The Cold Hearted CEO

Chapter 1

Sabrina was tidying up the scattered papers of her boss.

"Sabrina, give me some coffee," her boss ordered.

Sabrina complied, preparing the coffee as instructed.

"Sis, did you hear about Sabrina's scandal? She's such a disgrace! Her flirty behavior is all over Facebook. If I were her boss-"

Passing by a nearby workstation, Sabrina overheard the gossip. Embarrassed and anxious, she placed the coffee on her boss's desk and quickly opened her phone to check the rumors.

Her heart sank as she read the notifications:

"@sabrinamendez, isn't this you?"

Her Facebook account was flooded with hateful comments, over 100 messages, and endless notifications. Feeling disheartened, she carried on with her tasks, clutching the coffee tightly.

"I didn't expect my life to turn out like this," Sabrina thought.

When she handed the coffee to her boss, he yelled, "What kind of coffee is this?!" and threw it at her.

"I'm sorry, sir. May I take a leave today? I'm not feeling well," Sabrina asked timidly, her head bowed.

"No! Make me another coffee and make sure it tastes right!" he barked.

"Yes, sir," she replied softly, tears welling in her eyes as she walked away.

Distracted, Sabrina bumped into someone.

"Sorry," she mumbled, her face hidden by her hair.

"Do you think I'll let this slide?" snapped Tefanie.

"I'm sorry, I didn't-" Sabrina couldn't finish as Tefanie grabbed her hair.

"Ahhh!" Sabrina screamed as Tefanie dragged her to the restroom.

"Next time, don't be so stupid!" Tefanie yelled, shoving Sabrina into a toilet stall. She pulled Sabrina's hair and shoved her face into the toilet bowl repeatedly.

Struggling to breathe, Sabrina gasped for air.

"That's what you deserve," Tefanie sneered before leaving.

Sabrina stumbled out of the restroom, her face hidden by her hair. The whispers around her felt like knives piercing her heart. Tears streaming, she climbed to the top floor of the building.

"This is the only way to end this pain," she thought.

She stepped onto the ledge, letting the wind touch her skin as she prepared to jump. Just as she was about to fall, a hand pulled her back.

The shock overwhelmed Sabrina, and she fainted.

Sabrina woke up in an unfamiliar room. She glanced to her side and saw a man sitting next to her. Gently, she moved his hand to uncover his face.

"Ranz!" she gasped.

Ranz Polire, her childhood friend and a social media sensation, looked back at her.

"You're awake. Don't worry about the video; we've taken care of it," he said gently.

Stunned, Sabrina could only listen as Ranz continued, "I'm helping you this time because you're my friend. I don't want you to go through this alone."

She felt a mix of gratitude and guilt.

"Thank you," Sabrina whispered, her voice barely audible.

was startled awake by a loud noise in the kitchen. She ran downstairs and found her father collapsed on the floor.

"Tatay!" she cried, shaking him.

"Anak..." he murmured weakly, trying to touch her tear-streaked face.

"Don't leave me, Tatay!" Sabrina pleaded, hugging him tightly.

With difficulty, her father said, "Anak, take me to the province. I can't... stay here anymore."

Though reluctant, Sabrina decided to grant his wish. She worked late into the night, finishing all her paperwork to clear her schedule.

The next morning, Sabrina prepared breakfast and called out, "Tay, let's eat!"

Her father slowly made his way to the table.

"What's the occasion, anak?" he asked.

"We're going to the province later, Tay. I'll take care of everything," Sabrina replied with a forced smile.

After breakfast, she headed to work to formally request a leave.

In her boss's office, Sabrina said, "Sir, I'd like to take a three-day leave to bring my father to the province. I've completed all the paperwork you assigned to me."

Her boss eyed her coldly but handed her a stack of documents and a flash drive.

"Fine, but finish these first," he said curtly.

Sabrina had no choice but to comply. After finishing her tasks, she took a cab home, exhausted.

As soon as she stepped inside, her father enveloped her in a warm hug.

"It's okay, anak. I know you'll get through this," he said, his voice filled with love and reassurance.

Tears flowed freely as Sabrina hugged her father tightly.

