She's My Sleeping Pill

The whole mountain and the lot that surrounds it was a government property but because it was far from the city and not many people live around it, the government couldn’t think of any project that could benefit their subjects. In the end, they agreed to sell the mountain and the surrounding lot which was almost a 9-kilometer square area. There was a natural spring that was found by one of the construction workers and since the water can be used by many, Stefan coordinated with the government to make an artificial lake or dam out of it. It serves as a water reservoir.

There was no proper road going up the mountain so, Stefan had to ask the engineer to make a road for him. It was a huge work since they had to start from the foot of the mountain which connects to the highway and all the way up to where the house was situated.

The designer and the engineers really adhere to what Stefan wants. They made use of the trees that surrounds the place and planted some to replace what they cut.

The three-story house was made of cement, stones, and woods – whatever they could use from the mountain that he bought. The part of the land that they excavated was also mixed with other materials for another use. All in all, nothing was wasted and the mountain wasn’t greatly damaged because he wanted to retain the beauty of the place.

To make sure that they could enjoy the place, Stefan asked the engineer and the designer to use glass panels for walls and there were thick curtains that they can use for privacy.

Since Cayenne likes to cook, Stefan had been monitoring the construction of the kitchen; from the design-making which he also inputted some ideas and to the time it was made. The place was spacious so that she can move around easily. And this time, he was discussing with the interior designer to have a list of the things that he needed for the kitchen.

.....

The interior designer gave her iPad to Stefan and showed her the layout of the kitchen with photos of the appliances where they should be placed. “I have visited some stores to check on their appliances and I have three on my list that offer great items at a good price. In case you don’t like them, I also listed the other stores that we can visit.”

“I only have until 5:30. We need to buy the ones that we really needed since we have received so many gifts this past year. I am sure that she would love to have those things here. I will bring those things tomorrow so that we can have people arrange them here.”

“That’s fine, sir. If we couldn’t buy all the things, you can shop with your wife and just pretend to give the thing to someone else or just pretend that some of your items needed replacement. In that way, this place will have some touch of your wife’s choice as well.”

“Your idea sounds good. Let’s do that.”

With the interior designer, Stefan left the place and went to the first store that the woman listed. Elena followed them around along with the bodyguards who were responsible for carrying small items. She also looked around to find something that she can give her sister.

Before, she was so against the idea of meeting the woman who was once Tristan’s fiancé. However, after everything was clarified, she felt so guilty and was wanting to meet with her. Tristan refused her idea, though. Shiara was pregnant and he didn’t know what could happen if she meets with Elena. It would be better if she gives birth first and then, they could visit her with Elena’s mother, too.

“I want a coffee bean grinder but not a coffee machine. Ayen likes to make coffee on her own and I like it better when she makes it for me, too.”

The designer: ????

“Boss really likes to show off,” Elena commented with a smile which made the designer laugh faintly as well.

Since she hasn’t interacted with the couple, she didn’t know the level of sweetness that these two people could make. Nonetheless, she could already imagine the ants crawling whenever Stefan speaks of his wife. [He really loves her. She’s always in his mind every time he decides on buying something or doing something.]

Stefan was about to choose a refrigerator when he received a call and upon seeing the facetime request coming from Cayenne, he panicked. He looked around to find a suitable place to answer her call but there were appliances all around him. She would be suspicious if she notices something.

The phone continued to ring and Elena noticed it, too.

“Boss, use the couch over here.” She pointed to the couches which were displayed in the store. “You just pay for it after using it.”

“Okay. Make sure that no customer will pass behind me.” Stefan mentioned as he sat and answered the call.

“What took you so long to answer? Are you busy with anything? I mean, well, I know you are busy but you always answer my call even during a meeting. So, what are you doing this time? Can I come over and help?”

Stefan was speechless for a moment while thinking of an excuse. He didn’t want to lie to her and she will also notice it if he was being dishonest. “I...I am not busy. I am outside the office and I didn’t notice your call because it’s noisy here.”

“Hmm? Where are you? Did you bring the bodyguards with you?”

“Yeah. They’re with me. I... well, you know that Tristan and Elena have reconciled, right? So, I went out to buy something for them. Just a token for their hard work.”

Cayenne made an ‘oh’ sound while nodding her head in understanding but something didn’t sit well with her. Stefan never went out to buy something personally for someone else. “Can I come over? Our class ended early and the professor for the next subject isn’t around. I was planning to visit you in the office but I thought you might be somewhere else meeting with people and whatnot. It’s good that you are not. I can choose something for them, too.”

“About that ... I have chosen something for them already. I bought them a couch.” Stefan stood up and switch the camera so that she can see the couch that he was sitting on earlier. “It’s comfy.”

“That looks good.”

“Then, since you don’t have a class, let’s go somewhere. It’s been a while since we went out on a date.”

“Sure. Where shall we meet?”

Stefan talked to Cayenne for another five minutes – discussing the place where they could date again. And when the call ended, he asked one of the bodyguards to pay for the couch that he used and gave it to Elena. Elena could only smile helplessly at her boss. She didn’t even know where to place the couch in her home.

“I have to meet my wife and go on a date with her. Let’s end the shopping spree for today. Just give me the list of the things that we need and I’ll check on the gifts that we received so that I can cross some of the items.”

“Yes, sir.” The designer responded with a light bow but when she looked up, Stefan was already far from them. “He’s the first customer I met who can drop anything just to meet his wife.”

Elena looked at the steady back of her boss and smiled proudly as she speaks. “His business is at the bottom of his priority list. You can already imagine who sits at the top and who follows her.” She was happy to be his employee and has forgotten the fact that she was left to deal with the instructions for the delivery and the payment. Of course, Stefan will reimburse her. He just can’t use his card to pay for the items because Cayenne will be able to see them in his billing statement.

“They are like love-struck teenagers.”