She's Raymond's Woman-Chapter 57: What Have You Done To This Monster?
Thanks for the water, boss," she said softly.
The moment the words left her lips, she remembered something. Last night, in the heat of the moment, she had called him by his name Raymond. And he hadn’t corrected her. He hadn’t warned her. He hadn’t punished her.
Maybe... she could try it again.
"No!You’re digging your own grave’ her subconscious warned sharply.Candy swallowed.
Raymond stepped away from her without another word and walked toward the table. He placed the empty glass down with quiet precision, the soft clink echoing faintly in the room.
"Get dressed,We’re going for a workout."
He turned to look at her.
Candy’s face instantly dropped,not again!.
...
Jose stepped into the kitchen and Julie immediately turned toward him as if she had been waiting for him.
"Good morning Jose," she greeted awkwardly.
It felt strange on her tongue. She had never been the type to initiate greetings with him before. They used to talk naturally, laugh_But lately, he had been distant—cold. His anger toward her had built a wall between them,Still she refused to give up.
"Hm"
Jose hummed in acknowledgment and walked toward the sink, rinsing his hands under running water without sparing her a single glance.
Julie hesitated before speaking again.
"You can cook today while I assist you"
The words felt heavy, This was the first time in history she was offering him control of the kitchen. She had always been the boss here_ She gave instructions,He followed.
But pride meant nothing compared to peace,If stepping down would fix things... she would do it.
"Why should I?" Jose asked flatly, turning off the tap.
"Because... I want you to" she replied quietly.
He turned fully this time and began walking toward her, slow and deliberate. His eyes stayed locked on her face.
Julie instinctively stepped back,until her lower back hit the edge of the kitchen counter.
"You’ve always been the cook here," he said calmly."I’m your assistant. That’s how it has always been. It should continue that way. No changes, Julie."
"No" Her voice trembled, but she shook her head.
Something needed to change.
"Then you’re free to have the kitchen to yourself."
He turned to walk away.
Without thinking, Julie grabbed his wrist andHe stopped.
Their eyes met.
"You can stay," she said quickly "The old rules will remain"
He pulled his wrist from her grasp.
"Good"
He returned to the sink as if nothing had happened.
Julie slowly turned back toward the counter. A thin tear slipped down her cheek, unnoticed by him.
...
Raymond and Candy had finished their workout.
It wasn’t as brutal as the previous one. He had pushed her—but not excessively.The squats had burned, but she survived them.
They walked home slowly, side by side.
The silence between them wasn’t awkward_It was heavy.
"Tell me about your family, little mosquito."
His voice broke the quiet atmosphere unexpectedly.
Candy blinked in surprise. That was the last thing she had expected from him.
A small smile curved her lips.
Was he... interested?
"Well" she began softly, "my mother gave birth to me and my sister_Jennifer. I don’t really remember her_She died when I was very young."Her smile faded.
"My father, Alex, raised us. He did everything he could"
Raymond’s gaze remained forward.
"What killed her?"
Candy’s steps slowed "Brain cancer."
The words always felt strange coming out of her mouth...it was soHeavy.
She paused briefly, staring at the ground.
Even though she had no real memories of her mother, the loss still hurt. The idea of her and her absence.
Raymond stopped walking,Candy noticed and turned slightly.
"Is that what you think that killed her?" he asked evenly "or what they told you?"
She frowned,"My father said so"
Why was he asking like that?Why did it sound like doubt?
She lowered her head.Why was he stirring up things she had buried long ago?
She tried to continue walking—but suddenly noticed him moving toward her quickly,Her breath hitched.
She stepped back instinctively.
But Raymond reached her in seconds and grabbed her wrist, pulling her close.
Her heart jumped,His silver eyes locked onto hers.
Deep,Calm and Intense.
"Are you scared?" he asked softly.
"S-scared? About what?" she stammered.
"This"He leaned forward and pressed a soft, warm kiss against her lips.
It was brief and gentle.
But it sent warmth flooding through her chest.
He pulled away slightly but didn’t release her wrist.
"If you’re not scared," he murmured, his voice lower now, "then I am..." he paused
Candy blinked, confused.
"Scared that I’ll start wanting to do that every second of the day."
Her breath caught.
He was scared?The almighty monster?
"Scared about what boss?" she asked, her voice barely steady.
"About this."
His free hand wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer,this time, when his lips met hers, the kiss was slower,deeper and intentional.
Candy’s fingers trembled slightly before she responded, remembering the lessons he had taught her before,Their lips moved in rhythm.
He sucked gently on her lower lip.
She shyly mimicked him, brushing against his upper one,The air between them grew warmer.
The kiss deepened gradually, almost crossing into something more intense—But Raymond suddenly pulled away.
Candy’s eyes fluttered open slowly.He stared down at her.
His breathing is steady and controlled.
"I asked you this before," he murmured. "And I’ll ask again" he added
She swallowed, waiting to hear him out.
"What have you done to this monster, little mosquito?"
Her brows furrowed in confusion.
"Answer me."
"I... I... I don’t—"
"Shut up and kiss me back"
His hand tightened around her waist as he pulled her closer again.
And this time, he crashed his lips onto hers with less restraint Possessive and Hungry.
As if he was trying to silence not just her words—But whatever she had unknowingly done to his heart.
Candy’s mind went blank.Her fingers curled slightly against his chest.
And for the first time...
She wondered if maybe—
Just maybe—
The monster was already losing to her.
