Chapter 4

Isabelle Campbell

“Liv, you would have seen the shock on my face when those senseless words left his lips” I passed Olivia, my best friend the cupcake I just finished decorating then picked up the next one. “He’s so arrogant” I grimaced at the event of yesterday.

Liv looked at me. “It’s that bad?” I nod my head.

“Very, I can’t imagine what goes on in his head. Like, how do you just walk up to a complete stranger and make such a ridiculous request? After you made her lose her job that would have gotten back her late mum’s bakery” I put down the cupcake I was holding and threw my hands up in the air in frustration. “I don’t like him,” I said in a small voice.

Liv stopped arranging the cupcakes in the packaged boxes and rested her hands on the counter then looked at me.

“He’s a douche” she comments and I nod my head. I could feel tears threatening to fall but I closed my eyes and took in deep breaths to calm myself down. I’m suddenly feeling emotional now.

“I understand this guy’s a douche and doesn’t deserve you working there but how about his dying, nice grandfather? You told me the man was more welcoming and it’s him you’re cooking for, not ‘Mr. Arrogant’” She tried to reason with me and I thought about it for a second.

I let out a sigh when my mind went to Mr. Charles, the old man with the kindest eyes I have ever seen. A small smile crept on my lips.

“Why not ignore his offer and just get back to work? You can always ignore him but you know you have a paycheck waiting for you at the end of the month” Liv reminded me and I agreed with a nod.

I cannot just leave just because I didn’t like how my first day went. The pilling bills wouldn’t reason with that.

“Maybe I’ll get back to work and call to apologize for missing a day” I continued decorating the cupcakes while she continued putting them in the boxes “I didn’t think about all these when I landed him that slap and walked away from the house”

I heard a gasp coming from Olivia. When I looked at her, her eyes were wide open like she saw a ghost or saw a horrid creature in the room.

“You slapped him?” she asked in a whisper.

…

It was already evening by the time I and Olivia had delivered the cupcakes that were ordered. Now, we are going to my landlord’s store to pay him the overdue rent and pay half for the next six months. That should do till I can figure out how to get out of this mess and stand strong again.

“I still can’t believe you slapped him,” Olivia said for the hundredth time today and I just want to slam my head against the wall.

She hasn’t stopped saying that since I told her about the slap. I didn’t mention the slap when I explained my predicament in the hands of that man but when the slap slipped from my lips, Olivia just kept talking about it.

“You know he deserved it” I state, giving her a side look.

She nods her head, a small smile on her lips “I am not judging you girl but I am just surprised by that. Like, he’s a billionaire and you know how these rich folks can be. Probably has cameras in his home and might sue you for assault” she shrugged when I threw a dirty look in her direction “I’m just saying”

“I am already having a bad week and am currently anxious, please don’t make me think about the possibility of that happening” I begged, my eyes pleading.

I didn’t think of that but now that she mentioned it, I am scared that he might do that. He looked like a spoilt child who would do just anything to get what he wanted regardless of who he hurt.

Making me lose my job the first time I encountered him is proof and I feel scared within.

We were at the store in no time and I tried to push the thoughts out of my head and clear my head. This is another challenge I have to defeat so I can at least rest for the day and prepare the next orders for the weekend.

“All will be fine” I felt Olivia rubbing my back soothingly. I let out a sigh and nod my head. That’s the thought I will keep with me.

We entered the store and were led to his office. We greeted him but were welcomed with an irritated look from him. I really don’t blame him. I handed him the money and he counted it and then kept it in his drawer while he retrieved a paper from the same place.

I read through the paper and my blood boiled in rage.

“You can’t do this” I yelled.

“I would kick you out if you yelled in my office and yes, I can and I just did” he sounded so cold and bitter as he said those words.

Olivia took the paper from me and read, I could feel the anger emanating from her already.

 “You can’t just increase the rent without prior notice” Olivia argued. I wanted to scream at him, grab him by the shirt, and scratch that ugly look on his face because this man was really getting on my nerves.

“I informed you already that I have buyers who will buy the entire building at a higher price, am sure you are smart enough to know what I mean by that” he comments.

The anger I felt slowly died and was replaced by sadness. I suddenly felt weak and had no words to say.

“This is so unfair, you would have given us a head start at least” Olivia tried to convince him. “Three months from now and we can adjust to this price”

“No,” he shook his head “this is a head start for you because if you don’t have the money by tomorrow, I will sell it to the next client who wants to buy it at a tasty price” he licked his lips and laughed sarcastically. “You are doing me no good, leaving the shop for you, you are poor, your mum was till her death and we are living. I got to make money and money I will make” he shrugged then crossed his legs on top of his table.

I suddenly felt the need to leave and head home so I can cry my eyes out. He’s being unfair to me but I don’t have that strength to fight him or argue.

I stood to my feet and start walking to the door. “Wait” Olivia called after me and stood to follow me.

“Remember you have till tomorrow or say bye to the place” his laughter was cut out when we shut the door behind us.

I wiped the tears under my eyes and walked out of the store so we can go home.

“Don’t let that douche get to you” Olivia comforts me and I just nod my head, wanting to go home badly. Today is just not a good day and I don’t think it can get any worse.

We got to our apartment building and climbed up the stairs to our room. I stopped in my tracks when the person I wished not to see was standing right in front of my door, his hand raised up to knock on the door.

“What are you doing here?”