BOUND BY FATE

I hear the honking and passing of busy cars and the sounds of people walking hastily to get to their destinations as I lie on my bed. Hmm... the busy and regular basic life! I moved to New York City temporarily, away from my parents, to stay with my friend Camila.

After so much persuasion, I finally obliged and came over. It's been quite lovely, the people, the food, and how beautiful it is here, unlike the middle-class neighborhood where my parents stay.

I stay home, relax, and wait for Camila to return from her occasional babysitting job, then we gist and have fun together. I've been here for a while and everything has been a bliss.

The sun went down before I knew it and Camila would be home soon. Speaking of the devil, I hear her voice just as she opens the door.

"Hi, baby! How was your day? I ask like an excited housewife.

"Same old same old, nothing much," she says with a smile.

"Oh, I know that smile, what or who spoiled your mood? Wanna talk about it?"

"I'm fine, I'm just tired," she said with a sigh.

"Nonsense! I know something's bothering you, let's take an evening walk, maybe it would relax you."

I rushed upstairs to change into something simple and appropriate for the walk, put on some shoes, and went back downstairs, where Camila was waiting.

Thankfully her house was not far from the park she brought me to the first day I got here, we walked in silence till we got there. I got us two cones of ice cream, her favorite vanilla, and chocolate for me.

We sat on the bench, her head on my shoulder while we enjoyed each other's embrace, enjoying the bright lights, the cold air, and the beautiful view in sight. We watched a couple kiss not far from us, and a stray cat running around. I could tell that her mood was lifting.

My phone rang and interrupted our silence. I pulled up my phone from my pocket to see a strange number. I ignored it because I didn't like calls with unknown numbers, so I sat my phone down on the bench to silence the call.

I kept on feeling my phone vibrate from the persistent caller. I decided to answer the call, to find out who was calling and what was so important.

"Hello," I say lowly but sternly.

"We've been trying to reach you but it's been going straight to voicemail, I'm glad this went through. I believe this is Angel Baker right?"

"Yes, this is her" I answer in a curious tone.

"I'm sorry ma'am, this is the fire department, there's been an accident at The Bakers Shop."

"What?! What accident? Are my parents okay? Please tell me if they're okay." I questioned with a crooked voice.

"I'm afraid I can't tell you that, that's why I'm calling, the fire outbreak was called in from the neighborhood, we got there as quickly as we could and put out the fire but it was already late. Your father is in terrible shape, your mother, we found her supposedly wedding ring and some ash residue, I'm sorry ma'am, we believe she's gone."

"We'll need you to come as soon as you can, your father might not have much time."

I sat there dumbstruck, my eyes filled with tears as they began pouring down, my body shaking with the loads of emotions going through my veins.

From my shocked state, I see my friend, on the phone, speaking to the person on the other end. I had to go, I had to go home.

- - - - -

I took a night train back home, so I could get there in the morning. My mind was shattered on my way there, my mum was dead and my father was in the hospital. I got to the hospital where I was told my father was, my heart racing with fear.

The doctor's words were like a punch to my throat. "I'm so sorry Angel. We did everything we could, but... your father couldn't make it."

Absolutely nothing is compared to the pain of losing your family, my world shattered before me, in one night, death took not one but both my parents from me.

My mind went numb as I processed the news. I remember the last time we spoke, our laughter together, the plans we had for the shop. I couldn't fight the tears pouring down my eyes.

Two weeks after the tragic night of the call, today was my parent's funeral. My eyes were full of tears, and heavy grief I was feeling, my world was smashed, and I was alone and lost.

I stood by the gravesite, my eyes fixed on my father's coffin being lowered into the ground, beside it was the little ash that was left of my mother.

As the service ended, I couldn't still believe my parents were really gone. The pain was suffocating, and the thought of living without my mother's love and my father's guidance seemed impossible.

Amidst my grief, Camila, my best friend, has been with me, trying to be strong for me in between our pain. Now I have to look out for myself and be strong without my parents.

I went to our home, so many memories flashing back, my parents' portrait on the wall, portraits of me with both my parents, I went to my dad's study to feel his presence but it felt empty and void. I walked to my mum's room, her perfume filled the room as I walked in, I could still smell her, and tears shimmered in my eyes.

I cried uncontrollably before the funeral, and even after the funeral, the tears were still pouring out. A never-ending pain, the fire that took my parents left an unforgettable mark, and the warmth of my parents' embrace was now a distant memory.

The house I grew up in and loved now haunted me and caused me pain. I knew I had to leave the house, it would only cause me more pain and suffering. I need space and time to grieve and heal.

I've moved in with Camila permanently after losing my parents four months ago. I had isolated myself from the world while grieving. Recently, Camila has been trying to cheer me up and has been supporting me.

After my parents passed away, I faced financial difficulties as our family's source of income was destroyed in a fire. I realized that I needed a job to support myself and to repay Camila for her hospitality.

