The sky turned sad with every step I took toward home. The love story that I thought was forever beautiful turned horrible in an instant. I was dumped because I wasn't rich!
I wiped my hand on my nose. Damn, Xavier Clarke! If he knew I wasn't rich, why did he agree to my invitation for a date? He should have picked a richer girl from the start."Fuck you!" I swore as I ruffled my hair until the knot came loose. I looked down. That hairband I always wore, was a gift from my ex. Now, it was as broken as our relationship.I took another step. A French restaurant at the crossroads beckoned with its long queue. I stood on the other side waiting for the crosswalk light. Before I knew it, I was home. Tired of walking for 3 km doesn't feel when your heart is hurting.After the light turned, I stepped quickly towards the restaurant to the side. My house is on the second floor. The restaurant belongs to my mother, Laure Agreste, a talented chef.I opened the door and was immediately greeted by Adrien, a Bombay cat. His meowing eased the slight tightness in my chest.I took off my shoes in a hurry, then put my bag on the shelf. I lifted the cat into my arms."Adrien, today I said goodbye to that trash. My heart is broken, but there's no point in mourning him. You agree, right?"He meowed once.I flopped onto the sofa. I ran my hand over his shiny black fur. For a conversation partner, Adrien was all I had. I adopted him during a visit to France. Until now, he's been my best friend."Rich standards vary. Having feelings is wealth. I think he's looking for another kind of rich."My hand scratched his back, then continued to his tail. The thing I loved about him was that remained silent while his body was being touched.Adrien meowed a few times. His hand reached for my arm."Thank you for comforting me," I said warmly. I hugged him and kissed him on his face.I put a small space between us. My eyes gazed into his brilliant amber eyes. "Adrien, I said I wouldn't cry for him, but I'll take revenge. He mocked me for not being rich, which means I'm not worthy. I'll make him regret it!"He meowed loudly, giving his full support.***
I went to open the refrigerator. There was nothing but raw ingredients. I stood and then scratched my head.
Next to the cabinet, Adrien was enjoying dinner. It looked delicious. I sigh, then close the refrigerator. There's no food and I can't cook.
My body collapsed onto the sofa. I lay on my stomach. The television was advertising my company's food products. I reached for the remote to change the channel. It was a show about billionaires in Las Vegas. Mostly old men with shifty faces.
I was about to turn off the television, but suddenly an interesting man appeared. He was handsome in his cold face. His black suit reminded me of the man in the café. It's a small world, but billionaires don't spend their money in small pastry shops.
The off button was pressed. The hunger pangs faded after remembering I was broken up. I hit the sofa many times. Tears streamed down my cheeks. I smashed my face into the sofa to cry out loud.
"How rich is he to insult me?" I muttered hoarsely.
I faced sideways. It was seven o'clock, too early to sleep. I sat up. I grabbed my phone. I was going to play a game. Unfortunately, the message from Rin, my workmate, couldn't be ignored.
Rin: New news! Very hot.
Me: Is this about your handsome young master getting married?
Rin: I'll get to that later. There's something more important. Only the core committee knows.
Me: You aren't one of them.
Rin: I know. Listen, the hot news is our CEO' is corrupt. Now the company is chasing him to Macau.
Me: Is there going to be a CEO change?
Rin: No, Avy. It would be good to talk on the phone. Shall we?
Me: Okay.
No sooner had I replied to the message than my phone rang. One second after I picked it up, the Japanese girl spoke at length, "That asshole took some of the company's money. The project your boyfriend is working on is in danger. Also, it's confirmed that there'll be no hiring of permanent employees this year."
"What the heck?!"
My blood rushed. There would be no hiring of permanent employees this year, which meant I couldn't become a permanent employee. The end of that would be that I didn't keep my promise to Mom and I'd be dragged to cooking class!
"Tell me more!" I asked impatiently.
There was a long intake of breath before Rin went back to what our division's core committee had discussed that afternoon. "If the company's money isn't returned soon, we'll be fired."
Rin's fast way of speaking didn't make it difficult to understand her. I pulled my hair while my left hand tightly gripped my phone. "This is a terrible disaster!"
"I know!"
I bit my lip. "Shit, two awful things happened at once," I grumbled.
"Two? What do you mean?" asked Rin. Before I could answer, she interrupted, "Xavier left you. I saw him and Grace at my aunt's boutique."
"Yes, they're getting married."
"How crazy is your boyfriend, I mean your ex. I think Grace seduced him with money."
