CHAPTER TWO
1294 Words
Andrea could not believe what had just happened. He stood frozen, staring at her. All this time, he had done everything for Sophia—even once using his tuition fee just to help her when she was having a meltdown.
Now, all that sacrifice seemed to have vanished like it never even happened. In fact, it felt like he was the only one who remembered it at all.
People in the restaurant were watching, curious to see how the drama would unfold. Some, however, were visibly annoyed at having their meals disrupted by the unsolicited drama. The commotion was enough to bring the manager, who arrived at the table looking stern.
“What is going on here?” the manager demanded.
“My girlfriend and I came here to celebrate her birthday because I thought this was a nice place. But you have rude waiters making passes at other people’s women,” Matteo said.
“What? Sir, that’s not true—she’s actually my girlfriend, and I was just—” Andrea started.
“Shut it,” the manager snapped.
“Babe,” Sophia cut in, slipping into a victim act, “I think you should leave a review about how they support creeps like him. People should know.”
“Ma’am, sir,” the manager said, trying to smooth things over, “I assure you this matter will be handled. We don’t tolerate behavior like this from our workers. He will be disciplined accordingly.”
“Then why hasn’t he apologized yet?” Matteo pressed. “I mean, he disrespected my girlfriend and me. I demand an apology.”
“Yes, I’m already emotionally distressed and embarrassed,” Sophia added dramatically.
The manager turned to Andrea. “Well? What are you waiting for? Apologize to the lady.” The manager demanded.
“On his knees,” Matteo said with a wicked grin.
“You heard the man,” the manager said. “And trust me, this does not even begin to make up for the damage you have caused. Start apologizing or you’re fired.” The manager threatened.
Andrea stood there, numb. Damage? Did they have any idea what kind of damage he had incurred all because of his so-called girlfriend? This same girl?
Sophia had brought him more pain than joy. And now, here he was—being humiliated even further.
And the worst part? He was the fool. The biggest fool in the room.
But he wasn’t going to apologize. Not today.
He began untying his apron. Holding it in his hand, he turned and started walking away.
“Get back here, boy! You walk out that door, and don’t ever come back!” the manager yelled after him.
“Oh no! Can you imagine the disrespect?” Sophia cried, leaning on Matteo. “All I wanted was a happy birthday feast!”
“I’m calling my father,” Matteo said coldly.
“Sir, please—let us treat you to a feast, on the house—” the manager pleaded, his voice fading as Andrea entered the kitchen.
He didn’t care. Not about the job, not about the money he spent getting it, and definitely not about the murmurs around him. He could feel the stares, but he didn’t care.
“What have you done?” the head chef barked as soon as he entered.
“I quit,” Andrea said firmly.
“Told you he was a spoiled brat,” a waiter muttered, but Andrea didn’t even flinch.
He went to the changing room, got out of the uniform, and tossed it straight into the trash. He picked up his bag and walked out. No job was worth that kind of humiliation.
He was just about to leave when his phone chimed. He took it out and froze.
[Credit: XXX
Amount: $10,000,000,000
Balance: $10,000,000,215]
What?
That had to be an error. Probably some glitch. He was just about to call his bank’s customer service when the phone rang. It was an unknown number. Probably them calling him back.
“Hello?” Andrea answered.
“Is this Andrea?” a deep, mature voice asked.
Andrea paused a couple of seconds before answering.
“This is him. Who’s this?” Andrea replied, cautious.
“I am Alfredo Del Cosmos. You can call me Alfredo. You have an inheritance, and you need to come immediately to the Apex Annex for further details.” The man said to him.
Andrea blinked. He had heard of Apex. They were a huge company, always in the business news. It is either their stock being discussed or them acquiring a smaller business and merging it with theirs. But he’d never been there.
“Inheritance?” he repeated, confused.
“Yes,” Alfredo confirmed.
That made no sense. His mother had nothing. He had grown up poor, alone, scraping by. He was an orphan. So who could have possibly left him something?
“So… what do I do?” he asked, curiosity growing inside him like a flame.
“Come to the top floor. Tell them you are here to see me. I’ll be waiting,” Alfredo said.
“Okay, but are you sure I am the person you are looking for?” Andrea asked just to be clear.
“I do not make mistakes. When can you be here?”
“I can make it in an hour.”
“Good. I will schedule the meeting. Be on time—I have many other matters to attend to. You know the place, right?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Then I’ll see you soon.” The call ended.
Andrea stared at the screen. Everything about this felt unreal. But that balance alert… he needed to know if it was real. He hopped on his bicycle and rode home fast. He wasn’t touching that money until he had confirmation it was truly his.
When he got home, he rushed inside and began undressing to change into clean clothes. That’s when the front door opened, and he turned around.
“Hi,” he greeted politely.
“You pervert! You think showing up half-naked is going to make me fall for you?” Veronica, his roommate, shouted.
Andrea stood there in just his boxers. He had no time for this, but he stayed respectful.
“No, it’s not like that. I just came to change clothes, I swear.” He said.
“Yeah, right. Just admit it—you’re trying to flirt with me, huh? You think this booty has anything to do with whatever’s between your legs?” she said angrily.
“No,” he replied quickly.
“So you were indeed flirting. Swear you did not spy on me when I was changing the other day.”
Spy on her? He never had the guts. And besides, even if he did, he had been so in love with Sophia, he wouldn’t have looked at anyone else.
“I swear, I didn’t. Please.”
“You know what? I’m going to the caretaker. If this continues, I’m getting you kicked out.”
That was not fair. He had been here first. She was the one who moved in after.
“Veronica, I’m really sorry, but I need to go right now. Whatever issues you have with me, I promise we will sort them out when I get back. Please.”
“Wow. No remorse, huh? Speaks volumes.” She slammed the door as she left.
She had made up her mind already. And frankly, Andrea had bigger things to worry about.
He did not waste another second. He grabbed fresh clothes, got dressed, and headed out.
It was time to find out the truth behind the inheritance—and the fortune that had suddenly appeared in his account.
- Writer
