6

Jennifer.
I cleaned up and went downstairs to find them. I had never lived with anyone before, and this house was completely unexpected. Living with strangers was not what I preferred, but at least I had a job now, even if it meant working for the man I despised. He would pay me a good salary, and I had to deal with that reality.
As I walked into the dining room, I saw Mr. Carl and Mr. Tomas Charl seated at the table. Mr. Tomas, the most annoying man on earth, was there, and I forced a fake smile as I addressed him. “How’s everything, sir?” I asked, trying to mask my disdain.
I made my way over to Mr. Carl and sat beside him. “How’s everything, father? I hope I’m not late?” I inquired, genuine concern in my tone.
Mr. Carl smiled and gently patted my head. “No, my sweetheart, you’re not late. You’re right on time,” he assured me, his warmth comforting.
I nodded and smiled back appreciatively. “Thank you, father,” I replied. The word felt so natural and comforting on my lips. It was hard to explain how much it meant to hear it when you’ve grown up without parents. Living your whole life without that support was unbearable.
“Have a seat, Jennifer,” Mr. Carl instructed me.
“Yes, of course,” I smiled at him again, avoiding eye contact with Mr. Tomas, who was seated at the opposite end of the long table.
Mr. Tomas shot me a death glare, narrowing his eyes in my direction.
“What, father?” he asked, looking at me and then at Mr. Carl.
“What, father? I deserve an explanation! What’s happening here without my knowledge? I’m the CEO here, and I need to know everything that goes on!” Mr. Tomas said loudly, his voice rising in irritation.
“You, Jennifer?” he yelled my name, his tone sharp.
“Yes, sir?” I replied innocently, doing my best to appear unbothered.
“I didn’t give you permission to sit next to Carl. This is my home, my rules, my money. You work for me, not him. How many times do I have to say this?” Mr. Tomas barked at me.
“And now, move your butt and your stupid face and come sit next to me. You’re my private assistant, for God’s sake!” he commanded.
I sighed deeply, rolling my eyes internally. I walked to the opposite side of the table, pulled out my chair, and reluctantly sat next to my possessive and narrow-minded CEO.
I kept my lips sealed and faked a smile as I settled in beside him. “Are you happy now, Mr. Tomas?” I asked, trying to keep my tone light despite my irritation.
“Don’t ask, just eat and do what I say!” he snapped, and the maids began serving our plates.
“What? Jennifer? Are you going to eat now?” Tomas leaned back in his chair, giving me a strange look as if I were the odd one.
I grabbed my spoon, glancing back at him. I made a noise as if to speak.
“What?” I asked Mr. Tomas, feigning innocence.
“I don’t use my hands to eat, Jennifer!” he declared, raising his eyebrows in mock surprise.
“What do you mean, Mr. Tomas?!” I replied, bewildered.
“I mean, what’s your job? My private secretary! Use your hands and feed me! I’m so impatient!” he gestured dramatically, making me cringe.
“What?! You can use your spoon or fork, you know!” I protested, feeling my temper flare. I couldn’t imagine how I would deal with him for long.
He crossed his arms over his chest, staring at me with that infuriating smirk. “Do it now, Jennifer!” he commanded, raising an eyebrow as if daring me to defy him.
“This is irritating!” I mumbled under my breath.
I reluctantly began to help him eat, feeling like I was catering to a spoiled child. This was unnecessary! I thought I would get revenge on him, but it turned out that he was the one getting the upper hand! I kept silent, fuming internally.
As we finished our meal, he seemed to be enjoying it, while Mr. Carl ate and smiled at the absurdity of it all. I felt like I was part of some bizarre comedy, like Tom and Jerry, constantly at odds with Mr. Tomas.
“Mr. Carl?” a personal assistant approached him.
“Yes? What’s happening?” Mr. Carl asked with a curious glance.
“There’s an emergency, sir. Please make an important call,” the assistant informed him urgently.
Mr. Carl excused himself and left the dining room, leaving just me and Mr. Tomas.
A few minutes later, Mr. Carl returned, looking flustered.
“Mr. Tomas?” he said, leaning closer.
“Yes, Carl? What’s happening?” Mr. Tomas asked, his annoyance palpable.
“The meeting you postponed is still on!” Carl said nervously.
“What now, Carl?” Mr. Tomas huffed, evidently irritated. I sat there, pretending to be invisible, trying to eavesdrop even though I was technically his personal assistant. I wanted to prove that I could handle this job, despite the animosity between us.
“They’re coming. They’ll be here in a few hours to meet you and continue with the agreements. They want to sign the contracts soon,” Mr. Carl informed him.
