Chapter 21

**Philip**

"Are you Ms. Mitchell's husband?" Mrs. Henderson, a woman in her sixties, inquired, her brow furrowed.

It was only noon, and Alex and I found ourselves here after discovering that Sarah had rented apartment number 5 near BM Technologies.

"Yes," I confirmed to Mrs. Henderson.

"I didn't know Ms. Mitchell was married," she remarked, seeming surprised.

"She informed me that we were to stay here for a month, assuming I'd be departing Highland Hills next week to join her. I intended to surprise her by arriving today," I explained.

Naturally, it's a lie! Even if I were to apply pressure to Sarah's nose, she wouldn't disclose her whereabouts. Nevertheless, I find comfort in the belief that she's alone and not lodging at the Martins' mansion or Amir Benner's residence.

Despite my reassurances, Mrs. Henderson's scrutinizing gaze made me wonder if she doubted my intentions.

"I'll call Ms. Mitchell to make sure. You know I can't just hand over the keys to someone I haven't spoken to," she insisted.

I halted her hand, already reaching for the phone to call my elusive wife. "Madam, as I've said, I want to surprise Sarah."

"Here's the proof, Mrs. Henderson," Alex said, offering the lady the iPad displaying a copy of my marriage certificate with Sarah.

Mrs. Henderson's eyes widened in surprise. It seemed she finally accepted the explanation I had provided. "Oh! I apologize, handsome man, for doubting you. You see, I'm always wary of potential scams and tenant issues."

"That was my final wish-to spare my wife any trouble. Mrs. Henderson, I understand you've been longing to visit your daughter in Greece. What if I make that happen for you now?"

She dropped what she was holding, her hand flying to cover her mouth in disbelief. "Are you serious?"

"Absolutely! My assistant will ensure everything runs smoothly. You'll enjoy a one-month vacation in Greece, with all expenses covered."

Her gratitude overflowed in heartfelt words; her disbelief evident in the way her hands trembled. It became clear to me that I had to swiftly arrange for the lady to leave town to preempt any potential conflict with Sarah.

I couldn't quite grasp my intentions regarding Sarah. All I knew was that Serenity Pines Estate felt incomplete without her presence, and I felt a strong urge to bring her back.

Sarah was someone I desired to possess. I couldn't bear the thought of her being with other men. Every breath she took should belong only to me.

As intended, the lady's focus shifted entirely to her upcoming vacation, and she became oblivious to everything else.

Sarah's voice stuttered as she demanded, "W-what are you doing here?!"

The surprise in her tone matched the disbelief on her face at finding me inside the apartment.

For a fleeting moment, I couldn't help but admire her stunning features and enviable physique, imagining tracing my tongue along her smooth skin. But as I rose to my feet, I noticed the horror dawning in her eyes as I closed the distance between us.

Unable to resist the impulse, I gently embraced her petite frame and planted a passionate kiss on her full lips.

"Ehm!" Sarah protested, trying to escape from me. But her lips held an irresistible allure that nearly caused her to shed tears when I finally pulled away. With a satisfied grin, I savored the taste of her lingering on my lips, casting a mischievous glance her way.

"Get out! Leave this apartment!" Sarah's anger reverberated in her words. "I'll report you for trespassing!"

"Feel free," I retorted, unfazed. "Mrs. Henderson granted me access. She's going to Greece."

Sarah's shock was palpable. "You sent her away?! Fine! If you want to stay here, I'm leaving. But you'll need to cover the rent I paid Mrs. Henderson!" Her anger burned through her scolding.

Without hesitation, I retrieved my phone and tapped away at the keypad. Within moments, Sarah's phone beeped, and her widened eyes betrayed her astonishment at the message she received.

I have received a notification from the bank indicating, "Your request for a bank transfer to account number xxxxxx4575 has been successfully processed, with the transferred amount USD 10,000.00."

"Keep the change," I casually remarked to Sarah.

"You, moron! I rented this apartment because it's close to the office!" Her teeth gritted in annoyance.

"Well, no problem! You can stay as long as you like. If you want me to buy this home for you, I will. I can even arrange for Mrs. Henderson to stay in Greece if you prefer."

