Keith's perspective
I slowly opened my eyes, grogginess clinging to my mind. Ethan's voice cut through the haze.
"Sir, it's 8:15. Your meeting with the investors is at 9:00 AM."
I rubbed my eyes, yawned, and swung my legs over the side of the bed. Forty-five minutes wasn't enough time to prepare.
"Ethan, why did you let me sleep in?" I asked, already heading to the bathroom.
"I tried waking you earlier, sir, but you weren't responsive," he replied.
Under the refreshing shower, I cleared my mind and shook off the sleep. After a quick shave, I returned to my bedroom.
Ethan had laid out my suit, and a steaming cup of coffee waited on the dresser.
"Any update on the driver situation?" I asked, sipping my coffee.
"Yes, sir. I've found a suitable replacement for James."
"Good. I was worried we wouldn't find someone in time." I began dressing.
"Is the new driver experienced?" I asked, tying my tie.
"Yes, sir. She has an excellent record and came highly recommended."
She? I raised an eyebrow.
"I wasn't expecting a female driver," I said, slipping on my jacket.
Ethan nodded. "James's departure was unexpected, sir. This candidate had the best qualifications and availability."
I recalled James's sudden resignation. "Personal reasons, wasn't it?"
"Yes, sir. His family needed him back home."
I checked my watch. "Has the new driver been briefed on my schedule and preferences?"
"Yes, sir. She'll be waiting downstairs at 8:30."
I nodded. "See you downstairs, Ethan."
With a final glance in the mirror, I headed out to face the day.
I walked downstairs, lost in thought, and entered the garage. My eyes scanned the area, expecting to see my usual driver. Instead, I saw a familiar figure standing beside my car.
The crazy woman from yesterday. What was she doing here?
My jaw clenched, shock and annoyance mixing.
"Eira?" I spat out her name, incredulous.
She stood confidently, dressed in a crisp black suit and matching pants, her eyes locked on mine.
"Good morning, Mr. Brady. I'm your new driver," she said, her voice steady.
My gaze snapped to Ethan.
"What is going on, Ethan? You hired her?" I demanded.
Ethan's expression remained neutral.
"Sir, she was the best candidate. I briefed her on your schedule and preferences."
My frustration grew,
Just when I thought I wouldn't see her again
"Are you kidding me? After yesterday's...incident? You think I want her driving me around?"
Eira's eyes flashed, but her expression remained professional.
"I assure you, Mr. Brady, I'm fully qualified and capable of...."
I cut her off.
"I don't care about your qualifications. I want you gone. Ethan, fix this."
Ethan's voice remained calm.
"Sir, I understand your concerns, but..."
"No, Ethan. I will not have her driving me. Get someone else."
"Fine," Ethan relented, "I'll find another driver, but for now, please let her drive you to your meeting. You're running late."
I hesitated, then nodded curtly before entering the car. "Alright."
After the meeting, Ethan trailed behind me as we exited the conference room.
Just outside, I halted, my gaze locking onto Eira chatting with another woman.
"I'm still upset with you for hiring her." I told Ethan, eyes fixed on Eira.
"I already said I'd find another driver," Ethan replied. "Why are you still mad?"
"Hurry up and replace her. I don't want to see her face again after today," I ordered.
"Go ahead without me," Ethan said suddenly.
I turned, raising an eyebrow. "What? Where are you going?"
"I need to visit my mom. I'll see you tomorrow," Ethan replied with a bow before departing.
Sighing, I walked towards Eira, who stood beside the car. She promptly opened the door for me.
I settled into the seat, still irritated.
Eira's eyes met mine in the rearview mirror. "I will take you home now, Mr Brady."
As we glided through the city streets, I observed Eira's uncharacteristic reserve. Gone was the fiery, troublesome woman I'd encountered before; in her place was a poised, professional driver.
"Why did you take this job?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me. "Are you intentionally trying to stalk me?"
Eira's eyes flicked up to meet mine in the rearview mirror, her expression neutral.
"I applied because you needed a driver, Mr. Brady," she replied, her voice measured.
Her response didn't satisfy me. I sensed there was more to her story.
We arrived at my house in silence. As I stepped out of the car, Eira followed suit, handing me the keys and bowing her head.
"don't come back," I said, emphasizing my earlier instruction. "This is the last time we'll meet."
Eira turned to face me, a hint of resignation in her eyes.
"I don't plan on returning," she said.
My brow arched in surprise. "Really?" I hadn't expected her to surrender so easily.
Eira's expression transformed, her voice taking on a candid tone.
"To be honest, I became interested in you when I discovered your wealth. I asked to be your girlfriend so I could get closer to you... because of your money."
My eyes widened, taken aback by her blunt admission.
"I'm just a poor girl seeking a rich man to... support me," she continued, her words dripping with honesty. "I'm a gold digger, just as you suspected."
Her forthrightness caught me off guard. I hadn't anticipated she'd confess so readily.
Eira's expression shifted, her voice taking on a vulnerable tone.
"But you know what? I desperately wanted a job, too. Years of searching, countless rejections... I was exhausted. When I landed this driver position, I felt a glimmer of hope. How many women out there work as drivers? It wasn't just about you or your wealth; I needed a chance to prove myself."
Her gaze pierced mine, eyes welling up with emotion.
"I wasn't.... I was just trying to..." I began, my words faltering.
Eira's face crumpled, her voice cracking.
"I'll leave your life, just as you want. You'll never see me again." She turned to depart, her words barely above a whisper.
I stood frozen, taken aback by the sudden shift in her demeanor. The gold digger's facade had cracked, revealing a complex, desperate individual.
Maybe I was wrong about her all along.