CHAPTER FOUR

•ADRIAN•

I went back to my office immediately the crazy lady left. Shortly after I settled down, Manuel came sauntering 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 like 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 industry in the country. His company dealt with all kinds of wears for kids, women and men. They basically manufactured clothes for everybody and the company had branches all over the country and the world.

“Is that the way you greet your best buddy?” He quizzed 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 spilled 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 small smirk as I remembered the crazy girl whose source of income was now in my hands. Just thinking of what I will make her go through was giving me inexplicable nostalgia.

“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 stated.

“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.

“Actually, I saw the waitress 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 personal assistant and I did the most 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, going back to the files I was attending to before he came in.

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

“Why, thank you.” I said and gave a faux smile before focusing what I was doing.

•BRIANNA•

A bright smile was on my face as I exited the building. I was so happy I got the job but I couldn’t help but feel somehow because he gave me the job without hesitation. I should prepare myself for anything as I had no idea if he had something up his sleeves.

I wanted to flag down a cab but kicked against it since my house was about a twenty minutes walk from the company and I would also be able save some money.

By the time I got home, I was sweating profusely due to how hot the weather was.

I got into the house and 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 by this time of the day? It’s not closing time yet.” I asked her in confusion.

“I went to school but immediately I stepped foot into the class, the teacher sent me out and said that I should have paid my school fees before coming back to school.” She replied sadly. I bowed my head in pain, knowing that I was the reason why she would be staying at home.

“It’s all my fault, if not for this stupid sickness, I could be out there working and Brianna wouldn’t have had to drop out of school and you also won’t be sitting at home right 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. It is my responsibility to take care of the family as the first child, I’ll keep trying my best.” I told her soothingly and she began to calm down.

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

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

“Yes, and very soon, I’ll have enough money for mom’s treatment and I will also be able to enroll Marie into a better school.” I replied with a wide grin on my face.

“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 up the creaky stairs that led to the bedroom. My phone decided to ring at that moment and I fetched it from my bag. Cherry’s name was boldly displayed on the screen and I clicked on the answer button.

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

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

“Oh my God! That’s a 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 the smile on my face slowly faded.

“I haven’t even thought of that. What am I gonna wear?” I asked and started panicking.

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

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

“No problem, babe. I will bring the dresses along with me 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 played a big part in paying the bills. I wasn’t very comfortable with working at a club, but a girl has got to do what she has to do.