Chapter 2 The Errand

Phoebe's POV

I was still thinking about what just happened with Dawn as I walked out of the hotel. I kept repeating her words in my head. Did she really mean all of that? Maybe she was just panicking.

I shook it off and focused on the errand I had to run. Buying contraceptives. It was awkward, but I had promised I'd do it. I didn't expect things to go this way when I woke up today.

As I walked downhill toward the convenience store, I talked to myself quietly.

"She's so rich, she could buy a whole factory full of them. That Wei Qing guy too-he threw his chopsticks at the dinner table. What's wrong with him? He doesn't act like someone with any decency."

I finally arrived at the store. It was small and clean, tucked near a quiet corner. A man behind the counter looked up as I came in.

"Miss, how can I help you?" he asked politely.

I looked around, unsure of how to say it. "I'm looking for... something. Usually, they're near the counter. Small boxes, kind of like add-ons..."

He raised an eyebrow. "Chewing gum?"

I blushed. "Close. They're made of rubber too. But... they're for men. You know... stretchy?" I tried to gesture without being too obvious.

His eyes lit up. "Oh! You mean that thing?"

I nodded quickly. "Yes! That thing."

The man looked a bit uncomfortable. "Someone called earlier and bought all of them. We're completely out."

"What?" I asked, shocked. "Who would buy all of them?"

"I heard that all the shops within ten miles are sold out," he added with a shrug.

I sighed loudly. "Seriously? Even I want to celebrate Valentine's Day too, you know."

As I was about to leave, the man suddenly said, "Wait! I think I saved a few, just in case."

My eyes lit up. "Really?"

He nodded. "Yes."

"I want them! Please!"

"I'll get them for you," he said and went to the back.

Just then, my phone rang. I glanced at the screen. "Chairman," it said. I picked up.

"Hello?"

"Where are you?" Richard's voice came through, cold and distant.

"I'm at a convenience store, near the hill," I replied.

"That's far. About 30 minutes by bike," he said casually. "There's no need for you to come back."

My heart dropped. "What do you mean?"

"You're still causing trouble even from far away," he said.

"What? I didn't do anything! It's your girlfriend who-"

"She's not my girlfriend anymore," he interrupted.

I paused. "Then... what are you two planning?"

"You don't need to know," he said sharply. "I'll ask someone to pack your things and send them to your college. Your salary will be paid within two working days. One month's worth, including penalty for breaking the contract."

My hands were shaking. "Wait... can you say that again? The signal's bad here. I think I heard wrong."

"You heard me. You're fired."

And then, he hung up.

I stared at my phone in disbelief. Fired? Just like that?

The shopkeeper returned and handed me a neat paper bag. "Miss, here you go."

I took it silently and walked back to the hotel, each step heavier than the last.

When I stormed into the hotel, I didn't care who saw me. "Where is Richard?" I shouted.

The hotel supervisor came out. "Why are you back? Didn't the boss already explain everything?"

I ignored him. "Where's Richard? Where's that woman? Is he still in his room?"

"Miss, you look like you're ready to kill someone. Calm down," the supervisor warned.

"Don't ask me to calm down! Look at this bag!" I held it up. "I bought all these for them! And now he wants to just throw me away? No way! I'll throw this at his face myself. Let him know I didn't spend a whole month working here just to be used!"

Two bodyguards came forward to block me, but I shoved them aside. "Don't try me today! I will fight!"

"Miss, please," the supervisor said. "You're strong. That's why we hired you. But you can't win against the boss. Go back."

"Let him fire me! I'll leave on my own terms!" I shouted, pushing past them. "Richard! Richard! You can't hide!"

Meanwhile, upstairs in the suite...

"I have to go," Richard told Dawn while buttoning his shirt.

"But the office can wait. You promised to spend Valentine's with me," she pouted.

"The suite is yours. Stay as long as you like. Invite your friends. I'll arrange a car for you."

She stared at him. "When will I see you again?"

"There's no next time," Richard said.

Her eyes widened. "What? You brought me here, spoiled me... and now you're just dumping me?"

"I'm not dumping you. I'm ending something that never started. We weren't dating," he said plainly.

Dawn was frozen. "Why? We were doing so well. You sent me gifts. We were close. What changed?"

"I realized you're not the one who saved me by the river," he said.

She flinched. "I... I can explain. I didn't mean to lie. Maybe I didn't make it clear that day, but does that really matter now?"

Richard didn't answer. He was already halfway to the back door.

Dawn noticed and ran after him. "Wait! I might not be the person from back then, but I could be that girl now! Please, don't leave!"

He turned once. "I made a mistake. I thought you were someone else. I'm upset too. Let's end this before we say things we regret."

"You're cruel! Karma will come for you!" she shouted.

"Karma?" Richard laughed. "I've dumped worse. You'll have to get in line."

I stormed through the lobby again, still boiling with anger.

But I didn't see Richard anywhere.

That's when I saw him leaving through the back. He looked tense. Dawn was running after him.

I quickly hid behind his car. My heart pounded. What was I doing? Why was I hiding?

As Richard reached for the door, I panicked and jumped into the back seat, hoping he wouldn't notice.

He got in and drove off.

I crouched low. Maybe he wouldn't see me. Maybe I could just grab my stuff and leave. But then...

My phone rang.

Shoot.

He slammed the brake. I flew forward and hit the back of the front seat.

"Hey!" I yelled. "Do you want to kill someone?"

His head snapped around. "You?! Why are you in my car?"

"Do you think I wanted this?" I said, rubbing my head.

"What are you trying to do? Are you stalking me?"

"I just want my stuff back!"

"What did you leave? Your brain?"

"Seriously. You have my things. Let me check-"

"Get out!"

"I'm not touching you! Don't be dramatic!"

"Get. Out."

"Please. I don't feel safe here alone. Just take me with you. You can give me my things later."

He looked annoyed but didn't stop me.

"Fine. You said it yourself. Sit tight."

The car sped off.

"Where are we going?" I asked nervously.

"The police station."

My stomach dropped. "What? Why?!"

"You're a stalker. That's illegal."

"Stop the car!" I begged.

"It's too late. I gave you a chance."

I felt like crying. "Is this because I walked into your room before? Is it because I saw the rashes on your body?"

"Shut up!"

"Stop! Let me out! Watch out-!"

Crash.

The car skidded just in time before hitting a tree. As soon as it stopped, I opened the door and ran.

"Stop running!" I heard him shout behind me.