Middle Child Syndrome - Chapter 49

Chapter 49: Ch 49: Did I yell?
“When did you get this job? Where is it? I want all the details about it and the contact details of anyone affiliated with this shop. You said that Rocx Steinz vouched for that place. Then I will have it checked out.”

“Until then, you should be as far away from that place as possible.”

Rika understood that her mother’s words were not just a warning but a testament to her deep love and concern for her safety. Her mother’s eyes softened, and her voice trembled with worry, which made it clear how much she cared.

She also knew that her mother’s concern was legit, and Rika’s kidnapping her only caused her to become more concerned.

‘But it does not feel good to be questioned like this, mother. Can’t you trust me for once and let me do what I want?’ Rika’s voice was tinged with frustration and a hint of hurt.

Rika was feeling irritated.

Usually, she could manage her emotions and rationalise her thoughts, but she now feels like a moody teenager.

She could not control her temper and took it out on her other.

“Please mind your business. I like this business, and it is a good place. I will not be leaving this place, no matter what. So don’t even think of trying to reason me away from this place.”

Rika only realised she had snapped at her mother when there was silence on the other side of the phone.

Even her mother must feel stunned since Rika had never raised her voice at anyone before.

It took her mother a few minutes to resolve and be able to speak back to Rika. But that tense silence spoke volumes about how shocked she was.

Even the puppy looked startled. It turned its head toward Rika, its tiny face concerned.

“Are you sure you are alright, Rika? You are behaving unlike yourself. If you need anything, do let me know. I-I will talk to you later.”

The call ended as abruptly as it had been made.

Rika felt that her mother cut the call off more out of shock than because she was worried about her.

Before Rika could think more about it, the door opened, and Daniel quickly opened it to let Rika inside the shop.

“Aren’t you here too early? Are you trying to make up for your absence from yesterday? I am sorry, but things don’t work that way around here.”

Daniel spoke harshly, and his voice did not hint at concern. Rika could tell that this man did not know anything about what had happened to her…yet.

“Things happened, and I had to take the day off. Didn’t Rocxx tell you what happened and why I did not come in yesterday?”

Rika asked, only for Daniel to make an annoyed expression once more.

“That man does not need to give me an account of all the small things happening around here. Besides, do you genuinely believe that Rocxx has a big heart for doing such a deed? He would rather see us suffer than help us out.”

That was something Rika couldn’t believe.

Rocxx’s face and attitude rub everyone the wrong way, and he does nothing to correct his way of life.

“You are right. I guess I expected too much from Rocxx. I forgot that he was an asshole without any redeeming qualities…. for the most part.”

It did not feel right to badmouth someone like this. Even if the person was not here, Rika could not help but cringe at her words.

“Well, that man needs to be a little more considerate if he wants me to respect him. And you! You also need to pick up your slack and get to work. How long will you keep standing there for?”

The man asked. Rika quickly walked inside the shop.

On the other hand, the puppy did not like Daniel’s attitude and let the older beta know with a bite.

It was a shallow bite that did not hurt or bleed, but it was enough to startle the older man and make him cringe.

“What the hell! Did this mutt try to bite me? Rika, keep your dog on a leash and not let it run wild. Or one day, it will kill someone.”

Daniel complained, but those words made a shiver down Rika’s spine.

For some reason, she could imagine Damian and Emily holding their leash tightly in place of her pup and herself.

It was a funny image that Rika did not need in her mind.

“Oh, come on! It is just a puppy right now. I am sure that nothing will happen even if it bit you. I will train it once it is big enough to understand what is happening.”

Rika assured the beta before her, and Daniel sighed in agitation.

He was too happy with Rika’s decision but would not argue with her.

Not too long after, their first customer for the day entered. For some reason, he looked terrified and continued to look outside all the while he was in the shop.

“E-excuse me, but I would like Roses. A lot of roses and maybe some dandelions as well.”

The man requested a weird request, but Rika was happy to give him what he wanted.

The man did not want to go back out, but Rika was not willing to keep him inside the shop forever.

In the end, the man sighed and went back out.

Rika did not know what had happened to that man, but all the customers who had come inside for the day had ordered similar things.

It almost felt as if it was a cause they were trying to tell her. But Rika could not figure out what they wanted from her.

Daniel’s expression told Rika that he knew exactly what these people wanted from them. But he was unwilling to give it to them because he was not that kind.

When her working hours ended, the shop was empty again, and no one was around.