My Contract Story

"Hey dream girl! your break is over. Time to get back to work" a loud voice sounded through the small break room, waking the lady who slept on the couch up.

She groaned as she realized that her little sleep session had come to an end, and the next time she will be sleeping in is at home late at night. Standing up, she rushed to wipe the beads of sweat on her forehead and pulled out a comb from her bag on the couch. She then proceeded to remove the sanitary hair net and re-comb her hair.

Pulling her hair into a firm bun, she reached for a box containing new hair nets and wore one. She walked up to the mirror and looked over her light green uniform, ensuring she was not out of place, she walked out to meet the owner of the voice who called her. She walked to the middle-aged woman who sat at the desk; the woman had a firm face that looked like she won't tolerate nonsense.

"Miss Ashleigh Hartman, once again you have overslept" the woman said, giving her a judging look. Ashleigh ran up to grab her hands.

"Ma'am Smith, I'm so sorry. I will take note next time" she apologized sweetly, placing her head on her shoulders. Mrs Smith raised her head and grabbed her nose in a teasing manner.

"Hmm, how many next times have you noted now? If I'm not your aunt, you would be back to the streets" she said, making Ashleigh pout.

"Now go, you have been assigned to the fourth floor. Go and start cleaning early enough so you can close" Mrs Smith said as she removed her hands from her shoulder and pushed her to leave. The girl stood up begrudgingly and walked out of the break room with a sigh, after the door closed Mrs Smith stared at the door as she pondered.

Ashleigh entered the elevator to the fourth floor and was on to the supply room to get some equipment for cleaning. She scrolled through her social media account as she waited, looking at her friend's account; she stared at the picture of her friend at a dreamy location with the caption 'vacation 'underneath. Placing her phone back to her pocket, a mocking smile came on her lips. She could only see from a distance but could not experience that splendid lifestyle, she could barely afford to put food on her table at the moment. The elevator dinged open and she walked to the supply room, entering the room she looked to see the three girls who made her dread.

"Hey look who it is..... dream girl has finally decided to wake up from her sleep" Tyra, a dark skinned girl spoke up as she walked to Ashleigh. Glancing at her hands on the doorknob, she pulled her in and closed the door, and signalled to the other girl to lock the door. Ashleigh struggled with Tyra's grip as she saw they looked the door, Tyra instead pushed her to kneel on the floor and the girls held her down by her hands.

"Little miss out of this world, why haven't we been seeing you around?" Tyra asked, Ashleigh refused to speak. The other girl grabbed her face roughly and lifted it to face her.

"Insolent girl, don't you know you're to look up and speak" she shouted in her ear, making Ashleigh cringe from the sound.

"What happened again tyra" she managed to force out, the force which they exerted on her jaw made it difficult for her to talk. Tyra's eyes narrowed angrily and she gave her a slap.

"I don't know dream girl, you just annoy me" she replied mockingly and Ashleigh rolled her eyes. Since she had started working here last two months, Tyra and her cronies has always been on her neck; making her work experience hell.

It was bad enough that she had to start working at such an early age, she went through hell because of Tyra's antics. Tyra had a problem with her apparently for being favoured by Mrs Smith which she did not know was her aunt, Mr Clark, their supervisor.

She knew the contract supervisor looked at her with sympathy on the day of the interview when she pleaded for this job and chose to give it to her, she had no other relationship with the man. They insisted that she had a special relationship which the contract supervisor, which makes her gain favour. She usually just pleads for a while and takes on their share of cleaning, but today Ashleigh was not in the mood to do any of that.

"What do you get from beating me up? No matter what you do to me, it won't still change the fact that I have no relationship with Mr. Clark. And I will not be leaving this job as well" she grunted out.

Ashleigh and Mr Clark barely knew each other, but since Tyra saw them have a brief conversation she's been hell best exposing Ashleigh for the whore she is. Tyra looked at her in disdain, wondering what to do to make her break her pretty facade, she smiled in satisfaction as she saw her that the slap left a mark on her face.

"You see pretty bitches like you annoy me. You don't get it do you? I will continue to torture you until you decide to resign. Or better still, you have to admit to me that you have a relationship with Mr Clark and I'll record it to let everyone know what a cheap girl you are" Tyra said in a condescending tone, but Ashleigh was still unmoving. Tyra signalled the girls holding her down and they nodded in response. They immediately lifted her up and dragged her to the back of the supply room.

"Wait, what are you doing Tyra?" Ashleigh asked frantically, struggling to free herself from their grasp but it was too tight. Tyra only walked ahead without saying a thing and this made her tremble in fear for the first time.