"Thank you, Tatay," she whispered, her heart heavy but comforted by his embrace.

Here's a revised and grammatically corrected version of the English translation:

Her boss gave her a cold, piercing stare.

"I'm leaving too. I'm going there with you and your father," he said, standing up from his seat.

She couldn't believe her boss would accompany her.

He pulled her toward him but quickly let go.

"Where?" he asked coldly.

"We... we can manage, sir. You don't need to-" Before she could finish, her boss punched the wall beside her face.

Terrified, Sabrina looked at Atashi's bleeding knuckles.

"I said, where!" he demanded angrily.

"Nue-Nueva Ecija, sir," Sabrina stammered, glancing at her boss's face, which remained expressionless.

Sabrina quickly went downstairs, her boss following silently. Atashi scanned the surroundings, observing every detail of Sabrina's home.

"Pl-please come in," Sabrina hesitantly invited him inside as she opened the door.

"'Nak... is that you?" her father asked from the living room.

"Yes, Itay. This is my boss," she introduced nervously, casting a glance at Atashi, whose cold eyes met hers.

Atashi entered the house, following Sabrina toward the living room. He silently surveyed every corner of the home.

"Sorry, sir. It's messy inside," Sabrina apologized, still trying to show respect despite her growing fear.

Atashi didn't respond and instead sat across from Sabrina's father, who stared at him as if trying to recognize him.

Sabrina's father knew about the viral video. Someone must have come to their home to inform them about the social media scandal. While watching it, he couldn't help but cry, unable to defend or reprimand his daughter. He knew she wouldn't have willingly done it. If only his frail body allowed, he would have confronted the man who harmed his child. Still, he was thankful he hadn't seen the face of the devil who hurt her.

"Itay, we're going back to Nueva Ecija," Sabrina suddenly said, holding three bags.

"Why, anak?" her father asked.

"I just want to see you happy back home, Itay. You know I'd do anything to make you smile," Sabrina said sincerely, while Atashi observed them silently.

"Let's go, Itay," Sabrina said, helping her father stand.

"Thank you, 'Nak," her father replied with a grateful smile.

"Sus, Itay, you're so dramatic. Let's go," Sabrina joked, trying to hide her nervousness. Deep inside, she feared for her father's safety around her unpredictable boss.

They left the house, locking the doors behind them. Atashi led the way. Sabrina couldn't fathom why he insisted on coming with them to her father's hometown.

They rode silently as Atashi drove. Sabrina kept a watchful eye on her boss's every move while occasionally checking if they were on the right path to Nueva Ecija.

"Itay, take a nap," Sabrina whispered to her father, who obeyed and closed his eyes. Slightly relieved, Sabrina also decided to rest briefly.

"Itay!" Sabrina screamed, startled, causing Atashi to hit the brakes abruptly.

Sabrina's eyes were wide open, staring blankly ahead.

"Anak," her father called out worriedly. Atashi resumed driving, unfazed.

Sabrina turned to her father and hugged him tightly.

"Anak, are you okay?" her father asked, his voice filled with concern.

"Yes, Itay," she reassured him with a smile, tears streaming down her face.

Atashi noticed her tears but dismissed them, focusing on the road ahead.

They stopped at a restaurant in Bulacan for lunch. Atashi exited the car without a word, prompting Sabrina and her father to follow.

Inside, Sabrina scanned the area but didn't see her boss. She decided to sit at a dining table with her father and ordered food.

"Miss," Sabrina called a waitress.

"Yes, ma'am?"

"One adobo and sinigang with rice, please," Sabrina said.

The waitress returned with their orders, and Sabrina thanked her.

"Let's eat, Itay," she said softly.

They ate quietly until Atashi suddenly appeared.

"Let's go," he said coldly.

Sabrina, not wanting to cause trouble, quickly stood up.

"Itay, let's just eat later," she said. Her father complied, and Sabrina left payment tucked under the tissue holder.

Back in the car, Atashi drove steadily. Sabrina noticed they were nearing their destination. She saw her father's excitement and couldn't help but smile, happy to see him so full of life again.

