The Billionaire’s Hired Wife

02| Stranger Danger

Kayla

Living apart from my parents is one of the realistic situation I got into. It was barely twenty four hours since I left Hudson town and my father. Yet, it feels like we've been apart for months. I literally missed home already. I glanced at the almost busy street back to my wristwatch. We arranged with Mr Julius, that he'd come pick me up at the station. And it's been ten minutes already. No traces of any man walking towards me. I have zero tolerance when it comes to waiting.

I let out a small hiss and the young girl beside me turned to me. I ignored her and continued on glancing through the streets. "Miss, are you okay?" Came the young girl's voice.

"Yeah. Do you need anything?" I answered with a question. People with their pokiness. I don't even think I have time to meddle in other people's business.

I fished out my phone to call my Dad maybe he didn't notify the man that I've arrived. My head was casted down when I felt a presence in front of me. "You must be Kayla" The manly voice ushered. Which got my brows creased. Could it he Mr. Julius?He looks oddly familiar though.

I rose up to a standing position. "Yes I am. And you are...." I trailed off

"It's Julius. Sorry for keeping you waiting. I got caught up with some work" Only if he knew how I almost lost my remaining patience.

"Yeah" I said truthfully. His eyes darted back and forth. "Okay shall we"

I don't know how long we were on the road. I only focus my eyes on the window watching the city as we embark on our way towards our destination. Mr Julius is the one driving. I bet he owns his own car. We only made small conversation. Him asking me about my studies, the university I graduated from and whatnot.

When the car finally came to a halt, I heaved out a sigh of relief. At last we have arrived. Mr Julius helped me with my luggage which is quite a lot. I didn't bring too many things but some valuables I just cannot leave them behind.

I glanced at the medium building. The area is quite calm. Just the way I want. I dragged the bag towards the entrance where a security guard was seated. His face immediately broke into a smile. "Good day Sir Julius"

"Good day to you too Charles. I hope you're enjoying your work" Mr Julius asked passing the young man a smile.

"Yes Sir. It's all thanks to you" He ushered bowing his head a little. It can't be the man own the building.

He beat me to my question when he spoke up. "I know you must be wondering what these two are talking about. I'm actually an Estate manager. You might not remember me but I used to visit your Dad. At that time you were just a small girl" He proudly explained. This shows why he looks familiar to me.

"Oh.. Okay" I awkwardly answered not finding the suitable word to use.

We stopped in front of a black door and he fished out a set of keys. "Here. Everything is already arranged. You only need to settle your other things. Do let me know when you need anything" He handed me his card. Sparkles Estates Agent written on it.

"Okay. Thank you Mr Julius" He nodded his head in answer.

"I will leave you to rest. I will stop by tomorrow and we'll discuss about a job. Do you need help with getting the bags inside?" He offered bending to grab the bag. I quickly halted him.

"It's okay. You've done enough help. Thank you"

His lips curved into a small. "Alright then. I will now take my leave"

"Thank you" I watched him alight away. I let out another sigh. Scribbling the key through the door, it immediately clicked open. My mouth was left open as I stared at the surrounding in front of me. I didn't expect to see a bigger room. Heck, I didn't even expect to see everything arranged. Indeed Dad did spend a lot. The large screen LCD is enough evidence.

I instantly dialed his number. It didn't ring up to two times when he picked up. "Dad, you don't have to pamper me too much like this" I began immediately not giving him the chance to speak up.

"Everything looks expensive. You should've saved the money for your coffee shop renovation" His chuckle revamped through the phone.

"I know. But you need a comfortable house of yourself. Didn't you say you're going to live with your friend. It should occupy you two" He ended with a small smile.

"Yes but still-"

"I don't want to hear anything. Rest up. We'll talk later"

"Dad-" The line immediately went dead before I could say what I wanted to say. I scanned the surrounding. I'm surely my Dad's princess.

Around 7:45pm, I heard the banging of the door followed by Claire's voice. That girl knows how to give me headache. She could not wait for the next day. I lazily made my way to the door. I was attacked by her glares. "Why the hard face? You look ugly"

She walked passed me brushing my shoulder. She choose not to answer me. Great. "You did well" She exclaimed throwing her bag on couch. I took the other seat. "About what?" I played ignorance.

"You know it better than anyone. You were supposed to call me since afternoon but decided to ditch me and choose to call me this night. You did absolutely well" She remarked passing me a death glare.

"No offence I was busy unfolding my things. What matters is you're here now right?" I flunged my hands in the air.

Her eyes squinted on me. Before I could have a control of what was happening, she dropped her weight onto my body. "I missed you girl!"

"Get off me! I can't breathe properly" I exclaimed detaching her body from mine and also catching my breath.

