Love through wheels

Rude boss

Juliet woke to the scorching rays of the early morning sun piercing her window, making her squint. She rubbed her eyes, hurried to the bathroom, and went through the motions of brushing her teeth and bathing. Dressing quickly, she rushed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

“Good morning, sir,” she greeted, trying to keep her voice bright.

“You are fired!” James barked, his words slicing through the morning calm.

Juliet froze, a knife clattering against the counter. “Ah! I just started… why… why would you fire me?”

“Shut up!” James snapped. “Peter, take me out of here.”

Juliet’s shoulders stiffened, but before panic could take over, a calm voice interrupted. “Don’t worry about that, Juliet. You can take lunch to his office.”

Juliet turned, her brows knitting. “Sir… who are you to him?”

“Oh, pardon my manners. My name is Collins. I’m James’ friend… and a doctor,” he replied, his tone clipped. “Now, just do as I said. Do your job.”

“Thank you, sir,” Juliet murmured, feeling a mix of relief and unease.

By noon, Juliet had packed James’ lunch and quietly made her way to his office, her nerves taut with anticipation.

“Good afternoon, sir. I brought your lunch,” she said politely.

James looked up, eyes flashing. “Don’t you knock? Don’t you have manners? Take that food away!”

Juliet’s face flushed. “I’m sorry, sir,” she whispered.

“What did you make for lunch?” he demanded.

“Fried rice,” she replied softly, trying to steady her voice.

James waved his hand dismissively. “Take it away! Ask my mother before you bring food to my office.”

Her hands trembling, Juliet returned home, muttering under her breath. He’s so rude… no regard for anyone…

“My daughter, what’s wrong?” James’ mother asked, gently tapping her shoulder.

“I took lunch to his office, and he didn’t take it. I made a very nice dish… fried rice,” Juliet explained, frustration threading her voice.

Her mother raised a finger toward the cabinet. “Oops! A food table is placed here for him. You should have used it.”

Juliet’s face burned with embarrassment. “I’m sorry, ma. I didn’t know about the food table.”

“It’s okay, I should have told you. He doesn’t eat fried rice. Henceforth, you’ll follow the menu,” she said, her tone firm but patient.

Juliet clenched her fists silently, swallowing her irritation. A new life with James was supposed to be a chance for stability… but she quickly realized that surviving in this house would be a battle at every turn.