Ashleigh knew they were mischievous but she did not think it would be to this extent. They finally dragged her to the back of the supply room and tied her hands to the shelves that stood there with her back facing them, they then brought out a wooden stick and gave it to Tyra. Tyra laughed loudly as she turned to face Ashleigh and ran her hands on her face. She look at her the features trembling in fear and smiled wickedly.

"You see.... today's the ultimatum. You will have to do what we say today or face the consequences" she explained calmly.

"I have told you countless times Tyra, I have no other place to apply for a job right now. I cannot afford to leave this place" Ashleigh tried pleading again, going on deaf ears to Tyra. She just stood up, walked to her back and held the stick up.

"Well, since you said this is the only option you have for now and you're not willing to confess your relationship with Mr Clark, you'll naturally have to bear the consequences" she concluded, raising the stick up to swing but was stopped by a cold voice.

"What is going on here"

Tyra immediately dropped the bat. Her minions who were also recording, turned to see a bunch of men and women staring at them. The man in the middle walked up to where they stood, each step echoed loudly in the room. They felt the coldness exude off him as he neared them and instinctively stepped back. He slightly hovered over them.

His frame seemed to be so well built it almost popped through the suit and his proportions were amazing. His handsome face has the coldest look currently as he stared at Tyra and her friends. However, that was the least of Tyra's worries at the moment.

"Who the hell is this man" she drooled in her mind, lusting after him.

As she drooled over him in her mind, she also feared for her life, she watched as he walked up to where Ashleigh was tied and untied her hands, and how Ashleigh fell into his embrace.

"this opportunistic skunk " she mocked, as she looked at the both of them. Ashleigh on the other hand, let out a huge sigh of relief as she held onto the man. The amount of fear she felt before he walked in was insane, when she was untied she had no strength in her legs.

Aa She gazed at the man with starry eyes; he had deep set eyes that seemed to draw her in, a beautiful yet rugged face and his hair seemed to tip over despite the gel he used to slick it back up. However this was not the time or place, as soon as she felt strong enough to stand she tapped him silently to help her stand, but he was still somewhat lost.

He felt her fingers prodding his shoulders and he immediately helped her stand up. He then turned to his envoy which consisted of Mrs Smith, who immediately walked up to him.

"I am yet to get an explanation and you...." he said, turning to face Tyra who was shocked by the attention.

"They were bullying me, as they usually do" a voice spoke out, all of them turned to see Ashleigh who stood at a reasonable distance. She looked at their surprised faces and also saw Tyra's eyes narrow into slits.

"No sir, she meant to say that...."

"You wanted to beat me with a stick. That's what I wanted to say right?" She continued, ignoring Tyra and her friend's fierce look.

Mrs Smith immediately walked up to Ashleigh and checked if she was alright, sighing in relief that nothing was wrong. She then moved to the man whose face had gotten colder as time had passed and knelt in supplication.

"I apologize Mr. Cagliari for this great error on my part. I will take responsibility for this ignorance" she apologized, at the mention of the name Tyra and her friends felt chills run down their spines, more fear filled them as they saw his smouldering gaze on them.

She then turned to face the man who looked down at Mrs Smith begging the man frantically, her eyes went over his features once again: the maroon coloured suit he wore looked exquisite and seemed to compliment his shoes, he controlled the room without saying much and his aura is outstanding. Her eyes widened in realization that this man might be the CEO of the company, if it is so then this would not pass over easily. Mr Cagliari glanced his secretary and he nodded in understanding. The man stepped out to stand besides Ashleigh, and spoke up.

"Mrs Smith, you will have to give an explanation to me at the disciplinary board meeting later today, same goes for the employees involved in this case. Our CEO Mr Cagliari will be overseeing this meeting" he said with a tone of finality and the mood of the room became solemn.

Mr Cagliari began making his way out, stopping at Ashleigh, who put her head down immediately, he gave smirk and left the supply room. Once he left with the other employees, Ashleigh turned to leave the room, ignoring the calls of Mrs Smith.

She ran to the break room and gathered her things afterwards she exited the building. Mr Cagliari stood at the window of his office, watching the girl leave quietly from the office. He felt a presence behind him which was his secretary and asked him to speak.

"Ashleigh Hartman. She is 22 years old and was raised in an orphanage from birth. No information on what happened to her parents, but she recently was taken in by her aunt who coincidentally works here" he handed the tablet to Mr Cagliari who scrolled through the profile information and then he swiped to the see a head shot of her, he looked at her face once again and felt a slight sense of familiarity. He shook it off and gave the tablet back to his secretary, walking to his desk with his secretary in tow.

