Beneath the billionaire's pride

4:00 am

I was jolted out of a deep sleep, and was thrust back into reality by a loud blare. I sprang out of bed almost immediately as the loud blare hit my ear, my gosh is just my alarm ringing. I almost had a heart attack. To get ready for today's activities, I had to wake up early for my first day at work.

Finally, after two years of being unemployed I'd landed a job. I owe it to my mum, for supporting me through school and beyond. I am forever grateful to her. I must applaud her for being understanding and tolerant towards me. I know some parents who leave their children to cater for themselves once they turn 18. My mum is totally different from such parents, not even once have she ever complained or made me feel miserable for being unemployed at the age of 24. To her I am, and still remain her little and adorable baby leah. I am my mother's only child,although I have half siblings from my dad's side.

My dad left me and my mum to start a new family when I was only six. He got married to my mum's friend, it must be really hard for my mum seeing the man whom she once loved and the person whom she called a friend ending up together as a couple, can't even imagine the pain this betrayal must have brought to her. It will definitely hurt her so much just like a sword running deeply through the spine I must say. My dad has three more children apart from me. I guess they are living happily, he hardly asks about me, and I don't care because I have my mum who is there as a father and mother to me.

Although I have gotten a job, I am not really happy about it. It was never the work I ever intended to do, but life has its own turn. I can't sit and watch my mum work her ass out to provide for me while I sit idle doing nothing.

Should I say I got a new job? or I am replacing mom in her place of work. Anyway it may be, I will be working and getting paid. This is my turn to cater for my mum. My mum has been ill for some time, so she could not work again. She told her master that I will be replacing her because she would not be able to come to work for sometime now. She worked as a chef In the Richard's family house. Mr Richard is known as one the wealthiest business tycoon in los Angeles, his wife died three years ago, he has four children, three boys and a girl who have all gotten married apart from one of his sons, I don't know if he is the oldest or youngest. I heard a rumor of him being wayward, he is totally different from the rest of the family, people describe him as the prodigal son, he is the only one still living under his father's roof. As I said, all these are rumors which I cannot be part of people spreading . I don't know if it is really true or false, and if it comes out to be true, how is that my business.

My eyes caught the clock hanging on the wall, o my gosh how is it already 7:15 ? What have I been doing all this while? Time they say really runs fast and waits for no one. I put on my plain blue trouser and a white shirt, for the foot wear , I put on my white sandals which was gifted to me by my friend Hannah on my 23rd birthday, I love it so much, it goes well with every outfit i have worn, of course Hannah will always know what will always be perfect for me and this sandals is a testament. Her fashion sense is top notched.

I and Hannah grew up together, we were neighbors who practically turned into sisters. Hannah and her family relocated when her father got a well paying job which elevated their lifestyle. This did not change anything between us, instead the bond we shared together increased. Hannah insisted on going to the same highschool and college with me even though she has the opportunity to study in a better place. She has sacrificed alot for me, she has always been there for me, she is probably my better half,I can never trade her with anything.

With my hair being brushed and tied in a silky bun I think I am all set to go, I love how my final look appeared to be, just casual look, I know I don't have to dress like I will be working in an office,unless kitchen is also described as an office lol. By the time I am ready to go, my mum has woken up. Hey baby, are you set to go already? Good morning mom I said as I pecked her cheeks, how are you feeling today? I am good, she replied, you haven't answered my question.Yes I am ready to go, I have to be there early to give them a good impression of me. I have to go now I am running late, I have made breakfast,make sure you take your medication. Don't worry about me leah, be at your best behavior, you are going to enjoy your work there. I hope so, I said while heading towards the door. Have a nice day Leah and don't forget to call me when you reach. I heard my mum say from inside. I will, I said with my loudest voice so she can hear me.

Hitting the road, I did not expect less,it is Monday morning so I am not surprised to see a very busy road. I boarded a taxi, the highway I'd say was chock a block, I was literally stuck in the traffic for 2hrs, oh my good lord this can't be happening to me on my first day of work, what will they think of me? A young girl who is too big to get to work early, I hope my lateness on the first day of work will not give out a bad impression of me. I think I am really beating myself up over nothing. I mean it is not my fault that I was stuck in traffic .

