My billionaire partner in crime

Freda's POV

"But I said I haven't been paid yet, please give me more time" I pleaded with Nancy Kumar, my stepmom.

"Yet, you had money to go on a spending spree for your boyfriend". Becky, my stepsister hurled at me.

"I did not spend on him,I only gave him a loan of which he promised to pay back soon." I snapped losing my cool.

"Wow, you even had money to give out on loan, yet you don't have money to contribute at home". Nancy Kumar said as she folded her arms giving me a wry smile.

"I promise to give you some money when I am paid", I pleaded again.

"You think I'll let you pass the night here without that money?You must be the joker of the year". Nancy Kumar said as she reclined on the sofa in the sitting room.

Becky Kumar bursted out in a hysterical laughter and I felt resentment and hatred well up inside of me. I was more pissed that Becky, my younger step sister whom I have tried helping in many ways, could join her mother in making me go through hell. I didn't know when tears slipped from my eyes.

"Get out", Nancy Kumar thundered looking at me with disdain while Becky continued laughing loud. I took my bag and stormed out through the door, sniffling and rubbing my eyes.

*****

I stepped out of the house, the rain pouring down on me like a cold, unforgiving blanket. My eyes stung from the tears I'd shed just moments before, and my heart ached with every step I took. I felt a lump form in my throat as I thought about how they'd treated me. It was nothing new, but it still hurt. I had always tried to be a good person, to help out whenever I could. But it seemed like no matter what I did, they would always find fault.

As I walked down the street, the rain soaking through my clothes and making me shiver, I couldn't help but feel a sense of despair wash over me. Why did I always seem to be stuck in this rut? Why couldn't I just get ahead? I quickened my pace as I looked at my wristwatch realizing that I will be late if I stopped at a shade for the rain to subside. I was lost in my world of thought when suddenly a car screeched to a halt.

"Get out the way, bitch." A voice said from the car. I stepped back and looked intently at the owner of the voice who was seated at the backseat. He was seated tall in a confident posture, his broad shoulders showing strength and vitality. His features looked like a sculpture, with a strong square jawline complimented by a hint of stubble that accentuated his ruggedness, drawing attention effortlessly. He was dressed in a classic piece that showed his innate sense of fashion. Above all, he embodied an aura of timeless attractiveness and approachable confidence.

"You are a big fool, infact, an idiot for thinking it's okay to abuse people on the road," I fired back.

The car swerved to the side and sped off. I hissed as I continued my walk, if not that Nancy Kumar and her daughter had connived to take the little money I had on me, I wouldn't have been seen trekking today for this idiot to meet me and rain insults on me.

The rain subsided but by this time,I was drenched. I hissed in frustration as I thought how bad my day had begun.

Halfway close to "Maggie's Food Palace" the place I work, my phone rang from inside my bag so I brought it out with a hunch that it would be Molly Roberts, my colleague and best friend.

True to my instincts, her name reflected boldly on the caller ID. Swiping to the right I said, "Good morning Molly, I'm close to the shop."

"You better be because the manager and an external supervisor were here and they noticed that you were not on duty, so I lied that you had stepped out to get some pills. Just pass through the back door when coming in." Molly spoke from the other end.

My heart raced faster as I started running. I got to the shop,passed through the backdoor to the restroom,changed into my uniform and went to the kitchen area of the restaurant. Molly walked up to me to know why I showed up that late.

"What happened today? You have never been this late," she said. Without even waiting for her to say the next thing she had in mind, I looked at her with my damp eyes and sighed feeling a lump in my throat again. "Nancy Kumar and Becky," I said quietly.

"They're always making my life miserable." Molly nodded understandingly. "We'll get through this," she said.

"We'll figure something out." I smiled weakly, grateful for her support. I felt a sense of come wash over me. Maybe things wouldn't be so bad after all.

"The Manager is coming." Lily my colleague announced and everyone hurriedly scampered to their duty post.

"How are you Freda Kumar?" The supervisor inquired. "I feel better,I have taken some pills to ease the pain." I lied.

"Alright, please go to the dinning room and help Anna with the orders" she said walking away.

"Such a calm soul." I muttered as Molly burst out into laughter.

"You know that you are a chronic liar" she pointed at me trying to stifle her laughter.

"We're in this together" I said as I rolled my eyes walking out of the kitchen. I smiled as I could still hear her laughter.

*****

After the close of work, I began to gist Molly about the things my stepmom did earlier. "You'll get through this" Molly Roberts said as she pulled me into a hug and we continued walking till we parted ways.

I continued trekking down, then it dawned on me that I had not heard from Collins Douglas, my boyfriend for some days, so I took out my phone from my bag and dialed his number.

He picked up on the second ring.

"Hey," his voice sounded from the other end.

