THE LOVE BETWEEN THE CEO AND THE CLEANER.

I have been to so many places in search of work but wasn’t hired, not even as a cleaner or an errand girl, so one afternoon I gathered the courage to walk into Silver Palm Hotel, holding my neatly folded job application. My heart pounded with every step I made, I knew Vivian worked here, but I was desperate. I greeted the receptionist politely and asked to submit my application for the cleaner position. Before she could even respond, Vivian walked in. The moment her eyes landed on me, she froze, then faked smiles at me .“You?” she scoffed loudly, drawing attention. What are you doing here? I came to apply for the cleaner job, I said softly, trying to stay calm. Vivian burst into laughter, flipping her long hair over her shoulder. Cleaner? In this hotel? Do you think we are running a charity? Some staff looked on with surprise. A few whispered, but no one said a word.She walked closer, her voice dropping into a cold hiss. “You’re too filthy for this place, Riley. You don’t belong her

Thoughts of my boss kept lingering in my mind. I noticed I felt happy whenever I remembered him. The next day, I was running late for work because of all the house chores I had to do. I was told I couldn’t leave the house until I stocked the fridge. On my way out, I was rushing to catch a cab when a car pulled up beside me. The driver rolled down the window and it was my boss. My heart skipped a beat,I was about to say, I am sorry sir” when he interrupted me. “Get in, I’ll give you a ride," he said. I refused politely, No thanks boss, but he insisted, “You’re already late, Riley. No choice.I got in quietly. While driving, he said, “You look beautiful today.” I glanced at my dress, wondering if he was mocking me. When we reached, I stepped out and thanked him. But I noticed all the staff staring at me, whispering. “Who does she think she is? I overheard someone say. “The boss has never given anyone a ride before.Vivian stood in front of the hotel and immediately she saw me, her face

The third day, Dylan found himself sitting in front of his doctor. Are you feeling dizzy? Weak? the doctor asked.“No , but distracted . I can’t sleep properly. I keep thinking about someone, Dylan admitted. The doctor smiled knowingly. “You’re not sick, Mr. Hart. You’re in love.Dylan blinked. “Love”? Exactly. All the symptoms match, the doctor said. Dylan was surprised because he had never felt this way before. He never believed in that thing called love. Dylan stood up and left, wondering if the doctor even knew what he was saying.Back at home, Vivian was still celebrating. “It’s been so peaceful since she left. That girl was like a shadow that wouldn’t go away. Good thing she finally quit. But the next morning, everything changed. Dylan arrived at the hotel with his usual calm but firm stride. The cleaners had left streaks on the glass. One of the VIP clients complained about a stain in their room.Enough was enough, “Vivian,Dylan called, standing at the edge of her office door. S

Vivian never mentions Dylan again. But her eyes watched me more closely, her insults became sharper, and every chance she got, she found a way to hurt me with her words, or sometimes, her hands. Ruthie followed her lead like a shadow. They didn’t need to know the truth to feel it , they could sense it,but I stayed quiet, I still went to work with a smile. Because Dylan was there.Even though we couldn’t talk much, even if I had to pretend I was just another cleaner he would glance my way. He would leave a sticky note inside the staff closet saying Smile for me today, or sometimes, an energy drink placed at my spot with a small heart drawn beneath the bottle. Our love was a secret, but it was growing.One day at work, my phone rang during break. It was Dylan. I want to see you tonight. Somewhere quiet he said, I agreed.Later that evening, we met at the small hill behind the hotel, where city lights shimmered below. I sat beside him on the hood of his car.“I missed you,” he said quietl

One evening Vivian approached me with a smile again. "Let's bury the past for Dylan’s sake.” I believed her just once. That evening, she offered me a drink while we waited in the hotel lobby for a meeting. I drank it, and that’s all I remembered. I woke up in a strange hotel room. A man I didn’t know passed out beside me. I screamed. The next hour was hell. A photo of me in that bed was sent to Dylan with the words: Your little virgin isn’t so innocent. She’s a slut like I said. I rushed to Dylan crying. “I swear, it’s not true. I don't know what happened. I don't even know that man, Dylan paced his office, restless and angry. The photo Vivian had sent of Riley unconscious on a bed with a stranger kept flashing in his mind. He wanted to believe Riley, but doubt clawed at his chest. Her teary denial still echoed in his ears: “I don’t know how I got there, Dylan. I swear, I didn’t do anything. He knew Riley, Her eyes couldn’t lie. Something didn’t add up. Later that evening, Dylan recei