The Billionaire's Contract Bride

Tracey Lopez

It's a Monday morning and the worst day of my life. I hate Monday with passion and I wish that day could be canceled from the calendar. I just want to sleep but it's never going to happen cos lots of work is waiting for me at the cafe.

My alarm won't stop making those stupid noises. I groaned loudly "Why me? " I tried to stop the sound by covering my head with a pillow but it's never going to happen. I can hear the sound of my door. I just don't know why this has to be happening to me.

I rushed to the door to get it. I'm sure it's the delivery man. The moment I opened the door, I realized my mistake. The delivery man was a cute-looking man with a small dimple on his cheek. He stared down at my bare chest and I knew instantly that I fucked up.

I forgot to take my robe with me. My breath was slightly on display. I took the message from him and hurriedly said " thanks " before closing the door. I realized a breath I didn't know I was holding.

This is my life. I'm a normal college student trying hard to make a name for myself. Having lost my dad the full responsibility fell on me as the only child. My mom is a drunkard and doesn't care about me. All she cared about was herself alone. I've learned to live with that fact. She made my life miserable when I was living with her and that is what led me to leave the apartment for her and then went ahead to rent one for myself.

I was glad the apartment belonged to Dad and she is his next of kin which means I don't have to worry about two rent fees. She steals and demands money from me and I can't help but give it to her. She is my mother, right? And I should do my duty as her daughter.

At some point, I find it draining. I feel like she does this thing to get back at me. Why I said so is because I'm the only one who was with dad when he passed away.

It was a faithful evening, I went for a party with some of my friends, Dad was just heading home that night and I called him to pick me up. I thought I was going to spend the night with my best friend and that is Sasha.

It was all planned but things changed when there was a storm. Everyone was stranded and they all called their family members to come take them home and I was all alone. Sasha followed her boyfriend and I decided to call Dad. Dad came to take me that faithful day. It was the worst day of my life. I regret ever calling him cos if he hadn't come he would still be alive and Mom would be her normal self. I changed everything for everyone.

I ended the thought and went upstairs to prepare for work. I have just twenty minutes left to be at work. I need to take the bus cos I don't have a car. My life is a disaster trust me.

****

I didn't take much time in the bathroom. It was faster than I could think of. My clothes were already hanging. I always hang the clothes I'll be wearing the next day just to ease the stress of finding clothes to wear on a particular day. I put it on and took my bag and some things I know I always take with me.

I gave myself a final look before rushing to the door. I locked the door the moment I went outside. My phone has been ringing in my car. I groaned but brought it out to see who was calling.

It was none other than Tristan my boyfriend. I have a smile on my face seeing his name pop up my screen. I picked it up instantly.

" hey Tristan," I said with a wide smile. He makes me so happy. Lately, he has been distant but that hasn't stopped me from loving him the way I did. He was with me throughout my hard time.

" hey love, I'm sorry I didn't wake you up early. I was so busy that I lost track of time "

I rolled my eyes " My alarm did the work and it's so annoying "

He chuckled through the phone. The sound of his laughter soothes my heart. I can't love him less " I'm glad you aren't late. Let me not take much of your time. I'll call you when you get to work. I love you"

He ended the call before I could replay with " I love you too"

I heaved in a sigh and put my phone pack in my trouser pocket. I know he has been so busy lately but he doesn't give me his time like he used to before. I don't want to think too much about it but it's unavoidable.

I walked to the bus stop. The next bus will be there in five minutes so I race to the bus stop. This is why I ended up being all sweaty when I got to work. One would think I had a morning run before coming to work. On second thought, it's a morning run. I laughed at my joke.

***

I was lucky not to have missed the bus. I got inside and found a spot to sit. The bus was still slightly empty. It wasn't full yet. I decided to keep myself busy with my EarPod. I didn't know I was dozing off not until I felt a tap on my shoulder.

I raised my head to see who was it and then green eyes were staring down at me. It was a nice-looking man who was maybe in his thirties. I raised a brow at him "Yeah?"

"Can you move to the next seat please?" he said and I stared at the next seat. I wanted to ask him to find another spot to sit but stopped myself. I don't want to be rude this early morning. I'm always grumpy every Monday morning.

I moved to the next seat and he sat down on the spot I was sitting earlier. I used that moment to stare through the window. I smiled watching how people were in a hurry to go to work. Monday is the most busy day ever and I think that's why I hate it so much. I know I have piles of work waiting for me at the cafe. I squeezed my face at the thought.

The bus finally came to a stop and I rushed out of the bush. I don't have enough time. I'll be late if I don't run to the cafe. I ran through the street and I could see eyes on me. Most wondered why a lady like me was running. I don't care anyway. They can say what they want to say. As long as I make a living through this work, I don't mind what people say.

