Chapter Fifteen
797 Words
MIGUEL'S POV
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After one and a half-hour ride, I got home and went straight to my room. I collapsed onto my bed, exhausted. I couldn't help but wonder how Mariam managed to drag herself to class on time, given the distance. I'd be perpetually late for lectures if I lived that far.
I was stoked when I found out Mariam was in our group work yesterday. I'd get to work with her, and I couldn't explain why, but I was really looking forward to it.
It'd be cool to get to know her better without any awkwardness between us. I'm not exactly the chatty type, but I was looking forward to breaking the ice.
When she didn't show up online, I grew curious. Was everything okay? Did her phone crap out on her? It was weird that no one in our group had her contact – including me. I hoped she was doing alright.
But when I saw her in class today, sitting in my spot, gaming away on her phone like nothing was wrong, I felt a surge of annoyance. What the hell? I had been stressing about her all throughout yesterday, and she was fine the whole time? I lashed out at her, and now she thinks I don't like her. Guess I overreacted.
On a different note, she's adorable when she's freaking out. Like, seriously afraid of motorbikes. I rode her home, and she was shaking like a leaf when we got off. I won't be riding my bike to campus again if it means putting her through that. She's kind of cute though, when she's screaming.
I hoped she'd be alright. I got up from bed and headed to freshen up before returning Andy's call. He picked up immediately. ''Hello, boss,'' he said, making me sigh. When would he drop the formalities? I'm only a year older than him.
''What's up, Andy?'' I asked, curious about the call. ''There's a bit of a problem,'' he said. ''A desktop delivery was made yesterday to a customer in Madina, but they're reporting the new product isn't working.''
''What did you do about it?'' I asked, not exactly in the mood for this conversation. I was hungry and just wanted to have something to eat and rest.
''Nothing much, boss. I asked them to bring it back, so we'll take a look tomorrow,'' Andy replied.
''Alright, ensure this doesn't happen again with any future deliveries,'' I instructed, since this was a first-time issue.
"Okay, boss," he said seriously. "If that's all, see you tomorrow," I said, dropping the call.
I headed downstairs for dinner and then went back to bed after a few minutes.
***
The next day, I arrived at my office at 7 am sharp and tackled some paperwork. Digital Bridge officially opens at 8 am, but I like to get a head start. As the owner/CEO, I prefer to keep a low profile until I graduate, so Andy takes the reins as acting CEO. The staff knows him from the opening ceremony, and he's done a great job.
I was lucky to have met Andy during our department's orientation. We clicked instantly, despite being different. Andy's outgoing and perceptive, always seeing the best in people. I recall him sizing me up and saying, "You don't just look like a rich kid; you look wealthy." I was perplexed, given my simple outfit – a white T-shirt and faded jeans. He had an uncanny ability to read people.
I brushed him off, but Andy stuck around, and we somehow clicked. As we spent more time together, I learned about his family – they weren't wealthy, but they weren't struggling either. They were managing just fine. Andy was a scholarship student, and he had two younger siblings, a sister and a brother. Being the eldest, he took his responsibilities seriously.
I later shared my plans with him about the upcoming business launch and offered him the role of my assistant and acting CEO. His reaction was priceless – shocked doesn't even begin to describe it. Learning I was a billionaire from a family of billionaires left him stunned.
''You're insane!'' he had exclaimed. ''Me? Run your company? I'd bankrupt it in a week!'' He shook his head, looking like he'd just been asked to fly to the moon.
I reassured him, highlighting how our school learnings could be applied hands-on and that I'd be there to support him. I wanted him to stand in for me, not shoulder the entire burden alone. ''Think about it, Andy,'' I said. ''You can put everything we're learning into practice. I'll be right here with you.''
After some convincing, he finally agreed, though still looking a bit uncertain, but now the company is successful through our hard work together.
- Writer