"I missed this place," her father said, tearing up as he looked at the familiar sights.

The lush greenery and tall trees were a stark contrast to Manila's polluted air and towering buildings. Sabrina was equally amazed.

"Nagpintas ditoy (It's so beautiful here)," they both said in awe, forgetting momentarily that they weren't alone.

"Welcome to Nueva Ecija!" her father exclaimed joyfully. Sabrina smiled at his enthusiasm.

Atashi continued driving in silence, his focus solely on the road.

"Sir, we're heading to Malasin," Sabrina told her boss, but he didn't respond, simply driving ahead.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 2

When they arrived at their destination, Sabrina's aunt immediately greeted them.

Sabrina and her father got out of the car to meet her.

"Aunt!" Sabrina exclaimed as she ran toward her. However, her aunt motioned for her to stop, causing Sabrina to freeze mid-step.

"Why, Aunt?" Sabrina asked, her brow furrowed. Her employer, who was silently observing, stood nearby, while her father was just approaching her.

Slap!

A sudden slap landed on Sabrina's face.

"You have no shame, Sabrina! You're bringing disgrace to our family!" her aunt yelled angrily.

Sabrina hung her head low, fighting back her tears.

"Anastasia!" her father scolded his sister.

"Brother, all you do is tolerate your daughter's actions!" her aunt retorted angrily.

"You, young lady, leave your father here. We don't need someone like you in this family! I want you gone-leave this place now! From this moment on, you are disowned. You bring nothing but shame!"

"Aunt-"

Slap!

"What, you want more?!" her aunt snapped furiously.

"Dad..." Sabrina cried, hugging her father tightly.

"My child, go on and leave for now. I'll deal with your aunt. Please, understand her," her father said, his voice soft but firm. Sabrina could only nod, tears streaming down her face.

"Dad, I promise I'll come back," Sabrina said, wiping her father's tears as well as her own.

"What a drama!" her aunt sneered, dragging Sabrina's father away from her.

"Goodbye, Dad!" Sabrina cried, turning her back on them.

Though she wanted to explain the truth to her aunt, Sabrina knew it was useless. Her aunt's heart was consumed by anger and hatred toward her.

Sabrina realized her aunt must have already heard about the scandal she had been involved in.

She walked on, ignoring Atashi as she passed by. She didn't have the strength to confront him here, in her father's presence. However, deep inside, Sabrina wanted to slap him for what he had done to her.

Suddenly, Atashi grabbed her, startling her.

"Where are you going?" he asked coldly.

She ignored him and tried to break free, but his grip tightened.

"Let me go!" Sabrina cried, tears flowing uncontrollably.

"You're hurting me!" she complained.

"Shut up!" Atashi snapped, pulling her and shoving her into the car.

Sabrina broke down, sobbing. She couldn't understand why these things were happening to her.

She closed her eyes tightly, trying to push away the memories, but all she felt was overwhelming hatred toward herself for being powerless in these situations.

Exhausted from crying, Sabrina eventually fell asleep.

Atashi roughly threw Sabrina onto the bed. Sabrina struggled to free herself and tried to avoid him, but Atashi pinned her hands above her head with just one hand.

"Ahhh!!! Have mercy, Atashi!" Sabrina pleaded, her voice trembling as tears filled her eyes. She was reminded of the vile acts Atashi had done to her before, acts that had brought her to the hellish life she was living now.

"Ahhhh!! Stop, please!!" Sabrina cried desperately.

But Atashi acted as if he heard nothing. He continued to explore Sabrina's body, indifferent to her protests.

Sabrina flinched at his touch. Despite her resistance, a strange sensation took over her body, an overwhelming and unwanted reaction she couldn't control. Atashi's movements slowed, and before she realized it, her body unwillingly followed his rhythm.

Atashi released her hands and let his own wander over her chest. He returned his lips to hers, hungrily claiming her mouth.

Sabrina, in her despair, found herself responding to his kiss and clinging to his neck.

"Ahhh, please... Atashi... stop," Sabrina whispered, tears streaming down her face.

"Shhh... moan my name," Atashi murmured. Sabrina, in a moment of shock and confusion, dug her nails into his neck as she realized her clothes were gone. He then forcefully took her, ignoring her cries of pain.

"Arrrggg! Atashi, please!!" she screamed, her body trembling in pain.

It was the second time Atashi had violated her. There was nothing Sabrina could do but surrender to the man who had destroyed her life.

Atashi continued his relentless actions while Sabrina could do nothing but sob and cling to him tightly.

Moments later...

Sabrina felt the warm sensation of his release within her for the second time. Both were left breathless as Atashi embraced her.

Confused by his intentions, Sabrina pushed him away, but Atashi held her even tighter.

"You're fired," Atashi said coldly.

A mix of emotions washed over Sabrina-relief that her torment might finally end, but also fear and sadness at her uncertain future.

Tears fell from her eyes.

"From now on, you stay here," Atashi whispered, sending chills down Sabrina's spine.

"No! I'm leaving!" Sabrina cried, attempting to stand, but Atashi pinned her down once more.

"I said you stay here. That's final!" he barked angrily.

Sabrina buried her face in Atashi's chest, pounding against him with weak fists.

"Why are you doing this to me?!" she sobbed.

Atashi gently stroked her head until she eventually cried herself to sleep.

Don't leave. I'll check the CCTV cameras," Atashi instructed.

Sabrina sat on the bed, covering her exposed body with a blanket, unable to say anything as she stared at him.

From what she could tell, it was nearing dusk. Perhaps he had work to attend to at his office.

Atashi left the room, leaving Sabrina lost in her thoughts.

"I couldn't do anything!" she muttered angrily, pounding the pillows beside her.

Slowly, Sabrina stood and wrapped the blanket around herself. She headed to the bathroom to clean up.

As the water flowed over her, tears silently fell, mingling with the stream.

"Why is this happening to me?" Sabrina whispered, tugging at her hair in frustration. She couldn't think of any way to escape from Atashi's grasp.

Her tears flowed harder as memories of her father surfaced.

"Forgive me, Father," Sabrina murmured into the emptiness. She longed to embrace him and apologize for the shame she had brought to their family.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Sabrina hastily wrapped the blanket tighter around her and went downstairs to see who it was.

Opening the gate, she spotted the silhouette of a woman, though she couldn't clearly make out her face in the dim light. The outdoor lights automatically switched on, illuminating the area.

Sabrina approached the gate cautiously.

"Who are you?" Sabrina asked.

The woman scanned Sabrina from head to toe, her eyes narrowing disdainfully.

"Was I not informed that he hired a maid? By the way, you seem clueless about who I am. I'm Sassy Zilon, soon to be his wife," the woman declared haughtily.

Sabrina felt a sharp pain in her chest, her heart tightening.

"Please, come in," Sabrina said politely, opening the gate for her.

"Excuse me, just call me 'Madam.' Do you even have manners? I'm a guest, not someone applying for a position like you," Sassy retorted, rolling her eyes.

"My apologies, Madam," Sabrina replied, bowing her head and allowing her inside. It was then she noticed the woman had brought luggage with her.

"Please, carry those for me," Sassy ordered, pointing to her bags.

Sabrina complied silently, carrying the luggage inside. Once done, she returned to Atashi's room to find something appropriate to wear.

"Madam, here's your juice-" Sabrina suddenly slipped on some clothes scattered on the floor. The slippery fabric caused her to fall, spilling the juice all over Sassy's outfit.

Sabrina quickly got up and instinctively grabbed Sassy's soaked dress.

"Sorr-" she tried to apologize but was cut off.

Pak!

A loud slap landed on Sabrina's cheek, courtesy of Sassy.

Sabrina held her stinging cheek, looking at Sassy, whose eyes blazed with anger and whose face was flushed red.

"Are you careless?! You almost ruined my gadget! Next time, be careful! Stop being so stupid!" Sassy shouted, dramatically fussing over her wet clothes.

Sabrina lowered her head, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Move!" Sassy yelled, shoving her hard. Sabrina stumbled and fell onto the marble floor.

Unable to hold back her tears, Sabrina quietly sobbed. She wiped her face, stood up, and left the room. Without looking back, she walked out of the house, not noticing Sassy sitting in the living room.

