The Billionaire's Match

Chapter 3

Olive’s POV

He is her boss. But the question that lingered in my head was, why are they on a first-name basis?

‘Ria, what is all this?’ I managed to say amidst my shock.

‘Um, I mean Mr. Reed. What are you doing here?’

‘I stay around here. What are you doing here?’ He returned Ria’s question without missing a beat.

‘I’m here to pick Olive.’ Only then was I remembered in the conversation.

‘Ethan, she is my best friend I mentioned. I’m going to live with her till I get a place.’

‘Well, good luck with that.’ And with one last glance at Ria, he stepped into his car and drove off. I immediately stared at Ria for answers, but she just ignored me and went to get my stuff.

The drive to Ria’s house was filled with a silence so thick, you could cut it with a knife. She stopped at a café for us to get dinner before going home.

‘I am going to kill you and bury you so far down the earth that even dogs won’t be able to sniff out your corpse. How would you leave out something that important from me?’ I asked, fuming, while she just sipped her coffee quietly.

‘What do you mean?’ She asked innocently and shrugged.

‘Oh, nothing at all. I mean, it is perfectly normal for you and your boss to be on a first names basis.’ I answered with sarcasm dripping from my words.

‘Vee, the past few weeks have been very rough on you. I didn’t want to add to your list of thoughts.’

‘Hmm, good enough.’ Her excuse did make sense. ‘But now, tell me everything.’

‘Well, we’ve had some not-so-pleasant interactions in the past that he is trying to make up for to prove he is a good person.’ Ria explained while rolling her eyes.

‘But is he that bad a person? I saw the way he looked at you, he wants you and he’s hurting’

‘It's not that simple Vee. I can’t fit into his world. I never have and never will.’

‘I understand. Some things are just not meant to be.’ I responded half-heartedly, my mind drifting back to my family slowly.

‘Okay, homeless best friend…... ‘haha very funny.’ I cut her short before she could continue her insults.

‘We have to get you home, get you all settled, give you a warm relaxing bath, and prep you for your interview tomorrow.’ Ria listed her plans happily.

‘Fine, you’re right.

I have had a long day, and I desired nothing more than a good bath and sleep. The interview for the company Ethan told me about is tomorrow. Short notice, it’s currently my only choice. I hope it turns out positive if not, I’m screwed.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday morning, I had a loud and annoying alarm wake me up.

‘Wake you lazy fox. Wake uppppp.’ My head was hit continuously with a pillow.

‘Riaaaa, leave me. A girl needs her rest.’ I pleaded with my eyes still closed.

‘But a girl doesn’t need a new job today, right?’ That was all it took to get rid of every trace of sleep in my eyes.

I jumped off the bed and sprinted to the bathroom, while Ria just laughed on the bed.

‘Thanks Ria. You’re a lifesaver.’ She chuckled softly in response.

After my shower, I got dressed, had a light breakfast, and sprinted out of the apartment.

‘Have a nice day, and don’t forget to keep your opinions to yourself. It’s your first day.’ I heard Ria’s voice behind me and I giggled. My bestie certainly knows what I’m capable of.

The clouds were still dark with some rays of light as the sun was quietly creeping into view. I was only using a map, but I was able to find my way and make it in time.

GREYS was boldly located at the top of the building. It was a renowned firm with branches all over.

‘Good morning.’ I greeted the receptionist with uncertainty.

‘I’m here for the interview scheduled for 9:00 am.’ She looked very friendly with her bouncy blond curls and perfect plum lips.

‘You must be Olive Rivera. I’m Meeka, short for Tomika.’ She supplied kindly.

‘Nice to meet you, Meeka.’ I smiled at her, feeling at ease.

‘Likewise. You are no longer scheduled for an interview.’ I started to panic immediately.

‘Why? What’s wrong? Did I get the time wrong? Was it something I wrote in my application?’ I fired her with questions that clouded my mind.

‘Relax Olive. The C.E.O. requested a personal review of all the applicants, and after going through, he picked you, saying the others weren’t suitable.

Wow. That’s all I could think.

‘That’s amazing. What do I do now?’ I wondered.

‘Boss is in already. You would meet up with him for a personal interview/briefing.’ She bent to pick something from under her desk.

‘This is your work ID/pass. You need it to get into every room in the building, except the boss’s office. He has to grant personal access.’

‘Take one of the elevators to the 14th floor. You will see someone there to instruct you further. Good luck on your first day. She handed me my pass and smiled once again.

‘I’ll be on my way up now. See you later’

I waved her goodbye and was on my way to the top floor. Nervous was an understatement compared to how I felt. My palms became sweaty as I watched the numbers on the elevator button increase.

Ding. The elevator sound reminded me of my fear. I stepped out to come face to face with a large white desk with an older woman sitting behind it.

‘Hello dear. Meeka told me you were on your way up.’ She looked down at her watch before she continued.

‘Smart move to be early. Boss is expecting you. Just knock twice.’ She tilted her head to the side and I followed it to see a large marble door.

‘Thank you, ma’am.’ I smiled warmly at her and walked towards the door.

I did as the lady said and waited patiently.

‘Come in’

A deep baritone voice responded to my knock and the door opened slightly. I sucked in a deep breath and pushed through the doors.

The office was massive. It looked like it occupied the whole floor. With very minimal color and few pieces of furniture, it looked very modern.

The occupant of the office had his back turned to me as he spoke to someone angrily over the phone. I cleared my throat politely to get his attention.

He ended his

call and turned to me, and before I could stop the words, they slipped out of my mouth.

‘Holy s**t, You?’