Chapter 5

Several days went by, but Fidelis Aaron persisted in denying that he had reviewed Vera Susan's file.

Despite not expressing any interest in Vera, he ended up arranging a visit to Georgia University, coinciding with the time when Vera had two morning classes.

Fidelis, a computer engineer, completed both his undergraduate and graduate studies at the same institution, so he was well-versed in the field.

Out of respect for his esteemed professor, Fidelis agreed to deliver a career presentation at the university's auditorium, also encouraging students to apply for positions at Fidelis Crystal Corporation. Given Fidelis's pursuit of computer studies, his father, Felix Aaron, had invested in computer program development.

The presentation concluded in just an hour, and shortly after, Fidelis and his assistant, Brown James, left, apparently returning to the office. As they exited the auditorium, Brown found himself mulling over a curious detail: why hadn’t they parked directly outside the venue? Surely, as the CEO of the largest corporation in the city, Fidelis had the right to such advantages.

As they made their way through the university halls, the pair attracted many glances from both students and faculty. Nevertheless, Fidelis appeared unfazed, seemingly oblivious to the stares. His attention was fixed elsewhere, a deep intensity flickering in his eyes.

“Uh, Mr. Fidelis? I think the exit is that way,” Brown indicated the direction of the exit, his forehead creased in confusion. But when he turned around, he was startled to see his boss had already moved forward, walking with determination.

“Mr. Fidelis? Where are we headed?” Brown shouted, rushing to catch up.

“Stop questioning me! I know a shortcut. Let’s go!” Fidelis retorted, his pace steady as he pushed past curious onlookers.

Despite the urgency in Fidelis's voice, Brown couldn’t shake the feeling that they were veering off course. Before long, they entered another part of the building, further away from the exit. Clearing his throat, Brown tentatively asked, “Mr. Wright, did we just step into the English department?”

Fidelis abruptly stopped, irritation flashing in his eyes. “Have you attended here, Brown? Or should I remind you that I studied here for six years? I’m telling you, we are taking a shortcut!” His tone was sharp, yet there was a hint of nostalgia that lent some familiarity to his words.

As they continued onward, Brown's doubts intensified. Just as he was about to question their route again, Fidelis stopped suddenly.

Peering around a column, Fidelis's gaze locked onto a figure sitting on a bench, deeply absorbed in a book. A wave of wonder enveloped him; he had finally found what he had been seeking.

There, only twenty feet away, sat Vera Susan, enjoying a large red lollipop while reading. Today, she wore no makeup, but her natural beauty radiated charm and simplicity. Her long, silky caramel hair spilled over her shoulders, and she absentmindedly ran her fingers through it as she turned the pages of her book, completely immersed in her own world.

Fidelis couldn’t look away, captivated especially by her inviting red lips enclosing the lollipop. An uncontrollable desire to taste those lips surged within him, igniting a fire that he couldn’t suppress.

Everything felt dreamlike as he watched her, the surroundings fading into obscurity. His heart pounded, the only sound cutting through the stillness was the thrum of his heartbeat. He rubbed his chest, feeling an unbidden warmth coursing through him.

But just as the moment became exhilarating, Vera checked her watch, quickly gathering her things and rising. She rushed toward the first flight of stairs ascending to the second floor, leaving Fidelis in a state of aching longing.

As she disappeared from view, a pulsing sensation arose beneath his trousers. He grimaced, first glancing down in shock, then shifting his gaze to the concrete floor, anxious to conceal his reaction.

“Mr. Fidelis?” Brown's voice pierced through the haze, skepticism etched across his face as he noticed his boss's disarray.

Recovering from his brief distraction, Fidelis compelled himself to appear casual. “Hire her!” he commanded, the urgency in his voice catching Brown's attention.

“What do you mean, Mr. Fidelis?” Brown inquired, furrowing his brows in confusion.

“I said, hire her!” Fidelis reiterated, gesturing with a trace of exasperation. “Weren’t you the one who recommended adding her to oversee my penthouse? You left her file on my desk, remember? Now… make it happen before the week ends!”

Brown blinked, momentarily at a loss for words.

“Do it!” Fidelis insisted, his tone allowing no room for dissent.

“Yes, sir! Right away!” Brown responded, his mind racing to keep up with his boss’s sudden enthusiasm.

*****

Another day rolled in, but for Vera, it brought fresh worries. A glaring eviction notice sat prominently on her kitchen table, a stark reminder of her escalating financial struggles. Desperate, she called her friends, hoping one might be able to lend her the money she urgently required.

In the midst of her calls, the doorbell rang unexpectedly. To her surprise, it was her elderly neighbor, a kind woman with whom she had developed a friendship over the years. The neighbor beamed at her as she offered Vera a flyer. “I noticed you’ve been searching for work. I found this and thought of you,” she remarked.

Vera looked at the flyer and read aloud, “Hiring: Caretaker for Luxury Penthouse. Applicants should be female, single, 21 years old, intelligent, and have completed at least three years of college.”

“Why does this sound so much like me?” Vera asked, raising an eyebrow, a flicker of hope igniting in her. 

The elderly lady laughed, her eyes sparkling with delight. “I know, right!”