CHAPTER TWO

~Lucy’s Pov~

I hurriedly ran through the pavement towards the bar, my footsteps echoing against the walls. It’s been a rough morning, and running late to work was bad for me. I recently got this job and messing it up would be depressing. 

As I pushed open the door to the bar, I spotted Daya.

"Lucy! I was getting worried. What happened this time?” Daya asked as she walked towards me.

“What's going on? Where is Mr. Mark?” I asked while using my eyes to search the bar.

"He's been walking around, mumbling about discipline and employees who can’t be trusted to show up on time. It’s not pretty, Lucy." Daya added, her voice low so as not to draw attention from other employees.

My stomach twisted, but I had more weight on my mind than I was already carrying.After scanning the area, I walked briskly towards the counter, where I saw Mr. Mark coming from his office.

"Good morning Mr Mark," I greeted him, trying to sound organized. “I apologize for being late. I had a situation I had to deal with, but I’m here now.”

“Everyone gather around!” Mr. Mark said in a sharp tone as he ignored me. 

“We'll be expecting the owner of this hotel today. Everyone must be on their best behavior. You don’t want to be the one to ruin this for us." Mr. Mark warned while addressing all his workers.

He finally looked at me, his gaze unkind and indispensable. "See me in my office right now,” Mr. Mark ordered before walking away.

My heart lowered, but I forced myself to respond “Okay, sir.”

The atmosphere was filled with little whispers as Mr. Mark walked away. Everyone had been anticipating meeting the owner, as it was rumored that he was very handsome.

“I finally get to see him,” one of the bartenders cheered with little giggles.

“Lucy, you have to use your words well. You know how he can be. Beg him, cry if there’s a need to. Okay?” Daya said while holding me from the side.

“I’ve heard you, Daya. Thank you,” I whined, breaking the hug between us.

I headed towards Mr. Mark’s office. I took a deep breath before entering and hoped he wouldn’t fire me.

“Good…morning, Mr. Mark,” I greeted, bowing my head to avoid eye contact.

“Look, I don’t usually give people more than one chance when it comes to being late but I know you’re hard working. But this shouldn’t become a habit, Lucy because this is your second and last chance. I hate delays and excuses. I know you have things going on, but I'd advise you not to mix it up. If you can’t show up on time, we’ll need to reevaluate your position,” Mr. Mark began without responding to my greetings.

My pulse quickened. “I’m sorry, Mr. Mark, I had to go to the hospital this morning. The hospital called. Apparently my mom…” I responded, my pulse quickening, expecting the inevitable.

“Enough, Lucy, I don't want to hear that today. We all have our problems,” Mr. Mark cut in immediately. “This is the last chance I’ll give you. You may go back to work now.”

“Ermmm.. Sir I don’t mean to upset you in anyway and this might be out of line, but I have a request.” I said in a shaky voice.

“Urghh Lucy,” Mr. Mark groaned, rolling his eyes. “What is it?”

“I was hoping you could give me an advan…” I requested.

“Stop there!” Mr. Mark interrupted me as he knew what was coming. “That’s not possible, Lucy, the month just began, it’s too early for that.” Mr. Mark shouted in a croaky voice. “Just leave my office.”

As I turned to leave, Mr. Mark cast one last look at me, his eyes like daggers. “I’ll be watching,” he warned.

I breathed a sigh once I came out of the office.

“Omg Lucy, what did he say? Did he fire you? Why do you look sad?” Daya continuously asked me.

“He did not fire me… It has been quite a morning, Daya, I don't want to bother you with my problems,” I replied grudgingly and walked past Daya.

******

The bar was dimly lit, with the soft clink of glasses and the hum of low conversations creating a kind of detached warmth. The faint sound of jazz music occupied the atmosphere. I wiped down the counter, my mind elsewhere thinking of possible ways to make money.

A figure appeared at the door, tall and imposing, casting a shadow across the room, his dark hair, and broad shoulders were his noticeable features.

He walked in with confidence in his sharp navy blue suit perfectly ironed. Soon after, whispers started flying all around. Mr. Mark came from his office, approaching this man.

The bar was filled with little whispers between the staff. “OMG! Is that him? He is far beyond handsome,” one of the bartenders whispered with a smile on her face. “He is literally breathtaking,” the other girl replied with little giggles.

Mr. Mark gave them a dead stare and they bowed their heads in shame.

His face was familiar, yet I couldn't recall. He walked like someone used to getting exactly what they wanted.

“Welcome Mr. Drey,” Mr. Mark greeted him while bowing his head, but he ignored Mr Mark and went towards the VIP lounge.

“So he is the owner of the hotel. Well, he lacks manners,” I whispered to myself with disgust on my face.

“I need a drink, you know the usual,” he said as Mr. Mark followed him to the lounge.

“Wait, that voice… I have heard it somewhere,” I said to myself. “Oh my God! It's him!! The guy who I bumped into at the hospital!” I muttered, my voice almost loud enough for someone close to hear.

Two of my colleagues looked at me in a confused way. I quickly gave them a fake smile to divert their attention.

Mr. Mark came straight to me with an exhausted look. 

“Get him a bottle of bourbon please, without ice,” Mr. Mark begged, giving me a weird smile. “

“Coming right up, sir,” I affirmed, still in a shocked state.

I had mixed feelings—one minute I was worried about raising money, and now the universe had given me manner on a golden plate. All I could think of was how to use this opportunity.

I took the drink just as requested to the VIP lounge. As I was about to enter, I overheard Drey on a call.

“James, I need you to think of something fast and productive. I can’t lose this deal. The press is making it difficult for me by talking shit about my company. I need to give them something else to talk about.”

Just then I walked in and served the drink to Drey. 

“Here is the drink sir,” I informed Drey, who was more interested in his call than the drink.

Drey completely ignored me and continued his call. “Do something I don’t care about whatsoever.” Drey went on the call with James.

I returned to the counter immediately. I thought of what would make him that desperate. I picked up my phone to search for what the press was talking about his company. I was surprised to see the allegations.

“Producing ineffective drugs? Harmful side effects from the drugs being produced?” “That's a lot,” I put my hands over my mouth in a state of shock. I pondered on how I could use this to my advantage. Drey was a mannerless billionaire, there had to be a way to gain his attention.

******

After much thought, I summoned courage and headed back to the VIP lounge. As I entered, I took a seat across from Drey.

“I know how to relieve you of your worries,” I suggested nervously. My palms started to sweat, but I had to keep it together.

I realized my choice of words made him misunderstand my plea.

“Hmm, that's impressive, just what I wante…” Drey muttered as he smiled before taking a sip of his drink.

“A marriage… more like a contract marriage,” I cut in, the words were too heavy for my mouth but I said it.

“What??!” Drey asked in disbelief, as he nearly choked on his drink.