Jessica's POV
As I rushed out of the room, my eyes met terror.
My mother's body was tumbling down the stairs, helpless and unable to stop moving until she got to the last floor.
“Mother? Mother! Please wake up!”
I still recall how many times I yelled and shook my mother after I managed to reach her.
My mother was always so careful when walking down the stairs but today, she slipped off the stairs, tumbling all the way down. By the time I got to her, she was already unconscious. If the ambulance hadn't arrived on time, I'm not sure if my dear mother would have survived this.
Tears clouded my vision as I watched my mother being rolled into an operation theater.
My trembling body propelled forward so I could see my mother through the observation window. My heart sank as I stared at my mother in the light blue gown patients wore, she was looking so pale and lifeless compared to her usual vibrant demeanor.
The smell of antiseptic mixed with the air coming from the air conditioner, it complimented the chills running down my spine.
The doctor attending to her stepped out of the theater and I unconsciously tugged at the hem of his white coat. The smell of pills invaded my nostrils following that action.
“How-how’s my mother? Please tell me she's fine,” My voice broke into a whine as tears streamed down my cheeks with every word I spoke.
The doctor's warm smile offered me a sense of relief, “Yes, she's out of danger.”
My reddish eyes crinkled at the corner, I took a deep breath so the turmoil inside me can be replaced with calmness.
“But-”
My heart started racing, anxiety twisted my insides, “But- but what?”
“She has internal injuries. We'd need to perform an operation and that'll cost a hundred thousand dollars.”
The doctor's words settled deep inside me, stirring panic and the sense of urgency.
I currently had no job, my mother's business was put to a halt since she got admitted. Where the hell was I going to get the money for her treatment?
I held my face in my head as my wobbly knees slowly led me out of the hospital. My mother was my only family. I couldn't stand the thought of losing her.
Somewhere in between my severe thinking, I recalled the job offer Anna had given me.
It seemed I'd need the job after all.
But I didn't even know where the company was located and I hadn't found my phone.
“Argh! Fuck this!” I cursed in frustration while pulling my hair.
My eyes caught a glimpse of a phone stand with neon pink lights across the street, that was my saving grace!
The chilly night breeze made the hair on my skin stand erect, I cuddled myself as I crossed the street.
As I stood inside the phone booth, the weight of my mother's illness burdened my heart. Fuck my feud with Aaron, getting this job was no longer an option, it was a necessity.
My heart beat in sync with the landline ringing, “Hello? Aunty,”
My nostrils caught the scent of cigarettes in the phone booth and it made my nose wrinkle in disgust.
I had expected the soprano pitched tone so it shocked me when what I heard was the opposite.
“Hello, who's this?” An unfamiliar deep voice inquired.
My profile twisted in confusion, I didn't know who was with Anna's phone but I really needed her address so I just carried on with the conversation.
Despite the warmth of the phone booth, the cricket sounds made my pupils dilate upon the thought that someone might be watching me.
“I-I I'm Jessica. I'm calling to ask for the address to Anna's home,” I stated with my eyes wandering around my surroundings despite being inside the phone booth.
“Mom! There's some Jessica on your phone and she's asking for the house address. Do I give it to her?” The voice said on the other end and it dawned on me who I was on the phone with.
Aaron.
“Aaron?” I inquired with a tone of surprise.
“Yes, how can I help you?” He replied, his voice dripping with curiosity.
I slid a palm down my face, “Don't- don't you remember me? This is Jessica Wilson. Childhood friend? The one who always got better grades?”
This was definitely the wrong time to stir drama but I couldn't help but chip it in, knowing the type of person Aaron was.
“Oh you? It's been years. Point of correction, you didn't get better grades, the teacher just favored you. Why are you asking for my home’s address anyway?”
Aaron's question reminded me of my present problem and I found my heart pounding heavily.
“I-” I bit my lips nervously before continuing, “I- I need the job, my mother's ill.”
“Oh dear. Is it really serious? If you want, we can handle the bills. You don't have to take the job,” Aaron stated affectionately.
Anna and Aaron never hesitated to help me and my mother whenever we needed it but I didn't want to rely on them. This was my problem and I wanted to solve it on my own.
My fingers curled around the black landline even tighter, “No no, you don't have to worry. I would handle it on my own, I just need the job and an advance payment if possible.”
“I'm sorry but I don't think I'd be able to help.”
Those words shattered whatever was left of my hope. Tears brimmed at the corner of my eyes as I lowered my head.
What was going to happen to my mother?
Jessica’s POV
I opened my mouth to speak but words wouldn’t come out, I could feel panic and tears making my throat constrict painfully, and I knew I had to end this call right this minute before I weep into the call.
