The Billionaire’s First Love

Chapter3

Rosie resumed work two days later, as she was granted a shopping leave the previous day. She was given a fat allowance before she left the firm on the day of the interview and was told it was her wardrobe allowance. She looked smart and beautiful in her dress, and as the driver came to pick her up that morning, she’d set her mind on optimism, hoping for a good working experience with her boss.

It was already three weeks into her job, and she had an exhilarating experience working at AdriaBlooms, asides the constant mean attitude she got from Adrian from time to time which made her develop a huge dislike for him. His rudeness irked her and she always complained to her sister about it, but Ann always repeated the same thing. He can only fire you if you fall short of your duties and responsibilities at work. If you keep being your best, he’d have nothing to hold against you. You’re an asset to him, and that’s why no matter what’s going on with him, he can’t relieve you of your job. Don’t let your dislike cost you something you got on a platter of gold. She lived with that piece of advice, and everyday, she kept on trying to be her best, but the dislike never left.

But something strange happened one day that changed everything. It began on a Wednesday.

She was already in the office when Adrian came in that morning. He looked sharp in his three-piece suit, and as he walked into the office, Rosie greeted him and he responded warmly. She was surprised at the change of attitude, but she said nothing as she walked dutifully behind him to his office. “What’s my schedule for today?” Adrian asked.

“Not much, sir. You’ve got just one meeting with the team from Winston’s at 2pm, and then we’re meant to visit the site of the developing estate before the close of work today,” Rosie replied, still wondering what it was that made him cool today. This was the first time in a very long while that he’d spoken to her without being unnecessarily rude.

“We’ll have to reschedule today’s meeting with the Winston Group, and I guess I'll send Charles to see to the supervision at the site. The team from Zenith Realty will be coming today, I want you to be ready, you’re going to be there with me,” Adrian said.

“Okay, sir. Is there anything else you’d want me to do for you, sir?” Rosie asked.

“Uh… yeah. Get me breakfast,” Adrian said, handing her a slim wad of cash. “Get something for yourself too, if you’d like.”

“Okay sir. Thank you, sir,” Rosie said and left.

She now understood why he was in a good mood. Zenith Realty was one of the top leading real estate firms in New York and he’d been looking forward to partnering with them. Getting their team to finally heed to their call was some sort of a win to him, and she silently prayed that he secures the partnership so he’d continue to be in good spirits.

**********

The team from Zenith Realty had arrived and Adrian and Rosie went to the conference room where the team was waiting. They did the introductions and settled into the business of the day. Proposals were made, bills debated, and Rosie watched in silence. She admitted that Adrian was a very brilliant man, despite her hate for him, as he professionally carried the meeting along. He made his presentations, and was always on hand to give answers to all the questions that came from Zenith Realty, with so much wit and confidence. “But why would such a brilliant and intelligent man be ill mannered?” she thought.

“No offense, Mr Adrian, but Zenith Realty isn’t in the business of taking such huge risks like this. And, speaking quite frankly, your proposition sounds too good to be true,” the only lady among the Zenith team said. Obviously, they weren’t convinced yet.

“That’s because it is,” Rosie spoke before she realized.

“Excuse me?” the lady asked.

Rosie looked at her boss with a sober face, who in turn gave her the go-ahead to speak. “I mean, it is too good to be true.” She looked at Adrian again who then gestured to her that she had the floor. “If there’s one thing AdriaBlooms is known for, it is under-promising and over-delivering. Take a look at our track record, which I'm sure you’re aware of. That’s all the evidence you need.”

Adrian didn’t hide his pleasure. He nodded at her to go on. “Believe me when I tell you that this is the only firm in the market that will match your standards. Zenith Realty already has the reputation. Now let us help you maintain it.” Rosie said, and her speech was followed with an ovation. Even Adrian was clapping and smiling widely at her. And at that moment, she felt so proud of herself.

**********

They were back in Adrian’s office. Adrian was silent for a long while, staring hard at Rosie with an expressionless face. She felt so uncomfortable and was forced to look down.

“Rosie, what you did there…”

“Sir, I'm so sorry…” she started.

“Was splendid. Brilliant,” Adrian said.

Rosie heaved a huge sigh of relief. “Thank you, sir. I was only following your lead.”

“Hmm,” he gave a wry smile that reminded Rosie of her dislike for him again. “What did you think about the presentation?”

“I think it was brilliant, sir. Your emphasis on aesthetics as a critical factor in structural design, spot on,” Rosie said. She hated that she had to compliment him but then she still had to give him his flowers.

“Good. Not everyone pays attention to details,” Adrian said and reclined on his seat. “That would be all for now, you may leave.”

“Alright sir.” She made to leave but he stopped her.

“Rosie?”

“Yes, sir?”

“You’re good, I must say. You’ll go pretty far if you continue like this.” Adrian said.

Rosie blushed. “Thank you very much, sir.” And with that she left the office.

**********

“Sis, Adrian is a genius, damn! He’s so brilliant and so confident and bold. I admire that,” Rosie told Ann after dinner.

“Hmm… that’s nice. But then, isn’t it surprising that you’re speaking so highly of this guy today? I mean, you’ve never liked his person.” Ann responded, while rocking Emilia to sleep.

“Well… i still don’t like his person, but then there’s nothing as surprising as what happened today,” Rosie said.

“ And what happened?”

“Adrian came to work today and responded to my greeting. He spoke to me casually about his appointments instead of the usual bossy and saucy attitude, and even gave me some cash to get breakfast for himself and I,” Rosie said.

“Really?”

“Really, sis. I was so shocked.”

“Do you think he’s beginning to like you?” Ann teased.

Rosie frowned. “That cannot happen, not in a million years. That guy is rude and mean and i’m always his first victim, i don’t think i can deal with that kind of man. Besides, his good mood was tied to the fact that he finally got Zenith Realty to partner with us, after several attempts.”

“Well, you can never know…”

“There is nothing to know, sis. It’s not possible, in every way. We aren’t in the same league, and I don’t see myself being with him either.” Rosie said. The thought of it alone irritated her.

“Okay okay… it was just a guess.”

“Well your guess was too wild, sis. I’m off to bed, goodnight,” Rosie said and walked out.