Her vision blurred from tears, Sabrina kept walking until the automatic gate opened as Atashi's car pulled in. Atashi's gate wasn't remote-controlled, so it opened automatically.

Sabrina didn't stop or acknowledge the arriving car. Atashi immediately got out and grabbed her by the arm.

"Where are you going?!" Atashi shouted angrily.

Sabrina didn't respond and tried to free herself from his grip. Atashi noticed her reddened cheek and pulled her back into the house.

Sabrina, too exhausted to resist, allowed herself to be dragged, tears still streaming down her face.

When Atashi opened the door, Sassy, now fully dressed, was standing there.

"Get inside, Sabrina!" Atashi ordered firmly. Sabrina ran upstairs to his room without hesitation.

"Hi, babe," Sassy greeted Atashi with a smile, attempting to hug him, but Atashi gestured for her to stop.

Sassy frowned in confusion. "What's wrong?" she asked.

"Did you slap her?" Atashi asked bluntly, ignoring her question.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 3

"Of course not," Sassy denied, clinging tightly to Atashi.

"Leave," Atashi said calmly, pointing towards the door.

"Huh? You're kicking me out?" Sassy exclaimed, startled, as she stepped away from Atashi.

"Yes!" Atashi shouted at her.

Sassy, on the verge of tears, knelt before Atashi.

"Who's that? Your maid?" she screamed.

Slap!

Atashi struck Sassy across the face.

Sassy sobbed uncontrollably.

"You can't throw me out, Atashi!" she yelled angrily.

"And why not?" Atashi asked coldly.

"Because I'm pregnant! You're the father!" Sassy declared loudly.

At that exact moment, Sabrina was coming downstairs to fetch water. She overheard everything Sassy said, and tears began streaming down her face.

She turned and ran back to Atashi's room, sobbing uncontrollably.

"That's not true, Sassy!" Sabrina exclaimed in disbelief.

"It is true, Atashi!" Sassy insisted, pulling a pregnancy test out of her pocket.

"This is my pregnancy test. The result is positive, and you're the father," she said with a hint of triumph.

"You're going to be a dad!" she added with joy.

"No, I don't believe you," Atashi replied, shaking his head and glaring at Sassy.

Sassy gulped under his menacing stare.

"It's the truth, Atashi," she said softly.

"If I find out that child isn't mine..." Atashi warned, his tone icy, "you're dead."

"I'm not lying, Atashi," Sassy said before suddenly kissing him. Shockingly, Atashi kissed her back.

Sabrina awoke to find herself in bed, something heavy draped over her. She reached out to touch it and realized it was Atashi's leg resting on her waist.

Disgust and hatred surged through her. Carefully, she began to remove his leg. It was a struggle, but she persisted.

"Mmm," Atashi murmured, pulling her closer. Sabrina's face was now just inches from his.

She could feel his warm breath against her skin and found herself staring at his peaceful, angelic face. His long lashes, sharp nose, rosy lips, and defined brows made him undeniably handsome.

But as serene as he looked asleep, she knew his waking personality was the complete opposite.

Shaking her head, Sabrina tried to inch away, but Atashi tightened his grip.

"Don't move," he whispered, his voice sending a strange warmth through her chest.

'What's happening to me?' Sabrina thought, her mind in turmoil.

'No, Atashi. I'm already broken. Don't break me further,' she screamed internally.

'I can't fall for someone as heartless as you,' she feared.

While Sabrina stared at Atashi, another pair of fiery eyes watched them through a crack in the door.

"He's mine, b*tch," Sassy whispered venomously before walking away.

The sun's rays hit Sabrina's face, waking her. She stretched and rubbed her eyes.

On the bedside table, she noticed a piece of paper tucked into a vase. She opened it.

"I'm watching you."

Puzzled, she looked around the room, checking for hidden cameras, but found none. She sighed and headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

Meanwhile, Atashi was in the kitchen, talking to Sassy.

"Take care of her, Sassy," he instructed firmly.

"Yes, babe," Sassy replied with a forced smile, clinging to his arm.