I tilted my head left and right. I imagined the rich girl's annoying face when she announced herself at the office.
At the time, I was printing on the photocopier. Behind the glass, Xavier walked by. I smiled at him and was about to greet him. Suddenly, a girl in a swan feather dress appeared. Her chin held high was enough to tell me how arrogant she was.
I stay where I was while they entered the division room. She stood by Xavier's side. The small smile she wore mesmerized the other employees. Her round eyes looked at all the employees, then stopped at Xavier. For a few seconds, the girl looked at Xavier with interest.
"Avy? You okay?"
I pulled myself out of my reverie. I replied, "I'm well."
"By the way, I'm on the plane. The plane will be leaving soon."
"Where're you going?"
"You know, my brother, he dragged me back to Japan after finding out the news. So, we won't be able to meet at this time. But, Avy, don't be down. I'll be texting you often."
My hand covered my mouth. I had just lost my boyfriend and now I was away from my friend. Rin was the only person who knew me well. Her cheerful and caring nature will be missed. I said, "Take care."
"Thanks." There was a sigh from the other side. Rin took a five-second pause, then continued, "I still remember your promise. I'm sure you don't wanna go to a cooking class. So... I suggest enrolling in another company right now."
There was happiness in me. Rin didn't easily forget that part of me. I was very fond of her. I nodded. "Yes."
"By the way again, there's an opening at Ace Company. You might be able to fill that position... Hey! Patience, I'm on the phone with my darling!"
There was a faint male voice speaking in Japanese. He must be Rin's older brother.
Suddenly, Rin spoke quickly. She didn't even breathe until the call was disconnected.
"Your new boss may be a bit crazy, but hang in there! For your dreams!"
I turned off the phone but held onto it. My dream at 24 was to live independently, free from my mother's strict supervision. To reach my dream, I made an appointment after my graduation day.
It was a tense debate. That day, I wanted to work in an office. Mother refused it. She only forgives me for secretly majoring in office administration instead of catering. Then, I made a spontaneous promise that I would work as an intern for one year. If there are no results, I would take cooking classes to continue the restaurant business.
I tapped my phone on my chin. "Crazy boss? How crazy... is he?"
The next day, I back to Blue Star Food Company. With a confident stride, I headed for the division floor. As I was about to enter, I bumped into Kenneth. His golden hair was shiny as usual, as was his smile. "Good day, Avery." "Good morning." "Beautiful as always." "Thank you." I nodded and Kenneth waltzed into his room. Kenneth Owen was the half-year head of the programming division. His cold nature was public knowledge. It was just that he made a smile every time I met him.I headed for my desk. My gaze went straight to the other side, Xavier's desk. It was already empty. I was sure our internship hasn't ended yet. I wonder, where did he go? Keeping the question to myself, I sat down and turned on the computer. A resigned sigh could be heard from the other side. "We're doomed. Lowly employees like us will be expelled. I have to find a new job." "That's right, we're so ruined that the summer is turning into agony. It's so hot...." I lowered my gaze. The file I analyzed was f
My eyes were glued to my phone all the way home. Upon opening the door, I was jolted by my mother's presence. In her chef's uniform, she was in the kitchen. I turned off my phone and put it in the bag."Isn't it restaurant rush hour?" I asked as I approached her.She glanced at me. "You didn't eat dinner yesterday because I forgot to leave food.""Why didn't you come down to the restaurant yesterday?" she continued.I put my butt on the chair. I kept my hands on my lap. I replied, "The restaurant was crowded and I was tired. So I went straight to bed.""That's why your eyes are swollen."I nodded.She turned off the stove, picked up a plate, and poured the food onto it. She served me five pieces of crepes. "No leftovers," she warned."Okay."Her hurried steps led her to wash her hands, then disappeared quickly behind the door. She was busy, I could tell. Still, I wanted to imagine us eating together.I went to the refrigerator to get some green grapes. Then, the silence that I just re
I spent the following days looking for Ace Company's information and a day off. At first, I thought it would be difficult due to the chaotic state of the office. However, they played dumb and gave me a day off on Thursday.This afternoon, I was practicing answering questions for tomorrow's interview. The time I have was very limited. So, I must work hard to prepare myself.I looked at my reflection in the mirror. My new shirt fits my body perfectly. I tucked my hair behind my ear, then went back to reading the paper taped to the mirror frame."I chose to join this company because the values upheld by the company are very much in line with my values. I believe that this value congruence will allow me to contribute optimally and make a positive impact in a mutually supportive work environment."After the sentence was finished, I flashed a smile. Then, I realized that my sentence was too long and sweet-talking. I came to the mirror to cross out the unnecessary words.Adrien came in meowi