"God. Do you want to kill me?"

She rolled her eyes in return. "Aren't you happy that we're seeing each other after a long time? I see you don't care about me anymore" She fake hurt. I burst into a fit of laughter.

"Take a look at your face. You look like an old woman" I said amidst laughter.

"Whatever. I still look beautiful in Tyler's eyes" Talking of Tyler, I have completely forgotten about him. Claire and Tyler have been together for more than five years. I remember the day Tyler approach Claire. She was on top of the moon. As she secretly has a crush on him. Tyler was our senior in University. He's not the popular type but has the aura of being attractive to people. And Claire got to be the lucky girl.

"How's Tyler doing?" I asked wanting to start a different conversation.

"Like you care to know" She mumbled enough for me to hear. "Ofcourse I care to know. After all he's your fiancee"

"He hasn't proposed"

"But he's going to. And that will be soon. I'm tired of seeing you guys single. You guys are head over heels for each other. I don't see why you're wasting time" Claire didn't say anything only spare me a glance and turn her face elsewhere.

My brows creased in question. It's unlike her to behave that way. I know that whenever I mention Tyler, her face becomes red with blushing. I shifted to the couch beside her. "Is there something wrong? Between you and Tyler?" I asked placing my hand on her shoulder.

"Nothing is going on. We're okay" She offered out a smile which didn't reach her eyes. This shows something is definitely wrong.

"You know that you're a terrible liar right? I could see right through your expression that something is definitely wrong. So before I lose my s**t and go meet Tyler right this night, better start talking"

"I told you it's-"

"Spill!" I exclaimed more like commanded. She heaved out a sigh.

"So lately, Tyler and I were having some argument"

"Okay...?" I trailed off knowing that wouldn't be the end of the story.

"The main problem is from me. I know Tyler loves me and is patient with me knowing how stubborn I am. But, I don't think I'm ready for marriage now" For a moment, I stared at the woman in front of me as if she has grown two heads.

"Then when will you be ready? Till after ten years? Or when Tyler couldn't take your s**t anymore" I know I'm supposed to support my friend. However, her reason doesn't look reasonable to be. I can see the love Tyler has for her. It's a kind of love any woman would love to have from her partner.

"Look Claire" I adjust my sitting position turning her body towards me. "I don't know where you got the stupid thinking in your head. Tyler loves you wholeheartedly. He'd been in love with you since day one. And I know he's only holding himself back. You both love each other, he has a job, a decent source of income. Then what more do you want"

"I know all of that. I just don't feel like I'm strong enough to take responsibility" I didn't know when a hiss left my lips.

"Then you don't love him enough. If you're going to sit here and tell me you're not ready to take responsibility then you don't deserve to be with him" My voice was slightly raised. I was beginning to be pissed. I don't even understand her.

"You won't understand because you've never been in love to know how it feels when you're in a tight situation"

"What?"

"If you've been in my situation then you won't say all those things you've said. This is between me and Tyler. You were not there with us. And you are not the one-"

"Wait... Wait.... Wait. Are you trying to insult me right now? Because of a man? Because I told you the truth? Seriously Claire" I raked my fingers through my hair. Pissed is the word to describe what I was feeling at that moment.

"I don't mean that. You got me wrong. I just-" I raised my hands halting her.

"No I understand. I totally understand you. You don't have to explain to me. Now I should start learning how to stay out of things that doesn't concern me" I don't know if it was her words or my own actions. Yet, I wouldn't lie about the fact that I was hurt

"Look Kayla, I'm sorry. I kn-"

"Excuse me. I need to get some fresh air. Because I don't understand what just happened. I'm hurt" I didn't wait for her reply when I walked out of the house.

I didn't stop walking until I found myself outside the building. "Urgh... Why did I leave the house. I didn't do anything wrong" I declared openly. Truth be told, I don't understand Claire. And she's right, maybe because I've never been in love, I won't picture myself in her shoes. But, that doesn't mean she should out cast me like that.

Shrugging my shoulder, I decided to take a walk around the area. I thought there wouldn't be a single soul around. I bet I'm wrong. Even though the area is still quite bright. I trekked for a little while coming across a candy shop. A smile made it way out of my mouth. I patted my jeans. Thankfully, I still have some extra money with me.

I was in awed when I came across different varieties of candies. There are literally too many to choose from. After much comtemplation, I choose three different flavors. We might be on an argument mode with Claire but I know it won't last long. I took out the chocolate flavor. I entered the next shop when a medium sized fan caught my eye. And the next thing I found myself paying for it. I will use it in my next video. With that thought, a smile made it way out of my lip. I hummed a slow song as I embark on my way back to the house. I was a focused on my own thinking when a white light flashed through my face. And the only thing that could shield me is the fan.