"Hi babe" I said a bit relieved as his voice reduced the tension that coiled up on me.

"Please make it snappy, I'm busy at the moment" he said sharply.

"Ermmmm, I noticed we haven't spoken to each other for some days now, so I called to check up on you" I replied.

"It's fine, I'm doing well" he cut in. "Bye" he hung up and I could not help but sighed at his behavior.

This has always been his reaction when he is not in a foul mood. At some points, he makes me feel like I'm throwing myself at him, and some days he treats me like the best thing that happened to him.

As I dropped the call something felt off. The streets went darker than usual and The shadows seemed to loom larger than the heart before. I quickened my pace feeling a sense of unease growing inside me.

Suddenly, flashes of light shone at my direction, and immediately my heart sank in terror, some figures came out from a van, clad in a hooded jacket that obscured their faces.

My heart raced fast as I clutched my bag closer to my body.Without warning,the figure lunged forward, grabbing at my bag with surprising strength. I stumbled backward,the force of the attack knocking me off balance.Fear gripped me as I struggled to maintain my grip on the bag,my knuckles turning white from the effort.

Desperation fueled my resistance, but the assailants determination was unwavering.In a frantic struggle, I finally gave way, tearing my grasp with a sharp snap, and immediately they drove off. I stood there for a moment, frozen in shock.

" What had just happened?​"

Tears welled in my eyes as I realized the violation I just endured. Shaken but physically unharmed, I recounted everything that happened since the beginning of my day as more tears slipped my eyes.

How could this happen, on a street I walked countless times?.

I stood up feeling pains on my wrist,as I continued my walk, every shadow afterwards casted doubt on my sense of security. An invisible scar remained, my gaze darting at every unexpected sound as I managed to get the house.

"Why are you coming back at this time of the night to disturb our sleep?" Becky Kumar questioned through the window.

"Can I come inside? I will explain later" I said, still in shock over what just happened a few minutes ago.

"Don't open that door, let her do her unnecessary explanation there or better still, take it back to her place of work, I think they are the ones interested in her c*ck and bull story".

Nancy Kumar said from inside the house.

I couldn't afford to sleep outside, not with what happened earlier.

"I have been robbed, please I need to come inside and freshen up, so that my head can be cleared off" I pleaded as more tears escaped from my eyes.

Nancy and Becky bursted into hysterical laughter.

"Freda, you can't use this cheap lie to pass a night here, bring the money I asked you for and come inside."

Nancy Kumar said as her voice sounded close to the door.

I couldn't imagine that my stepmom and daughter are treating me this way, after the death of my father and mother.

"I'm speaking the truth,let me at least come inside and tell you all that happened"

I said as I took a step closer to the door.

"When you are ready to abide by our rules,then you let us know". Becky said, letting out a giggle from inside the house.

I waited patiently praying for the duo to have a change of mind.

The door finally swung open, a glimpse of hope set in but was met with disappointment when my bags were thrown outside.

"I'm sorry but you can no longer live here with us."

Nancy Kumar appeared by the door throwing out the few things that I had.

"But ma I just got robbed, and I have nowhere to lay my head, please don't do this to me" I begged Nancy while crying profusely.

"You can go to Collins house and crash at least you have been of more help to him that us here. Bye."

Becky said behind her mother as Nancy shut the door.

I sat by the door and cried till I had little strength left to cry.

I thought of how I was going to be accommodated with no money on me.

I decided to pick up my bags to wherever I could pass the night.

The first place that came into my thoughts was Collins place, so I hastened my step reminding myself that if I was attacked the second time, I had nothing more to lose.

Getting to Collins house, I knocked on the door but got no response. I pressed the doorbell several times but yet, no one came to answer the door.

My body felt weak as my stomach rumbled in displeasure for not feeding it. My legs wobbled as I sat on the balcony unable to continue the journey to Molly's place at that time of the night.

I sat on the floor, brought my bags to the side to support and frame my whacked stature while I tucked my legs in, placing my arms on my knee to catch some sleep.

The night was so long that I could not sleep as a result of the cold and bites from mosquitoes.

I spent the night thinking about the unfair treatment that had been meted out to me by my stepmother and daughter and at this point, I hated them purely and wished them destruction.

After a long night, it was a new day to start my daily hustle but a bad day for me because I was still trying to fathom what was happening to me.

I decided to take my bags to Molly's place.

Getting there, I was already worn out, I pressed the doorbell and Molly Roberts came to answer the door.

"Hey, Good morning," she said, opening the door wide.

"Wait, you came with your bags?" She asked in confusion.

Without even waiting for my response, she carried my bags inside, then turned to me.

"Freshen up, get yourself ready for work,we will talk about this later in the shop or better still, go clear your head after work."

I felt a little bit relief of my thoughts because I had a good and caring person as a friend,

"Why can't they be like Molly?"

