The Gingerbread Man is My Billionaire Boss

Chapter 5: Something to Celebrate

I gripped my handbag tightly, anxiety racing through me as I waited in the Starship Bank lobby for the manager. Every tick of the clock felt like an eternity until a recognizable figure emerged.

“Terrance?!” I exclaimed, springing to my feet, my heart racing with excitement. I enveloped him in a warm embrace, the affection bridging the years we had spent apart.

“To what do I owe this pleasant surprise?” He asked, his voice brimming with genuine enthusiasm.

“I’m here to see the manager,” I replied, struggling to keep my nerves in check.

“You're looking at the manager,” he announced proudly, a bright grin lighting up his face.

“Get out of here!” I gasped in disbelief, my astonishment showing off. “I can’t believe it! Congratulations!”

I hugged him again, a blend of joy and envy swirling within me. What might my career have looked like had I not stepped away to become a housewife?

“Right this way,” he gestured eagerly.

Just as I was about to walk off a powerful figure strode into the lobby, flanked by imposing bodyguards. His presence was quiet yet commanding, instantly capturing my attention.

“That’s our new director, Mr. Braylon Briggs,” Terrance whispered, his chest swelling with pride.

I couldn't help but glue my eyes to the breathtaking figure that didn't care to even look my way. My dreamy eyes traced from his neatly styled black hair down to his polished shoes. His crisp attire accentuated his tall, well-built structure, and the self-assured smile gracing his lips combined with his confident gait left me utterly captivated.

“Quit staring, because the job is yours!” Terrance exclaimed, catching me off guard.

“Wait, what?!” I replied, momentarily unable to grasp his words.

“You are officially his assistant,” he announced with evident pride.

“I am th-the director's assistant?” I stammered in disbelief, incredulity flooding me.

“Just like that!” He affirmed, his enthusiasm infectious. “Come into my office to sign the paperwork. You start on Monday.”

He beckoned me to follow, my heart swelling with hope as I walked behind him.

After signing my contract, a weight lifted from my shoulders, illuminating my spirit. I couldn't wait to start on Monday. A joyous squeal escaped my lips as I skipped down the hallway. Just before I turned a corner, I collided with something solid, my mind momentarily blank as my heart skipped a few beats. My folder flew from my grip, papers swirling through the air like fallen leaves.

Realizing I had bumped into Mr. Briggs, I stumbled backward, my heart leaping into my throat as I lost my balance. But he caught me effortlessly, his strong arms encircling me. His warm, disarming smile caught me off guard. His big grey orbs locked into mine. I managed a shy grin as he gently helped me to my feet.

“Mr. Briggs, I’m so sorry! Thank you,” I said hastily, a blush creeping across my cheeks as I tucked my hair behind my ears.

“Be careful,” he replied, his profound voice drawing my attention to his dazzling smile. “Have we met before?”

“No, I don't think so, but I’m your new assistant. I start on Monday.” I swallowed hard, caught off guard by the curiosity etched in his face. I glanced away at his bodyguards, who were already gathering my scattered papers.

“Oh! I see,” he said as if pleased. “See you on Monday then.”

He smiled, striding away with a confidence that left my heart racing. It felt wrong not to turn around and appreciate the view of his retreating figure. I bit my lip, scolding myself for being so mesmerized.

“What just happened? Get a grip, Shelly,” I muttered to myself. “You are married, and you will not let your husband’s choices dictate your life!”

With a determined shake of my head, I dismissed the momentary distraction.

At home, I couldn't suppress my excitement. I was no longer a god-forsaken housewife or what I would say ‘Hashtag; Tommy’s maid.’ The atmosphere was screaming celebration.

I pranced around the living room, with a champagne bottle in one hand and my phone in the other, moving vigorously to every beat that blasted through the stereo, when my phone vibrated in my hands, prompting me to stop. It was my best friend Emma, a childhood friend whom Tommy hated, but she was my only confidante. I had asked her to look after Bella while I was away.

“Hey, what’s up? How is Bella?” I answered eagerly.

“Hey, Bella is great! We’re on our way to you now,” she replied.

“I owe you big time for this,” I said gratefully.

“I have a proposal as your method of payment for this favor. We’ll talk when I get to the house.” She said before hanging up...

Moments later, Bella and Emma burst through the door. Bella immediately wrapped her arms around me in a warm embrace.

“Go to your room and change!” I instructed her while I immediately refocused my gaze on Emma, who was busy unpacking a few snacks that she had brought for Bella. “You won't believe this! You are looking at the director’s new personal assistant!”

“Yayyy!!” We both jumped and screamed in genuine glee.

“It’s about time! I don’t know how you did it. Being a housewife is not for the weak.” She added.

“What were you telling me on the phone?” I inquired eager to hear what she had in mind.

“Oh! Sooo...” She twisted her eyes from side to side as though she knew I was going to hate the idea that she had stored in her adventurous brain cells. I waited patiently as she continued. “There’s this underground Christmas fundraiser event tonight where all the billionaires and wanna be billionaires will be attending, but you must wear a costume to conceal your identity. I want you to come with me!”

“What type of Christmas event requires a costume? I don’t own any costumes!” I worried.

“There will be bidding, and billionaires hate to show their faces. They don’t want anyone to recognize them in public. And guess what I got you this!” She said, pulling a stunning gold dress and a masquerade mask from her bag. “You will look stunning!”

I held up the beautiful dress against my body. “I can't. I need to take care of Bella.”

“When was the last time you did something fun?” She declared. “I’m not taking no for an answer. I’ve already bought our tickets, and we are going! It starts at 8:00 PM sharp.”