Las Vegas summers ignite the passions of its people. Cafes are not devoid of ice sales, and hotels have guests every second. I was on my way to the subway. It's a long distance from home to Ace Company. It takes three stations to get there.After getting my ticket, I waited for the train to arrive. Today, the station was packed with foreign tourists. They look pleasant in their summer clothes. I hope I get rich and travel the world with satisfaction.The train arrived. I stepped inside while tightening the grip on my bag. My journey will be long. There's a chance I might fall asleep, but I decide to stay awake. In this crowd, it's very possible that there could be pickpockets or something.I stood up and held onto the pole. My eyes scanned each person who was busy looking down at their phone. This was the first time I've used the subway to travel far. Taking a taxi might have been more convenient, but I wasn't that rich."Last night's green wine was delicious. I'm going back to that c
A frown creased my forehead. For a moment, I thought he wanted to offer me a drink. But then I realized he was asking me to get drunk.I smiled slightly, then looked up. My neck reached its limit as I stared at his chin. "Thank you, Mr. Davis, but I'm driving.""So, there's too much dust in your car."I looked down at my shoes. The black color had faded a little during the journey here. I smiled a little. "I haven't cleaned them yet."A strand of my hair was pushed behind my ear. His strong fingers accidentally touched my cheek. He touched the tiny beads of sweat in my hair."Avery Green, what do you want from me?" The low voice was beautiful, an implied warning to me not to misbehave with him. I inhaled, then exhaled slowly. I explained, "I want to work for you and get rich." "What are you getting rich for?" The woodsy scent emanating from him made it hard for me to breathe. He was tall, powerful, and in control here. My mind was stuck from being pushed around by him. I was at a l
The next day, I went back to Ace Company. This time, I took a taxi after getting off at the second station. Just in case, I polished and diligently checked my flat shoes frequently.The yellow taxi driver was trying to drive in the middle of a traffic jam. I looked at my watch. I left early so I wouldn't be late. I also called in sick suddenly to get extra time off. Through the glass, I admire the blue sky of Las Vegas. The king of the sky was on its throne, but the Ace building blocked its light. It was the tallest building, dominating like its owner.The taxi stopped in front of the building. I paid the fare and got out. As I walked there, I wiped my hands with sweat. I wouldn't let Graciano know my lie.The glass door opened automatically as I approached. The same receptionist was still there. This time, she immediately told me Graciano was waiting for me in his room.I went alone to the elevator. Unexpectedly, the two employees were in the same elevator as me. I averted my eyes f
I didn't tell Mother about taking time off work or applying to Ace Company. She just knew I went to work as usual. To pass the time until after work, I took a walk in the park like yesterday before settling down at a restaurant.I chose to sit by the window and immediately regretted it because the wide window reminded me of the moment Xavier decided. A waiter came to ask for the order. I told her a glass of ice Americano and a pastry. Then, I folded my arms and used them as a pillow. I regret signing the contract without reading everything. Even though Graciano said the contract was no different from the others, I was still worried. A powerful man like him might add points that only benefit him. I blamed myself for burning with the spirit of revenge. I should've been wary of his dark gray eyes, mesmerizing, beautiful, and sharp. "I hope he doesn't pursue perfection over success," I whispered. The ice Americano had come. I raised my head and sat up straight. I noticed that the wai
When the sky turned orange, I arrived home. People who hadn't eaten dinner were lining up in front of the restaurant. Classical, rarely-heard music filled the restaurant and my room this evening.I cleaned up and changed my clothes. Mother didn't leave anything to eat, so I didn't eat dinner.On the bed, my body lies on my stomach. My fingers propped up my phone while others scrolled through the screen. Posters of Nevan's Dad's driving lessons were scattered on the internet. He even guarantees that you'll be reimbursed if you don't pass the lessons.My face was sinking into the pillow. I miss Nevan's smile. I don't know how much energy he had to keep smiling."Golden Retriever," I muttered.Four feet trod on my back. A familiar meow greeted my ears."Get down, Adrien," I ordered.Adrien meowed once. The pressure of his legs was no longer felt, but then suddenly the cat fell onto my head.I got up. Adrien was hiding at the table. I gave him a fierce look. "Don't be a bitch when I'm hap