The Billionaire's Enchantress

Chapter 6

  Victoria’s POV

Monday... I woke up early today. This is my first day to report to work. It’s still 5 am but I already finished my breakfast. I don’t want to get caught in a traffic and come late to work. What would Uncle Jaime think? That I am unprofessional. I even promised to him that I would make sure to do my job right.  

I remember very well what we talked about during our dinner. He really has high expectations of me and I don’t want to disappoint him. After our dinner at the restaurant, we went to the nearest coffee shop so we could talk properly.

“So, I expect to see you on Monday in my office. My company needs an extra hand for our Design Department. I will never accept no from you.” Uncle Jaime is once again in his serious tone now. Gone was the smiling man earlier. This is the business side of him.

I just nodded and smiled at him. How can I say no to a great opportunity he is giving me? I am just a bit worried since it means big responsibility for me. I did have some work experience before but as a working student. It doesn’t involve a huge company that is very successful and famous in the country. That’s why I hesitated to accept the job offer of Uncle Jaime at first.

 “Thank you so much for this big chance you are giving me. Thank you for believing in me. That’s really a big deal coming from someone who is so successful like you.” I felt emotional again.

“Ria, don’t ever think you don’t deserve any of these. Your success is your own doing. I was only there to guide you.” Uncle Jaime never fails to encourage me.

“I am just paying back for what your mom and her family did for me. If not for them, I wouldn’t be where I am now. They were part of my success. If your parents were still alive, they are going to be so proud of you. You deserve everything and don’t ever let no one tell you something else.” I can feel the sincerity in Uncle Jaime’s voice. He has this distant look reminiscing about the past. I know he is also one hardworking man. That’s why he keeps encouraging me to stay hardworking and determined.

I got teary-eyed again. In everything that I’ve been through with all the struggles and sorrows, now it is reciprocated with success. Hopefully, this will keep going.

Since the place I am staying right now is far from the company, I have to get out of the house early. Otherwise, I will get stuck in the traffic for hours. I checked my wristwatch and it is still 6 am. I am already outside waiting for a taxi. It is so unfortunate that I live in a most crowded area so it’s not easy to find a ride.

Right now, there is a heavy traffic causing the vehicles to move so slow. They are actually congested from everywhere. I decided to walk until I can find an available taxi. Luckily, I did find one after 5 minutes of walking. However, a car stop right infront of me before I could even get to the taxi.

I thought it was just someone who wanted to park. I was about to scream at the driver for causing me not to ride in the taxi. When the car door opened, I was so surprised to see who it was. It’s JD Lawson right infront of me and he was smiling.

“Ms. Sanford? I can give you a ride. This is your first day of work in dad’s company, right?” I just nodded at him, too surprised to say anything.

“I am on my way there. The traffic is heavy. It would be hard for you to get a taxi at this time.” He added.

Just wait a minute… I am too surprised I am not sure if this is happening right now. I have to blink many times just to make sure that this guy is JD Lawson. And how did he find out about my name and my work in his dad’s company? I don’t remember Uncle Jaime mentioning about me to his son. We never really talk about JD at all. And last time at the club, I am certain that he never knew me at that time.

While I am contemplating on what’s happening right now, JD is just smiling at me. I can see the amusement from his eyes. I may look like an i***t right now. This is so embarrassing.

“Come in the car now. We would surely get late if you wasted another minute.” JD said in his serious voice now while offering his hand for me to get in.

Upon hearing that we are getting late for work, I just got in readily in his car. How can I say no to him? He offered a ride and it would be rude to refuse him. I mean he is the son of my boss. Besides, the taxi already left earlier. I have no other choice.

“Thank you.” That’s all I ever said to him once I got in his car. It feels awkward. He just came in out of nowhere. If I hadn’t known him, I would never get inside in his car nor even talk to him. I mean it is just so weird when we never really get to introduce each other.

“Don’t mention it.” He replied back, smiling again this time.

I don’t know what to do with him beside me. There was a long awkward silence in the car. I was left thinking on what’s happening and sorting out my emotions. Right now, I am shaking inside from excitement, embarrassment, and nervousness. Probably, Uncle Jaime told him to pick me up. But that’s over assuming. I don’t think he would tell his estranged son just to pick me up. I am still thinking how come he knew my name and how he knew it’s my first day of work today in his dad’s company. I have so many questions going on in my head right now.