“Oh my god, that’s alright. We need to change and meet them… call our specialists and lawyers, let’s go,” Mr. Tomas said, giving me a strange look.
“Go where?” I asked, confused.
“Where? You’re not a janitor to stay at home, Miss Jennifer! What about your experience?” he laughed foolishly. I was struggling to understand what he truly wanted from me.
“Go now, change your outfit and dress formally. You’re coming. Wherever I go, you’ll be with me. Keep that in mind,” Mr. Tomas instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument.
I nodded respectfully. “Yes, sir. I understand. Excuse me for now, I need to go and dress up,” I replied, trying to keep my composure as I excused myself from the table.
I walked upstairs to my room, my mind racing with thoughts.
After just two minutes, I heard someone shouting my name.
“Jennifer?”
I opened my door to find Mr. Tomas’s voice coming from his room. I hesitated, then walked into his space.
“Mr. Tomas?” I called out, trying to sound confident.
“Come in now, Jennifer,” he commanded.
I stepped inside, standing nervously by the door as I scanned the room. Wow, this place was amazing. It was huge, like a royal suite. The beautiful colors-pink, purple, white, and gold-were stunning. Everything was incredible, from the ornate furniture to the golden curtains. The view from his window showcased beautiful gardens, trees, and a shimmering pool.
But for goodness’ sake, where was he? I pretended to be frustrated, searching for him. So I walked to the left.
“Oh my god!” I gasped in shock.
He was naked in the shower. I quickly covered my face and turned away, feeling my cheeks flush.
“Why did you call me? You’re naked!” I shouted, trying to maintain my composure.
“To help me and brush my back!” Mr. Tomas chuckled, as if it were the most normal request.
“What?! I’m not your babysitter! You’re not a five-year-old kid! Grow up, sir!” I exclaimed, barely holding back my anger.
“Okay then, give me the towels now!” he said calmly, still in the bathtub. I stepped closer, shutting my eyes tightly as I handed him the towel.
But suddenly, he stood up from the tub, snatching the towel from my hand. I opened my eyes in shock, and he pulled hard, causing me to stumble and almost fall.
Oh my God! He was naked, and I saw everything. I was stunned, mortified. I ran out of the room, feeling completely embarrassed. I hadn’t meant to see anything, but I was caught off guard.
I slammed my door behind me, my heart racing. What was going on? He thought he could attract any woman with his attractive body, but he had no chance with me. I whispered to myself that I would show him I could control myself, no matter how charming he seemed.
I quickly dressed in a formal outfit that Mr. Carl had purchased for me. It was a bit too big, but still stylish. I put on fake eyeglasses and checked myself in the mirror one last time before leaving the room.
I knocked on Mr. Tomas’s door. “Mr. Tomas, are you ready? We don’t have much time!” I called out.
He opened the door slowly, and there he was, looking incredibly handsome. His dark hair, blue eyes, and tanned skin were striking. To be honest, I couldn’t take my eyes off him, but I still despised him.
He reminded me of Kevin from the Backstreet Boys. I sighed, shaking my head to clear my thoughts.
“I’m ready, Jennifer!” he grinned devilishly. I felt my cheeks flush, embarrassed that he caught me staring.
He gestured for me to follow him as he walked downstairs. I tried to keep up with his pace while battling the allure of his captivating cologne. Mr. Carl was already waiting for us at the bottom.
“Sir, the limos are ready and waiting,” Mr. Carl informed Mr. Tomas.
“Father, you look incredible!” I complimented Mr. Carl, genuinely impressed.
“Thank you, Jennifer. You look amazing as well,” Mr. Carl replied, patting my cheeks softly and smiling proudly at me.
But then, Mr. Tomas stepped between us, pushing Mr. Carl’s hand away from my cheek. He raised an eyebrow, his anger palpable. “What the heck? Don’t call him father! Don’t you have parents or something?!” he exclaimed.
His words cut deep, reopening an old wound that would never fully heal. He didn’t know the pain he had just inflicted, but I was determined not to let him see how much it hurt me. I gulped nervously, fighting back tears, and chose to remain silent. He walked through the doorway, and we all followed him-Mr. Carl, our colleagues, and even the numerous guards.
Mr. Carl opened the limo door for Mr. Tomas to sit in the back seat. Then he asked me to join him in the next limo. But to my surprise, Mr. Tomas pulled my hand.
“No, Carl. She will stay with me. I need her to entertain me!” Mr. Tomas announced, pulling me to sit beside him in the limo.
Even though I hated being near him, his touch sent electric shocks through my hands. I knew this was going to be a long ride.