The Billionaire's Wife

I quickly parked my motorcycle in front of our apartment. I live with my mother, the only family I have left. I was so exhausted and fed up with work. It was already 1:00 AM and I just got home. I grab my keys from my pants as I step closer to the door and open it. My attention is immediately directed to the couch as I collapse and get comfortable on it. It feels so good. I am not complaining about how I struggle to get a good-paying job. I need one to sustain everything for my mother’s sake. My mom needs medication because she has stage 3 lung cancer. It was too late when we found out. That is why I currently work two jobs. I work as a waitress at a diner and a bartender at a bar. My shift at the diner starts at eight in the morning and ends at five in the evening. Then I will go to the bar for my second shift from six to midnight. “Anna?” I heard my mom’s comforting voice. I groan sluggishly just to face her anxious gaze. “Mom, why are you still awake?” I ask her with worry. I look at my wristwatch: it’s 1:20 AM. Seriously? She is supposed to be asleep at this hour. “Are you having chest pains again?” I subconsciously ask thinking my mom's illness triggered me again while I was not home. I walk towards her and scan her body from head to toe. She just shook her head and smiled at me. “Stop worrying Anna, I’m fine. I woke up because of the sound of your motorcycle, it’s so noisy dear.” I groan frustrated because it is pretty loud and annoying. I make a mental note to remember to fix it as soon as possible. I don’t want it to disturb my mother’s peaceful sleep this late. “Nah, I’m sorry Mom. I’ll fix it as soon as possible.” I say lazily as I kiss her cheeks and lay back down on the couch. “Are you hungry? There are some leftovers in the fridge. Do you want me to heat them?” she asks “Thank you, Mom,” I say closing my eyes and gently massaging my forehead. “How was work?” she asks, shuffling in the kitchen. “Everything was fine, don’t worry about it,” I answer truthfully. “ How are you doing, Mom?” “I’m doing fine, it’s you I’m worried about. You need to take care of yourself. Go out and enjoy your life, Anna. Don’t worry about me, I’m okay. I guess two years’ worth of medication is enough.” “Don’t say that Mom. Don’t forget you have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow.” I say reminding her. I don’t want her to miss any appointments even though we don’t have enough money for her treatments. I love her so much, she is my only family now. I don’t have siblings nor did I grow up with a father; my mom always said my father died before I was born. She has always taken care of me and now it’s my turn to do the same for her. I dropped out of college 2 years ago because I wanted to help and not be a burden to her, especially being sick. “You work too hard Anna. I’m sorry.” She says with so much emotion in her voice. I get up from the couch and head towards the kitchen island. I sit watching her prepare my food. “No, Mom, please don’t be sorry. I can manage. Don’t worry about me, okay? You know I’m stronger than you think.” I declare with humor. Mom sighs as she serves me the food from the oven. “Now eat! I’m going back to my room.” she sternly says. “And do not sleep on the couch!” I smile and hesitantly nod because I know that is almost impossible to do. I’ve lost count of how many times my mom reminded me not to sleep on the couch but I usually end up doing it. --------- “Oh my goodness!” I shrieked as I opened my eyes to see an unreadable expression on my mother's face. She had her hands on her waist with furrowed eyebrows. It seems she’s displeased with me sleeping on the couch again. “Hi, good morning.” I grin and get up to rush to my bedroom. I could still hear her voice in my room nagging me: thin walls. “I always remind you to not sleep on the couch. What if you catch a cold? Why are you so stubborn?!” I roll my eyes hearing from her. “Breakfast is ready, Anna! Get out now!” she added. “Tsk! Why’s she shouting so early in the morning?” I murmured to myself as I looked at the table clock. My eyes widen at the sight of the time, it’s already seven in the morning. I’m going to be late for work. I quickly grabbed my towel and ran to the bathroom. The bathroom is adjacent to the kitchen. I see my mother still preparing our breakfast as I pass the kitchen. I rolled my eyes again, I thought breakfast was ready. “Hurry up, Anna!” Mom yells. It’s irritating, she is such a typical Mom. “Just a minute Mom, please!” I was finally ready by seven thirty, which meant I had only five to ten minutes to eat my breakfast. Mom would murder me if I skipped a meal. “Slow down, Anna.” My mom scolded me about how fast I was eating. I drank the orange in one gulp. “Okay, I have to go. Call me when you get to the hospital. I love you, bye! I kiss her cheeks and rush out of the apartment. I hope my mother's appointment goes well. I got to Liz's restaurant at exactly 7:58 AM. I was greeted by the owner, Ms. Liz, at the counter. She was a very kind middle-aged woman. “Good morning, Sav. I'm glad you’re on time,” she says smiling at me. There weren’t a lot of customers since it was still early. “Good morning, Liz,” I reply as I head to the back of the kitchen for my locker. “Morning, Sav!” says Karen as she changes into her uniform and puts on her apron. “Good morning,” I retort and I open my locker to change too. “Your hair is still wet.” Karen points out. “I woke up late and had no time to blow out my hair.” The truth is… I accidentally broke my blow dryer yesterday. I don’t have the funds to buy a new one right now, that’s the least of my worries. Karen giggled. "But it suits you, Sav, you look hot!" I shrugged my shoulders. Well, thank you," I said with a smile. "I hope there's a lot of male customers later." Karen laughed at my response. "I'm the happiest waitress if that will happen." She winked before she left. It was already around lunchtime and the restaurant was packed with many customers. “Table 4!” Karen's voice echoed throughout the kitchen, she needs table 4’s order. I was assigned to float around the kitchen, washing the dishes, assisting the cook, checking orders, serving, etc. There were six of us working: three in the kitchen, two on the floor dining, and one at the counter. Liz would help us whenever she wasn’t busy with paperwork. “Tired already?” Andy let out, smirking. He was in the kitchen helping our cook, Greg. “Nope,” I answered, rolling my eyes at him. I work pretty fast since I’m used to the job. “Wow, Sav. You never cease to amaze me. I would name you Ms. Employee of the day, month, and year if I was Liz. “Oh, shut up Andy!” I said gritting my teeth. Andy was my age, twenty-three. He was handsome, but not my type plus he’s like the brother I never had. I don't know why he always teased me and made fun of me. Well, I don't take it seriously and I always replied to him with a savage response. “Why are you so moody right now, Sav? I guess you need to go out and get laid.” “Ah! Don’t piss me off if you don’t want to wash the dishes.” I threatened, messing with him. I was washing the dishes while he made a burger. “Hey! Stop teasing each other,” Greg scolded us. He was like a father to us, strict but kind. Andy and I shared a meaningful look saying to each other 'I told you so'. Because there was no time Greg would never rebuke us. ***