BLOSSOM

Chapter 3

Millie's POV

The lock clicked in place lessening my anxiety. My nerves have been through the roof for four days since Carlos' brothers threat but no sign of my debtors. Peaking through the curtains, carrying a knife, seeing every shadow as a potential threat has replaced my daily life.

They love to make their prey wait, very anxious. A sick game but I know their tactics all too well. Waiting for me to slip up and let my guard down. But I won't fall.

I requested for a few days off and surprisingly Cassie accepted.

The court order has trapped me in this cage which was once home as I sit and wait for the danger to strike— to be haunted.

As the landline shrilled, I crawled away from the window I've been attached to all day. Nothing prepared me for the words Eva said on the other end of the lie. I sprinted out of the door– threat long forgotten .

My feet pumped as my lungs burned with every step. I navigated through LA's crowded streets as I raced towards the office, flashing my ID to the guard, not breaking stride.

Eva's distress call still echoed in my mind. “Millie. Where are you? Cassie played you, Millie. No wonder she gave you a few days off. It was all part of her games . The list. Your name is on the list. You're getting—--”

The line went dead and so did the panic in my chest start closing in. What list?. What game did Cassie play? I have had enough misery for three weeks, I can't bear another crisis.

I skidded to a stop outside Eva's mini office. “God please” I prayed, pushing the door open.

“Thank God you are here . Cassie played you. Oh my God Millie” Eva exclaimed, rounding her table to pull me into a hug “ You're in so much trouble”.

“Wait! What do you mean? What trouble?” I enquired looking at Eva's distraught face.

“The new boss that came has made serious changes, Millie. He is so strict and arrogant. He took over our project and found some loopholes. Cassie accused you of looting funds, breach of contract as the product idea was yours and coming to work when you feel like. He took her word for it and made a list to deal with those found guilty. The list came out today and your name is there”. Eva huffed out in a breath.

The next sentence from Eva's lips had me numb and cold “ You are fired Millie. You have been laid off by the company”.

No. No this can't be happening to me.How?. I can't be fired? I need the money. I need money to hire a lawyer to fight for my child. I need money to pay my debtors. I need the job . I can't be fired.

Before my brain cells could register, my feet took a sprint to the elevator tapping on the top floor button repeatedly. Eva's voice of comfort– distant as the tears blurred my vision and blood rushed to my ears making it ring.

The ding from the elevator reeled me back into reality, letting my feet lead the way. I barge into the dimly lit office, with well polished chairs and a good view of the city streets down below.

All eyes on me.

“Who the hell do you think you are?” a cold voice boomed. My breath caught in my throat as I locked eyes with the voice— the same blue eyes that almost ran me over with his car on my way to Mrs Andrews house. His broad physique, sharp jawline, menacing glare,dark raven black hair and red lips had my heart doing somersault.

Samantha was right! He is the definition of hot. From his stance and glare I assume he is the new boss.

“ I wish to talk to you sir," I state, taking in deep breaths to calm my racing heart.

“I don't want to talk to you”, the new boss said, taking a sip from his cup and walking away from the tall glass windows. “Get out”.

“No” I defied, my insides churning in fear.

“What did you say?”. His sharp gaze pierced through me “I said get out.”

“And I said no. Please sir, you have to listen to me. I'm not leaving this place until you listen to what I have to say”. I stand firm looking back at him straight in the eyes. I needed this job. The court order, my debt, my child's future— everything depends on this job.

“I can't believe that my father turned this company into a w***e house and he claims he left a legacy for me. That bastard never loved me and the evidence is right here”.

His gaze swept over me lingering on my body, staring longer on my legs. I realised that he was commenting about me.

A w***e? Me?. I looked down at my choice of clothes and cursed myself. The basketball shorts and pink tank top with hoodie hugged my curves. My slender legs on full display and my tities shooting firm. I wrapped my hoodie tightly around me as I felt eyes prick my skin. I clearly didn't think twice about my attire when I ran out of the door.

His blue eyes turned a shade darker as his jaw ticked. His body went rigid like he was controlling his anger letting a huge breath through his lips.

“Gentlemen, how about we have this meeting some other time”. He addressed with finality walking the guests I failed to notice out of the door.

The office became silent, only my heavy panting could be heard.

The new boss rounded the table sitting in all his glory. Dropping his tea cup very neatly before concentrating his icy gaze at me.

“There is one thing I hate,” he started, “ that is defiance. You should have listened and got out. Now whatever you have to say has to interest me because I can promise you, you're not leaving this office the same if it doesn't”.

I gulped, shaking off the strange aura I felt from him. Maybe I should have listened and just left. But what of my child?

“Start Talking”, he commanded.

My pleas of reconsideration died on my lips. The words tangled in my throat.

“You clearly did not make all that ruckus to stay silent. Now did you?” he questioned. “ I don't like to waste time and that is what you are doing. So speak

“I'm sorry”. I muttered not liking the feeling of getting scolded.

“What's your name?. How did you get in? Didn't the receptionist stop you?”

“Millie Brown. There's no one there I just barged in and—”

He raised his index finger halting my words. He dialled a button on the telecom. A soft voice rang through the air on the other side , “ Yes sir. How may I be of service?”

“Send me Miss Millie Browns file right now. Clear your desk. You are fired.”

My eyes bulge at the arrogant attitude of this new boss. Firing the poor receptionist without giving her a chance to speak.

“I …I…I…need my job back” I stammered.

“Clearly that can't be possible cause what I'm seeing here is enough to get you sued.” He voiced in annoyance. “Looting company funds, breach of contract, missed attendance among many others”.

Lies. All lies”. I shrieked “I have been very hardworking. Given my all to this company. I need the money. I have a son and I have bills to~”

His tone hardened, “ I don't care. This is business”

“Please. I will do anything. Please reconsider” my voice cracked. “I'll do anything you ask of me, work triple shift, get documents–.

“Desperation suits you” he cut in, his gaze lingering on my chest causing goosebumps on my skin.

His words cut deep. I felt like drowning.

“Since you are so willing to do anything, I have a proposal for you. I just wonder if you are that desperate as you claim”

Cold dread sipped into my chest. I swallowed hard at his twisted smile. Wary, I ask “What proposal, Sir?”.

I unfolded the crisp document, but with each word I read, a cold sweat crept up my spine and I blinked, staring at the text, my mind refusing to process it fast enough.

Miss Brown” His voice was calm, detached, his cold eyes fixed on me. “Are you in?”

This wasn’t a business proposal. This was a trap.