“And by the way, call me JD. We are going to be colleagues now. My company handles the financial aspect of my dad’s company. So, we will be seeing more of each other. Just drop the formalities.” JD just blurted out without any idea how I am feeling right now.

I was just staring at him while he is talking . I am getting crazy right now. I couldn’t even get myself straight.

I gave him a brief smile. I don’t want to appear rude but I just don’t know what to say exactly. I decided to look outside so I could clear off my head. However, I could feel every actions he is doing. My body is positioned sideways towards the side door but I can clearly see JD’s reflection. I have the chance to examine his look up-close. I still remember just two days ago what happened in the bar. The way he touched my hips and hand tightly. I couldn’t even move when I learned who he was. That was such an embarrassing moment. My only consolation is that he may not remember that I bumped into him. At least, that gave me some comfort.

He mentioned that we are working in the same company but we are not in the same department. So, there is a slim chance of meeting each other often. Whatever it is, I think it is just a mere coincidence that he saw me waiting for a taxi and offered a ride.

We were quiet the whole drive going to the company. It was quite a relief for me. When we arrived at the company, I said my thanks to him and opened the car door right after he parked. I don’t want to appear rude but I just need some space to breathe.

“Uhmm.. Thank you, Sir JD.” I just bit my lip for not being able to say more.

“As I’ve said earlier, call me JD.” He was beaming at me. I think he is just a very friendly person.

“You”re welcome by the way. See you around, Ria.” He waved his hand before he closed the window to his car. That’s how my first day of work started.

“Uhhhh...” I’ve just felt a sudden relief after he left. JD Lawson has indeed a huge charisma. No wonder he is the most eligible bachelor in town. Handsome is such an understatement to describe him. He is tall, lean and has an aura of danger. It adds more to his attractiveness. He got well-chiseled jaw-line, fine thin lips, straight nose, dark brows. He got those mesmerizing gray eyes making him more attractive. Uncle Jaime once told me that he got the color of his eyes from his mom. I am sure his mom is a very beautiful woman. His mom is half-Filipino and half-Swiss.

I had a crush on JD for his good looks and I never dreamed of getting to know him further. It was just a bonus that he knew me. Still, I am wondering how he knew me.

I set aside my thoughts regarding JD and focus my attention in my work. When I got inside Uncle Jaime’s office, I saw there was someone with him and they were in the middle of their discussion. I hesitated to say something but his secretary told me I can get inside.

“Good morning Mr. Lawson.” I greeted Uncle Jaime. I need to be formal when we are at work together. He is the owner of the company and I should address him with courtesy. Uncle Jaime was smiling at me the moment he saw me. He gave me a warm welcome in his company by introducing me to his higher level employees.  

After all the introductions, I did my orientation regarding the job I will be doing. My job is in the Design Department. I also get to meet for the first time my colleagues. I am the newbie in the Design team. All of them are already experienced. Still, that doesn’t discourage me from doing my job right.

Most of them were accommodating except for one person. Her name is Mylene.

“What is a newbie doing here? I thought that they don’t put newbies in our team unless they spend some time in the field work to learn the ropes around.” She gave me a sharp look trying to intimidate me.

“Don’t you think it’s unfair? Probably, she has someone from the higher levels who is helping her to jumpstart her career so fast.” She added, trying to create an issue.

The other employees who heard what she said just scratched their heads. I think they know that she has an issue with her attitude.

“I am sorry about that, Ms. Sanford. That’s how really she is. She’s very straightforward to the point that it is offensive. She already got reprimanded for her attitude a few times.” Said one of my colleagues.

“It is alright. I understand and I can let it pass right now. There is no harm done.” I smiled.

“Can I call you Victoria if you don’t mind? I’m Dave Fletcher, Senior Architect.” He extends his hand to me. I shook hands with him.

“Hi, nice to meet you Dave. Thank you and yes, you can call me Victoria.” He seems a nice guy and easy to get along with. He is one of the senior architects in the company.

