Chapter 7 - UNWANTED

He can act and pretend that everything was fine. Yes, he was used to being ignored and hated but that didn't mean that he wasn't hurt. In fact, his heart felt like it was going to burst from pain. He was angry at them. He was angry at his brother. He was angry that he's alive.

He slid down on the cold floor and bent his knees close to him. When you think about it, it was embarrassing for a big man to cry. What can he do? He was deeply hurt with his mother's words. She never really spoke to him after Alexander died so it was the first time that she cursed at him and raised her hand against him.

In the past, he was just ignored and he was fine. At least he didn't hear anything painful from the very mouth of his mother. He was fine even if no one wanted him because his brother was there to keep him company. But things in the past will never be changed. What happened has happened.

The accident fifteen years ago didn't just affect his parents but it affected him the most. His parents hated him. His grandparents despised him. Even their helpers ignored him. And there was no Alexander who will keep him company. He was all alone. He faced the world alone and tried his best to stay strong.

"But why?" Stefan threw a question to no one in particular. "Why couldn't they accept me?! Why didn't I feel like I belong to the family?! Why didn't I feel any love from what they call parents?! Why did it have to be my brother?! What purpose do I have to still live and suffer?! All these years, I only wanted to be recognized by them. I just wanted to call them Mom and Dad. I just want to be part of their family. I just want to be part of a family. Am I being greedy?! Am I asking so much?!" His anguish and pain echoed inside the bathroom but there was no answer to his questions.

His parents already left his suite and it seemed like they won't be coming back for a long time. Stefan cried inside the bathroom, a place that he knew no one can find him. "It's not like anyone would come and find me." He mumbled to himself. "I am so pathetic."

Many people thought that he was a strong, smart and lucky to get into the place he was standing right now. No one knew that behind closed doors, he was someone weak and simpleton. He didn't really need so much money to begin with but he thought that if he would become successful, he would earn recognition from his own family. He didn't expect that even when he was wealthy and well-known, his parents would still refuse to acknowledge him.

Stefan stayed inside the bathroom for an hour. After which, he came out and stayed in the spacious living room that was overlooking the city. He sat there and stared at the city lights until the night turned to day and he needed to start working again. Even when Chris arrived, he didn't budge from his place. He didn't want to leave the room and see anyone. He just wanted to hide in his room for a while.

In the end, Chris attended all the scheduled appointments in behalf of him. He didn't know what happened to his employer but he didn't want to pry on his privacy as well. He compiled the details of the meetings in the morning and reported to him during lunch. He did the same for the afternoon schedules and reported it in the evening.

When Chris came back in the evening, Cayenne looked a little curious when she didn't see the big devil with him. Chris stopped at the front desk and gave her a cup of coffee. "Have a great shift." He stated and left. He didn't do it because he likes her but rather, it was for Stefan who would be needing her later. Chris thought that she had agreed with the proposal when Cayenne was actually given a week to think about it.

She did think about it. She was thinking about his proposal when she worked at the café. She thought about it when she was about to sleep and she also thought about it when she walked to work in the hotel. She had been thinking about it but she couldn't make up her mind.

"Yen?" Mona called out her name but she was not responding. Yen?!" she snapped her fingers in front of her which startled Cayenne at her wit's end.

"Don't startle me like that?"

"Why were you spacing out? Are you having any problems at home?"

"No, it's nothing like that." Cayenne waved her hand in front of her to deny any issues around her. She didn't want anyone to worry for her so she snapped out of her daze and smiled at her. She tried forgetting about the proposal and continued to work that night. Stefan didn't call for her as well and the shift ended without any problem.

"I'm beat up." She murmured to herself while getting ready to leave the hotel. She wasn't just physically tired but mentally exhausted as well. "Guess, I'll have to give up on my work at the café."

"Morning Cayenne." It was the voice that she didn't expect to hear right before leaving. Every time he speaks her name, it sounded soft and sensual. It was giving her goosebumps all over her arms.

Cayenne turned around and so Stefan standing behind her. "Morning, sir."

"Going home?"

"Yes, sir."

"Let me give you a ride. I will be going somewhere near your area so it would be convenient." Stefan offered. Actually, he just wanted to have her company him for a little while. He didn't know why but, just looking at her innocent little face can calm him down.