The Mafia Prince's Angel: His Miracle

IVORY

As I was slowly drifting into the peaceful realm of sleep, a sudden and irritating noise pierced through the silence. "Grrrrrrrrrhhh," it groaned incessantly, assaulting my ears. Annoyed and drowsy, I reached out my hand towards the table next to my bed in an attempt to silence the obnoxious alarm. I couldn't help but wonder, why did it have to disrupt my newfound bliss at this very moment?

"Arise and shine Ivory, you're not going to sleep the whole day, will you huh?". I groaned inwardly, hearing the voice of my best friend Ava.

"Why can't I just have a peaceful sleep, even just for once?". In a sleepy tone, I expressed my frustration, questioning why I couldn't experience a single night of undisturbed sleep. However, my tranquility was abruptly interrupted as she pulled open the curtains, causing me to instinctively close my eyes tightly due to the blinding rays of the morning sun flooding into the room.

"Uhhm...you might want to rethink that if you know what the time is right now, remember you have an interview today." As soon as I heard those words, I quickly jolted upright from my comfortable bed and rushed to grab my alarm clock, anxiously scanning for the time. To my utter shock, it was 8:20, and my interview was scheduled for 8:30. Panic surged through me as I frantically wondered how on earth I would manage to reach the interview venue in a mere ten minutes.

"Why didn't you wake me up earlier Ava?", I asked her with an accusatory tone. Filled with urgency, I hastily rushed towards the bathroom without any delay.

"Don't blame me for your laziness darling, this is literally the third time I am coming in here to wake you up." In a slightly exasperated tone, she responded from the other side of the room, refusing to take blame for what she perceived as my laziness. I could hear the sound of the door opening and closing behind her, indicating that she had left the room, leaving me to ponder her words.

In order to ensure that I didn't miss my important interview, I was in a rush as I swiftly brushed my teeth and took a refreshing bath. The thought of depending on Ava, as I have done before and becoming a burden to her once again, is not something I desire or intend to repeat.

Two years ago, my life was forever changed when I tragically lost my parents in a devastating car accident. They had been traveling to visit me in college when the unimaginable happened. Completely unaware of the impending news, I was engrossed in a book inside my dorm room when my phone abruptly shattered the silence. With trembling hands, I answered the call, only to be met with the urgent plea to rush to Central City Hospital as my parents had been involved in a horrific accident. My heart sank as I raced towards the hospital, each passing moment carrying the weight of uncertainty. Arriving at the scene of torment, I was confronted with an image that will forever haunt me: my beloved mother lifeless, her spirit extinguished, and my father hanging onto the fragile thread of survival, his essence teetering on the precipice of existence. Upon consulting with the doctor, I discovered that my father's only chance of survival hinged on an immediate surgery. However, there was an unexpected condition - I had to provide a deposit before the operation could commence. Driven by desperation and fueled by the fact that I had access to both my parents' accounts, I swiftly transferred the necessary funds. The pain of losing my mother was still raw, and the thought of losing my father as well was unbearable. Unfortunately, fate had cruel intentions in store for me. Merely two days after the surgery, I received the devastating news that my father had also passed away. After being left alone in this unforgiving world, I found it unbearable to cope with the loss, especially considering I had no siblings or other relatives. It was only through the unwavering support of my dear friend Ava and her loving parents that I managed to find solace.

Our friendship began back in eighth grade in high school and has grown stronger ever since. .After the tragic passing of my parents, I experienced an overwhelming wave of depression that pushed me to the brink of suicide. However, throughout this dark period, Ava remained a constant pillar of support, offering her unwavering assistance in every possible way. Seeking solace, I decided to move in with her after completing my graduation. In order to sustain myself financially, I worked diligently as a waitress in a prestigious five-star restaurant, earning a decent income. Unfortunately, my employment came to an abrupt end when my boss shamelessly made advances towards me, and I bravely rejected his inappropriate actions without hesitation. Just recently, I stumbled upon a promising job opportunity at another esteemed five-star restaurant. I successfully submitted my application and the manager instructed me to return today for my interview. However, despite my efforts, I am currently running behind schedule and may be late for the scheduled interview.

As soon as I finished getting dressed in a plain black pair of trousers and a white T-shirt, I hastily left my room. My hair, which is naturally blonde, was quickly thrown up into a messy bun without any considerations for perfectly styling it. Not even the thought of putting on make-up crossed my mind at that moment.

"Why don't you wait so you could have breakfast," Ava said as I entered the kitchen.

"So I can screw up my interview, I'm twenty minutes late already and I have to leave now." I grabbed a pancake from a plate she kept on the counter.

"Alright darling, best of luck to you...go get that job baby," she said winking at me playfully.

"You know I'm not ready for your cockiness right now", I looked at her in amusement and headed towards the door. "See you later, Ava," I said and left the house.

As I stood in front of the elegant, five-star restaurant, whose name I embarrassingly couldn't recall, panic rushed through me as I glanced at my watch and discovered that I was already forty-five minutes behind schedule. Determined to rectify my tardiness, I hurriedly entered the restaurant and made my way towards the manager's office, only to be intercepted by a graceful, slender lady. She exuded confidence with her perfectly fitted blue gown that accentuated her figure, stiletto heels amplifying her poise, and a self-assured expression on her face.

"Good morning, ma'am", I greeted her.

"Good morning, how may I help you?", she asked eyeing me from head to toe.

"My name is Ivory Addams, I'm here for the interview." Recognition immediately flashed through her face. She was the one who directed me to the manager's office when I came here looking for a job.

"Oh right, you must be the lady who came here a week ago, am I right?", she said looking at me from head to toe again.

"Yes, yes I am", I answered.

"I'm the secretary here, your interview today was supposed to be by 8:30 but you're arriving by 9:10, why are you late?", she asked giving me a pointed look.

"I was actually stuck in traffic, I'm sorry about that", I said wincing slightly as the lie slipped off my mouth.

"You're lucky the manager isn't here yet but he'll get here soon." Just as she said that, the manager walked in and made his way towards us.

As soon as he arrived at our location, the secretary courteously greeted him with a warm smile. "Good morning, sir." Pointing towards me, she informed him that I was the woman who had visited a week ago regarding the available job position. The man glanced my way, displaying a friendly smile. Confirming his recollection, he suggested we move towards his office, leading the way while I followed closely behind.

"What's your name?", the manager inquired once we were both seated. He was positioned on a grand, imposing chair while I took a seat directly across from him, and there was an additional empty chair beside me. In that moment, I swiftly scanned the office and noticed that it was exceptionally well-equipped and beautifully furnished.

"My name is Ivory...Ivory Addams". I answered.

"I'm Mr Sebastian, the manager of this restaurant. So, I believe Tory must have briefed you before I arrived, right?". I raised an eyebrow at him wondering who he was talking about, until it suddenly clicked that he must have been referring to the secretary.

"Um..not really, she only told me to wait till you arrived". I smiled cheekily at him.

"Okay, Tory said you told her that you've worked as a waitress in a five-star restaurant before". He said as he opened the laptop in front of him.

"Yes", I answered simply.

"May I know the name?", he asked.

"The name is just Michelin Restaurant, it's quite similar to this restaurant", I looked up at him to see him smiling.

"That's because it is also owned by the CEO of this restaurant". My eyes immediately widened.

"Oh, wow... I've never met the CEO of my former workplace. I've always thought the manager there was the CEO, so you can't blame me that much". He smiled and nodded his head.

"The CEO doesn't just own these two restaurants, he also owns other enterprises like the popular Eko hotels". He said grinning from ear to ear.

"He must be very rich then". I said looking directly at him. The manager, in stark contrast to intimidating colleagues, appeared amicable. His jet black hair and mysterious eyes hinted at his handsome youthfulness. Presently, he exuded the aura of a man in his mid-fifties, yet there was something about him that suggested he may possess an underlying danger.

"You are hired miss Addams. Your official start date will be tomorrow, and Tory will be assigned to provide you with all the necessary details and information to effectively resume your work." I looked at him surprisingly, isn't he going to ask me more questions?

"Well, is that it?", he smiled making his deep dimples display on his cheeks.

"Yes, that's it Miss Addams. I would love to interview you more but I have an urgent meeting to attend".

I immediately stood up and gave him a small bow.

"Thank you si....Mr Sebastian."

"You're welcome, Miss Addams"', I nodded and left his office.

Immediately after I exited Mr. Sebastian's office, the secretary swiftly made her way towards me, clutching a paper firmly in her hand.

