Chapter twelve: New place

"As I drive you back to your guest house, you'll tell me your story," Mr. Gad said, smiling.

Cassandra agreed, she liked him more with each passing moment. A good listener and a good conversationalist.

She began.

"Got left at the altar... Mother asked me to leave home... Guest house... Job search."

Words flowed effortlessly and Mr. Gad kept an attentive gaze with sympathetic nods and empathetic murmurs.

"Quite a story," he remarked.

Cassandra chuckled.

"I know, right?"

"Sorry about all that." He said with all sincerity.

"Well I'm fnding happiness now... This job is a blessing." She said.

Mr. Gad's smiled warmly and nodded and walked her to her door.

At the door, he paused and gazed into her eyes, tenderly. Bade her goodnight with a kiss on her forehead.

Cassandra's heart skipped at the unexpected gesture. Feelings stirred as she leaned on the door smiling as Mr Gad's footsteps faded.

Back at his car, Mr Gad let out a heavy sigh. He was falling for this woman quicker than expected. A phone call disrupted his thoughts, it was his boss.

"Hello sir?" He answered

"Hi, Gad. Left the office I suppose?" Claus asked.

"Yes sir, not too long ago."

"Very well then, how's our new girl's first day?"

"Excellent. Very efficient. Handles herself well."

"Alright. Looking forward to meeting her."

"Okay sir. Goodnight."

Mr Gad hung up wondering why his boss, hasn't bothered about the personal details of the new employee. He doesn't even know her name and didn't ask for it.

Meanwhile, Claus leaned back in his chair, eyes fixed on Tyla as she sauntered into his home office,the scent of cigarette smoke wafting in with her.

"Working late again, huh?" Tyla asked, exhaling smoke as she settled into the chair opposite Claus.

"Just catching up on some files," Claus replied, his gaze drifting to the burning cigarette.

Tyla raised an eyebrow. "You know I hate it when you work late. You need to take care of yourself."

Claus smiled wryly. "I'm fine, Tyla. Just making sure everything runs smoothly."

Tyla's eyes narrowed. "Is this about the new employee? You said Manager Gad brought someone in."

Claus's expression turned thoughtful. "Yes, her name is... actually, I forgot to ask Gad." He chuckled. "I'll find out soon enough when I visit Ryman."

Tyla laughed, standing up. "You're so absent-minded sometimes."

Claus stood, pulling her close. "Only when I'm distracted by beautiful women."

Tyla's eyes sparkled as she wrapped her arms around him. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Claus."

Claus grinned, kissing her. "I'm counting on it."

The next morning, Cassandra woke up early, feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep. She quickly got dressed and called the office for assistance with moving into her new apartment.

"Hello, good morning," she said to the receptionist. "I need help moving into my new apartment. Can someone assist me?"

"Of course, Cassandra. We'll send someone over right away," the receptionist replied.

Within 30 minutes, a staff member arrived at the guest house to help Cassandra move her belongings to the apartment. She was relieved to see that the apartment was already furnished and clean, with modern amenities.

As they drove to the apartment, Cassandra couldn't help but feel grateful for this new start. The apartment complex was located in a quiet neighborhood, close to the office.

Upon arrival, Cassandra was pleased to see that the apartment had two bedrooms, a living room, dining area, and a kitchen. The living room, dining, and kitchen would be shared spaces, but the bedrooms were private.

"Thankfully, the other person hasn't moved in yet," the staff member said, handing her the keys. "You'll have the place to yourself for a while."

Cassandra smiled, feeling a sense of relief. She quickly dropped her bags and changed into a fresh outfit, knowing she'd be late for work.

"I'll be running late today," she informed the office via phone. "I'll make up for the lost time."

After a quick breakfast she had bought on their way, she headed out the door.

"I'll tour the house later," she told herself, locking the door behind her.

As she walked to the office, Cassandra felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. This was a new chapter in her life, and she was ready to make the most of it.

Upon arriving at the office, she was greeted warmly by her colleagues. She settled into her workstation, feeling more confident with each passing minute.

The day flew by quickly, with Cassandra immersed in her work. She took short breaks to familiarize herself with the office layout and introduce herself to her colleagues. As the day drew to a close, she felt exhausted but satisfied. She had made a good start.

"Time to go home and explore my new apartment," she thought, packing up her belongings.

The apartment, though temporary, felt like a haven, a place to call her own. Cassandra looked forward to unwinding and making it her home.

As she walked back to the apartment, she couldn't help but wonder who her future roommate would be. Would they get along? Would they become friends?

Only time would tell.

For now, she was content with her new space. She giggled as she turned on the lights and began to tour.

The apartment located on the first floor, had a private entrance. The front door opened into a small foyer, leading to the living room. Spacious, with large windows allowing natural light, light brown-colored walls, dark wood flooring, and modern furniture. A comfortable sofa, armchair, and coffee table, as well as a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall.

Her grin grew large as she entered the dining area adjacent to the living room with a round dining table with four chairs and a pendant light fixture above the table. The kitchen, directly linked with the dining area, was fully equipped with modern appliances (refrigerator, stove, microwave): Granite countertops, wooden cabinets and breakfast bar with two stools.

The hallway led to the two bedrooms with a linen closet and laundry area.

Cassandra's bedroom, which she didn't take much time to scan earlier contained a queen-sized bed, a dresser and nightstand and a closet with sliding doors. She didn't bother to check out the other bedroom,it probably should be the same as hers.

She fell on the bed with exhaustion and gratitude after discarding her clothes. Tomorrow she'd shop for groceries with the little money she had left. But then she was hungry and wondered what to eat for dinner. At the thought of dinner, she smiled as she remembered the previous night. Mr Gad wasn't at the office the whole day, it wasn't in her place to bother but she low-key anticipated seeing him.

A heavy knock on the front door, jerked her out of her thoughts. Who was it?.

With he heart racing, she tied the knot on her robe and cautiously approached the door. She pressed her eye against the keyhole, peering out.

On the other side, she saw a familiar figure holding a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates.