Chapter 5. The boss

Betty’s POV

I'm not sure what to do with the money I have. It's tempting to spend it, but I'll wait. Maybe he'll come back to work, and I can return it to him.

It's been three weeks since I last saw Diego. I haven't seen him again, and I don't think he will return to my work.

I have some additional payments for my graduation that I funded partially with the money Diego gave me. I'll pay it off when I receive my salary.

I've also deposited what I had left into my school account, but I still owe more than half, and I'm not sure where to find the funds to cover.

In three weeks, I'll be on stage receiving honors. I feel proud but anxious, as I still have unpaid balances. I'm considering asking Jason for help, but I'll find another solution.

"Hello, mom, how's dad? Is everything alright?"

Mom doesn't usually call me unless I call her first.

"We're fine, Betty. Is everything okay with you, my dear? Your father has been discharged from the hospital and is improving daily. The operation was successful."

"Operation?" My forehead creased.

Where did they get the money for that?

I bet Jason's father paid for it. Now I can't ask Jason to help pay my school balances because it's too much.

"Yes, my dear. I'm very grateful to you because your father is now fine."

For me? What did I do?

"My dear, if it weren't for your pen pal, your father would still be in critical condition."

My mind went blank as I stared at the wall in confusion.

"Pen. . . pal?"

"I understand your pen pal Betty is private, and you don't want to be labeled a user. He seems like a good person."

"A... what? Hey, Mom, what are you talking about? This pen pal you mean, have you met him?"

A sudden burst of cold wind swept over me, making the hairs on my skin stand on end.

"Yes, he was here two weeks ago, Betty. He helped us pay the bills and settled everything, including our debt at Don Fernando. Jet, who was with him, handled it all."

My mouth parted, and my heart raced like in a marathon. I feel déjà vu.

That's it! Told Jason about my pen pal. Now it's haunting me. This must be a dream. I laughed.

"Mom, are you sure? Maybe someone will collect payment tomorrow." I shook my head. This can't be real.

"No. It's true, Betty. We've met him. His name is Drake and... uhm, never mind." Mom cleared her throat.

Drake? Who's Drake?

I was about to ask my mother about him, but my father shouted in the background.

"We will see you in two weeks, Betty!"

"Oh, uhm... okay."

The call left me confused and doubting my mother's words. If that pen pal is real, he's definitely unusual. I shrug off my worries but still need to pay my school balance before the deadline.

Morning arrives, and I'm prepared to head to school. Even though I don't have any classes today, I will visit the library first and then speak with one of my instructors.

"Good morning, Miss Betty." My heart jumps in surprise when I see Diego after opening the gate. He's standing close to the gate, like a bodyguard in front of me.

What the heck. What is he doing here?

"Diego?" I couldn't smile the same way he always does. He seemed like another version of himself. 

"How do you know where I live? And why are you here?" My eyes widened when I remembered the money he gave me.

Is he here for that? Oh my goodness, dang, I already spent the money.

"I'm here to take you somewhere, Miss Betty," he said, his eyes indicating the car parked nearby.

"What? And why?" I swallow my saliva. I don't know him or if I can trust him. He gave me a big tip three weeks ago, and if he's here to claim it back, then... 

"I've already used the money, Diego. Sorry about that. I assure you I'll repay you once I receive my salary."

He chuckles. "It's not about the tip, Miss Betty. This has nothing to do with that. The tip was yours, and I'm not here to take it back. I'm here because my boss wants to see you."

I blink in confusion.

"B-Boss?"

"Yes, Miss Betty. My boss wants to talk to you. This way, please." His body gestures to where the car is parked.

I swallow hard.

A few students walk to campus, mostly glancing at me and at Diego, who looks like a gangster.

Why? Because he's covered in tattoos and smiles like a freak.

Why does he smile so much?

"I promise I will not hurt you, Miss Betty. I will not do anything that can harm you. I swear with my life. You are safe."

I nodded weakly and then followed him. The moment I slid into the leather seat, I hugged my bag like I was hugging my dear life. 

A moment of silence filled the air as Roxette's song "Dangerous" played on the radio. The lyrics remind me of my foolishness.

Why did I agree to this? What if Diego sprays something into the air and I end up falling to my death?

Darn it, why am I so stupid?

"Are we there yet, Diego?" My voice started to palpitate.

"Nearly there, Miss Betty," he smiles again.

"Okay..." I swallow hard, unable to look away from Diego's tattoos—they're both frightening and sad.

I reach into my bag for my old, cracked phone. I can't afford a new one.

"Where did you come from, Diego?" I asked. I'm sending Jason my location, just in case this is my last message. Who knows what will happen to me after this.

"I'm from Italy."

"Italy?" I froze as I glanced at him.

"Really?"

He nodded.

"We're here..."

The car stopped at a tall, orange metal gate that slowly opened. As we entered, I gasped at the stunning surroundings.

What the. . . are we at a resort hotel?

The scenery is breathtaking. The drive from the gate is roughly 300 meters. The garden is stunning, and the house appears majestic, like one featured in magazines where the wealthiest live.

The car stops, Diego steps out, I unbuckle my seatbelt, and Diego opens the door for me.

I hug my bag and follow Diego as he leads the way. I hold my breath, and my heart races at the sight of the beautifully designed interior of the house.

We walk down the hallway toward the back garden, skipping some routes leading to the main house. All the walls are made of glass, and from my position, I see the giant chandelier sparkling.

"I will wait for you in the car, Miss Betty."

"Huh?"

Diego exited quickly before I could ask more questions.

I inhale deeply, trying to calm my rapid heartbeat. I am here already. It's too late to back out. May as well see his boss. 

I smile as I wait, surrounded by blooming roses. Their delightful scent fills the air. I lean closer to one red rose and inhale its aroma.

"Hmm, your scent is beautiful," I whispered. It's a blood rose—soft, dark petals inviting a touch, though the thorns are vicious.

I was about to touch it when I heard someone clear his throat.

My body jerked and straightened up as I turned to face him.

He stood with godlike authority, his brow furrowed as our eyes met, sending a flicker of magic through me. My heart pounded. He had a captivating yet dangerous presence.

"Elizabethe Del Canor?" His deep voice commands attention. I swallow hard, trying to calm the butterflies in my stomach.

"Y-Yes..." I squeak, my voice barely audible.