Chapter 4 Moving on

I got lucky this time, again.

I had barely made it to work after staying up all night with my sister, celebrating my new job. She was thrilled for me, and honestly, so was I.

But luck only went so far. When the phone rang, I knew it wasn't over.

I slipped out of my chair, smoothing down my skirt before heading to his office. The ache in my feet was a brutal reminder of the heels I had practically sprinted in earlier.

I knocked once before stepping inside, closing the door softly behind me.

"You called?" I asked, keeping my tone professional.

His gaze was steady, calm but firm. "This can't happen again. I expect my employees to be on time," he said.

I gave a small nod, biting back a sigh. "Understood."

His eyes didn't leave mine, a flicker of something unreadable passing across his face. Silence stretched between us. Finally, I gave in to the ache and slipped off my heels, easing into the chair across from him.

I lifted my feet onto the edge of his desk, wincing as the pressure eased. Maybe not the smartest move, but I wasn't about to stand here and suffer in silence.

His brows pulled together in disapproval. "Get your feet off the desk," he said sharply.

"These heels aren't exactly made for running through your company," I shot back, not bothering to hide my irritation.

His patience snapped. With one swift motion, he knocked my legs down, the force making me wince.

I let out a sharp breath, the pain in my ankle flaring again. For a moment, something like regret flashed across his face.

"Hey," he said, quieter this time. "I didn't mean-"

"I'm fine," I cut in, brushing off the sting.

But when I stood up, the sharp twist of pain made me stumble. Before I could catch myself, his hands were already there, strong and steady ..lifting me effortlessly into his arms.

I buried my face in his chest to avoid more piercing stares from the other employees as he strolled out of the company with me in his arms.

The drive was quiet.

I wasn't sure where we were going until he pulled into the hospital parking lot.

"You didn't have to do this," I said, breaking the silence as he stepped out and came around to my side.

"Clearly, you can't walk properly," he said, opening the door. Without waiting for permission, he lifted me again, carrying me inside.

Whispers stirred as we passed through the lobby. I ignored the curious glances while he acted like they didn't exist.

A doctor, someone he clearly knew approached us. "Lewis" he greeted with a nod. "What happened?"

"Her ankle," Lewis said curtly, not bothering to elaborate.

After a quick examination, the doctor confirmed it wasn't serious-just overstrained. "She'll be fine," he assured, scribbling out a prescription.

Lewis gave a short nod. "Thanks, Carlos."

I slid off the exam table and took a tentative step, testing the ache. It was manageable. "I can walk," I said, already heading for the door.

"You shouldn't push it," he warned, his voice calm but firm.

"And you're suddenly concerned?" I raised a brow, matching his tone.

He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he held the passenger door open, waiting.

I hesitated for a second before giving in and climbing inside.

The rest of the ride was quiet-almost tense. When we finally reached my apartment, he pulled over, but neither of us moved to speak first.

"You didn't have to do all this," I said finally, my voice softer.

I watched his grip tighten slightly on the steering wheel. "I take care of my people," he said simply.

I nodded once before opening the door. "Thank you, Mister Bradford."

He didn't reply, but as I stepped out, I couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't the end of it, not by a long shot.

I watched his car disappear down the street before stepping inside. The house was quiet, Baby would still be at school.

Grabbing a glass of water from the kitchen, I headed upstairs to my room.

I slipped under the duvet, reaching for the framed photo of my late parents on the bedside table.

"I miss you so much," I whispered, my voice trembling. "Baby and I... we wish you were still here with us."

It's been almost two year since the accident that took our father's life instantly. We had a slim chance to save our mother but we needed a lot of money.

I tried everything sold our belongings, begged for help but no one offered without asking for something in return.

I still remember that fateful night-when I gave in to the club owner's demands in exchange for the money. I lost my virginity to a stranger, believing it would save my mother.

I cried the entire time, feeling like my soul shattered.

But it was too late. When I returned to the hospital, they told me she was already gone.

Some days, it still feels like yesterday. And sometimes, I blame myself for not moving fast enough.

I woke up to Baby's voice, gently shaking me.

"Sis? Priynka wake up."

I blinked, adjusting to the soft glow of the lamp. Baby smiled at me apologetically.

"Sorry I'm late I had extra classes to catch up on my grades," she explained, plopping down beside me.

"What's for lunch?" I asked groggily.

She giggled. "Dinner. It's already dinner time, and we're having pasta and chicken."

I didn't realize I'd slept that long.

After dinner and our usual goodnight hugs, we headed to bed.

The next morning, sunlight peeked through my curtains. I stretched and yawned.

"Good morning, world," I said with a grin.

After a quick exercise, I glanced at the wall clock. "7:45 a.m.?"

Frowning, I climbed onto a stool and unhooked the clock to check the batteries.

The door swung open, and Baby bounced inside.

"Morning, Sis!" She jumped onto the bed, phone in hand.

"Baby, why didn't you tell me this clock is faulty?" I asked.

"It's not faulty, Priynka it's working fine," she said, swiping at her phone.

"But it says 7:48 a.m.!"

"Yeah... because that's the actual time," she replied, raising an eyebrow. "Same as the alarm clock and my phone."

Panic surged through me. "Geez-I'm late for work again! Why didn't you wake me?!"

"Because you told me not to or you'd cut my allowance," she yelled out as I dashed into the bathroom.

I rushed out of the bathroom in record time, throwing on the first outfit I could find. My hair went up in a messy bun as I grabbed my bag and hurried out of the house.

"Great-8 a.m. already," I muttered under my breath.

I flagged down a cab, exhaling in relief when it stopped in front of the company. After paying the driver, I rushed inside, ignoring the slight ache in my legs.

When I reached the elevator

"Under maintenance? Of course." With no other choice, I took the stairs, climbing all the way up to the twelfth floor.

Out of breath, I stepped into the office.

"Good morning, Mrs. Britney," I greeted quietly. She gave a curt nod, and the room felt unusually tense.

I slipped into my office, shutting the door behind me and leaning against it to catch my breath.

"Rough morning?" a familiar voice asked.

I jumped slightly, turning to see Lewis sitting comfortably in my chair.

"You scared me," I said, exhaling sharply.

"Why are you late?" he asked, his tone cool.

"I overslept," I admitted.

He stood and walked toward me, hands tucked in his pockets.

"I'm supposed to tolerate that?" His voice stayed calm, but there was an edge to it. "I'm here on time-what's your excuse?"

I swallowed the irritation rising in my chest. "It won't happen again."

He gave me a long look before speaking again. "You'll be moving in with me."

"What?" The words left my mouth louder than I intended.

"You heard me. If I'm going to rely on you, I can't have you showing up late," he said before walking out.

I stood there, stunned. Moving in with him? What was he thinking?