Josh had his assistant arrange someone to monitor Jill’s whereabouts. Ryan was perplexed at first and didn’t dare question his boss’s motives. He did ask, however, if it should include security, in case something untoward happens to Ms. Jill. Josh only thought about it for a few seconds before saying yes. He doesn’t have her number. He only knows where she’s at, currently. Who knows when she’ll move out and where she’ll go? He’s not ready to… how should he say it? He’s aware that sometimes he obsesses over some women. Until he can get the particular woman out of his system. A few days later, he told Ryan to dig information about her.

In the next few days, he returned to his normal schedule.

Jill, on the other hand, crashed immediately on the bed after Josh walked out the door. This is the first time she’s experiencing jet lag and it’s terrible. There’s this buzzing inside her head which she usually associates with feeling sick. The bed was soft. The pillow was soft. The blanket is giving her warmth. It was bliss. She slept for so long, only awakened by her grumbling stomach. She reached into her bag to take a packet of biscuits. She walked to the fridge, finding a variety of drinks. Maybe she should’ve offered something to Josh, after all. Oh, well.

She checked the time in her phone, it showed 4:11 pm. She hadn’t changed it yet. It should be 4:11 am in this place. She walked towards what she thought was a window, covered by a curtain. It’s still dark outside, but cars are already on the roads. Maybe someone’s in reception already, she could ask questions. After taking a shower, she did go outside to check things out.

New world. That’s how she would describe it. Everyone’s speaking in English. She sighed as it somehow gives her a headache. One she could still tolerate. Now, how would she describe this place? Oh wait, phone. It would help her research, too, if she can access the internet.

It’s not that she’s cheap, or worried about money. She’s a naturally frugal person. She’s not fond of spending more money on things she could get for less. That’s something she can’t understand, why people spend more when the basic functions of a gadget or commodity is available in a cheaper product. She has nothing against other people who do that, though. It’s just her nature. Okay, she’s cheap.

She tried the café and talked to random people. Kind-looking ones. It was nice to connect.

The following week, Josh is still intrigued. He’s not about to spout nonsense about love at first sight and that shit, he doesn’t believe in those things, but he can’t deny the attraction he has for that girl. He’ll have her, that’s for sure.

Now, for a plan. What method could he possibly use? Should he capitalize on the fact that she doesn’t seem to have much money? He could push her on a corner and trap her into an agreement with him. He’d used that means once or twice before. He doesn’t have much patience to actually woo a girl into a relationship with him. Normally, they become docile and agreeable to his demands when they learn he’s a billionaire and could give them whatever they want. He could spare a few millions, maybe tens of it, on a single woman. He’s not polygamous, though. He only sees one woman at a time. If he’s done with one, he moves on to the next. Most women only last a few weeks. They start whining and he leaves them. Immediately. No questions asked. He’s too busy to listen to their petty complaints.

Ryan knows his ways. He only needed to tell him to do it.

Before it was executed, though, he decided to pay her a visit.

She was surprised to him outside her door. Glad, too. He’s one of the people she met and connected with.

“Hey, good to see you.” She greeted as she opened the door wider to let him in. He’s wearing something casual today, but his aura is still… that of a businessman.

“Yeah, thought I’d drop by.”

“You live around here?” She frowned, then she remembered him saying he’s staying at a hotel.

“Oh, are you moving?” She thought maybe he’s only staying for a few days or weeks, that’s why he’s staying at a hotel.

Josh could only stare at her and wonder what went on her head.

“Something like that. I’m also wondering if you already have a phone number I could get?” He figured she would have time to procure a phone already.

“Oh, yes.” She directly pulled her phone out of her pocket before handing it to him.

“Have a seat. Would you like something to drink? I still have some cake.” She offered.

Josh stared at the phone. How easily did she pass it to him? He thought she would be reluctant. As expected, he shouldn’t expect her to do what he expects.

He noticed something, too, as he sits down to copy her number and save his on her phone.

Does she always wear a skirt? As she brings over the tray of food and drinks, he caught that scent again, the one unique to her. He tried very hard to tamp down his desire throughout their conversation. It only lasted around twenty minutes before he said good bye to her, promising to send her messages when he has time.

“It’s good you came by today. I’m planning to move somewhere else soon. I’ve already looked through some places. You would’ve missed me if you came much later.”

Somehow, it’s exactly because of that information that he came today. He doesn’t want her to suspect anything, once he starts to offer his help later.

He could be a manipulative jerk, and most give in to his demands.

And so, the following week, Jill would find herself with a number of troubles.

After she moved out, she couldn’t find a place to move into. When she tried to go back to the inn, they’re already fully-booked. Is there an event soon or what? Why is every place packed with bookings? She even went to check on a shelter she found. Just her luck. It ran out. She tried to calm down. Next time she changes places, she would ensure a place to move into before checking out. Damn it. After having dinner at a cozy restaurant, she pulled her baggage into the park where she met Josh.

How many days has it been? She’s out here feeling nostalgic. Worse comes to worst, she’ll just have to check-in in a very expensive hotel. She was about to check the app on her phone when a car stopped in front of her.

She saw a serious-looking Josh when the window rolled down.

“Hey, what’s up?” She cheerily greeted him, without moving from the bench.

Josh studied her. It doesn’t look like she’s burdened. “What happened? Were you kicked out or something?” He asked indifferently. Ryan admires the way his boss acts as if it has nothing to do with him. Sometimes he couldn’t understand the way of filthy rich people. Isn’t it precisely because they’re filthy rich that they act that way? Wasting money just to get their way.

“I’m good. Just moving somewhere else.”

“Need help? I could give you a ride.” He noticed how she perked up at his offer.

“Is that alright? Don’t you have any more appointments?” As soon as she asked, she realized it’s already evening. He’s probably done with work.

“Yeah, get in.” As he spoke, she did notice something odd about him. He’s not as friendly as before. She shrugged, maybe he’s just tired from work. She hadn’t asked, but he seems like a big time. She hauled her luggage at the back of the car before getting in and sitting beside him.