"Find out more about this girl" He instructed as he sat down on the exquisite leather chair and leaned back contemplating about this girl. He then gave more instructions to his secretary concerning the disciplinary board meeting, who nodded and quickly left to carry out his orders. In a while Mr. Turner came back to inform him of the meetings commencement to which he stood up and left the office.

At the disciplinary board meeting, Tyra and her accomplices had tried twisting the story to portray Ashleigh as being provoking, but on recalling her frightened and relieved face on seeing him in the room. His anger brewed like a storm, and soon when the security footage was played he was livid. He ordered that Tyra and her accomplices be fired and thrown out of the building with immediate effect. Mrs. Smith was placed on probation, while Ashleigh will be duly compensated for the damages caused.

Ashleigh Hartman on the other hand was furiously making her way to a small apartment. She fished for her keys and opened to enter the small apartment. It was moderately sized for her and her aunt and could allow for two rooms. She walked past the living room to her bedroom and ran to her bed crying.

She sobbed as she recalled the events of the day and how pathetic her life seemed to be. She now stood at risk of losing her job, because of Tyra's antics and she knew how hard she struggled to get in the first place. After she called down a bit, she sat up on her small bed and held her pillow to her chest, her mind ran in a million circles.

Even if she was to be spared, Mrs Smith would definitely have to pay the consequences. All this boils down to her helping initially, and Tyra being mad at it. As she stayed in the silence her ears picked up faint movements around the house which she knew was Mrs Smith who just arrived. Mrs Smith made her way to Ashleigh's door and knocked on it, Ashleigh came to open the door for her, and Mrs. Smith stepped in.

"My dear, why didn't you tell me what was happening with you and those girls?" She inquired, moving to sit besides her on the bed.

"I didn't think it would get this serious. I only had to bear their taunts and do their work" Ashleigh replied quietly, Mrs Smith tapped her head in a scolding manner.

"Foolish girl, no matter how little you think it is you have to let me know. I felt bad having to find out that they bullied you in that manner; in front of the CEO and other staff members"

"That man that untied me was the CEO?"

"Yes, he is the CEO. He was taken on a tour of the supply stores today and he met a surprising sight. Why is that important right now?" Ashleigh's face contorted to embarrassment on finding out that Mr Cagliari was in fact the CEO as she had suspected.

She grabbed her aunt's hands in worry and asked.

"Will I lose this job ma'am? I really don't know what I would do next"

"No you will not. We just finished the disciplinary board meeting before I came home and the CEO wants to compensate you for the damages caused by Tyra and her friends. They were also fired with immediate effect" she informed and Ashleigh cried tears of happiness in relief.

"Wait. Aunt, what of you? Was there any punishment " She asked and her aunt waved it off, on Ashleigh's constant pestering she revealed she is currently on probation.

"It is my fault, you wouldn't go through this if you did not help me in. I'm so sorry aunt" Ashleigh apologized profusely.

"I will be fine Ashleigh, it is my fault for not paying close attention to you my dear" She quelled her fears calmly. Ashleigh was grateful for her aunt by her side.

Mrs Smith looked at her in a doting manner; her heart bled as she saw her struggle daily with working long hours since she left the orphanage and not being able to do what she wanted, she would have made provisions for her to go to college but she was not financially buoyant.

She however felt it was best Ashleigh stayed by her side while she gave her as much love as she could having that she grew up without her parents. She called Ashleigh "dream girl" because she knew within her that Ashleigh was made for much more than she is living in right now, it broke her heart to see her live a life that is nothing like a dream, rather it was a nightmare. She silently hoped and believed that this nightmare would come to an end soon.

"I know all that worrying has worked up an appetite. Let's find something to eat" she said, placing her hands on Ashleigh's cheek. Ashleigh nodded in response.

They stood up and made their way out of the small room hand in hand. They went about it quietly, each with their own reservations and after eating they retired to their rooms for the night, praying for the following days to go as smoothly as possible.

Adrian Cagliari stood at the top of the food chain of technology industries at 27 years old. He was one who had a keen eye for good innovations, he separated himself from the family business and built his dream company Tixton from the ground up. Tixton is now one of Cagliari's major successful businesses, and he became a force in the making.

Building and maintaining his family's legacy requires a firm hand, so he was rather firm and disciplined, overseeing all matters both in Italy and America, as well as other branches in the world. He was domineering, assertive and principled, ensuring everyone was at the edge of their seats when working with him. It was like a curse and a reward.

As he discussed with the investors, his secretary and his personal assistant was outside mentally preparing himself to interrupt the meeting. Turner then walked into the spacious office with a phone in his hands. Pausing the call, he raised his eyes to his secretary who felt a chill run down his spine.

"I thought I was clear with my instructions" he bit out, making Mr. Turner shiver in his shoes.

"Boss, it's a call from the house keeper at the mansion" Turner stuttered, stretching the phone with shaky hands. Adrian sighed, returned to the call to conclude the meeting and collected the phone from him.

"Speak" He commanded coldly.

"Master Adrian I called to inform you of your mother's sudden illness" the housekeeper reported as Adrian massaged his temples.

"She requests you come back home to see her"

"Okay Giuseppe , I will make my way there soon" he finished, handing the phone back to Turner.

Adrian still had some issues to sort out here so going home seems a bit troublesome at the moment. Seeing the turn of events, he would have to attend to his mother first before continuing on these matters.

"Inform the airport to prepare for a flight to Italy by the end of the week " Turner nodded and made a call to the airport to speak with the authorities. At the mention of Turner's name they immediate knew it was Mr Cagliari and began to make arrangements accordingly. Turner also informed Mr Cagliari's private security team in Italy and they set off to prepare too. Mr Cagliari briefly thought of Ashleigh but that was immediately pushed aside by matters arising in the company.

"We have arrived at Italy and are preparing to land. Please fasten your seat belts and raise the tables... thank you" the pilot's announcement rang through the speaker. Adrian lifted his eye mask to peep through the window. In a while they had landed, a line of exquisite cars pulled up opposite the runway and the security personnel came down from each vehicle in twos making a total of six private personnel.

They moved to where the plane landed and stood by as the door opened and the stairs came down, Turner was first to alight with Mr Cagliari's work devices in hand which was collected by one of them; Adrian Cagliari was next to step down and he came out in a silk shirt and shorts.

On seeing him, they bowed accordingly and he waved his hand dismissingly, he turned to his secretary who handed his phone to him as they began walking. They began their journey to Sardinia once he entered the car and got there in an hour's time. Turner looked at his boss who sat opposite him in admiration, prior to the overnight trip he had spent the day in the office sorting out matters concerning contracts and could only leave a few hours to the trip. He admired his strong work ethic, although he was a strictly professional person who held his staff with an iron hand.

Mr Cagliari still had work he had to sort out in Italy despite seeing his mother and his extended family. The cars, following closely behind one another, weaved through the city to a private estate. Upon seeing Mr. Cagliari, the gates opened, and the drivers proceeded into the estate. At the Cagliari mansion, the extended family stood outside waiting for him to arrive, some were eager while others were not. The gate was soon opened for the cars to come in and a BMW pulled up to where they stood. Adrian stepped out to see them, the eldest amongst them walked up to him.

"Adrian, we're glad to have you back home" he spoke on behalf of the others and Adrian nodded curtly. The man was Adrian's paternal uncle Antonio, although he was older than Adrian by far he still paid due respect to him as the head of the Cagliari family.

He was accompanied by his wife and two children and Adrian's Aunt Emilie and her family they all said a few greetings to him and asked for his well-being as they ushered him in.

"How is mother's health?" He asked uncle Antonio as they made their way to her room. The mansion is an elegant two storey building spanning 5, 000 square feet, it had an inbuilt horse stable and racing track, it was beautifully decorated with flowers and had a massive garden and a butterfly conservatory.

"She's been recuperating through the week; although she keeps insisting on seeing you" he explained, as they made their way to the first floor.

Each floor had eleven rooms with it's own facilities. Adrian's mother stays at the end of the hall, as they walked by they were greeted by maids and butlers. Giuseppe, the head housekeeper, greeted Adrian calmly at the end of the hall.

"Madame has asked to see Master Adrian alone" he said, facing the other family members and they left immediately. He opened the door to see his mother sitting up on the bed as the nurses attended to her, she raised her eyes to meet see who entered and her features morphed into happiness on seeing her son. She beckoned for him to come over which she did and hugged him tightly, kissing him on each cheek.

"So I have to fall ill for you to come and see me" she sulked, trying to evoke his feelings.

"I met you three months ago as well.... don't be dramatic" he replied firmly, making his mother sulk more.

"Humph. Same difference Adrian" she said, tapping his head lightly. Adrian looked at the nurse and asked her for the progress.