"Make sure she eats breakfast," Atashi added, his tone cold as he glared at her.

Sassy pouted.

"Tch. I'm not her maid, Atashi!" she protested.

"Do as I say, or I'll kill you right now," Atashi warned icily.

Sassy swallowed hard.

"Okay, fine," she agreed reluctantly.

Atashi walked out, leaving Sassy visibly irritated.

Hearing footsteps descending the stairs, Sassy turned to see Sabrina. She raised an eyebrow at her.

"Hey," Sassy called out.

"Yes, ma'am?" Sabrina asked politely.

"You're Sabrina, right?" Sassy asked, one eyebrow raised.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Cook something. I'm starving. And don't even think about poisoning me," Sassy sneered, turning away.

Sabrina sighed, heading to the kitchen. She prepared adobo and served it to Sassy.

"Ma'am, breakfast is ready," Sabrina informed her.

Sassy walked in, eyeing the food with disdain.

"What's that?" she asked, feigning disgust.

"Adobo, ma'am."

"My gosh," Sassy groaned but sat down.

"I'm feeling generous today. Sit and eat," she said with a smirk.

Sabrina quietly obeyed.

"You first," Sassy ordered.

Sabrina took a bite, followed by Sassy.

"Hmm, it's nice," Sassy admitted.

Sabrina smiled faintly at the compliment.

"But don't celebrate. You might be good at cooking, but I'm better at pleasing Atashi than you'll ever be," Sassy taunted.

Sabrina chose to remain silent. She wasn't the type to lower herself to such petty exchanges.

"Hey! Are you mute now?" Sassy snapped.

"Sorry, ma'am. I don't argue with people like you," Sabrina replied calmly, standing up.

Infuriated, Sassy grabbed Sabrina's hair.

"Ahhh!" Sabrina cried out in pain.

"You're disrespectful!" Sassy hissed, dragging Sabrina to the stock room.

"You'll stay here until I say so! And if you tell Atashi, you'll regret it!" Sassy shouted, slamming the door shut.

Atashi managed to get Sabrina's number from her time in the secretary's office.

He smiled as he contacted Sabrina.

"Sir?" Her voice sounded groggy, as if she'd just woken up, and there was a hint of exhaustion.

Atashi smiled secretly upon hearing Sabrina's angelic voice.

"Sir, do you need anything?" Sabrina asked.

'Damn, I hate this!' Atashi thought.

"Are you sick?" Atashi asked coldly.

"I think I might have a fever, sir. I feel really hot," Sabrina replied.

"What have you been doing?" Atashi asked angrily.

"Nothing," Sabrina lied.

Atashi ended the call abruptly and immediately headed to a drugstore. As he entered, he noticed the stares of several women directed at him. Ignoring the long line, he walked straight to the counter.

"For fever," Atashi said coldly.

"Boss, there's a line. Could you please wait-" a man at the front of the queue said.

"Shut up!" Atashi shouted at him.

"Sir, could you please queue properly-" the cashier began to say.

"Where's the owner of this store? Either I close this place down, or you serve me now!" Atashi demanded angrily.

The other workers scrambled to prepare what he needed.

"Here, sir," one of them said as they handed over the fever medicine.

Atashi slammed a thousand-peso bill on the counter.

"Keep the change, jerk!" he said, walking out without looking back.

Sabrina woke up to the sound of her phone ringing-it was Atashi.

Unable to fall back asleep, she opened her messages again.

"I'm here in front of Cyborg House."

That was the message that greeted her, sent by Ashen.

Sabrina peeked out the window and saw Ashen standing outside. She quickly went downstairs to meet him.

"What are you doing here!?" Ashen asked immediately.

"Damn, I missed you so much, Sab," Ashen said, pulling her into a hug.

At that exact moment, Atashi arrived and saw them. Anger surged through him, and instead of confronting them, he chose to leave. Sabrina noticed Atashi from the corner of her eye but focused back on Ashen.

"Sir Ashen, how did you know I was here?" Sabrina asked, confused.

"I used my phone. Your location was active on Messenger," Ashen said, glancing at the house. "So, you live here? With Atashi?"

