PAMPERED

338 It’s all black

It was no wonder Thursday Girl left such an impression on Old Mrs. Pierson and Butler Hubert. It was no wonder they searched for her by every means possible, despite the obstacles in their way. Only Thursday Girl could bring color to Zoren’s black–and–white world and color!

We are

Benjamin didn’t know whether to celebrate or cry. His heart was filled with so much joy that tears welled up in the corners of his eyes. But just as he quietly wiped them away with his finger, Zoren suddenly spoke.

“Benjamin.”

Benjamin cleared his throat and straightened his back. “Yes, sir?!”

“Call Patricia for me.” Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

“Huh?” The tears in Benjamin’s eyes froze as all the emotions swelling in his heart turned to stone. “Sir? What what did you say?”

Zoren slowly opened his eyes and peeked at his assistant. “I said… call Patricia for me.”

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”

7

All the excitement and joy that had filled Benjamin drained away with those six words that name, Patricia. For a moment, Benjamin could only stare at his boss in disbelief. He didn’t know if he had heard him correctly or if his mind was playing tricks on him. tly or if his mind was playing tricks on him.

He had heard Zoren loud and clear.

But…

no, with

“Why?” Benjamin gasped in exasperation, marching to the couch across from his boss. His expression was a mix of confusion and frustration. “Sir, didn’t you say the date was good? Why would you call Patricia Miller right after your date?”

1

He paused as realization struck him. “Don’t tell me you’re going to end your friendship with her?!” His eyes lit up as joy quickly overtook him again. “Is that the reason?!”

“No.”

“Then, why?!”

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Zoren slowly opened his eyes and then squinted them. “How I wish I could see you clearly, Ben.”

“Huh?”

“Because if I could, I’d know for sure what you’re hiding from me.”

Benjamin’s body stiffened as he held his breath, his eyes wide. He gulped nervously, watching Zoren slowly lean forward, his arms resting on his legs.

Back then, whenever Zoren made such an expression, it terrified Benjamin. But now that Zoren’s color was a lot better, it amplified his dark eyes, which emitted nothing but danger.

‘Did he get angry because I wasn’t being nice to Patricia? Benjamin wondered, his breath

10:50 C

hitching ‘Right Miss Denny told me to he overly nice to her hut how!? I don’t like her!‘

<

338 It’s all black

“Since you’re here, contact Patricia Miller for me,” Zoren leaned back again as to gather his energy before rising from his seat. “Tell her to meet me on Thursday.”

Benjamin’s eyes shone with bitterness and sorrow, trying to contain his anger by clenching his teeth. Watching his boss walk away, he flinched when Zoren suddenly stopped.

“And also… tell her she can come here,” Zoren said as he looked back at him. “Let me know what she says.” 3

Having said that, Zoren strode off without looking back or pausing.

Benjamin, on the other hand, clenched his teeth while mentally screaming. If only he could, he would’ve kicked Patricia out of their lives. She was just another unnecessary nuisance in Zoren and Penny’s romance!

‘Why!? Why!? Why!?‘ Benjamin grabbed the cushion beside him and buried his face in it, muffling his screams of frustration. When he pulled the pillow away, he was already panting for air.

“Ah, no.” Benjamin shook his head mildly, jumping from his seat, and huffing. “This is so upsetting! I can’t stay here!”

Having said that, he stormed out of the mansion to take some fresh air. Benjamin continued walking until he was far enough from the mansion.

“Ugh!!!!!” he grunted angrily, his fingers curling. “That fake Thursday Girl! I’m sure this is Dean’s doing! If not, then there’s no way Patricia would even know Chunchun’s name!” 1

Benjamin ground his teeth, his eyes glinting malevolently. “Hah!” he sneered. “Be nice to her? Fine! I’ll invite her here. Did she think it would be easy for her to come in here when Renny is coming back? Tch! I’ll feed her to Renny myself!” 4

His shadows slowly grew horns at the thought of inviting Patricia and making her realize just how dangerous the game she was playing was. Moreover, everyone knew that getting into Zoren’s place was never a good thing for others. Not that it was a lie there was some truth to

1. it.

—

“Heh!” he snickered, but then realized his disappointment in Zoren wasn’t quenched yet. He glared back at the mansion, grinding his teeth. “I’ll tell Miss Penny! I’ll tell her her husband isn’t behaving! And Old Mrs. Pierson too!” 4

He would tell everyone who might not have the power to kick Patricia out but had the power to make her life a living hell while she was in this devil’s den!

“Just wait and see, Patricia Miller! I’ll call Miss Penny now!”

********

Meanwhile, when Zoren closed the door of his room, he reached out to the wall for support. He was exhausted, yes, but right now, he could barely feel his legs. It was as though the lower half of his body was slipping away.

“No…” he whispered, dragging his feet to the bathroom, thinking a good night shower would bring down his rising temperature.

10:50

338 It’s all black

his weight on his grip to keep himself standing.

Slowly, he lifted his eyes to the mirror. His pupils dilated as his breathing turned deep, heavy, and controlled. He kept his gaze fixed on the mirror without any change of expression.

Silence filled the bathroom, and even his own breathing was deafening. When he gulped, it sounded like a clap amid the stifling silence. Zoren’s jaw tightened, his hand slowly balling into a tight fist.

CLANG!

Pieces of the shattered mirror fell into the sink as droplets of blood dripped onto them. Zoren’s knuckles were still pressed against the shattered area of the mirror. Yet, despite his violent reaction, his expression remained the same – shocked.

“I…” he whispered in dread. “…can’t see. It’s all black.” 5