"Madame Eleanor Cagliari has been under emotional stress which made her blood pressure rise significantly in the past week. We have administered appropriate medications and encouraged her to try maintaining calm hobbies as she grows older" the nurse explained to which Adrian nodded in agreement. He thanked them all and turned back to his mother.

"Shall we have lunch now mother?" He asked his mother and she nodded. He stood by the bed, giving way for the nurses to assist his mother to the wheelchair.

He looked at his mother closely as she was being moved to the wheelchair: she looked rather gaunt and most of her body fat has diminished, wrinkles were more prominent than before and he wondered what she was thinking about that made her blood pressure rise so significantly.

The nurse informed him that they were ready to move and they pushed her to the dining hall. They took the hallway besides her room because it had a wheelchair ramp built-in for easier movement. He renovated the building to fit this design when his mother had developed orthodontic issues, to ensure that nothing will harm her.

He also entrusted Housekeeper Giuseppe to look for a skilled professional help for his mother as she needed closer monitoring. They had gotten to the dining hall on the first floor and entered. The family members stood on seeing him enter the hall, the nurses helped her get settled on the table and they all began to eat.

Adrian sat at the head of the table while his mom and uncle sat besides him om each sides. Besides his uncle was his wife Francesca Cagliari and his two sons Fernando and Pierre while Adrian's aunt Emilie sat besides his mother with her two days Clarissa and Isabella Bernadette. The table overflowed with decadent Italian dishes, desserts and wine from the best vineyards in the city, maids were busy attending to the family members by serving dishes, refilling glasses and running minor errands. Adrian ate quietly, checking on his mother from time to time if she was satisfied with the food or if she needed anything else to which the mother reassured him that she was okay. She smiled at her seeing her son and her family together, despite the internal friction. It was her husband's dream to keep the family together despite the difficulties and she is proud to have trained her son to uphold those traditions. The calm was soon interrupted by one of the butlers who whispered to Housekeeper Giuseppe upon entering the room. Giuseppe then turned to the family and announced that there were guests who had arrived for lunch. On Adrian's approval, they walked in to the delight of his mother and his aunt.

"The LaRosa family has come to give their personal regards to Master Adrian" Housekeeper Giuseppe stated as the family of three walked in.

Adrian stood up to greet the Mr Simeon LaRosa and his wife warmly, while the daughter went to greet his mother. Caelia LaRosa was a sight to behold; she had skin with a set of round eyes, she had cherry lipstick on with a light blush to accent her rosy cheeks. She had a nice figure which was accentuated by the dress she wore today and a nice floral scent of perfume lingered as she walked by. She was Simeon's only daughter and his pride and joy; she has achieved so much at just 21 years old. Despite this she was good natured and humble at all times. Aunt Emilie couldn't help but smirk inwardly at the sight of Caelia , who was eager to show Adrian her close bond with his mother. Despite her seemingly perfect appearance and accomplishments, Caelia, like all young women, harboured her own aspirations beyond her apparent perfection.

"Caelia my dear, how have you been" Eleanor motioned for her to come closer and she did, squatting to face her.

"I'm fine mother. Mother I only left for a short vacation and I hear you're sick" her calm honey voice scolded, as she reached to hold her face. Caelia frowned in concern, her round eyes roaming Eleanor.

"Dear, don't frown now! You'll only spoil your beautiful face" she chided, using her hand to straighten Caelia's lips into a smile. Caelia laughed and stood up to see Adrian at her side, she did a quick scam of his features and smiled afterwards.

"Adrian, it's been a while" she greeted him and he nodded silently.

She sighed within herself, up till now Adrian is still not as warm as she hoped. Adrian gestured for all of them to join the meal, and they accepted cheerfully, taking their seats besides Adrian's uncle. Caelia chose to sit besides Clarissa and Isabella as they were the same age, and were good friends. Lunch went by peacefully and they all retired to the common room to have a more relaxed discussion.

Eleanor chose to sit with Caelia, her mother and her daughter while Adrian sat with his uncle and Mr Simeon. Clarissa, Isabella, Fernando and Pierre chose to stay at the gazebo while they discussed. Adrian discussed the upcoming collaboration between their families, this was very important as he may not have this time to sit and discuss in the nearest future. After they had come to a reasonable conclusion, he called for his secretary to come over.

Caelia however kept stealing glances at him, waiting for the conversation to be over. Once the conversation was over, she looked to her mom who encouraged her quietly and then she spoke up.