SEDUCING MY EX'S BILLIONAIRE UNCLE

The sound of heels clicking impatiently against the floor was drowned out by the noisy chatters of people in line at the jewelry store. ‘’What is taking so long? We have places to be!’’ A woman shouted from the back of the line, shifting uncomfortably. They had been stuck at a spot for almost five minutes because someone couldn’t fund her account before sauntering into a jewelry store. ‘’I—I don’t understand. I put some money in there!’’ Ivy stuttered, her hand fiddling with her dress nervously as she tried to come to terms with what was happening. She had taken the night shift last night with the intention of purchasing a wedding ring for she and cole. She could see the ring through the glass, the diamond glistening perfectly. Unfortunately, her card had been swiped repeatedly, the same robotic voice saying ‘insufficient funds’. ‘’Step aside.’’ The cashier’s cold voice bloomed, irritation swarming her features. ‘’Please. Can you just help me check my bank history? I—‘’ Before she could complete her words, security padded in, their hands grabbing her shoulders harshly. She winced. ‘’Let go of me!’’ She shouted, trying to get out of their grasp. But they were just too strong.. ‘’Take her out.’’ The cashier muttered, making Ivy’s eye go wide. ‘’You can’t do this!’’ She thundered, thrashing as they hurled her to the parking lot, dumping her on the floor like a pile of trash. Her white uniform grazed the floor gently, the white turning black in the process. ‘’Oh God!’’ Ivy panicked, trying to get the stain off her. But it wouldn’t come off. With an annoyed sigh, she hailed a cab. ‘’To the bank please.’’ She murmured, occasionally checking her watch. She made a mental note to spend less than three minutes at the bank so she could head to the restaurant early. The cab drove for a while before stopping in front of a bank. Ivy thanked him, retrieving some money from her purse. Before she could count his bill and pass it to him, the driver yanked the bills away, driving off just as quickly. Huffing, Ivy took quick strides into the bank. She approached one of the workers, tiredness plastered on her face. ‘’Hi! Please how can I help you?’‘ The woman behind the table said, her lips curving into a smile. ‘’Can I get a copy of my bank statement?’’ Ivy asked, her eyes flying to her watch. ‘’You could have requested for it directly on your phone. But it’s alright. I’ll need you to fill out this form.’’ The lady answered, passing her a piece of paper and pen. With shaky hands, Ivy scribbled her information and passed the paper back to the woman. ‘’Alright! You should be getting a notification before the end of the day.’’ ‘’Thank you so much!’’ Ivy said, flashing her a grateful smile. She quickly rushed out of the bank and booked a cab, biting her nails in anticipation. By the time she got to the restaurant, her shoulders had already sagged in exhaustion. She barely made it through the back door when the familiar sound of mocking laughter greeted her. ‘’Look who finally decided to show up.’’ One of the waitress sneered, her arms crossed against each other. ‘’If we came late everyday like her, we would be out of the job.’’ Another added, smirking. ‘’But of course she warms the manager’s bed at night. So…’’ Ivy ignored them. She dropped her bag on the staff bench and reached for an apron, barely wrapping it around her waist when a tray was shoved in her hand. ‘’Table ten. Go!’’ Ivy obliged. She carried the tray to the table, flashing a smile at the customers. ‘’Here is your order.’’ She said, taking the plates off the tray and placing them on the table. With a curt nod, she took the tray back and headed back to the kitchen. Not even a minute before she got in, a piercing scream echoed through the dining area. ‘’Rat!!! There is a rat In my food!’’ Someone shouted, making Ivy jump in curiosity. She headed for the eatery, her eyes widening as she realized the screams were coming from the table she had just served. ‘’You!’’ The customer shouted, pointing an accusing finger at her. ‘’You dare put a rat in my food?!’’ He screamed, making the other customers stare at Ivy with judgemental eyes. Curses flew her way as they all got up with panick and disgust-filled eyes. Most of them even looked through their food incase they’d been served a piece of meat they didn’t order. ‘’I—I only served the food. I didn’t cook that!’’ Ivy stuttered, her hand flying to her mouth as she stared at the food. Indeed, a big rat was laying in it. She wondered how she didn’t see it when she served the food. ‘’What is going on here?!’’ The manager’s voice bloomed. They all whipped their head in his direction, huffing and puffing about how he had hired someone this unprofessional. ‘’Your waitress put a rat in my food.’’ The man heaved, stomping his legs in anger. ‘’She is a chef. Not a waitress. And I’m really sorry about this. I would make sure you are compensated.’’ The manager uttered, trying to calm him down. Seeing as the manager was not ready to reprimand his staff for her carelessness, the customers quickly emptied the restaurant. ‘’To my office. Now!’’ The manager shouted, cursing under his breath as he headed for his office. Ivy followed after him, not missing the hushed laughters coming from the kitchen. ‘’Finally someone is getting sacked! Let’s see if her ‘special services’ can her save her from this’’ Ivy hands trembled as she walked to the manager’s office, her legs unsteady as she braced herself for the worse. ‘’Sit.’’ The manager murmured, his face unreadable. But there was a hint of tiredness laced in his voice. ‘’You’re a great chef Ivy.’’ He started, his voice calm ‘’This place doesn’t deserve you. Yo— ‘’Sir please. I can explain.’’ Ivy interrupted, her eyes watering. ‘’I didn’t cook the food.’’ ‘’I know that. Which is why I’m offering to transfer you to a better place.’’ He said, making Ivy’s eyes widen in shock. Her breath caught in her throat. ‘’I—I’m not getting fired?’’ ‘’Of course not.’’ He chuckled. ‘’Thank you so much sir! I’ll think about your offer.’’ She said, a genuine smile gracing her lips. The first genuine smile she’d had all day. Without waiting any moment, she picked up her bag and hailed a cab, eager to get home and share the news with her fiancé. She didn’t miss the hoots and howlers of her colleagues as they celebrated her departure. She passed the cab driver some bills and got down, happily entering into her apartment. ‘’Cole?’’ She called out. Silence. Or not… The sound of moans coming from the kitchen pricked her ears. Ivy frowned. She walked towards it, her ears catching a few words. ‘’Yes harderrrrr!’’ A woman whimpered, making Ivy quicken her step. Her purse fell to the floor with a loud thud, her eyes widening in shock as she took in the scene.