Chapter 1: The Beginning

Heidi's POV

KRIING... KRIING...

It is 6 am again, and I stand up without hesitating. I prepare breakfast for me, my sister, and my mom. It's been a week since I left my job due to the company's bankruptcy. After I prepare our breakfast, I fix myself coz' I don't want to be late for school.

My name is Heidi Mills Griffin, and this is my everyday scenario. I am a 2nd-year college student, and I had to work to pay for my tuition and provide for my family's needs.

"Good morning, Heidi," My mom said, coming out of her room. "What did you cook for breakfast? I smell something nice." She added and winked at me while walking towards the table.

"You don't have to ask mom. It's the same food we eat daily, eggs and bread." I replied

"Yes, it is, but we should be thankful that we can eat this kind of food, right, mom?" my sister replied, followed by our mom's nod.

"Anyway, Mom, I have to go. I need to look for another job, and I will go to school after. I might come home around eight or nine pm." I said and quickly went to the door and put on my shoes. I bid goodbye to them and immediately went to the bus station near our apartment.

I received a message yesterday that I have an interview at 8 am with one of the famous cafes near our university. The truth is, I don't remember that I submitted my resume to them, but I want to give it a shot since they are the ones who gave me this chance. As I was standing at the door, the manager approached me.

"Hi, are you Ms. Heidi Mills Griffin," she asked.

"Yes, I am. I received a message that I've got an interview here at 8 am." I replied. She smiled at me and led the way.

I followed her, and we reached one of the offices inside. It looks elegant and classical. There are lots of rare vintage items, too. But, unfortunately, whoever might be the owner is too wealthy.

"You may sit here while waiting for our boss," she said while pointing at the couch. I nod at her and silently move towards the couch.

"Good day, Ms. Heidi." He greets me. He is coming from my back, so I didn't see his face yet, but wait, he sounds familiar to me.

"Come on, Heidi, did you forget me already? So sad!" He said again. I am so confused right now. Does he know me? I slowly turned my head to see him. And I'm shocked at the person behind me.

"Oh my God. Is that you, Gelo? How come you are here? I thought you were studying abroad. It's been a long time since the last time we met." I asked him continuously. He is my childhood best friend, and it's been around ten years since we last saw each other. I don't know why he gets mad when someone calls him Gelo, except me. He likes it when I call him Gelo.

"Woah, slowly, Mills. You can ask me one by one. We have a lot of time to catch up." He said while laughing. He is still the same Gelo I know.

"Hahaha, Okay. What are you doing here? Aren't you studying abroad?" I asked him

"Yes, I am, but I transferred to your school. It's hard to manage my business through calls and videos. So I decided to come back and manage it personally." He answered.

"This cafe is yours?" I asked him, and he nodded at me.

"So, is it you who sent me the message for an interview?" I asked him, and he nodded at me again.

"But, I don't think this is right. I know you want to help me, but I think it is unfair to your employees if I accept your offer." I told him while looking down at the floor. I want to get a job not because the owner is my best friend or someone I know, but because of my skills.

"No, it's not. That is why I asked you for an interview. I saw how you worked in your previous job. Not just once, but I was there multiple times. I watched you from afar and tried to find a chance to talk to you, but you're busy. Come on, Heidi. Please accept my offer." He asked and held my hand.

"I'm sorry, Gelo. I can't accept your offer. I really want to be fair. But, you know what, I can help you with your business when I have time. Just call or text me anytime." I told him and smiled at him. He sighed and nodded.

"Are you sure?" He asked me, and I nodded at him. "Okay. But come to me anytime if you need help, understand?" Again, I nodded at him, and we hugged each other tightly. *sigh* How I miss this guy.

"I miss you so much, Mills." He leans on me and whispers to my ears. "I miss you too, Gelo," I replied.

"By the way, Gelo, I have to go. I have class at 9 am, and I have 15 minutes left. So let's catch up some other time." I told him and grabbed my bag. He held my hand and said.

"Let's go together. I also have class at 9:30 am. I'll send you." We walked out of the cafe and rode to the car parked in front. I am overwhelmed to see him again.

Ethan's POV

"Ethan, can you smile for a bit? Did someone kick on your face?" That's my twin sister. I just rolled my eyes. She always teases me.

"Shut up, Syd. I will cut your cards, and you are not allowed to meet your friends until I say so." Yes, I am strict with her. Our parents don't know what she is doing coz' they are on business trips most of the time. She went home too drunk last night, and it's not the first time. It happens like three or four times a week.

"But Ethan, this is not fair. I promise it won't happen again." She answered me. As if she'll do that.

"Not fair? It's been happening too much lately. And how many times did you promise it will not happen again?" I asked him while holding back my anger. She glared at me and stomped her feet.

"Stop it, Syd. You're not a kid anymore. Act on your age. You are 24 years old." I shouted at her. She always acts like a kid, especially in front of our parents.

"Someone will stay here with you. Dare to escape." I told her before heading to my car.

RING... RING... RING...

"Max," I answered. That's Max Lee. He's been my best friend since we were kids.

"Ethan. What should I do with them?" He is currently at one of my secret basements from my company building. I asked him to captivate the two men who followed and harassed Sydney two weeks ago. It is one of the reasons why I am strict with her.

"Release and let someone follow. I am sure there is someone behind it." I know he is back and will do everything to kill me. He even used my family to get revenge.

"Okay." Max's replied. "I will send Hunter. I will give you an update soon." I hanged up after I agreed with him.

Max also has an idea of who it is. He was once in danger because of the same person. We went to save my parents, but he was shot and stayed comatose for a month.

I arrived at my company not long after talking with Max. I called Kyle, my assistant from the intercom at my office.

"Yes, sir?" He asked.

"Do I have any meetings or interviews today?" I answered him.

"The client for your meeting today moved the appointment to next Tuesday at 10 am, but you have an interview for a lady assistant at 3 pm." He replied

"How many are they?" I asked him

"Total of 4, but 2 applicants called and backed out." He replied again. He always gave me complete details when I asked him.

"Okay. I want them at exactly 3 pm. For now, call Brent. Let him come to my office." I asked Kyle and turned off my intercom.

After 30 minutes, Brent arrived.

"Ethan." He called me. "Call Hunter, ask his location, and follow him. Max already gave him the instruction. Be careful. Don't let anyone see both of you. Do you understand?" I asked him, and he bowed at me.

He left my office while calling Hunter. I picked up my phone and called Mike.

"Did she leave the house?" I asked Mike after he answered the phone. He was the one I assigned to stay with Sydney so she won't leave the house.

"Nope. She is staying inside the theater room, watching a movie." He said

"Are you sure? Let someone check and ensure she is not using a dummy again." I said and waited for his update. And after a few minutes.

"Ethan, don't worry. It's her," he said. "Make sure not to remove your sight from her. She can't leave the house, Mike." I replied. "Okay." He answered, and I hung up the phone.

I better go to the meeting room for the interview. I hope I find a suitable applicant for the position.