Even though I wasn't fully prepared to face the world, I knew I had to be strong. Since Camila didn't have work that day, I approached her and shared my decision.

"Camila?" I called out.

"Yeah," she replied.

"I need your help. I've been thinking, and I need to find a job. I want to help out and have a source of income. I'm not familiar with how things work here, so I'd really appreciate your assistance."

Camila patted the couch where she was sitting, gesturing for me to sit with her. As I sat close to her, she held my hand and said, "You know I'd do anything for you. I can show you how to apply for jobs, but are you sure you're ready? You can take your time if you need to."

"I'm sure," I replied. "I need to do this for myself. Plus it would serve as a distraction."

"Okay baby, we'll start slow okay? What kind of job are you looking into?" She asked with a smile.

"Personal assistant, receptionist, anything less tasking."

"Getting a personal assistant position is hard to find these days but regardless I'll still help you out. I would send you links and show you sites to apply for." She said sweetly.

"Thank you," I say softly.

My job hunting began. I used Camila's laptop to check the links she sent me and I began applying. First with the personal assistant role, and receptionist, then filled the remaining links just in case.

By the time I finished applying to everything, it was already dark. I lay in bed, my mind wandered to my childhood days with my parents. I drifted off to sleep afterward.

A week went by because I got feedback from one of the companies I applied to and was invited for an interview. I prepared ahead for the interview, got to the location, and waited in the reception to be called upon.

After some time, I got called and was directed to the HR office. He looked at me intensely, I sat down and we proceeded, halfway down the interview, the man congratulated me and said I had a step more to bag the job.

He walked towards me and started touching my shoulder, telling me how I was such a beautiful and promising girl. He loosened the knot of his tie and sat at the desk, signaling me to come to him.

I got up and turned towards the door and he was there, blocking my way.

"Relax. It's nothing serious, I just want to get to know you and I like you. Just let me see those cherries under your shirt and I'll give you the job, dammit!" He said with a hint of mischief.

Just as he charged his hands toward my shirt, there was a knock at the door. I used that to gather my things and leave the office.

Still spooked from the incident that occurred inside, I stopped by a cafe shop, and ordered a coffee, hoping to calm down. I ordered some muffins and then headed home.

I got home, and took a hot and steamy shower, trying to get rid of today's ugliness. I told Camila how horrible my day went, we laughed about it, had muffins, and called it an early night.

The next morning, I woke up to my phone ringing, I rolled over still sleepish to my phone, and answered

"Hello Angel Baker, this call from Bellevue Ltd, you have been invited for an interview by 10 am today, we'd be expecting you."

"Okay, thank you, I'll be there." I flung myself out of bed, excited, it was a good role and a good company according to my research. I immediately prepared and rushed off.

I got to the venue early and waited with the others. While seated, we could hear arguments. I got called for my interview and got recruited as a receptionist and was told I'd be resuming immediately.

A lady came out and asked that security go up to the boss's office. I wondered what was going on up there as I got behind the receptionist's desk.

A few minutes later, a man comes out from the elevator, strolls to my desk, and says "I haven't seen this face before?"

"Good morning sir, and yes that's because I just resumed," I reply with a smile.

"You have quite a striking look, I'm David. Your boss and I were partners until this morning, but he's not someone you want to be associated with. To keep your job safe, I suggest you stay low."

Oh so they were the cause of the argument earlier, the boss sounds brutal, and I definitely wouldn't want our paths to cross.

"Thank you for the heads up, sir."

"You're welcome, how would you like to have a side job? He asks.

"How do you mean sir?"

"It's quite simple, all you have to do is get close to Desmond, your boss, and the rest is easy. You have good looks and features, that shouldn't be hard." He says schemingly.

"I can't. I haven't even met him, I can't accept it, I'm sorry."

"I forgot to mention, you'd be paid handsomely. Here's my card, think about my offer and when you're done give me a call." He said with a wink and left the building.

Just as I was placing the card in my bag, a manly and handsome figure stepped out from the elevator and looked directly at me.

"Get me coffee. I want it milky and creamy, with four cubes of sugar. I like it from Beverly's and bring it up, don't make me wait." He snaps.

"Alright, sir."

I got the coffee and went up to his office, knocked then proceeded inside. He looked relaxed in that chair, the two buttons on his shirt unbuttoned, his blue eyes intense. I dropped the coffee on his table, and he checked his watch, could he have timed me?

"It's rude to stare, you know?" He declared.

Shit. "Apologies."

"What's your name?" He asked, before I could answer, I continued staring, observing his facial features, and his jet-black hair. He was a sight.

"A-Angel Baker, sir" I replied shakily. Are we having a conversation? This was supposed to be an in-and-out job.

"Grab whatever belongings you have downstairs and move to the desk outside my office, your position has changed." He says firmly.

"W-what?"

"Do I have to repeat myself, Miss Baker?" He said.

