The Landowner's Charm

"This is your space, Mr. Campbell." Helen pointed to a small room that served as an office, a modest but ideal place for her to keep her true identity hidden.

Angel (Fernando) looked at her in bewilderment. He longed that she had arrived at the wedding that way: strikingly beautiful. Now he understood why a marriage with her the object of envy would be.

"Thank you, miss. Can you remind me of your name, please?

"I'm Helen, sir. Helen Parker.

"Sit down, please." I want to know more about the manager of the place." Helen blushed at her boss's unexpected interest, but she obeyed.

"Thank you, sir. I can tell you that I am the person in charge of the finances and administration of this modest business. Believe it or not, it moves pretty well.

"Yes, that's why I bought it," he kept looking at her.

"Well, the old owners didn't plan to sell it. I was very surprised by their sudden decision, although they left happy and will not work here anymore.

"Yes, they needed to retire. How long have you been here, Miss Parker? Angel's eyes locked on Helen's.

"Four months and a little more, Mr. Campbell. Although it's been a short time, I've gotten acquainted with everyone around here. She answered, a bundle of nerves.

"Where are you from?" Are you married? Do you have a family? Her boss's questions stirred Helen's memories. She was now a completely different woman than she used to be, living in a small room and far from her past life in the palace as the daughter of a billionaire, with everything she could have wanted, and a marriage foiled by contract.

After an awkward silence of two minutes, Helen raised her head and repeated the story she was telling everyone.

"I'm from a nearby town, I lived with my parents, and no, I'm single. I haven't married yet, sir.

As he answered his boss's questioning, Angel had a million thoughts in his head. At that moment, he swore that he would make her fall in love and make her suffer, humiliate her just as she did by leaving him standing at the altar, and make her life miserable.

They talked comfortably for a few more minutes, and over the next few days a complicity was forged between them that was stirring Helen's heart. He concluded that he really liked his boss.

One morning, Helen arrived early at the supermarket and found her boss alone.

"You're too early, Helen," he said. She gave a little start at the sound of his voice and put her hand to her chest.

"You frightened me!" He exclaimed. "Yes, sir, I get up very early. I'm in charge of opening the place. People come to buy a lot in the morning.

"You should get some rest, Helen," Angel insisted worriedly.

"Sir, there's no one who can take my place, and besides, I like it here. I have no one to hang out with, and I live in a boarding house very close by; I'm almost isolated.

Angel stared at her, and she felt a little intimidated.

"How about we go out for coffee tonight?" I would like to get to know the town a little better. Also, I've rented a house near the supermarket, so no one expects me either.

Helen smiled shyly, feeling flattered by her handsome boss's proposal.

"All right, Mr. Campbell. That's fine with me. After the supermarket closes?

Angel helped her open the gates, and they both went in at the same time. Their gazes met with complicity, and their mouths were about to touch, but in a few seconds the other employees arrived, interrupting the romantic moment. However, the night was already close for them to go out together.

It was eight o'clock, and Helen moved her neck to relieve the tension. She ran her hand over it and complained of pain.

"Helen, are you ready?" Angel's voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

"Oh, yes, sir. Give me a moment to close the box and I'll be with you.

"You don't have to. I've hired someone to help you with your duties. Tomorrow will be another day. For now, join me for coffee.

"But sir, forgive me for interrupting you, but the place doesn't allow you to pay more employees," Helen added worriedly.

"Don't worry about that. Let's go? Angel extended his arm, inviting her to hook up, and although embarrassed by the proposal, she did not refuse at any time.

They both walked out, exploring the charming streets of Villa Esperanza. They arrived at a café, where they sat across from each other.

"What would you like to drink, Helen?"

"A cappuccino would be nice, sir.

"Don't call me sir, please. Call me simply, Angel. We are contemporaries, and by calling me sir, you make me feel old.

"Excuse me, Angel. It's just that I have a lot of respect for the position we're in. You're the boss, and I'm just your employee. She replied blushing.

"You're not just an employee, Helen. You are a beautiful woman and, above all, very intelligent. How did you end up working in a supermarket?

A waiter took the order at that moment, avoiding the answer to Angel's question. Helen was collapsing with nerves, and her hands began to tremble.

"Helen, are you pale?" Feeling good? Angel asked, noticing her discomfort.

"Yes, sir, I'm fine. It's just that it feels so strange that a woman like me is going out to a place like this with someone like you.

"We're no different, Helen. Besides, I must confess something to you." Angel took a sip of his coffee and stared at her.

"Oh, yes?" What is it, Angel? Helen asked nervously. She was fascinated with her boss from the moment he arrived, but she didn't dare tell him anything. Now, he was letting out something completely unexpected.

"Helen, I think you're a very interesting woman, and I don't want to be bold or make you think I'm abusing my position, but I must confess that I like you.

Helen felt the world move beneath her feet. A strange shiver ran through her body, and she became paler than she already was. This feeling was completely reciprocal: she also liked Angel, and that was something she couldn't deny.

"Sir, I—" she hesitated to speak.

"I told you not to call me sir. Don't worry, Helen. I know this is a quick thing to do and, of course, very crazy, but I have to tell you, if you believe in love at first sight, I'm living that moment right now.

Helen looked at him smiling. Talking about love at first sight was like talking about his biggest fantasies and desires. Without further ado, he took Angel's hand and caressed it.

"Angel, I'm the one who doesn't want to abuse your position. From the moment I saw him, it was as if Cupid had instantly crushed me. I was also very captivated by it, I don't know if it's taste or what exactly, but I couldn't stop thinking about you."

At that moment, Angel walked up to her, grabbed her by the chin and kissed her. Helen closed her eyes as if she were living a dream, while he was thinking of the worst of revenge. The pride of losing the CEO job and the death of his grandfather poisoned his subconscious.

At that moment, the two in different ways, sealed what would be the beginning of a passionate, but strange relationship.