Chapter 3

Fifteen minutes earlier

Fred's pov.

As the gate opened, and I drove in, I seemed very pleased with myself. I peeped at the lady in the back and smiled. Mr Johnson would be delighted at the Angel I just found, I thought.

I let my mind drift to the event that happened earlier. I adjusted my collar as I stepped out of the car and stood before a magnificent building. The Johnson family is damn rich, I thought as I scanned the company, watching the people around me go in and out with files. 

I walked in and the secretary immediately stood up to acknowledge me. 

"Assemble the ladies working in the company," I ordered.

He arched his brow while I looked away. Soon, the ladies were marched before me and I moved from one lady to the other. Mr Johnson wouldn't settle for less, so I had to select carefully, I thought.

Then the door swung open. I turned and gasped at the damsel advancing.

She wore an off-white top on a black skirt which hung just below her knees, revealing perfectly long toned legs. Her hips danced so well with every step and her hair bounced up and down. 

I was momentarily taken aback and muttered "Oh gracious Lord. This is just the perfect replacement".

The moment she got to where I was standing, she stopped and glanced around in confusion. 

"She's perfect" one of the guards I had taken along with me whispered and I nodded.

"What's your name, young lady" I inquired, fixing my gaze on her.

"Well, I'm Lynda, can anyone tell what's going on here?" She replied, brushing parts of the hair on her back.

"The chairman would love to see you" I said. 

All the workers gasped. I watched in amazement as Lydia's eyes almost popped out.

"What have I done wrong please?" She asked fearfully.

"Nothing, Lynda. Please come along with us", I assured her, and led her into the car.

"Fred!" I heard my name and jerked to consciousness. I've been lost in thought.

"Yes boss" I replied with a slight bow. 

Mr Johnson descended the stairs heavily, sipping a drink.

"Goo...goo...good day sir" Lynda stammered as soon as Mr Johnson showed up.

He cast a brief glance at me and I nodded knowingly.

  "She isn't bad," he muttered.

"Tell me where you found her" he said quietly, looking keenly at the figure before him. 

"She works for the company, sir," I answered dutifully.

"She what!" Mr Johnson screamed, sending shivers down my spine. 

From the corner of my eyes, I could see Mrs Catherine watching the scene from upstairs. I heard her heave then left.

Mr Johnson must have realized the awkward situation because he quickly added "I mean, of course she's perfect" and laughed. 

I could see through the laughter. It wasn't real, and I know that I'm done for. 

What's wrong with her anyway? I asked myself, wishing I hadn't brought her. 

Mr Johnson told one of the maids to serve Lynda a drink and ordered me to meet him outside.

My feet felt heavy as I followed him sluggishly.

Outside, in the compound, he pulled my ear and I let out a grunt.

"Are you such an idiot?" He thundered.

"How can you be so stupid to bring in a worker from the company!" 

"She might one day prove to be smart and make stupid moves. Why didn't you think of that?"

Not everyone can be like you, I replied inwardly as I muttered "I'm sorry sir, I'll look for someone else."

He yelled and threw fists at the empty air.

"You better do. Get that girl out of my house and find a convincing reason for bringing her into the house. My name mustn't be dragged into this, understood!?"

"Understood sir" I fumed with rage.

*** *** ***

Happy Restaurant.

Vivian's pov

"I'm telling you" one of the customers pouted at others who did not seem to believe what he was saying. 

I moved round the tables, packing the used plates and cups.

 He leaned over and continued "These so-called billionaire families have no shame. I heard the bride canceled the wedding, and they sent their guards searching for a young suitable bride".

With a developed interest in the little gossip, I returned to the counter.

I scanned the group and my eyes went to Evelyn ma'am. She was obviously engrossed in the conversation. I saw them laugh at something I couldn't hear well. 

I strained my ears and heard him say "My cousin works for Mr Johnson."

The others, including Evelyn ma'am let out a gasp. 

A smile flickered over his face. He's obviously enjoying this audience, I thought, and heard him add "The rich man dares not step a foot out without my cousin", he boasted, and the rest laughed.

I rolled my eyes dryly. Where is this conversation going, I thought, suddenly losing interest.

My eyes went to a refuse bag lying in a corner. I seized that opportunity to step out.

It was barely a minute later when I stepped out that I heard a loud splash!!! 

"Ouch" I screamed and stared unbelievably at my ruined dress.

What the hell just happened? Oh Gosh! What was that?

"You're a psychopath!" I shouted after the car that raced past me. 

I frowned deeply and cursed under my breath. Whoever that idiot is, he or she is surely a crazy fellow to have ruined my dress.

He didn't even stop to apologize. I thought angrily and wished I had rained stones after him.

I fumed with anger as I went into the restaurant.

The man was still talking, and I glanced at him angrily. 

Couldn't he just shut the hell up and leave? I thought angrily as I brushed dirt off my dress.

From where I sat, I saw Lauren walking in and felt relieved.

Lauren is my co-worker at the restaurant, and we shift morning and afternoon turns at work. 

"Hey Lauren" I beamed at her, waving at the same time.

Lauren smiled back and gave me a light pat as she reached me.

"Thank God you're here" I said, quickly pulling her over.

"Awww, you look awful". She said, squeezing her face.

"Thanks for the compliment, I'll always remember that! I commented playfully and she laughed.

Picking up my bag, I strolled down to where Evelyn ma'am and the customers were gathered to bade her goodbye.

I was dumbfounded when they all stared at me with a knowing look on their faces.

Suddenly, Evelyn ma'am beamed "We've got the right replacement"

Looking at me she added "And she's right here!"

I stood dazed. What's she talking about?