Her Billionaire's Reckoning

9. Loyal friends

Alice's Point of view

Oh sh*t! It's all my fault. I should have talked her out of it. But what does she mean by putting the girl in the same position as herself? Rose is currently the CEO, so doesn't that mean she would be rewarding the girl for bad behavior? But that doesn't even make sense.

Snapping myself out of those thoughts that were never going to answer themselves, I decided to follow after Rose, but when I got out of the bathroom, she was already long gone.

I headed towards the elevators and pressed the button. Five out of six were heading up towards the eleventh floor, where the ceremony was taking place while I was waiting on the eighth floor.

The other elevator was on the fifth floor and seemed to be taking forever. Either many people were getting in or someone was messing with it.

At this rate, I might just miss the first part of the ceremony. Did Rose get there already? Maybe I should take the stairs. I shouldn't be caught lacking on an important day like this.

She can't do something she would regret.

Just when I was about to turn, the elevator stopped with a ding, and I stopped in anticipation, waiting for it to open. I was in a rush to get there on time, and the second felt like a minute. But what I didn't expect was to see him when the elevator doors opened.

He was busy looking through his phone, seemingly unaware of his surroundings. Clad in black suit and pants and his messy brown hair styled back, it felt like I could just stare at him forever.

And I was going to, even when the elevator doors started to close.

"Are you getting in?" Cade said, pressing the button to stop the doors from closing.

"Oh!"

I forced my legs to move. I got into the elevator and turned towards the door, watching as it closed, hoping it would take away all my embarrassment. Except when he spoke, I felt further embarrassed.

"Which floor?" Cade asked, and I realized the lift wasn't moving.

"Ah! Right. Eleventh, I'm heading for the eleventh floor."

Cade didn't say anything and in a second, the lift started moving again.

It was dead silent, and I raised my head and watched the numbers going up.

Did Cade even know who he was in the elevator with? He didn't even bother to look up from his phone while I was over here feeling flustered.

Not just because I don't get to see him all dressed up this often. But this would be the longest conversation I have had with him despite knowing him for a few years.

It was like he saved his words, gaze and attention to the one person I could never hope to be. The elevator stopped with a ding and as soon as the doors started to open, I disappeared like a mouse, surprising myself with how I was able to fit through that tiny space, but then, emergency is the mother of all discoveries.

I entered the hall to find Rose already giving a speech, appreciating her workers for helping make her dreams achievable.

My eyes scanned the room, wondering how anyone could envy Rose.

If they knew half the struggle she went through to get the company back after her grandparents passed away, and then all the hardworking and sleepless nights to bring the company back on its feet again, they would worship the ground she walks on.

A round of applause filled the room as Rose finished with her speech. And next, it was time to give awards.

There was no hierarchy, and Rose handed each award for best in performance.

I had helped her compile the list of awardees, so I already knew who was going to receive what, but what I didn't expect was my name to be called out as the best employee of the year.

It was silent for a second, as everyone looked around to find who that person was.

"I believe she is calling you, Alice," Cade whispered at my ear level, and I jumped in surprise, startled.

"Right," I nodded and started moving forward, my legs felt stiff, and it felt like I had to drag them forward with each step.

For how long has he been standing beside me? How did I not notice him? And for how long am I going to embarrass myself in front of him tonight?

Finally, I reached the podium and stood beside Rose. She handed me my plaque with a huge smile on her face.

"Thank you for being by my side all this time," Rose stated.

She had such a bright smile on her face and her eyes amplified her sincerity.

For some reason, I felt guilty. Why do I always feel like I am a step behind her when she considers me important to be beside her? And why do I covet what is hers? I have always known Cade had eyes for her, and although I didn't know how she felt about him, why do I still like him?

"Thank you, Rose," my lips quivered, as I started to feel emotional, but Rose covered for me, suddenly giving me a hug.

"Get yourself together, Alice. When I am here, it always feels like I am surrounded by a den of wolves. You and Cade are the only reason I keep it together," Rose whispered into my ear.

"You are able to do everything because you are so strong," I replied.

"Not as strong as you think," Rose pulled away and went on to call on the next person, but not before winking at me.

I went back to the audience and found my seat, the people around me congratulating and telling me how much I deserved the award.

Before you know it, the event was already over.

Both Rose and I had people to talk to, and different things to do, so after I was done, it was really late, so I upped and went home on my own.

Too tired to think about anything, I hit the bed as soon as I entered my apartment and in a matter of seconds, sleep consumed me.

*

The horn of the ship blared over the sound of our laughters.

"Look Cade, a dolphin," I happily pointed towards the big sea mammal.

"You want to ride on it?" Cade winked and I gasped.

"Oh my, yes, I've been waiting my whole life for you to say that!" I mused.

Cade opened his arms invitingly and I jumped.

"Ah!" I woke up to a loud shrill. Annoyed, I hit the alarm clock on the bedside and opened it, staring at the ceiling, feeling empty and annoyed.

At the damn clock for waking me up on a Saturday morning.

Is that the only thing you are annoyed about though?

My subconscious chided.

"Stupid dream. How annoying," I grumbled.

Annoyed that it was brought to an end too quickly?

I shook my head to relieve myself of those thoughts and my eyes when towards my alarm clock.

"Why on earth do I have an alarm for 7AM on a Saturday morning?" I picked up the alarm clock, turning it in my hands, and wondering what I missed when it suddenly hit.

"Oh my God no! I forgot to tell Rose!" I suddenly jumped out of bed and started getting ready.