Destined to be yours

CHAPTER TWO: THE CALL

“Pick up your call.” Sophia rolled her eyes at me, teasing.

She didn’t know who was calling. I didn’t reply, just turned my phone’s screen toward her.

“What! Why is he calling you again after everything he did?”

“I’m not picking up. Let’s go.” I shrugged, grabbing the car door handle.

Sophia froze, then walked around from the driver’s side to where I stood. She placed her hand on my shoulder, rubbing it like she was comforting a child.

“What?” I looked at her, already knowing that look. She was about to play the counselor.

“Amelia, no matter what he did…” I rolled my eyes, I knew it. She paused, noticing, but continued, “...forgive him and at least hear what he has to say.”

I folded my arms, shaking my head. “No, Sophia. How can I talk to someone who humiliated me like that? Just because he’s my boss doesn’t give him the right to treat me like trash. He should at least respect his employees.”

“I get it, Amelia. It was embarrassing, and I’m disappointed too. Imagine working late nights for him, rushing to his house on weekends to finish his work, and not even getting a raise. Then he fired you? That was low.” She waved her hands in frustration, emphasizing her point.

She continued, “But it’s been almost four months, and you’re still jobless. You know how hard it is to find work in this city. Just think about it. The man’s unpredictable. He could change his mind anytime.”

I put my hands on my hips, my stance defiant. “I’m not giving him a chance. What makes you think he even has anything reasonable to say? All he does is chase women around. Typical womanizer.”

Sophia’s eyes widened. “Wait… he’s into women like that?”

I scoffed. “You didn’t know? He’s in every club, flexing with ladies—slim, fat, all types.”

Sophia moved closer, a mischievous smile on her face. “Has he hit on you before?”

“That man?” I made a disgusted face. “Even if he did, I’d never give him the time of day.”

She pointed at me, mockingly. “You? Rejecting a billionaire?”

I crossed my arms. “I don’t care about his money. If you worked with him, you’d know how awful his behavior is.”

Sophia waved her hand dismissively. “Girl, in the face of money, behavior doesn’t matter.”

I rolled my eyes. “Soph, just open the door, or hand me the keys. I’m done standing here.”

She laughed. “With that sleepy face? You’ll drive us straight into the ocean. I’m not ready to die yet.”

“Fine, let’s go. It’s after ten already.” I glanced at my phone. “If you want his number so badly, just say it. You clearly have a crush.”

She was already heading to the driver’s side, laughing. “If he hits on me, I’ll take him. You know money rules the world.”

I shook my head, smirking. “So, you’ve got a crush on him just because he’s rich?”

Sophia stuck her tongue out playfully as we got into the car. We drove away from the hotel.

********

Sophia parked in front of my house.

I opened the door and stepped out. “Bye.” I waved as she gripped the steering wheel, leaning out the window.

“Don’t forget to call the man when you get inside,” she teased before driving off.

The moment his name left her lips, my face twisted in disgust as if I’d just smelled something rotten.

“Get lost!” I shouted, waving her off as her car disappeared down the street.

“She loves talking nonsense,” I muttered, heading toward the front door.

The moment I stepped into the living room, I heard the familiar taunt. “Welcome, fine girl with no job,” Evelyn’s voice dripped with sarcasm.

Evelyn was my step sister who usually likes not to face her business.

I ignored her and made my way to my room.

“Didn’t you hear me, you p********e?”

The words cut deep, like a slap across my face. Without thinking, I spun around, crossed the room in three quick strides, and slapped her hard across the cheek. The sound echoed off the walls, her head snapping to the side, eyes blazing with anger.

She sprang to her feet, hand raised to retaliate, but I caught her wrist mid-air, gripping it tightly. “Don’t you ever call me that again.” My voice was low, steady, laced with warning. I looked her up and down with disdain. “Take a good look at yourself. Who’s the real p********e here?”

I shoved her hand away, and she stumbled back, yelping, “Ouch! Look at you,no job, just parading around with groceries…”

I didn’t bother to listen. I marched to my room, slamming the door behind me to drown out her voice, which was now just background noise.

My phone buzzed in my hand. I glanced at the screen. “Probably Sophia,” I muttered, setting my bag down as I unlocked the phone.

But it wasn’t Sophia.

“What’s this man’s problem?” I swiped through the notifications, irritation boiling up. There were several messages from him.

“Why aren’t you picking up my calls?”

“Meet me at my house tomorrow at 10 :00 am”

My jaw tightened. Why wouldn’t he just leave me alone?