Chapter 2 The Invite

SUSAN BROOKS POV

It was 3pm already; I had planned to prepare a special meal for my father and also a gift for my best friend. Isla. These two were my world. I thought I had Jackson. My heart ached at the memories we shared together.

I needed to distract myself with work by reading a book or perhaps a newspaper.

Chloe walked in... Speaking of the devil, I thought as I focused on my reading...

"Hey, Suzy, what are you doing? You know you look pathetic reading those. You should throw them away. "

I didn't bother sparing her a glance or a word but rather focused on what I was doing.

Feeling ignored, she angrily said, "Wow, you suddenly turned deaf after Jackson dumped your ass. Huh? "

"What do you want me to say? I reluctantly spoke up. You wanted him; now you clearly have him. I wish you both the very best and good luck. Now, please leave me alone ".

"Wow, what a shame!" she said and left.

I came across a list of job vacancies in the newspapers. Yes, I was going to apply, feeling elated... The job descriptions suited me perfectly.

I needed a better job. Would become a better person, develop myself, and be very rich.

Chloe was my sister but had always been jealous of me; she felt a sense of satisfaction whenever I was sad. I just didn't consider that she would stoop so low as to sleep with my boyfriend. I had been good to Jackson; I didn't deserve this. Scrolling through my phone, I saw that she had uploaded photos of herself and Jackson, and that includes sharing a kiss. My heart felt the sharp pain of betrayal and pain once more. I decided not to cry anymore and be happy.

I was not going to pay attention to Chloe or even Jackson. I still had my best friend, Isla Rowling. My phone began to ring; I smiled as I saw the caller ID. Isla.

We met in college, and ever since then, our friendship has only blossomed.

"What's up, girl? " Isla voice made me happy.......

"How are you doing? "

"I am fine. Don't tell me you are still crying over that good-for-nothing son of a bitch ".

"No..... Trust me, I deserve better than whatever he has to offer me. And I would not shed a tear over a man who cheated with my sister. Not again. Not ever ".

"Beautiful. So, what are you doing? "

"Well, I am currently looking for vacancies so I can get a job and foot these bills."

"Alright, I wish you the best. "

"Meanwhile, I will send you some money, and you must take it. It would hurt me if you declined".

"Isla, you don't need to do that.

You have done more than enough for me already. Still feeling indebted "

"I insist, or I would be very angry with you".

"Ok, I will take it".

"Lest I forget, there is an event coming up, and it's organised by my dad. And I would love to have my best friend there".

"I don't know. I will think about it, though I am not promising".

"Alright, that's enough. " Hung up.

Checking the time, it was nearly five pm. I worked a shift at a coffee shop.

I prepared and got ready. On arrival, I greeted my boss. Mr. Baker. A very kind and jovial old man.

"Hello... Mr. Baker."

"Good afternoon, Susan, you look radiant as always... Do your job extra well today, and I promise you a tip for your hard work".

I smiled and said, "Thank you so much, Mr. Baker. You are so kind to me".

"Anything for you. You are the best staff".

I was serving coffee and attending tables when a rude customer started flirting with me.

"Hey, pretty, care to give me some sugar? I would take really good care of you".

I excused myself politely and was about to walk away when he grabbed my hands.

"Where do you think you are going? "

"I struggled to break free from his tight grip; he was trying to touch my boobs and clearly sexually harassing me. I found my voice and said, "Let go of me"...

Just then, a man rescued me from his grip and punched the guy in the face.

"You don't treat a woman like that".

The flirt fell to the ground as he sneered... He was clearly defeated by the man who was my saviour... The man looked so handsome, handsome and rich. Very rich and incredibly handsome.

His scent was endearing, yet I didn't have the boldness to keep staring into his eyes as I covered my face in embarrassment. Trying to make myself decent.

He removed his jacket and gave it to me, as I was clearly shivering from the assault.

"If you don't mind, I could take you home". He offered...

I humbly declined despite the bruises I had sustained. "No, thank you very much".

And quickly, I grabbed my purse as I walked out the door.

I have had enough of the male species, I thought... as I walked as fast as my legs could carry me. Looking back, I noticed he rushed after me.

"I insist, my car is over there. I promise to be a gentleman". He said, catching up with me.

"You are bruised, and if you don't mind, Can we be friends? "He extended his hands to shake hers... Studying him for a while... he had a pleasant smile.

Feeling a bit of guilt... I reluctantly accepted his handshake and introduced myself. "Sarah Brooks. "

"Sarah, I am Mark Peters," he said, revealing a white set of teeth.

"Please, let me take you home; you are bruised already, "he offered once again".

"Okay," I said with a smile on my face.

Like the gentleman that he was, he opened the car front seat door for me.

We exchanged numbers as he dropped me off. As I smiled to myself, I realised that I like my newfound friend.