***

I got to the cafe right on time. It was eight on the dot when I went inside. Debra saw me walking in and waved at me. I waved back and rushed to the changing room. The boss must be in his office.

I came back to join Debra at the counter. She is my partner at work and also a good friend.

" hi there," I said with a smile

She nudged my shoulder " You almost got in late "

I heaved in a sigh " I hate Monday "That is what I can say and she knows that Monday is not just my kind of day.

" I'm glad you made it on time by the way. The boss passed a message to both of us " She started

My ears perked up at what she was about to say "What is that? Did we do anything wrong again?"

Yes, we are the troublemakers of the cafe. On Friday we had an encounter with some high school students. They came to the shop and refused to pay then Sasha and I did what was best and that was by locking the door and calling the police on them. Let's cut the story short. It turned out that the children came from a wealthy home and their parents wanted to sue the cafe.

The boss wasn't happy with the measure with took and gave Sasha and me a final warning not to take such action ever again. We thought we were doing the right thing but it still ended up making us the bad person. Such is life.

" so as I was saying, there is going to be some visitor and they are going to be at the VIP areas "

"What does that have to do with us ?" I asked confused

"We are going to be serving them . " she finished. I let out a sigh not liking this idea at all. The last time I went to take the VIP area, I came encountered a creepy ass man who wouldn't stop staring at my boob. No one knew about this Sasha.

" don't you worry? This won't be like the last time " she tried to assure me and I hope so.

The shop was so crowded today with no break. Sasha and I were so drained and to top it all up, we hadn't had anything to eat. It's against the cafe rule to eat while on duty unless it's our break time and we still have a few minutes before the break. I think I'm gonna collapse if I don't find something to eat.

The customer was leaving finally and there was less work. Sasha stared at me and said " I'm tired "

" me too"

We went back to the counter after serving all the customers. I use that moment to have some coffee. I need it in my system right now.

There was a new customer, the door opened and he came inside. I've seen that face somewhere but I can't put a picture to it it all made sense now. The bus. The same green-eyed man I saw on the bus this morning. He walked in majestically like he owned the place. He finds a spot to sit. I couldn't stop looking at him.

I was enticed by him. The way he walks and the way he composes himself. I never knew he was this handsome. I didn't take much time to stare at him well in the bus but there was something that caught my attention and that was his cologne. I didn't make mention of it cos I'd look too creepy.

Sasha slightly hit my should "Hey" she said and I turned at her

" you've been staring for too long," she said and I blushed slightly " Did the handsome man over there catch your attention or something ?" She teased

I rolled my eyes " I saw him in the boss today "

She furrowed her brows " In the boss? How is that possible "

" why? You think I'm lying ?"

She shook her head " Not that. The thing is I've seen posters of this man before. He is one of the youngest millionaires in town and that was the picture the boss gave to me. He is the visitor we'll be attending to. His friends must be on the way" she said

I can't believe he is a millionaire. Why will a millionaire enter the bus with people like us? I don't believe it. I'm sure she's mistaken.

" let's get to work," she said

I furrowed my brows " But what do you mean get to work? His friends aren't here yet " I pointed out and she rolled her eyes " That seat isn't the VIP seat. We need to take him to the right seat "

I groaned "Please take him instead "

She folded her arms over her chest and gave me a straight face " Nope, I'm not going to let that happen. You must face your fear. I don't even understand why you are scared to attend to him or wait ...." She strained her eyes at me "Did you do anything bad to him "

I shook my head immediately " I didn't do anything. Nothing at all, I helped myself today. You know it's hard for me not to fight but I was impressed I didn't when he asked me to move to the next chair in the bus "

She didn't look like she believed me but then she said " I'll attend to him for now but when his friend comes remember we are going the serve together "

I gave her a thumbs up " I promise. I will do anything you ask me to do. Thanks a lot " I almost hugged her but she pushed past me. I chuckled but waved at her.

Debra is one hell of a friend trust me. She is one of the people that mean a lot to me. She doesn't make me feel lonely at work. We talk a lot about our lives and her family issue is just like mine. I think that's one of the reasons why she understands me so well.

Sasha on the other hand came from a Rich background. She has everything she wants. Her father is one of the richest people in the state and they are so kind to me. My dad once worked for Sasha's dad before he died. It saddens me whenever I remember him.

I stared at the table Debra went to and she said something to the man. He stared at her to listen to what she had to say. I was trying to watch his body language. He is so calm and collected. He got up and followed her to the VIP areas but something else happened.

The said man stared at the counter and then our eyes met. I couldn't move my eyes. He caught me staring at him. I saw something like a smirk tugging up on his lips but it was fast enough for me to apprehend. He went into the VIP area. I was breathing fast. He saw me staring. God! How am I going to serve him after what just happened? He must see me as a creep. I'm so sure about that. Rich men like his will always see someone like me as a creep. I'm no match for him and will never be.