I cleared my throat softly,”Erm… may you please let me know why my request is not being responded to positively?” I hated how my voice slightly shook.
He acted as though he didn’t hear my question, I was about to give up and turn off the call then he finally spoke.
“You can have the job. I’m only doing this because of the relationship between our mothers. Don’t in any way think I’ll be easy on you just because our moms are friends, I hate slackers and you won’t be the exception.”
Although he sounded mean and stern, but just for the fact that a way out of the mess had finally presented itself I felt instant relief.
”of…of course sir, I wouldn’t disappoint you at all. I promise you won’t regret this.“
I heard him blow out an arrogant huff but at this moment I really didn’t give a shit. Right now he just saved me big time.
“Time will tell whether or not I made the right decision to give you a job or not. I have a meeting right now but text your bank account details and mail your CV to me.”
“Thank you so much.” Despite his arrogant approach the man just saved my ass and I was grateful.
He put off the call without even responding but I don’t care. What mattered in this moment wasn’t the low feeling I got in the pit of my gut at the thought of working with this arrogant bastard. My mum was going to be alright.
I quickly typed my account details on my cell phone and sent to his number, almost instantly I received the sum of 300,000 dollars.
Wow, not a bad starting salary at all especially for such a simple role as being a secretary.
My phone beeped again and a message popped from him, “Still waiting for your CV, you resume at 8:30 in the morning sharp and not a minute late. If you do, consider yourself fired.”
I rolled my eyes at the arrogance, something tells me this job won’t be as straightforward as I think.
Getting up swiftly I headed to the hospital reception to pay my mothers bill so she could get better attention.
The next morning I woke up by 6am not wanting to be late. Thanks to the early payment I was able to get a private hospital room that had an extra bed last night. I stretched out, giving myself a few seconds to adjust before jumping down from the bed.
My mum was still sleeping, so I gently tiptoed and kissed her forehead. I was also able to secure a private nurse who would attend to her while I’m at work.
My things were still at the house so I had to quickly dash home and shower, and change into a navy blue office dress that flattered my slim curvy figure.
I was mindful of the time so I didn’t do much with my waist length hair, I simply slicked it down and used a claw clip, pairing the outfit with the only decent pair of black leather block heels and matching purse.
I twirled and turned in the mirror, sprayed on some body splash, satisfied with my look and dashed out.
I knew if I took the bus I’d be late so I hauled down a taxi and rushed in. At exactly 8: 00 am the cab pulled up to the skyscraper building, I paid the driver and came down tentatively.
I’ve always been socially awkward and big serious buildings like this always made me feel nervous.
“I’m doing this for me, be brave Jessica.” I muttered to myself. I walked into the building and was pleasantly surprised at the grandeur, the place managed to stay looking professional despite luxury minimalist furniture and decor.
A bald, overweight security guard approached me, “Excuse me miss, can you state what you're here for. No one is allowed to stand her idly, bosses orders.”
“I’m actually here for a job, I was offered the position of personal assistant to the CEO by the boss himself.”
The security arched his eyebrows at me in amusement and confusion, then spoke something into his walkie talkie. I looked at the time and noticed a good five minutes had passed, I didn’t want to be even a minute late.
The security guard affirmed something and turned to me with a warm smile. “You’re welcome, Miss Jessica, you can approach the receptionist over there, the Human Resources manager already made your id and access card.”
I let out a breath of relief I didn’t even know I was holding, “Thank you.” I said hurrying in the direction he pointed at me to go, I was halfway there when I immediately stopped dead in my tracks.
I felt goosebumps immediately cover my skin, of all the people that could’ve been the receptionist it had to be Jolene Francis. My legs immediately felt like jelly and I felt bile rise up to my throat.
Jolene Francis is not only the best friend of Rachelle who my ex husband is having an affair with but also my high school bully. My legs slowed down and I immediately wanted to exit the building.
I summoned my courage and approached the desk. She eyed me over immediately, I didn’t bother to exchange pleasantries, as far as I’m concerned, an ally to Rachelle and Michael, is a foe of mine.
Wordlessly she thrusts a brown envelope to me, I took it and turned not even checking the package.
I walked to the elevator while trying to pry the envelope open that probably contained my access card and company id but halted immediately when I collided with a hard wall.
Jessica’s Pov
“Ouch!” I exclaimed taking unsteady steps back only to feel a thick muscled hand to my waist steadying me. I immediately popped my eyes open, wondering who had rescued me from hitting the floor.