Sarah shrieked, and I found it absolutely cute!

She marched out of the apartment. "Come on, Sarah! You still have work tomorrow. Where are you going?"

"Far away from you, frickin' moron!" she snarled, gesturing her middle finger in the air, leaving me perplexed by her sudden attitude.

As she retreated from the door, just then, my vehicle pulled up. When Alex got out, he seemed shocked to see Sarah.

"B-boss? Is that Madam Sarah?" Alex asked.

"Follow your Madam," I commanded the driver before turning to Alex with a glare. "And you, Alex, inform every hotel in town not to accept Sarah Mitchell, or they'll face the consequences."

"Yes, boss," Alex replied.

I wanted Sarah to understand how much she should rely on me! Am I being too confident in saying that? Absolutely!

A couple of hours later, Alex informed me that five hotels had already turned down Sarah. It was two in the morning when I learned that Sarah had settled in a motel for the night.

I clenched my teeth in frustration. Who would willingly choose to sleep in such a rundown motel? Only Sarah, it seemed.

She might have won this round, but I was determined to ensure she'd return tomorrow. Little did I anticipate that, before dawn, the driver would bring Sarah back to me.

**Sarah**

"I apologize, ma'am, but we're fully booked tonight," the woman informed me, having just taken down my information.

Unfortunately, all booking applications are unavailable for this evening, which is why I couldn't book online.

This marked my fifth unsuccessful attempt at finding a hotel. All I wanted was a damn shower!

Exhaustion crept in as the clock struck two in the morning. I could feel the weariness from hours of futile accommodation searches weighing me down.

Philip was orchestrating this, I was certain! That's how petty he was! My desire to strangle him right now intensified within me!

Stepping out of the hotel, I noticed Philip's Bentley Continental parked outside.

I refused to give him satisfaction; that's why, with determination, I whipped out my phone and began searching for a motel.

Hailing a taxi, I directed the driver to take me there.

The taxi dropped me off at an aged building, where I finally secured a room. It seemed that idiot hadn't anticipated my decision to opt for a motel. In the elevator, a couple was on the brink of exchanging saliva as we ascended to the upper floor. Despite the woman's audible moans, I opted to disregard their behavior.

Entering the cramped room, I hurled my suitcase aside in frustration.

Exhausted as I was, the idea of a shower to cleanse myself of Philip's unwanted touches and kisses crossed my mind. However, the feeble trickle of water from the showerhead threatened to prolong the process indefinitely.

As I scanned the room, my eyes caught sight of a repulsive stain on the bedsheet, filling me with disgust. Was this room even cleaned properly? Determined to address the issue, I reached for the phone to call customer service.

"Could you please replace my bedsheet? There are some unknown stains on it that I'd rather not dwell on." I don't want to think that it's a man's cvm. I grimaced at the unsettling possibility.

"I apologize, ma'am. We change all bed linens daily. Tomorrow morning, I'll ensure the sheets are promptly replaced."

'But I need it tonight!' I wanted to protest but restrained myself. "Don't you have a spare?"

"It's currently in the laundry and will be ready for tomorrow. As mentioned, we maintain a daily change routine."

"And the water pressure in the shower? It's barely a trickle," I couldn't help but voice my dissatisfaction. I still felt unclean.

"Ma'am, you seem to have several complaints. If you desire a more upscale experience, perhaps a five-star hotel would better suit you. You're welcome to leave our establishment," he retorted, visibly frustrated by my feedback.

"No, I apologize. I'll wait for the new linen tomorrow morning. Thank you," I replied calmly.

"Ugh!" I groaned into the pillow.

Resigning myself to the situation, I draped a bath towel over the bed. I didn't have the energy to ponder the room's cleanliness. Exhausted, all I craved was sleep, knowing I had an early morning ahead at the office.

As sleep began to claim me, I was jolted awake by a sudden loud noise.

"Ahhh! Ahhh! Ahhh! Fuck harder!" came from the room beside me.

Augh! My head is pounding relentlessly. This has to be one of the most excruciating nights I've ever endured.

Suddenly, three men forcefully kicked the door, causing me to startle in shock!