The Billionaire's Nightmare

Emma's Pov

The doorbell jingled softly, and in walked seven people; five men and two women. I stood behind the counter, watching them stroll in. My eyes were immediately drawn to the man dressed a little more casually than the others. There was something about the way he moved, calm, self assured. It wasn't just his outfit; it was the way the rest of them seemed to follow his rhythm, as though he were the center of their universe.

"Who could this be?" I murmured under my breath, my gaze fixed on him. Mr O's Café was frequented by lots of wealthy patrons, but this man? He felt different, like a puzzle I couldn't quite solve.

"Emm... what y'all wanna eat?" His voice, low and smooth, carried over the soft hum of the café. He glanced at his crew, his tone casual yet commanding.

I snapped out of my thoughts and immediately signaled to one of the waiters nearby. The waiter rushed to their table, looking almost nervous as he handed out menus. I stayed at my post, pretending to busy myself while stealing glances at the group but most especially at him.

They finished their meals in about fifteen minutes, their laughter and chatter filling the air. And then, it was time for them to clear the bills, this is where I had to step in

"Phew," I exhaled, trying to still myself. I ran a hand through my hair and adjusted my outfit soothingly. This was the part of my job I had a love hate relationship with, approaching customers to handle their bills. On one hand, it could be awkward; on the other, the tips were sometimes worth the nerves.

I mustered some courage and approached their table despite their overwhelming presence.

"Hello, greetings..." My voice was steady and accompanied with a smile, though my stomach churned with nerves.

"Hey, pretty," the casually dressed man said, his tone playful. His lips curled into a smirk, revealing two diamond studded teeth that glimmered under the café lights. "Don't stand so far darling... come closer." his casuallness was a bit overwhelming but I stayed cool.

I smiled, forcing myself to maintain composure, and stepped closer. "Cash or card, sir? Which would you prefer to pay with?"

"Oh, I've got both shawty" he said with a chuckle. "Which do you want?"

His crew burst into laughter, clearly entertained by his teasing. I, however, remained professional.

"Whichever you prefer, sir. It's fine by us."

"Cash, then." He turned to one of the men beside him, who immediately pulled out a Birkin bag and unzipped it, revealing neat bundles of cash. The man pulled out a stack and handed it to him.

"I'll pay for the meal..." He extended the cash toward me, his smirk growing wider. "And I'll give you something extra, because you look beautiful and I like beauty"

My breath caught as I took the money. My hands trembled slightly as I realized how much he'd just handed me. The tip alone looked like it could cover six months of my salary.

"That should take care of the meal," he said casually, standing to leave. "And whatever's left, keep it."

I stood frozen, still processing what had just happened.

"Oh, and..." He paused, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a sleek card. "Here's my number. Call me tonight." He dropped the card onto the cash and flashed one last smirk and a wink before turning to leave.

I watched, dumbfounded, as he and his group walked out the door. The café's bell jingled faintly as it closed behind them.

"What just happened..." I whispered, staring blankly at the door.

"Damn..." I muttered under my breath, biting my lip. His scent still lingered in the air, an enticing cologne that sent an odd shiver through me. I glanced out the window as they approached their cars. A black Maybach SUV stood out among the lineup.

"Call me tonight." His words echoed in my mind as I slowly made my way back to the counter, still picturing the whole scenario over again.

*****

The sound of my alarm snapped me out of my thoughts. I glanced at my phone's screen. 6:00 PM. My shift was over.

"It's time," I muttered to myself, grabbing my things. I needed to get home to my mom and pick up her medication on the way.

"See you tomorrow, guys!" I called out to my coworkers as I exited the café. On my way home, I stopped at the pharmacy and picked up the prescriptions.

*****

"Mom? Mom!" I called out as I walked into the house.

"Emma, I'm here," she answered weakly, emerging from her bedroom with slow, careful steps.

"Hmmm..."I sighed softly, my heart sinking at the sight of her frail figure. Ever since she got sick, life had been an uphill battle, financially, mentally, emotionally. But she was my everything. How could I not give her all I had?

"How are you, Mom?" I asked, forcing a smile as I walked over to her. "I brought your medication."

"Emma..." Her voice, though soft, still carried that maternal warmth that always comforted me. "It's not the end of the month yet. How did you afford the medicine?"

"Don't worry, Mom. A generous customer gave me a big tip today. That's all."

She looked at me, her concern melting into a gentle smile. "That was so kind of him, and even kinder of you to think of me first." She pulled me into a hug, and for a moment, the weight on my shoulders felt lighter. I closed my eyes as I leaned deeper into this embrace.

---

The rest of the evening passed uneventfully, until my gaze fell on the card sitting on the table. Andrea Lucas. His name was printed in elegant gold lettering on the back card. I picked it up, my heart beating faster with every second.

"Should I..." I whispered, my thumb hovering over my phone's screen. Before I could overthink, I dialed the number.

It rang twice before a deep, smooth voice answered. "Andrea Lucas on the line. Who's this?"

"Uh... it's Emma," I blurted out, my voice a little shaky, I was slightly nervous.

"Emma?" he repeated, as though trying to place the name. "Emma who?"

"Oh, sorry," I stammered. "We didn't formally introduce ourselves earlier. I'm Emma, the staff from Mr O's Café."

Recognition flickered in his tone. "Ah, Emma... I was waiting for your call. Why'd you keep Daddy waiting so long?"

I opened my mouth to explain, but the words got stuck in my throat.

"Well.. never the less," he said, cutting in smoothly. "I want to see you tonight. One of my clubs is hosting an annual celebration. I'm inviting you to come chill outside your bulky work."

"Emmm...."

"C'mon" he interrupted again. don't bother about bills, it's on me just be there. Can we make this work?"

My mind raced. Scenarios played out in my head, what if I said yes? What if I said no? My heart pounded in my chest as I searched for an answer.