Watch where you’re going,” came a deep voice, laced with irritation and slight concern.
I looked up, my breath catching in my throat. There he stood all 6 ft 2 of Aaron Gates , his piercing blue eyes locked on to mine and the startling effect left me feeling light headed.
The air around us seemed to frizzled with electricity.
“Sorry! I was just—” I stammered, flustered.
“You were just heading up to resume work as my assistance , I take it?”
His smirk was infuriating and captivating all at once, the same as it was years ago. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Tell me why the hell I was having this sort of reaction to freaking arrogant and full of himself Aaron Gates . “I didn’t mean to run into you.”
“Jessica’s , right?” he interrupted, tilting his head slightly as if sizing me up.
I nodded in agreement.
The hell he knew my name, we grew up together! He was only acting like he didn’t.
The whole lobby seemed to be frozen and kept silent watching the exchange between myself and the CEO Aaron Gates.
He cleared his throat and everyone seemed to immediately go back to what they were all doing in fear and slight frenzy, he faced me.
“Follow me to the office, I really hope you’re ready and capable for this job. If you’re clueless enough to not look where you’re walking to, I can imagine the sort of mistakes you can likely make.”
I wanted to answer him but he walked away quickly and I had no choice but to follow. In the elevator I wiped my calmly hands down on my dress, I had an unsettling feeling as though something I wouldn’t like was looming in the air.
The elevator arrived at the last floor and dinged, myself and Aaron got out. I followed his lead to the last door in the hall. It had a huge red wood cherry door, the door scanned his thumb and the door opened automatically after saying, “welcome back Gates.”
When the door closed behind us I felt extremely nervous for no reason. He walked to his office table dumping his briefcase on it before plopping down on his office seat.
“Have a seat.” He said to me as he tossed his glossy hair with his thick long fingers.
“Thank you.” I responded.
He didn’t even give me a second look, his eyes were immediately fixed on his computer screen. “So we have a meeting with a top client in an hour, I hope you know how to take proper minutes of meeting.”
I nodded but to be honest I felt dizzy and mesmerized by him, an odd desire pooled in my lower stomach as I looked at him. His lean muscle, athletic build, his former handsome boyish looks had transformed into that of a handsome attractive man.
He would have even been more irresistible to me if he had a pleasant attitude.
“Jessica, Jessica?” His voice immediately snapped me out of my lustful thoughts.
“Si….. sir” I said, stuttering turning red as though he had heard me ogling him in my head.
He gave me a serious look with his piercing blue eyes.
“Is your attention span that low? I did warn you already about slacking off, I could fire you and the first early payment would count as a loan which I highly doubt you can pay.”
I immediately felt a flint catch a spark in my chest, what arrogance is this? And why would he automatically assume I couldn’t pay back the 300k even if I couldn’t afford it.
“Did you really assume just because we used to have play dates back in the day, I wouldn’t do a background check on you? I know you’re penniless, me hiring you was me putting in my good deed for the year.”
I clenched my fist in anger. Something about this conversation and the tone of his voice reminded me of my ex husband Micheal, he too looked down on me and made me feel like a liability.
I felt tears sting the edge of my eyes, but I refused to let them pour down my cheeks, I wouldn’t let any of them see me cry.
His eyes seemed to soften a bit when he noticed my demeanor but he immediately covered it with an aloof and unconcerned expression. He jerked his hand at me, “your office is the one opposite mine, get accustomed to it. We leave in thirty minutes .”
I didn’t trust my voice to come out confident and strong as I wanted it to appear, so I simply nodded and turned to leave. The door opened for me and i easily located my office.
Now in the privacy of my office, I let the water work burst freely. I wiped away my tears in anger wondering why once men become rich and influential they become something else.
To distract myself I took out my cell phone and called the nurse to check up on my mum’s health.
At thirty minutes exactly, myself and my new boss Aaron were seated in his exotic latest model of Mercedes Benz limousine heading to the North point view restaurant located in the most exquisite five star hotel the city had to offer.
The car ride was quiet and awkward. Aaron sat opposite me in the limousine typing away on his phone, although there were times I felt his eyes on me but when I raised my head I found him typing on his phone.
I let out a breath, fingers crossed that the meeting would be fast and end quickly. The car came to a halt at the restaurant and we got down from the car escorted by the security into the restaurant.
There was something in the air that made it tense and heavy, it reminded me of those dramatic moments about those soap Operas before something happened.
Familiar scent grazed my senses, the woody smell caressed my nostrils, I raised my eyes and they connected with a pair of gray ones. I couldn’t even stop myself from saying loudly, “ What the fuck?”
