LIAM
"Throw him in the street," I ordered my men concerning the man who Amelia almost took his head off with a slap.
I would say it was satisfying to watch but I do get bored quickly. Glancing at my wristwatch. I no longer wish to be in this desolate place.
"Let's get out of here." I said to Amelia, whose face is expressionless. Her hand is still red from the impact of the slap.
"Okay, where?"
A mischievous grin formed on my face as an idea came to my mind.
"Let's go, no questions." I said and left the place with her following me at the back like a little sheep….
As we walked into the exquisite clothing store, Tudors clothing, I couldn't help but notice Amelia gaping at the opulent interior decor of the store. The place has always been my go-to place for shopping because of their unique and uncommon designs, which match my classy taste.
"Wow," I heard her say.
I chuckled to myself. Of course, she'd be impressed by the place. It's not even close to the other ones I visit on a monthly basis, but since it serves my needs, I don't mind. It's still very different from the usual thrift stores she visits.
She wandered through the aisles, her hands trailing through racks of immaculately tailored clothes.
A lady- the store attendant walks up to me with a familiar smile.
"Welcome Mr Liam, good to have you back here." She greeted, ushering me to the VIP lounge. "Welcome Miss, is she with you sir?"
She asked of Amelia who was lost in her thoughts, admiring the luxurious fabrics as if she had never touched silk or cashmere before.
I watched with amusement for a moment before clearing my throat to call her attention.
"Um... hello," She said with a nervous smile. "Beautiful store." She added with truthful eyes.
"What would you like ma'am?" The attendant asked.
Amelia cast me a confused glance, her cheeks flushing.
"Oh no, I'm with him." She said almost immediately. "I was just...anyway I'm with my boss."
Of course, how would she afford these?
I beckoned on Amelia to come closer as I checked out a blue pinstripe suit.
"Sir?" She asks, leaning forward.
"Stand straight," I commanded.
She stood like a statue, wondering what I was up to.
"Sir, we have more feminine outfits for her." The attendant whose name is Liza said, her eyes flickered on Amelia's fading trouser pants and oversized shirt.
Amelia's eyes narrowed, her gaze darting between Liza and me.
"I never said it was for her." I replied. "Stretch out your arms." I turned to Amelia.
Amelia's eyes flashed with defiance but she hesitated, stretching her arms wide as I instructed. As I slipped the jacket onto her, I could feel her stiffen with irritation. She looked straight ahead, her jaw clenched but I didn't mind. I was loving it.
I adjusted the jacket severally before taking a step back to have a look at it.
"Well, what do you think?" I asked her. "Look into the mirror and tell me what you think."
"It's not my size or taste, so I don't know." She muttered.
"Hmmm," I mused. "What do you think Liza?"
"Sir, I think you should try it on yourself." Liza, eyeing Amelia with irritation.
"Oh, I know what is wrong with this." I said with a mischievous smile.
I leaned in towards Amelia till there was only an inch between us. The air around her felt warm, I could feel her breathing become faster and her struggle to maintain a perfect pose. Her eyes darted towards the floor.
Such a feisty girl.
I put my lips to her ear and whispered into it.
"Chin up," I whispered. "You're ruining the outfit with your nervousness."
"I'm not nervous, I can't maintain this posture for long." She breathed out in frustration.
Her eyes glazed with rebellion as I smirked into her face. I stepped back to check it out again.
"Perfect." I smiled with satisfaction.
"Can I take this off now?" She cut in.
I nodded as I turned back to the rack of clothes. Before she could remove the jacket, I dropped a pile of clothes in her hands.
"Easy." She groaned, adjusting the clothes on her hand.
"Let me help you with that." Liz said, moving to assist her.
"If you try that, that would be the last thing you do here." I said, my expression stern. "Let her carry them, that's why she's here."
"Okay sir." Liz muttered.
"Don't keep my hand hanging." I said, stretching another pile of clothes to her.
