4

Chapter Four

•ADRIAN•

I went back to my office immediately after the crazy lady left. Shortly after I settled down, Manuel came strolling into my office like he owned the place.

“Hey, buddy.” He hollered.

“Shouldn’t you be back at your office?” I asked him, but I should have known better than to ask. He was the type that didn’t enjoy staying in one place for a long time, even if the said place was his company.

Manuel was the CEO of one of the best fashion industries in the country. His company manufactured all kinds of wear for kids, women, and men. It had branches all over the country and the world.

“Is that the way you greet your best buddy?” He asked me and then continued before I had a chance to reply.

“Besides, I don’t have to stay at work because I own the place, and I also have people working for me. I’m not like a certain somebody who buries his body, mind, and soul in work from morning till night.” He said, mumbling the last sentence under his breath, but I heard everything he said. I glared at him, and he snapped his mouth shut.

“I don’t have a response to whatever you just spilt out of your mouth,” I commented, and he rolled his eyes.

“Hey, you won’t believe who I met today,” I uttered, trying to change the subject. My lips stretched into a slight smirk as I remembered the crazy girl whose source of income was now in my hands. The mere thought of what I would make her go through made an excited shiver course through me.

“You know how bad I am at guessing, and I honestly can’t stress my brain trying to think of who it might be, so just spill it,” he said.

“Of course, you can’t stress your brain. Have you forgotten that you don’t have one?” I asked him, and he glared at me. He was about to respond when I cut him off.

“I saw the server that poured food on me and kicked me the other day. Guess where I saw her?” I said, then asked.

“I don’t know. At a mall? A club?” He quizzed.

“Not even close. She came for the interview for the post of my assistant, and I did the wildest thing I have probably done in a while.” I responded, and he looked curious.

“What did you do? Did you throw her out because of what she did?”

“Nah, I hired her. So that I can make her suffer for hitting me, she must pay for it.”

“Huh… I don’t know about that, Adrian…” He trailed off, but I waved him off.

“I’m getting my revenge, and no one’s stopping me,” I replied, returning to the files I had been attending to before he came in.

“Well, suit yourself then.” He breathed out.

“Why, thank you,” I said, giving a fake smile before focusing on my task.

•BRIANNA•

As I exited the building, I had a bright smile on my face. I was so happy I got the job, but I couldn’t help but feel weird that he gave me the job without hesitation. I have to prepare myself for anything, as I do not know if he has something up his sleeves.

I wanted to flag down a cab but kicked against it since my house was about a twenty-minute walk from the company. If I walked the distance, I would be able to save some money.

By the time I got home, I was drenched in sweat due to the hot weather.

When I got into the house, I met my mom and sister watching the small TV in the living room.

“Hi, Mom!” I greeted her and hugged her.

“Hey, Marie. What are you doing at home at this time of the day? It’s not closing time yet.” I asked her in confusion.

“I went to school, but I got sent to the principal’s office when I entered the class. The principal told me I wouldn’t be allowed on the school premises if I didn’t pay my fees,” she said, her voice filled with sadness. I bowed my head in pain, knowing that I was the reason she would stay at home while her peers went to school.

“It’s all my fault; if not for this stupid sickness, I could be out there working. Brianna wouldn’t have had to drop out of school, and you wouldn’t be sitting at home now.” Mom lamented and began to sob. I could not stand seeing her cry, so I moved closer to her to comfort her.

“Don’t even think about it, Mom. As the first child, I am responsible for taking care of the family. I’ll keep trying my best,” I told her soothingly, and she calmed down a little.

“By the way, I just got a new job as a personal assistant at a big company!” I squealed.

“Really? You’re working in a company now?” Mom and Marie chorused in disbelief.

“Yes, and soon, I’ll have enough money for Mom’s treatment, and I will also be able to enrol Marie in a better school,” I replied with a wide grin.

“Thank you so much, darling. I don’t know what I would have done without you, and I can’t stop blaming myself for putting you through this stress.” Mom said sadly.

“Don’t blame yourself, Mom. It’s not your fault that you are sick.” I uttered, and we all fell silent.

“I gotta go take a shower; I stink so bad,” I said and began climbing the creaky stairs leading to the bedroom. At that moment, my phone rang, and I fetched it from my bag. Cherry’s name was boldly displayed on the screen, and I clicked the answer button.

“Hey, how was it?” she asked expectantly.

“I got the job and will resume work tomorrow!” I squeaked out a reply.

“Oh, my God! That’s great news.” She stated.

“Do you have the dress and shoes you’re going to wear for your first day at work?” she asked, and my smile slowly faded.

“I haven’t even thought of that. What am I going to wear?” I asked, panicking.

“Hey, relax. When I come back from my shift at the restaurant, I’m going to buy you some dresses and shoes. And you don’t have a choice but to accept them.” She spoke, and I sighed in relief.

“Thank you so much, bestie. You’re a lifesaver.” I said to her in appreciation.

“No problem, babe. I will bring the dresses when I come to your place in the evening. Remember to prepare for the club tonight.” She stated before hanging up.

Cherry and I worked as bartenders at a club during the night. Working there also helped pay the bills. I wasn’t comfortable working at a club, but I had to do it for the money.