The Billionaire’s Hired Wife

01| Beginning of a new life

Kayla

"Hello guys. It's been a lot while. As you know, I've been busy with my life. I barely have time for myself. So, I wanted to get some fresh air, to get my mind off things, I decided to check up on you guys. I'm bringing you a new tricks and hack for applying foundation. First of all...." 

I turned off the camera letting out an exhausted breath. The past two months hasn't been easy for me. Losing my mother is one of the greatest lost in my life. I was literally not myself, waking up to the sudden death of her isn't something I imagined or see coming. However, one thing I held on to is her words of encouragement 

Finding yourself in a difficult predicament doesn't mean that's the end of the world.  

Her words is what buckle me up. At first, I thought I will never be the same before but that is not the end of the world. I have a life ahead of me. I glanced at the camera screen which is blank. I have people that supports me and cheer me on. That should be enough motivation. "Kayla...Sorry" The door to my bedroom was pushed open, came in my father. 

"It's okay Dad. I'm not on air" He slowly peeled off his palms from his mouth and made his way towards me. One look at his face and you'll know he hasn't gotten enough sleep. I know he's only holding it in and putting on a cheerful face. I know he's pretending for me. Squatting on the bed beside me, he reached for my hands that were secured on my laps. "Kayla" He called in a soft voice. 

"I know you're still grieving for your mother's demise. Its been two months already. Don't you think it's time to get a life for yourself"

"Dad, I-" 

"If you're even thinking about me then it's okay. As you can see I'm fine. Your mother's demise wasn't easy for me to accept but like I said I'm fine now. I can't sit by and watch you waste your life like this" If I should be honest, then all what he said is true. It wouldn't be fair to him seeing his daughter all idle without a job or anything to do. 

“You need a better job than this” He pointed towards my camera stand. My eyes lingers on the camera for a while. All what he said is true. And if I want to get a better life for myself, then now is the time. I realised out a breath I didn't know I was holding. 

Turning my attention back to him, I tightly held on to his hands. “I know it's not easy for you to say this. I know how hard it has been without Mom. Everything you said is true. If I want a better life, the first thing to do is look for a job” His face glistered with smile. 

“That shouldn't be a problem” He ushered. For a little while, my eyes went wide. I don't think my father knows what it means to look for a job. I can't begin to think of where to start. It's not that my grades are bad. I'm proud of my parent for sending me to a good university.

“Dad, it's job we are talking about” I answered blinking my eyes on the accord. His smile widened again. 

“I have everything in control. I spoke to one of my friend staying in New York and he said he can help you” I didn't know when I broke into a smile not believing what I heard. “Are you serious Dad?”

“Ofcourse dear. I can't joke with my daughter’s future. Besides, my hard work should pay. Because I have an intelligent daughter” He joked pinching the bridge of my nose. My emotions took the better of me and I found myself throwing my arms around his neck. “Thank you for being a good Father.” And the next thing I began sobbing. 

“What happened again? I thought we've discussed about this crying matter” He pulled me out of the hug wiping off my face. “I just can't-” 

“I know you're a strong girl. Where is my hot headed daughter?” I hugged him again sniffing in the tears that threatened to make themselves out again. My Dad is the best father in the world.

Mornings are always a good time to start your day. The small city of Hudson is the town I grew up in. Mornings are one of my best. “Good morning Dad” I kissed my father's cheeks then sat across him. I was still in my nighties which consist of baggy shirt and sweatpants. You can call me a morning person but at times, I'm a lazy ass person. 

“Morning my dear. How was your night? I hope you slept well? His question sends my minds to last night event. I sure was out of my shell yesterday. 

My lips curved up into a smile. “It was great. Thanks to you” I took a sip of the freshly hot coffee. My Dad is the best when it comes to making coffee. I wonder how he make a mouth gripping coffee. I think his hands are magic. 

“Sweet as always” I ushered licking my bottom lip. I saw a hint of smirk on his lips. His likes it when he gets compliments for his handwork. 

“I know right. That's why my coffee shop is the best in the whole Hudson”  He proudly ushered. 

“Yeah. I'm proud of my father” Silence prevailed as we both munch on our breakfast. 

“So dear, have you thought about it?”

“I mean the job” 

I have more than thought about it. I literally slept with the thought of me going to New York. “Yes Dad. I did. I'm more than ready to hunt for the job” I chuckled at my own weird statement. I could see the happiness on my father's face. I'm going to get a job and take good care of him. He's the only family I have left. 

“So when do you plan to leave. Tomorrow?” 

