6
1164 Words
Chloe's POV
By the time I got home, my feet were already hurting. These heels. I couldn't wait to take them off.
I didn’t even realize how tired I was until I pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The smell hit me first. Food.
I paused at the door for a second, scanning the room.
Then I smiled.
“I’m home,” I called out.
“In here!” Leo’s voice came immediately.
I dropped my bag by the chair and walked into the small dining area.
There he was, sitting like he owned the place, one leg stretched out, chewing like he hadn’t seen food in days.
“Wow,” I said, folding my arms. “So this is what happens when I’m not around, huh?”
He looked up, grinning. “Ah, the hardworking boss lady is back.”
I rolled my eyes. “You didn’t even greet me.”
“I greeted you with my presence,” he said proudly.
I laughed loudly.
Mum walked in from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her floral gown.
“You’re back,” she said softly.
Her eyes went straight to my face, like she was checking for something.
“I’m fine,” I said quickly.
She smiled gently. “Come and eat first, you must be starving.”
I sat down, for the first time today, I actually felt… normal. No pressure, no sharp eyes watching me.
Home sweet home.
“So?” Leo said, leaning forward slightly. “How was it?”
I exhaled slowly. “Today was a lot,” I said, rubbing my forehead like it would erase the stress.
“Was it that bad?” he asked.
“No, it's not like it's bad,” I said. “It's just… different.”
“That’s rich people for you,” he said, shaking his head. “They're too serious for no reason.”
“Leooo,” mum called lightly.
“I’m just saying,” he shrugged. “People like us laugh more.”
I smiled a little at that. He wasn’t wrong.
“You saw your boss?” he asked suddenly, his eyes lighting up with curiosity.
I hesitated.
“Yeah.”
“And?” he leaned even closer. “Is he as scary as they say?”
I picked at my food for a second.
“I wouldn't say scary… he's just strict. Like super strict." I rolled my eyes, remembering how annoying he was.
Leo snorted. “That’s a nice way of saying he’s giving you a hard time.”
I laughed. “He’s not a problem. I can handle him.”
“He stressed you out, didn’t he?”
I didn’t answer.
Leo pointed at me. “I knew it.”
“It’s my first day,” I said. “It’s supposed to be stressful alright.”
“Hmm,” he hummed, not convinced.
“But I personally admire Mr Hale. I mean…that man is a successful business entrepreneur in the corporate world. Can you imagine being amongst the top 5 richest men in the city”? Leo said, his eyes wide with excitement.
“Wow, you sure do admire him. Even though he is giving your big sister a hard time." I said, pouting sadly.
“Sis, he is just grooming you, he wants you to be a good secretary. And you know, to be successful one has to be strict and business-minded,” Leo preached further in admiration.
Mum placed a hand on my arm gently. “You’ll get used to it.”
“I will,” I said, nodding.
I had to, I had no choice.
Leo leaned back in his chair, stretching.
“So now that my sister is working in a big company…” he started.
“Oh no,” I cut in immediately.
“Yes,” he grinned. “I think I deserve an upgrade.”
“Upgrade to what?”
“I need to change clothing, also we need to buy more good food. But maybe we could start with that new phone we talked about,” he said with a wink.
I stared at him.
“You’re joking, right?”
He gave me a serious look. “Do I look like I’m joking?”
I threw a piece of bread at him.
He caught it midair and laughed.
“I’m just saying, don’t forget me when you become rich.”
“I’m not becoming rich, but either way, you'll always be my priority... both you and mum. I said.
“Thats correct. It feels so good to have a big sister now," he said.
Mum shook her head, smiling softly.
“You two are the cause of my stress,” she said.
After dinner, I sat outside for a bit. The air felt lighter here.
I closed my eyes for a second, enjoying the evening breeze.
And somehow…
My mind drifted back to him. The way he looked at me, the way he spoke, like everything had to be perfect.
Like mistakes didn’t exist in his world.
I opened my eyes.
“Stop thinking about work,” I muttered to myself.
“You’re thinking again,” Leo said, dropping beside me.
I sighed. “Do you ever stop appearing out of nowhere?”
“No,” he said proudly. I shook my head.
“You’ll be fine, you know,” he added, his voice softer now.
I glanced at him.
“For once… I’m not worried about you,” he added.
That surprised me.
“You’re not?”
He shook his head. “You’re stubborn. You don’t give up easily. And Mr Hale is a good man.”
I smiled a little.
“And how would you know that?” I asked.
“Trust me. I have been following that man for the longest time. He has no bad record,” he said.
I nudged him lightly.
“Go and read your books.”
“I already did.”
“Liar.”
He grinned. “Maybe.”
“By the way,” I said, narrowing my eyes at him.
He froze slightly.
“What?”
“You’ve been getting a lot of attention in school.”
He relaxed immediately, smirking. “Of course like I should.”
“Leo.”
“What?” he shrugged. “I can’t help it if I’m popular.”
Mum’s voice came from inside. “Leo!”
He winced. “See? Even mum knows.”
I laughed.
But then my expression softened a little.
“Just be careful,” I said quietly.
“I am.”
“I’m serious,” I added sternly.
He looked at me properly then.
“I know,” he said. “I won’t mess up, Chloe.”
I held his gaze for a second. Then nodded. “I trust you.”
That night, as I lay in bed.
My body finally relaxed. But my mind didn’t.
Because tomorrow… I'll have to see Mr Alexander Hale.
- Writer