I already knew all my colleagues. There is Mr. Michael Sanders, our department manager. I also met another Senior Architect, Ethan Murray. The project designers are Kim, Brenna and Mylene. I am the newest addition to the project designers. I am hoping the other girls will treat me nice.

I didn’t realize that I finished my first day of work exhausted but happy. I learned so many things at once but it was all worth it. At least, that girl with an attitude stopped bugging me.

When it was exactly 5 pm, I was getting ready to go home. It will be another long ride. I really need to move out soon. The condo I will be renting is just a walking distance from the office. It is more convenient and it does save a lot of time.

When I got out of the building, I got surprised again seeing JD next to his car while talking to someone on his phone. Instead of passing infront of him, I went to the side making sure he won’t see me. However, he glanced my way…

“Hi Ria! We met again. Are you going home? I can give you a ride. Your place is very far. I need to go there anyway.”

“I am fine. It is easy to find a taxi going back home.” I told him directly. I don’t want to be in close proximity with him. My mind keeps wandering somewhere else. I can’t even control my emotions just seeing him right now. This is what I call the JD effect.

“I have a business meeting just around your place so why don’t I just drive you home? It’s on the way.” He is trying to convince me. I am still hesitating but it does make sense. I would appear rude or probably weird to him. We are just going in the same place anyway. Besides, he offered nicely. I don’t want to insult him by repeatedly denying him.

“Alright, thank you for the offer although I felt really shy to accept it.” I answered him honestly.

“No, it’s my pleasure. Don’t worry too much. I didn’t know that you’re this shy. I knew you are friends with dad.” He added giving a significant stress on his last statement. Well, I am relieved to hear it from him.

“Your dad has been very nice to me. I owe a lot to him. He’s a great mentor.” I said with a big smile on my face.

The ride back home was also filled with heavy traffic. It would take more than an hour for me to reach my place with these heavy traffic jams. I notice JD was quiet the whole time and frowning. Something maybe bothering him.

He must have felt that I kept on glancing his way. He looked at me and his face told me everything. He looks tired. It took him a few minutes before he said something.

“I am sorry for making you feel uncomfortable. I was just thinking of some stuff regarding work.” He doesn’t really have to explain. I completely understand him.

“It is okay.” I smiled briefly at him.

“Mind if I play some music?” He is smiling now making me breathless again. I rather be with the serious JD since he is quiet than his cheerful self.

“Sure, I like that.” I agreed readily.

I felt a light tap on my shoulder making me woke up. I was confused where I was at first.

“Hey, we’re here. You fell asleep while listening to the music.” Amusement can be seen in his eyes making my face red. This is so embarrassing.

“I am sorry I fell asleep.” I tried fixing my hair. I may look messy right now.

“It’s okay. You really looked tired earlier. I hope you get to rest well.” Shit... his face was so close to mine. I am hyperventilating right now. How did he come this close?

“I am sorry I had to fix your position. You were sleeping uncomfortably straining your neck. I don’t want you having any stiff neck.” He was grinning and gave me a wink.

I am trying to control myself right now. I must have looked like an i***t for just staring at his face. I am literally acting like a teenager, feeling giddy for getting noticed by her crush.

“So, where is your house so I can just drop you there?

My meeting place is somewhere close.”

“This is good. I can just walk to my place.” He actually parked his car at exactly the same place we met earlier in the morning.

“Thank you so much for the ride. You sure are like Uncle Jaime, always ready to lend a hand.” When JD heard what I said, his face looked so serious.  I noticed how he tightly gripped the steering wheel. Probably he got offended that I rejected his offer to drop me right in my rented place. It took a few minutes before JD replied.

“Alright, you take care yourself. By the way, can I get your number just to make sure you return home safely?”

“Huh?” I got surprised again. This man never cease to surprise me. In my entire time I stayed in my rented place, I never got any problems when it comes to security. I mean it is in a middle class neighborhood. It is safe enough to walk at night.

“Yes, I’d like to have your number please. I drove you home and it is my responsibility to make sure you are back home safe and sound.” This guy never fails to amaze me.

“Alright...thank you for the concern. I will take care of myself.” Then, I gave him my number.

“And thanks again for driving me home. You take care as well.” And I bid him goodbye and started walking to my rented room. I was all smile while thinking about everything that happened today. It was indeed a day full of surprises.