I questioned no one in particular as I went to have a cool and refreshing shower.

I went into the bathroom as I turned on the shower and I could feel some worries being wiped off. I totally forgot my pains for a moment but was interrupted by Molly Roberts' voice.

"Do you realize that we don't have the luxury of time to spend here, what is keeping you in there?"

She said as she came closer to the bathroom door.

"Stay where you are." I said, wrapping my towel on my wet body. I applied lotion on my body, got dressed as I picked up my bag to leave.

After a few minutes, we boarded a cab and we arrived at the shop a few hours to the set time for workers to report. changing into my uniform as usual, I started taking orders.

I was busy with my duty when my attention was drawn to something shocking and disturbing.

I took a step backward to be sure that my eyes were not deceiving me, but I was sure about what I saw.

Collins Douglas my boyfriend and Becky Kumar my step sister just walked into the restaurant holding hands like couples and giggling.

They both took their seats around and rang the order bell.

Anna was attending to other customers so practically, I was the one free to attend to them.

My heart skipped and I felt my chest tightened at the sight before.

I started sweating profusely, thinking of the best way to handle the situation.

I dashed into the restroom, and stayed there in bid to avoid taking their orders.

Hot tears slipped from my eyes as fresh memories of the sacrifices I had made for these two people and how they chose to pay me back played in my head.

I sniffled as I wiped my tears, unable to calm my mind for I was curious to know what they were doing here.

I stormed out of the restroom and headed straight to the dinner hall and by now they were munching their orders.

"What are you doing with my boyfriend?"

I questioned Becky as soon as I got to their table.

"My boyfriend you mean?"

She responded, taking a bite from the chicken on her plate.

Rage welled up inside of me as I could no longer take more of her excesses.

I yanked her hair roughly as she screamed, attracting the attention of other customers.

"What's the meaning of this,why are you embarrassing us like this?" Collins Douglas said, trying to separate us.

"How long have you both been together?" I asked as my stomach tightened,and tears began to drop from my eyes at the feeling of betrayal.

"You are just too cheap. The signs were there to show that I never loved you but you chose to ignore. I was dating Becky from the onset. I only agreed with her to date you, so we can get money from you." Collins Douglas, my boyfriend said.

Immediately I heard those words that came out from Collins mouth, I lost it. A lot of thoughts began to run through my mind. First they made me homeless and now my step sister was with Collins, the man I have always prayed to spend the rest of my life with. Do I really deserve all of this?, I questioned no one in particular .

"Collins,after everything we shared. Is this how you want to pay me back?" I asked looking helpless as I reached out to touch him with frailty.

"Collins, I'm sorry, I love you and I know you do. Just give us a chance." I pleaded even when I still didn't understand what I did wrong .

"Don't you ever in your miserable life repeat this, you senseless b*tch. You know what, I really wanted to make you pay for taking my father's love and attention from me, and now I feel more accomplished. I will make sure that I break you to pieces. Oh, and your money from yesterday's attack, it's here with me. Collins helped me to take it from you." Becky Kumar said giggling as she picked up her bag, about to walk out of the restaurant.

I had it to the neck that I couldn't control myself anymore. I dragged her by her hair, pushed to the floor and gave her a heavy blow on the face leaving her with bruises on the lips.

Before Collins could try separating, I gave her another punch.

"This is for snatching my man from me."

I said giving her another punch, still on the face.

"This is for taking sides with your mother to throw me out of my parents house."

I was about to give her another one,when Anna and Molly stopped me, lifting me from Becky's body.

"Calm down, put yourself together, we can sort this out after working hours."

Molly said as she held me, pulling a seat for me to sit on

"Freda,what is going on here?" The manager asked as she walked towards where I was seated.

"Were you fighting with my customers?"

"Were you fighting with the customers?"

She asked with her hands on her waist.

"I can explain to you, Ma. It's not how you think or see." I said, giving her a remorseful look.

"But you know that fighting with customers is highly prohibited in this restaurant right?" the manager inquired.

"Yes ma" I said, already regretting my actions.

"And you know the penalty for that right?"

She questioned again.

"Please ma, I'm sorry, It won't happen again." I said, pressing my palms together as I knelt down begging her.

"Don't worry, there won't be another avenue for it to repeat itself. You are fired." She said as she turned around and left for her office.

I felt suicidal at that point. First I was made homeless, and now jobless.

I turned to Molly but she didn't know what to do or say to console me at the moment.

"Do you need the security to escort you? what are still waiting for?" I heard our manager's voice from the kitchen walkway.

"Ma, please forgive her." Molly said pleadingly as she ran after our manager.

"Do you want to join her?" She blurted as she stopped in her tracks, turning to Molly.

"Freda, do you want to leave peacefully or you want me to forcefully throw you out?

