Chapter 123 - Chapter 122

@International_Pen

(CLAIRE)

"…What do you mean?" I suddenly looked at Zhio.

"You're still clueless 'till now," his lips curled down.

"It's not Derick that was helping your family."

I frowned at him.

His face was shadowed.

"It's me."

It was Zhio?

"Liar!" I shook my head bitterly.

"I don't care if you don't believe me," his tone remained the same.

"But I'm giving you just two options right now: eat or starve with your family."

I pulled my arms from his grip. And as fast as that revelation, my tears fell.  

"I'll eat."  

I was suddenly a wild sheep tamed by a wolf.  

I turned back from him and sat before the table.

It could possibly be Zhio who helped us. He has money…

And I never really asked Derick that question. I just stupidly assumed it was him.

And that was why Zhio was mad. I was giving Derick the credit for the things he hasn't even done.

"Good." Zhio sat in front of me.

"I thought I'd run out of patience just so you'll eat."

I ignored him and nibbled on my food silently.

I'll just cry if I defy him and his arrogance.

My eyes were already burning since yesterday…

Zhio also ate in silence and I couldn't help but think…

If I wasn't here, will he be eating alone?

The room I was in was too lonesome and all that Zhion told me before came into mind. His life indeed was lonely.

"Zhio," I gathered all courage to speak.

"Are you really going to do what you said earlier?"

He was silent.  

Well that question was confusing.

"That I'd…stay here in this mansion?"

"I keep my words Claire," he chewed his bacon.

"If I said so, I will do it."

My temples throbbed.

I breathed heavily.

"But Zhio….my family's waiting for me."

"They don't need you anymore," he said it confidently like a fact.

"Zhio…"

"Please," his brows curved, "just eat."

"They're waiting for me," I repeated while trying to push back my tears.

"I said they don't need you anymore."

"That's not true."

"Then give me a reason to believe that you're right," he crossed his arms, "Convince me Claire."

"Because I'm a part of that family. My family."

"Really," he whiffed some air.

"Didn't you notice they were just using you? They were putting all their burdens on your shoulders. You should be thankful I came into your life to help you."

"Did I ask you to help me?"

"Because I pitied you. You looked helpless, Claire."

"You…" I bit my lip and stood up suddenly.

"Isn't my body enough payment for everything that you did?"

"See," he smiled briefly.

"You're stooping that low for your family. You're selling your soul just for them…"

He put down his cutleries and drank some water. Then dabbed a fine cloth against his mouth like some aristocrat.

"I'm not yet satisfied with what happened last night. I want you to stay here."

"I'll do everything to escape from here!"

"Do what you can," he smirked before standing up, "if you can escape from me."

That made me cry.

He's right.  

How could I ever get away?

@International_Pen