I took in a deep breath trying not to get carried away by my shame. I feel so ashamed for shamelessly staring at him. I warned myself to come off it. I have a boyfriend and he loves me and I love him too. Tristen loves me so much and I know he is going to propose soon so why was I so drawn to this man?

Harry approached the counter with an empty plate he packed from the table. He is one of the workers here too and he is also a friend.

" Hi Tracy," he said and dropped the plate on the counter.

I smiled at him "How are you? It seems you are busy today"

He rolled his eyes "We've all been busy. Heard you have some important people to attend too soon"

I shouldn't be surprised that the news has spread. One would think these people that are coming are so special. I felt the need to ask "Why is everyone so concerned about the people coming? One of them is here already "

He stared behind him to see if anyone was coming but when he found known, he leaned a little and said "That man you see is the talk of the town. He is very rich but doesn't show it "

I furrowed my brows confused " Why does it look as though I'm the only one who doesn't know about this man"

He rolled his eyes " That's because you are so reserved and don't go out like we used to. You spend most of your day indoors after work and then what do you expect? You don't have some time to check that magazine where you'll find people like him "

"Who cares about them? All that matters to me is money and nothing else " I said with an eye roll

He shook his head "This is why you'll grow wrinkle being single "

" I have a boyfriend remember "I pointed that out. They all know Tristan. He most of the time comes here to pick me up so it's not a new thing that they know about him.

" I don't think it's going anywhere. You two have been together for like what? Four years ?"

I was hurt by his words" Whatever. I thought you have somewhere to be " I said harshly and he caught on. Harry realized his mistake and said " I'll be going now "

My mood changes instantly. I can't believe they all didn't believe in my relationship with Tristan. Why would they think the relationship isn't going anywhere? I know deep down that Tristan loves me and I love him too. He promised to be with me forever and planned to marry me.

I know things have been a little hard for him which is why he hasn't got the right diamond ring he always wants to get. I don't want to put too much pressure on him. I'm still in school and will be graduating college in the next few months. I can at least get a good job too.

" Tracey" I was so deep in my thought that I didn't realize Debra was standing in front of the counter. I forced a smile and said "Hey"

She furrowed her brows at me "Hope all is well with you, you seem to be in deep thought "

I waved it off " It's nothing serious. So how did it go "

" his friends are here too. They came in through the other door " she said

I knew what was to come next. I'm sure it's time to serve them. I can't imagine for how long I'd be standing. The rules applies that we stand while they have their food just in case they might need anything.

I groaned " Why must we serve them "

" the rule is the rule," she said with an encouraging smile "Let's get this over and done with "

I pouted " ok whatever. What are we serving them first ?"

I'm sure they would like some drink first before their food is ready.

"Yeah, they want some coffee. I took the order to the kitchen. It will be out in a few seconds " she explained "We'll take the coffee to them and then take the remaining of their other"

I took in one last breath and followed Debra behind. Debra was so confident unlike me who was just too ashamed to see the man I met on the bus. At some point, I wonder why I'm all insecure. I don't know this man before so why do I feel so insecure when I see him? I need to snap out of it. This isn't some love highland. I have a boyfriend too and he loves me. I need to remind myself of that fact.

I have a man that loves me. I kept chanting the word in my mind. I don't want anything to come between Tristan and me.

Debra went into the room first and I followed her behind. There are I to ink six of them. It was a quick count. I didn't want my eyes to linger on them for long. But I was sure I counted six of them. I refuse to meet their eyes. I only did what Debra told me to do. She has been in this job for years and she is more good than I was.

Debra instructed me to pour the coffee for all of them while she served them the bread. This means I have to stand close to the guy. What the hell is wrong with me?

I swallowed and started. I serve the first guy and he didn't even say thank you. Why do I even expect him to say it? After all, they are rich and they don't care about the poor like me. I did the same to the others until I got to the bus guy in front. My hand was a little shaky. What the hell is wrong with me?

I poured it into his cup and then mistakenly spilled it on his body . " ouch" he moved back immediately the hot coffee burnt him through his clothes.

" I'm sorry " I was scared. I quickly took the napkin and cleaned his shirt. I kept cleaning until I felt him touch my hand. I was scared to see the reaction in his face. Was he angry?

" You need to learn to do your job next time, " one of the guys said

I stared at the bus guy and he didn't say anything, instead shook his head at the stain on his white shirt. I was so ashamed.

" I'm truly sorry. I didn't mean to spill the coffee on you " I said embarrassed.

Debra came forward and whispered " I'll take it from here. You should leave for now okay ?"

