Billionaire's Affection

Chapter two

Determined not to let this setback derail my day, I quickened my pace, hoping to catch the next one.

Finally, as I rounded the corner, I caught sight of the bus, its doors still open. My heart raced as I sprinted towards it, my breath coming in short gasps. With a burst of energy, I leaped onto the bus just as the doors closed behind me, a victorious smile spreading across my face.

Small blessings.

I got to the bus stop in no time and as I stepped off the bus, my tired legs carried me towards the familiar entrance of the restaurant where I worked Delights. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon filled the air, instantly awakening my senses.

I saw my boss, Mr. Ray standing behind the counter, preparing for the day ahead.

“Good morning Sir” I greeted with a weary smile.

He returned my greeting with a nod of acknowledgment, his eyes reflecting the same fatigue that I felt.

After a quick exchange of pleasantries with Dan, a co-worker, and the cashier, I made my way to the back room, where I slipped into my work apron. Its faded fabric served as a reminder of the countless hours I had spent serving customers, each stain and worn thread telling a story of its own.

As I emerged from the back room, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the bustling day that awaited. The restaurant was already humming with activity, the clinking of silverware and the murmur of conversations filling the space.

With a determined stride, I approached my first table, a group of friends engrossed in lively conversation. I greeted them warmly, my exhaustion momentarily forgotten as I focused on providing them with what they needed as swiftly as possible with Mr Ray watching my every move.

Throughout the day, I weaved through the maze of tables, taking orders, refilling drinks, and ensuring that each customer left satisfied. Because every dissatisfaction will leave a dent in my paycheck at the end of the month.

As I finished my shift at the restaurant and took off my apron, I was coming out of the back room when Dan approached me.

“Off to save the world I see.”

“Ha ha, very funny Dan. At this point, I need the world to save me.” He laughed a little too much at that.

Liz is so convinced Dan likes me ever since he came to the house to check up on me on a day I called in sick and I’m not surprised since she is always trying to persuade me to date someone.

“Hey, Julian?” Dan asks

“Yeah” I reply looking back at him

“I hope one day you’ll have just one job and we’ll hang out outside of work.” A faint blush spreads across his tan cheeks.

Okay, this is not weird at all.

“Of course.” I gave him a quick smile as I finally left the building and made my way to the Kreigs Establishment which was nearby.

The road was bustling with vehicles and people walked hurriedly, each one consumed by their agenda. I weaved through the crowd, my mind focused on the tasks my beloved senior colleagues will have me do, noting the heavy sarcasm.

Arriving at the company, I hurriedly made my way to the staff office noting I was a few minutes late. The familiar hum of keyboards and the occasional ringing of phones filled the air, creating a symphony of productivity. As I rushed towards my desk and settled in quietly, I heard the annoying voice of Natalie James, a senior staff of the company. One I’m unlucky enough to be working directly under.

“You are late Miss Keatings!”

By a few minutes? Give me a break.

“I’m so sorry Miss James.”

Different eyes flew up towards us as their attention was now on the scene unfolding in their presence.

She scoffed “You are always sorry. We have a lot to do and I placed some files on your desk so get yourself together and get to work immediately!” she stared at me for a minute before these hateful words rolled off her tongue

"Can't you get better shoes to wear? These look like you have worn them since you were born" she said and walked out on me.

“Yes ma’am.” I sat back on my chair and dove into my work. I wasn't really surprised at her actions and her choice of words every time she spoke but I had just one question that kept running through my mind.

Why is she always bitter? Every time I had a conversation with her I ended up asking these questions and I hope one day I would be able to ask this question to her face. I searched through my table to see the amount of work I had to do and all I could say was

"I sure do hate my life right now" I sighed and started working.

I tackled assignments, analyzed spreadsheets, and sent emails with unwavering focus and determination. The transition from the fast-paced restaurant to the office setting was one I had to get used to.

“Miss Keatings?” “Ma’am!”

“Fetch me the file from the second office on the third floor.”

“Yes ma’am!”

“Miss Keatings?” “Ma’am!”

“I need you to take this document to the file room.”

“Yes ma’am!”

“Miss Keatings?” “Ma’am!”

“I need you to print this out for me and be fast about it. We don’t need slow workers here.”

“Yes ma’am!”

Miss Keatings, Miss Keatings, Miss Keatings!

If I had a dollar for the number of times my name gets called every day, I would be on the Forbes list. It is always one errand or the other. It would be better to change my Job title from Junior Staff to Errand Staff because at this point everyone in this office sees me as one.

I sometimes feel Natalie James was sent by an enemy from my previous life if there is something like that to make this life miserable for me. But this is my life and I have to work through it.

“Miss Keatings?”

“Yes, Miss James,” I said tiredly

“Well, I need you to go get something for me and the others.” She said with a fake smile.

Oh no no, Not again!

“We need coffee from your usual spot.” She concluded her scowl back in its place.

Ever since I brought in coffee from Delights to the office one afternoon and Miss James snatched it from my grasp thanking me like I had bought it for her, she told me how much she loved it and did not hesitate to spread the news to the other senior staffs about how it tasted better than the break-room coffee. Since then, I’ve been a coffee shopper. Running to the restaurant to get multiple coffee orders and running back to the company. The only good side is the little smile it puts on Mr. Ray’s face as he gets to make more money.

“Yes ma’am,” I said defeatedly.

“Be fast about it because I need you to type this document for me as soon as possible.”

“I will just teleport there and back then,” I muttered under my breath.

“Did you say something?” Miss James said as she turned to look at me, eyebrows raised.

“I said I’ll be back before you know it.” Today is not the day to risk losing my Job. I hastily made my way out of the company and walked along the streets toward the restaurant.

I finally got to the restaurant and quickly placed the order, making sure to include everyone’s preference. Dan was nowhere in sight and I was being attended to by one of the other workers. I saw Mr Ray at the other end of the counter and he gave me a tight-lipped smile with his glass frame on the bridge of his nose.