Finally I reached my destination, I quickly called Mom to inform her that I reached Richard's mansion without missing my way. Taking a deep breath, I rang the bell. After some minutes a man with full ginger hair and beard, very tall and a bit chubby appeared. How can I help you? He asked. I must say his appearance and voice is a bit intimidating, will probably be the security man.

I was assigned to work here as a chef, my mom is Mrs Grace and I will be working in place of her. Alright just wait a little bit here, let me go and inform the housekeeper, I will be here in a jiffy, you can have a seat here, he pointed to a wooden chair in front of the security building. Thank you sir I said. I found my jaw drop as I stepped into the compound. I must confess I have never seen this type of building, it is absolutely a work of art. The compound is so large, from where I was seated I can see the garage with different types of cars, it must really cost a fortune to acquire these types of cars. The compound is surrounded with different types of beautiful flowers. I cannot imagine how beautiful the inside Will look when the outside is like this. Still admiring the beautiful scenery, you must be leah, looking up to see who is talking to me. The man I met earlier has returned with a middle aged woman. Yes I'm leah, extending her hands for me for a hand shake she said I am Margaretta and you are welcome. Thank you ma. Margaretta I will be preferred to be called, she said. That will be difficult. you can try you know, ok Margaretta. That's good and now follow me let me show you around. Ok ma , sorry I mean Margaretta after you.

Stepping into the mansion I was in total awe, it just felt like I stepped into a design magazine, the ultra modern Mansion exudes nothing but luxury and sophistication, the door is one of a kind, never have I ever seen such. A show stopping chandelier appears to float above the bespoke sofa. The decor of the living room is one of a kind, so luxurious and unique. The voice of Margaretta brought me back to reality, noticing I have been standing there for a long time in my own imaginary world, I know I have wasted Margaretta time. I quickly apologized to her. I am very sorry Margaretta, I was just lost in thought. I am not complaining and you did not waste my time, let's move to the kitchen.

As expected the kitchen was looking very fabulous and everything was screaming luxury. Walking past the living room again, my eyes caught a very large portrait, it is a family picture, everybody in the pics is looking fly. The guy in the middle looks exactly like Mrs Richard, his facial features are very sharp. The rest of the family took the look of both the father and mother,they all looked very good. Margaretta took me round the house. We walked around the house, and at this point I'm exhausted from walking. I have never seen a house as big as this, this is definitely a discovery, and I cannot wait to start working here to know what this beautiful place upholds for me. I just hope it is as peaceful as the vibe the building is giving off.

You will be starting work tomorrow. You can go and rest and get ready for tomorrow, I will handle the rest of things here, I will introduce you to other workers here tomorrow. Thank you ma, I will be taking my leave now. Alright goodbye, have a nice day, and please don't be late tomorrow. You should be here at least by 8:00 in the morning tomorrow. I will try my best to be early. You can get going, My regard to your mom.

As I left the mansion I quickly picked my phone to call my friend Hannah , I know she's going to nag nonstop for not telling her my plans about replacing my mom in her place of work, I know she will not be happy about how things turned out to be, she always wanted me to work at her dad's company, but i rejected it, not that i don't like the work, but because i think i have been dependent on her for a long time and I think is time for a change. Hey Hannah , how are you doing? Are you at work? Yes I am at work, in my lunch hour now. Ok I will be hitting your office, I have something to tell you. Hope there's no problem, I will be waiting for you, what should I order for you? No problem, just have news to announce and don't really need anything. Maybe tea can do. Alright I will be waiting for you, she said as we bid our goodbye and hung the call.

Reaching Hannah's office, I have to wait for her in the waiting room because she had a meeting with some clients. After some time, the receptionist ushered me to her office to go see her.

Hey leah she said standing up to give me a hug, with excitement written all over her face. It's been a long time since I last saw this beautiful face of yours, she jokingly said.