I nodded "Thank you" I left immediately. I was so embarrassed with myself.

I went to the restroom immediately. I need to cry my eyes out. This isn't me. I've never spilled anything on any customer. This is the first and why does it have to be him? Worse he is one of the wealthy people around here. Then the boss won't like this. This might hinder my job. I can't help it.

I cried out my eyes. I took a deep breath when I was done. I wiped some water on my face and cleaned the water with a towel. I took in one last breath and made my way to the door. I left the restroom.

I could feel eyes on me from my Colleagues. They know I should be in the VIP room but I was here instead. I went to stand by the counter.

Harry approached me and I knew what he wanted to ask "What happened to you ?"

I rolled my eyes " I'm fine Harry "

He raised a brow" I know something happened in there. You either tell me now or I find out later "

I let out a sigh. How can I forget that they sure would know when the guys leave? I'm sure they will make a complaint to the boss. How am I going to defend myself? I didn't mean for this to happen. I didn't want this to happen. I'm always professional when it comes to my job so why now?

Now you see why I hate Monday and that is because it brings me bad luck. I hate it with passion.

" I spilled coffee on one of the customers, " I said with a pout

" you did what ?!" He yelled and I had to cover his mouth with my palm. He can't be shouting while there are customers on the ship

" hey calm down. You are shouting " I warned and he nodded. When I noticed he wouldn't say anything I released my hand and breath " I'm scared right now. They might tell the boss about it and he won't let me go scout free"

Harry gave me a pitiful look " I'm so sorry . If only I could help you right now I would have helped you " he said to me. I can't imagine myself without a job at this point.

"'I don't have any way to survive but this job. I don't know what to do Harry " I sniffled.

Harry gave me his handkerchief "Please stop crying. I'm sure the boss would take it lightly with you. You've never made such mistakes before and mistakes are unavoidable on our job"

I shook my head "You don't understand. These people are powerful. They are rich. They all are rich and are CEOs too in their various company "

He let out a breath " Can you be positive please "

I pouted " I want to be positive but I should also think about the worse that is to happen. Nothing is unavoidable "

He held my hand "Please don't ever think that the boss would send you away. The worst he can do is to suspend you for the main time and then call you to come back"

"It's still the same," I said with a pout.

" HARRY!"

The bosses called Harry'. Harry stared at me and said "Please be good . I'm going now " he said and left immediately.

I exhaled "My life is going to go down the drain when the boss finds out". I hope Debra can handle all six of them. It'll be a workload for her. She is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I don't know if I can thank her enough for making me leave. I was so embarrassed and didn't know the worst I would do if I was still there.

I decided to attend to some customers who came in. I used that to while away time. I took some time off and then Debra finally came out of the room looking all drained. .it's all my fault.

I went to help with the tray she was holding I took it to the kitchen and came back to her. She wiped the sweat on her forehead.

" Do you need help ?" I asked

Debra forced a smile. I know she was tired but didn't want to show it "No don't worry "

I held her hand " Please I'll do better this time . Just tell me what I can do to help ". Said to her and she thought about it for a moment before she said "See you sure you will be able to do it ?"

I nodded " I was only careless but now I've learnt my lesson. I'll only hope they don't tell the boss about it "

She nodded "OK then. I've served the food. The only thing remaining is the dessert and it's ready in the kitchen. Please get it for me "

I nodded " I'll be there in a few "

She hugged me "Thanks. I need the help right now " She rushed back inside and I went to get the dessert. "

This time around I want to do my job like the professional I was. This is why the boss wanted Debra and me to take care of the VIP customer but one wrong mistake spoiled it all for me.

I took one deep breath and went inside the room. The first person my eyes caught was the bus guy. He stared at me and seemed surprised that I had come back. I broke eye contact and walked to the table to serve them . Debra had already cleared the table. I serve every one of them the dessert.

I refused to look at anyone. When I was done I went to stand close to Debra. We have to wait until they are done.

" you did well this time around," she said with a smile. I nodded "Thanks I guess "

We kept quiet while we listened to the men communicate amongst themselves. They seem to be friends cos of how well they know each other. I use that moment to study every one of them. My eyes scan the one that gave me queries when the coffee spills.

He has blond hair and seems to be talkative at the table. His voice has been all over the place. I mentally rolled my eyes at him. I moved my eyes to the next person and he had a black hair. He looks so fit and well-built. They all look built but the only two that caught my attention were the bus guy and the wine sitting close to him.

They have this body-like hair like Tristan. These are the kind of guys I find attractive. I stopped myself before I fell harder. I shouldn't be thinking about this right now.

I raised my head only to come eyes contact with the bus guy again. That was when my whole being became destabilized. He raised a brow at me and I broke eye contact immediately. I refused to let the devil use me again.