"Here's a mapped out list on what you need to know, Miss...", she raised her eyebrows at me and tilted her head to the side a little bit as if to tell me to remind her my name.

"Ivory... Ivory Addams", I let out an awkward laugh.

"Whatever, these are just the basic things you need to know, it's been written simply so you could understand better", she said, handing the paper to me.

"You could have just said these things rather than writing them down on a piece of paper", I replied while glancing at the paper.

"I don't like wasting my breathe on things that aren't necessary." She looked me up and down again for the umpteenth time before she turned on her heels and walked away.

"What's her problem with me anyway?". I sighed deeply and made made my way out of the restaurant.

I exhaled deeply as the cool afternoon breeze whizzed across my face, making some loosed strands of my hair stick to my face, I gently tucked them behind my ear. I left the restaurant which I've come to know the name as 'The Marco's Michelin' few minutes ago. It was actually a luxurious restaurant and their food must be really expensive. My stomach suddenly grumbled and I recalled that I actually haven't eaten anything since morning.

To reach Ava's bakery, which is conveniently located just below our apartment, I eagerly hailed a passing taxi. It's worth noting that Ava's father generously established the bakery for her as a post-graduation gift. Despite her persistent offers to hire me and compensate me for my services, I politely declined. Ava has already done so much for me, and if I were to work for her, I would prefer not to accept any payment in return.

As soon as I stepped into the bakery, I greeted her with a warm smile because she was already standing by the entrance eagerly waiting for my arrival. Taking a glance around, my eyes captured the sight of a small group of customers leisurely seated at the opposite corner of the bakery.

"As much as I am eager to know how the interview went, but that'll have to wait because you look really, really famished", she said as she dragged me towards the kitchen. She served me cheese cakes and hamburgers and I feasted on it like a hungry lion.

"So, tell me. How'd it go?", she questioned while picking up my plate to drop in the sink.

"I didn't get the job", I looked down at my fingers making my voice sounding as pitiful as possible.

"Aww, my baby...you know the offer for you to work for me still stands, right?".

"No, thank you and I actually got the job", I said giggling at her.

"Yeah, I know that", she playfully stuck out her tongue .

"I'll head up first, I need to freshen up and take a really good nap", I stated and I headed out of the bakery.

After a long day, I finally made it back to my room and closed the door forcefully behind me. Despite feeling relieved to have landed the job, I couldn't help but be grateful that I wouldn't be a burden to Ava anymore. Although she never complained, I didn't want to be a source of trouble for her any longer.

Exhausted, I collapsed onto the bed with a heavy sigh. As I lay there, my eyes wandered and caught sight of a picture sitting on my bedside table. It was a snapshot taken on my graduation day from high school, with my parents. They looked happy and proud of me. I really miss them so much. A solitary tear glides down my left cheek, emphasizing the harshness of death. It stripped me of my parents, leaving me bereft and alone in the world. Letting out a profound sigh, I delicately brush the tear away. The cherished memories we once shared as a family continuously replay in my mind, subconsciously causing me to drift into a slumber.

The following morning, I woke up at exactly 7:00 am. I'm supposed to be at the restaurant by 8:00 am. I don't want to be late on my first day at work.

After taking my bath, I wore a black denim jeans, a white shirt and then a white shoe. I packed my blonde hair up in a ponytail. I got my hair colour from my mom and then my hazel eyes from my dad. I've always thought I looked like my mom but Ava always tells me that I am a carbon copy of my dad which I don't really believe. I became emotional again at the thought of my parents, losing them the way I did would always be traumatic for me.

"Hmmm... I don't look bad", I said while looking at my reflection in the mirror.

Hastily, I reached for a dry powder and gently applied a small amount to my face, aiming to enhance its radiance. Adding a touch of lip gloss for a subtle glow, I acknowledged that I wasn't accustomed to wearing makeup. However, Ava, a firm believer in it, always insisted on its presence on my face.

'It makes you look more attractive and confident' so she says...like you can't look confident without make-up on your face?

I made my way out of my room towards Ava's room to see if she's awake when I heard her voice from the kitchen.

"I'm in here, baby".

"When did you wake up?", I queried sitting down on a chair.

"Thirty minutes ago", she answered while dropping a plate of noodles garnished with fried eggs in front of me and my mouth immediately watered.