As she strutted forward I caught her rolling her eyes. She looked like a walking clothes rack. Before she could glare at me any longer, I flung a cotton spandex shirt in her face to my amusement.
When I was satisfied with picking clothes, with Amelia staggering behind me, we both went to the counter to pay for the items.
******
AMELIA
I am dog tired!
After a long and exhausting first day at work with the worst boss of all! I am finally home to rest my head. I trudged through the front door, collapsing into the couch with a deep sigh. For first impressions, today was a roller coaster of Liam's antics. Navigating a minefield is better than working with that guy! I never knew slapping someone was part of my job. Does he think I'm his bodyguard or what?
I don't even want to get started about the shopping trip. That guy is very weird and evil!
I guess this is what I have to do for such an expensive pay.
Collapsing on the couch I took a minute to rest. As I kicked off my shoes, my useless step brother Benjamin sauntered in the living room whistling a jaunty tune.
Not tonight!
"Hey sunshine" the creep chirped plopped beside me. "Tough day?"
Reflexively, I got up, grabbed my shoes and dashed into my room.
The next day...
After getting ready for work, I headed out to the hospital to see my dad before going to work. I feel so relieved since the surgery date has been set and preparations have been put in place.
I stepped into the hospital, the smell of antiseptic and muted chatter enveloped me. Yesterday's ordeal was enough to make me anxious, especially since I don't know what today would bring but seeing my dad's face would make me feel better.
As I entered the room, a nurse intercepted me. "Amelia, you're finally here!"
"Good morning nurse. I came to see my dad before heading out."
"Your father's surgery prep is lagging. We've been expecting you or your mom here."
"What do you mean? Wasn't she here all through yesterday?" I asked with furrowed eyebrows.
The nurse exhaled, frustration etched on her face. "You guys need to pay more attention to the patient. Someone has to stay with him. Please come with me to sign the necessary documents."
As we turned to leave, my stepmom walked into the corridor.
"There you are, nurse Tina. I was told you wanted to see me." She said, ignoring me.
"I was just telling your daughter that someone should be here with the patient on standby ma'am." Nurse Tina replied curtly.
"I thought I left him in your care, why was no one with him?" I demanded as we followed nurse Tina.
She raised her eyebrows. "Good morning to you too Amelia."
"Why was he alone? Where were you?"
She raised her hand dismissively. "I was so tired yesterday, I had to quickly take care of some things."
"Whatever it was couldn't wait?" I was upset but I was trying my best not to show it.
"Are you going to nag or run along to work? You can go now, I'll take care of the documents."
"Don't bother, I'll finish up." I said, catching up with nurse Tina's pace.
She turned and went back to the ward, annoyed.
I don't know what to do with this woman. I have never seen one so lazy and irresponsible.
After finishing up, I went to see my dad before going to work.
By the time I got to Liam's house to begin the day's work, it was already five past eight. I rushed into the living room, not particularly excited to see him.
"Good morning sir_" I greeted but stopped half way.
I wasn't expecting to see Hela and her boyfriend here.
"One thing I hate is tackiness." Liam said with raised eyebrows. "You have barely started here, but you want to make lateness your mantra."
I glanced at my watch to be sure I was really late. Just five minutes late. Is this really late?
"It's just five minutes." I replied casually. "No harm done."
"Well, that's how it starts. From five minutes, it becomes ten, then twenty." He said with a stern expression. "When you're working with me, there are serious consequences for coming late. Be it..."
"Okay, fine." I cut in. "I'll be here on time. There is no need to make a mountain out of a molehill."
I gave him an annoyed expression as I waited for his instructions.
"Better. And it doesn't mean I'll let you off for this one time." He added with his cold gaze lingering on me.
"I'm sorry. It won't happen again." I said. I felt a flush rise to my cheeks.
I have to get accustomed to this lifestyle somehow.
"Are we going to this event or not?" Felix asked, sensing the brewing tension.
"Party?" I raised an eyebrow.
Who throws parties at eight in the morning?