Accidentally owned by my boss

Chapter Two

**TRACY**

“My sister’s hospital bills are due this month,” I said while sobbing.

My thoughts tumbled over themselves. “Where will I get the money? How can I pay on time?

Each question stabbed sharper than the last, leaving me gasping in despair, completely alone with the weight of my helplessness.

I began racing in thought, “If Declan hadn’t broken up with me, he would have assisted in clearing Sophia’s hospital bills."

“Who will I run to at this critical point?”

“Get up off the floor, Tracy," Amelia said as she wiped off my tears and whispered into my ears, “We’ll figure it out together," Amelia cooed.

That sounded like a huge relief to my soul, even if I wasn’t sure if Amelia would help, as she said.

We chatted a little and just as I was set to go and stay with Sophia in the hospital.

“I’d love to join you, but I have to go on a date with a mystery man, " Amelia laughed.

“She handed 2 grand to me. I know it’s little but add it to pay for Sophia’s treatment."

Thank you so much Amelia, I reacted cheerfully.

“It’s fine, my regards to Sophia,” Amelia said.

***********

“How’re you Sophia?"

“I’m still in pain as usual," Sophia responded, groaning in severe pain.

The hospital called earlier today concerning the bills, and I have been given fourteen days to clean it up. She said while trying to control tears.

“You have a life to live, you should go partying, you should go on multiple dates regardless of the sudden breakup text you got from Declan, instead of wasting time and….”

I quickly interrupted and reprimanded Sophia for making such statements.

I am mocked, humiliated, and bullied all because I want the best for you, Sophia, so please don’t say that.

“I love you so much, and I’ll go extra miles to get money for your chemotherapy," I said with a hint of a smile on my face.

“I love you too sis”, it’s just that it hurts me having to put you in this... I interrupted Sophia again: “Don’t worry, just rest, I’m still here for you."

“How was work today?” Sophia asked in a calm voice.

Hectic and humiliated as usual, I winced.

Instead of going through all this bullying and humiliation by your colleagues, why not quit? Sophia added.

“Quit? How will I get money for your treatment? How will we survive if I quit?”

“I’m working in a 5-star hotel, and it’s still like that. How much more if I quit?”

“Quitting will never be any of my options,” I said firmly.

These words sank through Sophia, and she could only stutter. “God bless you, Tracy, for always being there for us”.

Let me go to the Finance unit and meet Mr Johnson to inquire if I can make a deposit of 3 grand.

“Okay sis” Sophia said.

“Good afternoon sir, I am Tracy Horace, a sister to Sophia Horace in the oncology unit.

I received a call earlier at work today concerning the hospital bill.

Please can I make a little deposit?”I asked politely.

“Sure you can make a deposit now," he responded with a deep masculine voice that reminded her of Declan again.

“Hope I can make a deposit of 3 grand?”

“No ma’am,” Mr Johnson responded with a slice of pity on his face.

Today seems to be a very bad day for me, I muttered.

I exhale.

How about 5 grand?

“You can pay for it,” Mr Johnson asked.

I handed my debit card to him.

“Sorry ma’am, due to the current network issues, we accept only cash,” Mr Johnson said swiftly.

I’ll go to the bank tomorrow instead. I’ve had a long day today already.

“Okay ma'am,” Mr Johnson added.

**********

I went to the bar to get vodka to clear my head.

I know I shouldn’t be drinking.

I don’t even have the head for alcohol, but it’s the only way I can forget how bad my heart aches.

I shouldn’t be drinking, I winced as the vodka burned its way through my throat.

Still it’s not helping, I murmured slowly to myself.

I glanced at the text over and over again. How am I supposed to move on so fast?

We just broke up this morning, and he’s already with another girl. How? I asked rhetorically.

This pierced my heart like I was being stabbed with a knife.

I filled up my glass and I drank everything.

I suddenly began to feel uncomfortable, a well-dressed, dark-skinned guy was sitting behind me.

I didn’t want anyone to see me at my lowest. With the intention of leaving, I quickly slid the stool to get up but before I realized, I had turned towards his direction.

Feeling nervous, I looked up to him and our eyes locked.

I could see how muscular and broad his chest was from his gal button shirt, dark blue eyes locked with mine and I had a sudden desire to bite his small pink lips to feel its softness.

“Hello pretty lady," he started.

My belly twined, and I began to feel very dizzy.

For a few seconds, I couldn’t utter a word. Put yourself together, Tracy," I murmured to myself.

I stood up shakily, everywhere was quite blurry to me.

“Please don’t feel obliged to leave because of me."

“No ooh I— I was about to leave," I stuttered.

“Would it be too late to ask you to have a drink with me?” he asked coyly while holding my hands back.

Oh my gosh…such a gentleman with soft hands, I mumbled.

I nodded, “Yes."

I sat down. I held his gaze, something unspoken tightening in my chest.

For a moment, I forgot how to breathe.

His scent had filled up the whole environment. I gazed sternly at his chest with his cross necklace sitting undistracted.

Gosh…what is wrong with me? I thought to myself.

It’s clearly the breakup and alcohol.

I need to leave here now. I insisted, but he held my hands back and whispered softly.