyes suddenly turned to Sabrina.