Don't even start Hannah , you that have been engrossed with work that you even barely have time for yourself. Yeah we have not been spending enough time together, what do you think about me quitting? You can't be serious right now are you? You know I am not always serious she said, laughing so loudly. Is so stupid of me to think that you might be serious, gosh I said placing my palm on my forehead, seems like I have forgotten how Hannah is, she jokes with literally everything. I am sorry, it's not my fault that you always take me serious she said, placing her palm on her mouth while still laughing. Are you being serious now, can just stop this your laugh, jeez you are annoying Hannah . At this point Hannah is frustrating me, she kept on laughing, I don't know what's making her laugh so much, just as if her laugh is contagious, I joined in her laughing.

Ok back to business she said holding her laugh, what made this angel run looking for me? Looking at her with one sided eye, I hissed, now you want to talk after how many hours of laughing. hours? Leah you never seems to stop amazing, the way you exaggerate things gets me. Alright I am sorry she said raising her hands up. please don't shoot me with those eyes of yours.

Hannah , I paused for sometime, yes she said raising one of her eyebrows. I have gotten a job. She jumped up in excitement and put me in a tight hug. Congratulations darling she said beaming with joy, I am so happy for you, we need to go shopping as soon as possible, don't tell me you planned to wear those old clothes of yours to work, don't be ridiculous leah. I just sat there quietly waiting for her to have her moment before breaking the main news to her. Don't just sit there and watch me like a log of wood, let's go shopping now!

You did not ask about the type of work I got Hannah . Oh my bad, forgive my manners, which type of work and where is the Company situated? I bursted into laughter, confused Hannah standing, Wondering what could have made me laugh all of a sudden. Is everything okay? Why are you laughing all of a sudden? Hannah , I love how you always dream so big for me. What do you mean by that, she said looking confused, wondering where I am driving to ? Anyways Hannah let me hit the nail on the head, I got a job at Mr Richard's mansion as their personal chef. What do you mean by that? Isn't it where your mom works so what are you saying? You know my mom's health is deteriorating day by day, so she had to quit her job, so I decided to replace her. leah you can't be serious right now, tell me you are not. This girl is killing me. She said looking so frustrated, how can you reject the offer made by dad to give you a lucrative job, only for you to go and take a job as a chef. Do you have the idea how most of these people treat their workers like trash? Girl be for real. I am sorry if my work upsets you, I have no other choice, I mean I can't continue to sit and watch your family do literally everything for me. But we are not complaining leah, you are also part of my family leah, talking about this changes my mood. When will you start? My work will start by tomorrow. Alright just keep me updated on how they treat you there, because I won't take it likely if they ever treat you unfairly. Thank you so much Hannah , I don't know what to do without you I said as we engulfed in a deep hug. I would like to take my leave now, Hannah. Already, you haven't even stayed for an hour and you are leaving already? My business here is over, I have relayed my message in peace, it is time to go home and rest. Okay if you insist, after relaying your bad news you want to leave me all alone. Be for real Hannah, bad news? (scoffs) What? That's my truth, do you have a problem with it? Yes Hannah, I have a whole lot of problems with it. I am leaving Hannah, see you next time, I think we should have a proper meal when we next meet. I agree with you. I should drop you off, Hannah said while deepening her hands in her handbag to get her car keys. That will be unnecessary Hannah, it is not yet closing time, I suggest you stay back and continue with your work, don't worry I can find my way. Leah, you worry a lot. I want to drop you off, moreover i am done with work for today i have little or nothing to do for the rest of today let me drop you off. Okay if you insist Hannah, lead the way.

We hit the road with me being the driver, I insisted on being the one to drive us home, we chatted throughout the drive, the drive was quite smooth and quick with no unnecessary traffic. Pulling up to the parking space, I announced we are here. Already Hannah said looking around to be sure we have really reached my destination. Did you fly Leah? How are we already at your place? (Laughs) You know me Hannah, a badass driver I literally flew. Oh please hold it Leah she said smiling. I should be on my way Leah. Why? Aren't you coming in at least to say hi to mum? Maybe next time, you know your mum won't allow me to leave on time if I enter there, she must insist I have dinner with you guys and I am not cut up for it, I have a lot of things to take care of at home, my house is at a mess, I have to go home and do justice to it. Alright Hannah see you next time I said as we hugged, and thanks for the ride home. Is nothing you actually drove yourself here, Hannah said while starting the car. Bye love she said waving to me as she drove off .