She asked, glaring at me.

I picked up my bag and left through the exit as tears flowed freely from my eyes.

"Freda, wait!''

Molly shouted as she ran to me where I took a halt.

"Here's the key, I'll catch up with you later and please don't do anything silly to yourself." Molly Roberts said as she handed me the apartment's key.

Pulling me to a hug, she muttered some words of consolation and encouragement to me.

--------------------------------------------------------

The doorbell rang signifying that someone was at the door.

I sniffled as I lazily dragged my whacked figure from the bed and went to open the door.

"Wassup girl?" Molly's excited voice sounded as I stepped out of the way for her to come in.

"Wait, you are still crying over those fools?" she inquired, stopping on her tracks when she looked at my swollen face.

"Molly, these same people caused me pain." I said as fresh tears burst out of my eyes.

"I know. You know what, dress up and let me take you somewhere to clear your head."

she added with a compassionate smile.

"No, I'm fine."

I objected.

After much persuasion, I gave in and I dressed up to go have some drinks.

We got to the club and it was quite booming.

Immediately we stepped in, I felt uncomfortable as all eyes were on us but Molly Roberts seemed to be okay with it.

We hadn't sat for long when Molly suggested we took the dance floor but I declined so she left me.

I was startled when I heard a husky voice behind my ears.

"Look who we have here." The bearer said and at once, my eyes widened in shock as I panicked on who could know me at this bar.

I turned swiftly to see who he was.

He was practically hovering over me like a predator about to pounce on its prey.

"Please,step back" I voiced out so he could hear me but instead he pulled closer so I shoved him aside and stood up to my feet.

"Fierce, huh?" He started with a chuckle.

"Who are you?" I questioned him, feeling a bit uneasy.

"That won't be necessary, babe."

He said lustfully as he made to put his hands around my waist but I slapped it off.

"I won't condone any form of embarrassment from you,so please respect yourself."

I said sternly.

"Alright, Miss restaurant fighter" he said with a smirk.

"What did you just call me?"I questioned with panic.

"Your video is everywhere, Miss, I commend you for beating up that girl real good."

He said as he laughed.

I clenched my fist trying to calm myself as I breathed heavily.

"So how much for a night?" he asked, taking a sip from my drink.

"Are you out of your mind?" I shouted as I yanked the glass from his hands

"I want you, so don't try to create a scene here."

He said and yanked the glass of drink from my hands and grabbed my butts, letting out a silly laugh.

I was so p*ss*d as I gave him a punch on the face, kicking him to the floor.

He moved his hand to give me a slap of which I dodged.

By this time we were both sweating and breathing hard, with me venting my frustrations on him with my fists under the club light.

I fought hard making loud sounds determined to win so he wouldn't mess around me next time.

Molly ran to the scene and got me off him.

I finally landed a punch on his face which resulted in blood rushing out of his mouth and nose.

The whole place was disorganized by now. The Securities rushed to him and carried him off the scene.

I was so vexed as I picked up my bag, and Molly Roberts dragged me towards the exit.

I was satisfied knowing fully well that he had learnt his lessons.

"That wasn't necessary, we agreed to clear our heads but no, you decided to let that psychopath get on your nerves." She said once we were outside.

"That's what they will all get for trying to mess around people they don't know. I have endured enough."

I replied, as we stood by the walkway, waiting for a cab to stopover.

"What if he doesn't make it out alive?"

Molly said with panic.

"He will be fine."

I replied nonchalantly.

Thankfully, a cab halted in front of us. I hopped in, waiting for Molly to do the same.

I felt fulfilled but took some minutes to reconsider Molly's words earlier.

At this point, I didn't care.

That would serve as a lesson to him and his kind.

"Wait! He said my fight video with Becky Kumar went viral."

I broke the silence as I gave Molly a quizzical look.

"Really?" Molly mouthed with shock all over her face.

"Maybe I should be awarded the best fighter for the year." I muttered jokingly as the car screeched to a halt and we stepped out.

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The doorbell rang, and I already concluded in my thoughts that it was Molly Roberts, so I stood up to go get the door and true to my instincts, it was her.

"Hey, wassup girl, welcome back."

I greeted, opening the door wide for her to come in.

"Thank you dear" she replied weakly, sitting on the sofa.

"Hope you had a good and beautiful day to day at work" I asked, going to get her a glass of water.

"Mehn, babes."

She said, pulling off her dress and shoes.

"You know how it usually is. We had a lot of customers and believe me girl when I say that we closed massive sales today."

she said as she took a gulp from the glass of water.

"What do we have for dinner?" she asked as she stood up and walked towards the kitchen.

"Well, I guess we are having your favorite tonight" I responded, resting my back on the sofa.

"Really?

She asked in excitement and I nodded.

"Guess what?"