"You know I should start calling you Chef Ava", I blurted out and she giggled. Without wasting anymore time I digged into the food. She gave me a glass of water and I took it from her taking a sip from it and she gave me a light peck on the cheek.

"You know I love you, Ivory", she said and I groaned knowing what was coming. She wants a favor from me and trust me, her favors aren't always the easy ones.

"What do you want me to do for you, Ava?", she smiled at me and clasped her hands together. She

"My mother will call you today, to ask you if I'm truly sick...", she started but I cut her off.

"And why would you tell your mother you are sick, when in fact you're very healthy or are you really sick?", I touched her forehead to check if she has any fever or if she was running a temperature but it was pretty normal and she doesn't look sick. She shoved my hand away from her forehead.

"I'm fine, Ivory. Do I look sick to you?" she asked turning off the gas.

"Then why do you want me to lie to your mom", she looked at me and pouted her lips.

"She wants me to go to my grandma's place with her, and I told her I was very sick. She said she'll call you to confirm if it's true or not". I looked at her and bursts out laughing. Ava has never liked her grandma, she once lived with her when she was fifteen years old and according to her, her grandmother made her pass through hell.

"Okay, okay I get it...but that doesn't mean I would lie to your mother, Ava". She suddenly grabbed my hand and looked at me sulkingly.

"You wouldn't do that to me Ava, right baby", she asked me as though she wanted to cry.

"I wouldn't", I told her while laughing at her and she let out a deep breathe. I got up from the chair to take my plate to the sink.

"I'm off, Ava", I told her picking up my bag that I kept on the floor earlier.

"When will you be off from work?", she asked me enthusiastically.

"I don't know yet, maybe five..." I said not sure either because Tory didn't tell me about that neither did she write it down on the paper she gave me.

"There's this new eatery downtown, when you're done for the day, let's have dinner together, okay?". She said while pretending to dust off something from my shoulders.

"Okay, I need to get going now Ava. I don't want to be late on my first day at work." She dragged me towards the door and opened it for me to step out.

"You don't have to give me the princess treatment just because you want me to cover up for you". I said while smirking at her.

"Okay, bye", she immediately closed the door and I left the apartment to get a taxi that'll take me to work.

..................

AT THE RESTAURANT

...................

As I entered the restaurant just a minute past 8 o'clock, I was greeted by the displeased expression on the secretary's face. It made me ponder if she ever experiences moments of joy. She was dressed modestly, wearing plain trousers and a black shirt with dotted patterns. Her hair was tightly tied up in a bun, giving her a poised and sophisticated appearance. Observing her closely, I estimated that she appeared slightly older than me, perhaps around three or four years my senior. She was a beautiful lady but if she atleast added a smile, she'd be more beautiful.

"You're one minute late, Miss Addams", she said giving me her usual pointed look.

"I'm sorry about that." She didn't reply me but handed me a pair of clothes that I'll change into.

"You'll change into that, Miss Addams. You can use the restroom". As I glanced downward, my eyes fell upon the neatly folded clothing on my hands. The first item that caught my attention was a black short-sleeved shirt with a handprint design, followed by a simple yet elegant pair of black trousers. Lastly, a vibrant yellow scarf rested on top, providing a pop of color to the ensemble.

"But where's....". I raised my gaze to inquire about the location of the restroom, only to find that she had vanished. Scanning the area, desperately hoping to catch sight of her, I was met with disappointment - she had seemingly evaporated, as if she had never been there at all. Glancing back at the clothes in my hand, a heavy sigh escaped my lips; guess I'd have to find it myself then.

"Miss Ivory Addams", I quickly spun around when I heard my name being called, only to find the manager standing some feet away from me, with a warm and friendly smile spread across his face.

"G... good morning, sir", I greeted him, stuttering a bit when he approached me.

"It's Mr Sebastian for you", he corrected still smiling at me. He looked down at the clothes in my hand.

"I believe you're wondering where the restroom is." I nodded, not sure if it was a question or a statement.

"Anne...", he called and a petite girl I saw a while ago serving some customers appeared before us. "Can you show miss Addams where the staff restroom is? She's new here so she doesn't know her way around". The girl nodded taking a quick glance at me.

"She'll take you to the restroom, Miss Addams", he smiled at me and left.

"Please follow me", I heard the girl's voice as she turned around and started walking towards the restroom and I followed suit.