Sabrina was shocked that Ashen knew Atashi.

"You know Atashi?" she asked, her brow furrowed.

"He's my best friend," Ashen replied briefly, leaving Sabrina stunned. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

She stared at Ashen in disbelief. How could someone as kind as Ashen be best friends with Atashi? In her experience, both Ranz and Atashi were cold and distant toward her. She had always thought only Ranz and Atashi understood each other. How could Ashen fit into that picture?

"Surprised, huh? Haha. Can I come in?" Ashen asked.

Sabrina hesitated, unsure of what to say. But then she thought about how Sassy and Atashi weren't home and probably wouldn't be back for a while. Besides, Ashen was Atashi's best friend, so she decided it was okay.

Sabrina stepped aside to let Ashen pass and closed the small gate. Ashen walked ahead, his eyes scanning the surroundings with interest.

"Nothing has changed here," Ashen's voice reached Sabrina's ears.

She ignored his comment and continued following him inside.

"Please have a seat," Sabrina said as they entered the living room, gesturing for Ashen to sit. She went to prepare something for him to drink.

"Here's some juice, sir," Sabrina handed Ashen a glass of juice.

"Thank you," Ashen smiled warmly at her, making Sabrina blush with embarrassment.

"Is there something wrong?" Ashen asked as he moved closer and gently guided her to sit on the sofa.

"No, sir," Sabrina replied shyly.

Ashen frowned, reaching out to lift her chin, attempting to meet her eyes. Sabrina avoided his gaze, but Ashen persisted.

"Hey, what's wrong?" he asked again, his eyes searching hers for answers.

"I... I just feel ashamed, sir. I gave up a good and decent job because of you. If I hadn't looked for another job, I wouldn't be here... struggling like this," Sabrina admitted, her voice trembling with the weight of her emotions.

"Shhh... I know it wasn't your choice, Sab. I know you can overcome this," Ashen reassured her, his words offering comfort. Sabrina was startled when he gently wiped her tears. She instinctively pulled away, making Ashen frown at her reaction.

"I know you're still wary of me because of what happened," Ashen said, trying to open a new conversation.

"It's not that..." Sabrina shook her head, her eyes fixed on the floor.

"Then what is it?"

"I... I just want to leave this place," Sabrina confessed, her voice breaking as tears streamed down her face.

"Why? What are you experiencing here? Tell me," Ashen asked, concern filling his eyes.

"I... I'm just so tired," Sabrina sobbed, and Ashen's heart ached at the sight of her despair.

"How does Atashi treat you?" Ashen inquired gently.

Sabrina shook her head, unwilling to explain.

"He treats me fine, sir. I just really want to leave... I miss my father," Sabrina cried softly

Ashen could feel the heaviness in Sabrina's heart, and he knew there was more to her story. Without hesitation, he pulled her into a comforting embrace, wrapping her tightly in his arms. Sabrina didn't resist. She clung to him and buried her face in his chest, finally letting her tears flow freely.

Ashen stroked her back gently, allowing her to release her pain.

"Ahem."

Startled, Sabrina looked up at the sound of someone clearing their throat. Both she and Ashen turned toward the doorway, where Atashi stood, leaning against the frame.

Sabrina glanced at the clock, realizing they had been talking for over an hour and a half.

"Still hugging, huh?" Atashi slurred, clearly drunk. Sabrina quickly pulled away from Ashen and sat up straight.

"What's the problem, dude?" Ashen grinned at Atashi.

"Shut up, Ashen. You haven't changed at all," Atashi said meaningfully, stepping closer to Sabrina.

"Ow, chill, bro," Ashen replied with a smirk, further aggravating Atashi.

"Go upstairs!" Atashi barked at Sabrina. She immediately ran to Atashi's room, leaving the two men behind.

Once Sabrina was gone, Atashi turned to Ashen.

"Why are you still here?"

"Just visiting Sabrina," Ashen replied with a sly grin.

"You haven't changed one bit," Atashi muttered.

"HAHAHA. Take care of her, bro. You wouldn't want me to steal her away, right?" Ashen's laughter was mocking as he walked toward the door.

To Be Continued...