My eyes went wide. “Isn’t tomorrow too soon? And we have to tell him first that I'm ready”

He squeezed my hands lightly. “Trust your father. He has his way. I have explained everything to Julius. The earlier the better”

“Really?”

“Yes. So you should start getting ready. We'll discuss in details when I come back from the shop” He rose up to a standing position. Putting on his hat. 

“See you later sweetheart” He announced. 

“Bye Dad” As soon as he was out of the house, I let out a shout reaching for my phone. I know Claire would be on top of the moon when she hears about me moving to New York. 

“I can't believe you're still sleeping” I disbelievinly ushered seeing her splattered on the bed. 

“You should believe. Because I'm still sleeping and I still want to continue sleeping” She could barely keep her face intact. Her hair were all over her face. 

A hiss made it way out of my lips. “This is not what I'm here for. Get your ass off that bed we need to talk”

“Talk about what?” She asked still in her sleepy state. 

“Talk about me moving to New York” For a moment she went silent. I almost thought she fell asleep. Until I heard her shout which almost turned my ears deaf. 

“What did I just hear you say now? You're moving to New York? How? Why? When?” She bombard all at once putting her hair in place. “Give me a minute. Let me just wash my face” And she disappeared out of the camera. I was left staring at the ceiling of her room. One minutes will turn to forever. Knowing who Claire is, I hung up the call and made my way to my room. I should start packing. 

After for about ten minutes when I'm quarter way into taking out my clothes, the phone blared through the room. 

“Old habits never die” Was the first statement that came out of my mouth immediately I picked up the call. She rolled her eyes in return. She knew I was telling the truth. 

“So shoot! Tell me everything from beginning to end” She demanded folding her arms across the chest. She was dressed into a fitted gown. Claire with her model like body. 

“So.....” I began lamenting to her everything that transpires. 

“Finally Kayla. Can't wait for tomorrow. But you're staying with me right?” I almost roll my eyes. 

“Why would I stay with you. I have plans already. I'm renting my own apartment. I will-” She was quick in cutting me off. 

“Whatever. We're staying together. Damn! New York is going to get a hot headed guest” 

“You can't be joking with me right now”

“Ofcourse I'm not. I wish you were here earlier to give my boss a piece of your mind” 

“It’s still not late. I will give him a good one when I come” And we both broke into a fit of laughter. I don't know for how long we were on phone. Claire helped me with packing. Choosing things for me to take and not. 

I spent the entire day packing the necessary things. I didn't notice when my Dad came back from the shop. He literally startled me when I met him at the living room. “You’re back Dad?” I said more like questioned.

“Yes. I see that you were busy with packing. You must be excited” I squatted beside him resting my head on his shoulder. “Yes Dad. I'm excited. You know I haven't been out of this city for a long time. So I'm excited”

“That’s my girl. Julius will make the necessary arrangements regarding the place you'll be staying. I don't want my daughter to be inconvenience to anyone. I will wire some money to your account”  He explained. I lifted my head turning my body facing him.

“Dad. I don't know how to repay you. I've grown up but you're still spending on me” 

He offered out a smile. “If I don't spend for you then who will I spend on. You're my precious daughter. I want the best life for you” His words send a ting of emotion down my heart. 

“I’m going to miss you Dad. A lot” I confessed reaching to hug him. 

“Me too dear. I will miss you too. Promise me you won't look for anyone's trouble. I know how you can be” 

“I promise. I will make my father proud” We stayed in that position for a good two minutes before pulling back when my stomach made a noisy sound. 

A broke into a laughter. “I think my stomach might need some food. Let me go feed it” I didn't wait for what he had to say when I sauntered to the kitchen. Smacking my stomach lightly. 

I made sure I ate enough that will last me up to the next day. I will miss the taste of my Dad's food. No matter how much I tried, my skills won't be the same with his. His cooking is on another level. At times, I used to think it was because he works as a chef before and at times, it looks to me that his hand are gifted. 

I scanned the refrigerator for any dessert to eat for the night. You can call me glutton. However, it has become a habit of mine. Whenever I finished my dinner, I topped it up with desserts. I grabbed one ice cream candy. My Dad doesn't get enough of pampering me. 

“What are you busy doing in the kitchen” His voice revamped to my eardrums. 

“Nothing much. I'm just looking around and saying goodbye to my candies” 

“It’s not like you're saying goodbye to them forever. You can get them in New York. In different varieties”

“Yeah”

“Okay. I'm heading to my room it's getting late. Don't stay up too late” I formed my lips in a thin line. He's right. I need to save my energy for tomorrow. The beginning of my new life.