1 I - The Lady Boss

I woke up with the feeling of someone hugging me. A pair of toned arms are wrapped on my waist.

As I open my eyes, I saw a man in front of me. This man in front of me has black curly hair, he has a fair complexion thought. His eyebrows and lashes are thick, he has that pointed nose and thin reddish lips. I can't deny, I find him attractive -maybe the reason why I gave in last night. Suddenly, memories from last night invaded my mind.

I slowly got up from the bed, scared that the man beside me will wake up. He shouldn't wake up while I am still here! I don't know what I was thinking last night and why I gave in to this man lying on the bed. I don't engage in casual sex.

I wore my clothes from last night and hurriedly went out of the hotel room where I spent my night with the man whom I do not even know. I just hope that this is the last first and last time that I'll see him.

When I arrived at our house, I immediately noticed my mom on the front door, waiting for me. I can't help but notice the weird expression on my father's face. Just then, I know something's up.

"What's wrong, mom and dad?" I can't help but ask. I am bothered by their expression. It's like something bad happened. I hope not.

"I'll tell you later. Let's have our breakfast first," mom said softly which made me calm. Mom's soft voice never failed to calm me -not just me but also my dad.

While having our breakfast, the weird expression on my mom's face became more visible for me. I noticed that mom is slowly losing her composure. She's always composed even if there's a problem and I wonder why she's now losing it.

"What's the matter? Is there a problem, mom?" I can't help but ask.

"An invitation was delivered here last night. It was from your high school classmate and the invitation is for your upcoming batch reunion. It's three months from now," my mom said. I know where this small talk is going.

"Why do you seem problematic because of that? Did something happened?" My mom's reaction because of that invitation doesn't seem normal for me.

"Honey, we know what happened to you when you were in high school. That's no secret. Your dad and I know what are the horrible things that your batchmates did to you," my mom said with her soft voice with a hint of worry.

Yes, I was bullied in high school. I was a consistent dean's lister back then and my batchmates considered me a nerd that they didn't allow me to be friends with any of them. Me, being single and a virgin back when I was eighteen seems like a sin for them.

"I'll be fine, mom. Don't worry too much," I assured her.

I think reunions aren't really for me. I am actually surprised that my batchmates even bothered to send me an invitation. I mean, they can have the party even without me. That'll be more fun for them. Or maybe they just matured over the years?

It's another Monday morning. The day which almost everyone hates and that includes me. I hate Mondays. It's not that I hate working but I hate those people whom I need to work within the office. The world is almost full of stupid people, and that's what I hate. But thanks God I am able to have my leave for today. At last, I have time for myself!

I am fixing busy fixing my hair inside my car while I am on my way to the spa when suddenly, my secretary called.

"Hello, ma'am?"

"Yes? What do you need?" I asked.

"Ma'am, the investors from Japan called and they are asking for you."

"I am on leave. Why are they looking for me? Didn't you reschedule the meeting with them?" I asked with a hint of annoyance.

"I am sorry, ma'am but wasn't able to tell their secretary about the change in the schedule before their flight."

Oh, God. How I hate stupid people.

Clad in my red Versace dress, I gracefully exited the conference room. With my furrowed brows and sharp gaze, my employees already know that I am not really happy with what's happening. Well, who would? It is supposed to be my first day on leave and I was supposed to be in a spa not in a conference room surrounded by some stupid people.

"Ma'am, I am sorry for the error. Don't worry, I assure you that I successfully rescheduled the other meetings that include you," my secretary said before I can enter the elevator.

"You're sorry that you ruined my leave because of your stupidness? Well, you're fired." I hate being surrounded by some incompetent people that lack common sense. All I want is to rest. Is that hard for them to let me?

That damn high school reunion is only a month away from today and our batch's president is asking me if I'll attend. Of course, I said yes. But after I agreed, she said that we should bring our husband or boyfriend in which is, by the way, I don't have. I don't want to appear like a loser o their eyes so I said I'll bring mine which is a stupid move.

I annoyingly opened the seal of the ice cream's packaging as I stand in the middle of the convenience store. Whenever I am mad or stressed, only ice cream can make me calm. I am enjoying eating my ice cream as I walk towards the cashier when an annoying guy approached me.

"You haven't paid for that ice cream your eating, right miss?" The tall guy with a fit body that can be seen even if he's fully clothed said.

"I am on my way to the cashier to pay for it, excuse me," I said but before I can leave the man and walk towards the cashier, the stranger grabbed my arms.

"Wait," he said as he let go of my arms. "You look familiar," he said which made me look at him for the second time.

"I'm sorry, but I don't know you," I said before walking towards the cashier, leaving the man behind.

"A total of 500 pesos, ma'am," the cashier said as she put the two tub of ice cream in a plastic. And that's when I realized that I don't have any cash with me. I only have my wallet which has my cards.

How stupid of you, Braelle.

"I'm sorry, miss. Can I pay through debit cards?"

"We only accept cash, ma'am. There is an ATM machine nearby, you can just go back here after you withdraw." The cashier is kind enough to let me pay my bill after I withdraw.

"I'll just pay for her bill, miss," the guy from earlier suddenly said. I didn't notice that he is already beside me.

"No, I'll just withdraw then I'll pay my bills," I insisted. Why would I let a stranger pay for my food? Even if he said that he might know me, I don't believe him. That may be the new way of those scammers. Who knows?

"It's less hassle if you'll let me pay for your bill than going back here after you withdraw." He said in which I agreed. Well, he's right.

"I'll pay you later, mister," I handed him my calling card. "Just send me your bank account, I'll just transfer the money there," I added.

"No. No, miss. I mean, that may be a scam, you know?" Really? Does he think that I am scamming him? "Just withdraw on the machine nearby and I'll wait for you," he added.

"By the way, I am Noah. and you're welcome, miss," the guys whose name is Noah said.

"Thank you, mister," I said before turning my back to him but I felt him pulling my bag.

He was already holding my company id which is hanging on my bag when he said, "See you again next time, Miss Braelle."