Ch.7
1038 Words
Althea’s Pov
"Wow, congratulations, girl! You did it!" Ella exclaimed as soon as I shared the news of my new job.
"I can hardly believe it myself. I had to pinch myself a few times in the taxi. Finally, I landed a job!" I said, placing my bag on the bed and running my fingers through my long, wavy hair.
"Wait, did you find out how much you’ll be earning?"
"Yes, and to my surprise, I got to choose the salary I wanted!" I beamed.
"You’re so lucky, girl!" Ella’s eyes grew wide. We jumped onto the bed, leaping and hugging each other like kids. We couldn’t contain our excitement; it felt like hitting the jackpot.
"Knock, knock, knock... Knock, knock, knock! Althea! Ella! I know you’re in there!" a sharp voice screeched from outside the door.
The door rattled loudly on its old hinges as our landlady pounded on it.
"You owe four months of rent! I can’t put up with this any longer. You better have the money in my account by tomorrow, or I’ll call the police!" she shouted.
Miss Cressel pounded on the door a few more times before ultimately deciding to remain outside, hoping to catch us if we attempted to leave. We held our breath, not making a sound.
After what felt like an eternity, we finally heard her footsteps gradually receding, and we released a collective sigh of relief.
I pulled out my pear-phone from my bag and opened the Bank of America app to check if the money Miss Limbs mentioned had arrived.
I entered my username and password, waiting for the login to process.
$200.
"Let’s find you something to wear for tomorrow," Ella whispered.
The following morning, I reached Mr. Valenti’s Penthouse at five o’clock.
After going through all the security checks from the guards in the lobby, they finally allowed me entry. A man in a black suit escorted me, his gaze evaluating my outfit, from my white v-neck shirt to my black skirt, leather bag, and stilettos.
I offered him a smile, and he returned it, but then abruptly turned away from me. It felt quite awkward. An elderly man in his late fifties opened the penthouse door.
"Hello, I’m Victor. Mr. Valenti’s Butler."
I was left speechless as I entered the penthouse. It was stunning, and the view outside was simply breathtaking.
In the living area, there was a black leather sofa that took up a significant amount of space. It was paired with a black coffee table and some cushions.
The penthouse featured a private pool, a fully equipped gym, a library, and a music room.
"Do you like it?" Victor asked with a smile.
"Yeah, I can hardly believe that this enormous house is meant for just one person."
"Well, that's the luxury that comes with being wealthy."
"Lucky him. My best friend and I are sharing a small apartment that is only a quarter the size of that kitchen."
"Really? The Valenti family is among the wealthiest in the world."
"Our apartment feels like a rat's nest in comparison to this place."
Victor grinned at me. "I’ll catch you later. I need to start preparing breakfast. Just make yourself at home."
"By the way, has Mr. Valenti woken yet?" I glanced at my wristwatch; it read five forty-five.
"Hmm, I don’t think he has. Just hang tight here, okay? I need to head out now."
"Alright, see you later." As soon as I was by myself, I noticed a picture frame hanging on the wall. It depicted a hand mending a heart. I removed the frame from the wall and began to appreciate it, trying to decipher its meaning.
"A bit early, aren't we, Miss Dawson?"
I turned to face him, "Wow, you really startled me." I placed a hand over my heart.
"That wasn't my intention," Mr. Valenti said as he approached, towering over me. His scent was a mix of aftershave, soap, and musk. Hmm… a distinctly masculine aroma.
He looked stunning in his gray shirt and blue cotton shorts. His hair was still damp from the shower, giving him a fresh and clean appearance.
"Good morning, Mr. Valenti."
"Good morning, Miss Dawson."
"Please, have a seat and join me for breakfast," he suggested, gesturing towards the dining hall.
"I appreciate it, sir, but I've already eaten," I fibbed.
"Then at least have a coffee."
We made our way to the dining hall where Mr. Valenti settled into a chair while I took a seat opposite him. He rang a bell, and soon his butler emerged from the kitchen, pushing a serving trolley. He placed an espresso in front of me, followed by a pancake drizzled with strawberry syrup.
My mouth watered, and my stomach rumbled as I gazed at the pancake before me. I pulled out my notepad, preparing to jot down notes about my day's activities, attempting to distract myself from the delicious pancake.
"Are you really not going to eat?"
"Um... yeah... I’m just too full."
"Alright." He raised an eyebrow in skepticism.
"What would you like me to do today?"
"Today, I need you to review the files of our competitors, debtors, and creditors. Lastly, please send a rose flower to Rebecca Stains."
My hands trembled as I hastily jotted down the day's schedules on the notepad, but I found it hard to resist the allure of the pancake before me. It appeared irresistibly scrumptious.
"Are you certain you don’t want to have a bite? This pancake is truly delightful."
"No thank you," I replied with a smile.
"Alright then." He picked up the daily newspaper and began to read.
I continued to gaze at the pancake in front of me, unable to hold back any longer. My mouth watered at the thought of it. I glanced up to check if Mr. Valenti was watching, but he was still absorbed in his reading.
I grabbed the fork, eager to take a bite, but in my excitement, it slipped from my grasp and clattered to the floor. Oh no! I rested my chin on my hand, staring at the chandelier to hide my embarrassment.
"Excuse me, I’ll be back shortly," Mr. Valenti said as he walked away.
- Writer