"But my position, I don't understand," I objected.

"I need a new personal assistant. You'll do, and be quick about it. There's a lot you have you do" He answered.

I was exhausted by the past five. It started by getting coffee, answering phone calls, and doing tasks and assignments left by the former personal assistant.

I was knackered when I got to our two-bedroom apartment, I felt sticky from sweat under the layers of my blouse and grey anorak top. Which didn't do much, because I still got wet like a rat from the heavy downpour of rain.

Camila, her flatmate and best friend, was already back because I could see the lights inside were turned on.

"Hey," she said, looking straight up at me from the couch.

"Hey," I sighed, kicking off my flats and falling beside her on the couch.

"How was your first day?? Camila asked.

"Honestly, it wasn't as I expected," I replied truthfully. "My position changed in a twinkle of an eye."

"To what then," Camila interjected.

"Just as I was settling in my new space, I met with the CEO of the company and he instantly changed my position after grabbing him coffee to be his assistant!" I complain.

"Woah, just like that? That makes no sense," Camila scoffs.

"I was already looking forward to the receptionist post," I replied.

"I mean, it's still a job at the end of the day, a paying one too."

"There's one more thing,"

"What!"

I bit down my bottom lip, wondering if I should be saying this.

"What is it?" Camila persisted, slightly nudging me.

"He's really attractive, and that's beside the point. Plus I heard he's also a hot head." My mind flashes back to how this attractive man I'm praising stressed me out.

"Like hot hot?" Camila teased.

"Yes!"

"Oh well, you never can tell" Camila smirked.

"No way, I'm telling you." I objected. Especially not with what I was told today.

******

Beep. Beep. Beep.

I grumbled, my alarm clock was beeping trying to get my attention. With so much struggle, I slung my hand over to the side, silencing it. My second day of work and I wasn't going to be returning to my cute cubicle, personally arranged for me, that I was going to decorate and be comfortable in.

I could decide against going to work and stay in bed but I have to pay our bills, so I had to go. I just got jealous of Camila, she didn't have to go to work every day or be up by eight either, her job allows her employees to decide their preferred time. So jealous, as I pass my friend's room to the bathroom.

With twenty minutes gone, I fixed my hair, popped a pimple, brushed my teeth, and had my bath. I stood in my black lace bra and panties, looking at my wardrobe. I wasn't sure about my outfit today but it was going to be a simple combo, a black skirt and white blouse paired with my black flats and a blazer my mum got me last year.

I made do with two burnt toast and a quick orange juice and exited our apartment. Got in my mini coupe, it's a shared investment I and Camila have, she had the car yesterday so I could have it today. It was nice not using public transport, saved me from spending more and I could beat traffic.

Carrying my water bottle, and my bag, and fumbling with my keys, I almost tripped. Not today I told myself as I straightened myself and got in the elevator.

I glanced at my wristwatch and was glad I was early. Now what? I thought as I sat in my seat unpacking. I jumped as I saw the two doors leading to his office open. He was on the phone but signaled me with his hands to come in.

He finished the call shortly and placed his phone in his suit trousers, before removing his suit and showing his white shirt and those broad shoulders.

"Well I expected you sooner," he said.

"I apologize.. "

"Never mind," he interrupts rudely "I dislike tardiness, it vexes me.."

"In my defense sir, I haven't been brushed about your routine or anything." I bravely say.

He raised his brow and looked at me and said "Hmm.. I suppose you have a point."

I followed him out of his office to my desk.

"You see this," his hand pointed at my desk "You sit here,"

"Yes sir, I'm aware of that" I reply confidently.

"Bold aren't we today?" He said amused "Just as you worked yesterday, you'll do the same and include the intercom, your phone, and your computer. You are to attend to anything I need but firstly every morning you grab me a coffee and run errands." He explained sarcastically.

"Coffee now, Miss Baker," he barked.

After that it was a marathon, I barely had time to sit because the intercom rang nonstop. From answering calls to replying to emails, booking reservations, and diverting clients to his office. It seemed like he intentionally wanted me on my feet. I had to skip lunch because I still had a pile of files to send as emails.

I was exhausted by three o'clock and had finished sending the emails to all the departments.

The lift opened doors, opened and he walked past me without a glimpse of acknowledgment before stopping to ask.

"Have you sent out the emails?" He snapped.

"Yes, just finished," I answered.

"And did you phone Victor Bernard?"

"Yes."

"Is my reservation booked for tomorrow at .."

"Yes," I interrupt, tired of his BS.

That got his attention as he looked up. "Just send me over that report, would you? And I need you to phone some clients, I'll send you the list," he said before going out of sight.

I sighed, my insides were rumbling from hunger. I began to phone the clients. I sent emails to the ones I couldn't reach and started working on the report.

This wasn't legal, I had the right to lunch break but the load of work being assigned to me that ought to be completed prevented me.

This isn't me, I need to find another job.