Tamed by the Vengeful Billionaire

EMERALD SANDOVAL

[You will know no peace, and I will ensure that. I'll make your life a living hell. I promise.]

I scrutinize the text word for word to ensure my eyes aren’t deceiving me. However, one thing is constant each time I read it; The voice. I can feel her yelling in my head. Lindsey, that's her name—I learned.

Her last name is Hayes, but I can call her trouble since Drama Queen sounds cliché. That, and the fact that I’d be crowning her something. The word queen doesn't quite fit her.

She’s pretty, yes, and must come from one of the most affluent families in the city. But why is she hell-bent on making my life a living hell? Hasn't she done enough already in a single day?

_______________

SIX HOURS EARLIER…

“I knew you were meant for greatness,” Alicia says excitedly on the other side of the call, barely seconds after relaying the news about my minor achievement.

“It’s not a big deal, Alicia. Besides, I’ve won it thrice in a row. I’m kind of used to it,” I tell her, earning a round of scolding.

“Emerald Sandoval, are you kidding me? Winning employee of the month thrice in a row, in one of the biggest hotels in New York! We’re talking about The Galaxy Hotel. That, my friend, isn't something you can refer to as a minor achievement. Girl, take time and appreciate yourself.”

Well, well. That’s Alicia for you. She can be your brother, sister, mother, father, best friend, or even your therapist. Right now, I'm not sure which role she’s playing, because I swear she sounds just like my mother…or father…whatever. The premier aspect is that she's the most supportive friend I have ever had.

If I'm being fair to myself, she has a point. I have been working my ass off in this job ever since I got it seven months ago.

In that period, I don’t think anyone has taken extra shifts more than me. I need to make more money than a normal waitress. There's so much to be done.

“Emerald, your lunch break is over.” Cecilia walks into the break room, where most of the workers take shifts for breaks. “Your tables won’t attend themselves.” She adds.

Fifteen minutes have never felt so short, especially when I have spent most of it yapping with my best friend on the phone.

However, complaints won't get me anywhere either. The chief of staff has always been strict on time management. Winning employee of the month back to back doesn't put me above the rules.

“I have to go, Alicia. Duty calls,” I say, in a hushed tone just as Cecilia’s back disappears. If she came back to fetch me for the second time, I would be in trouble. It won't matter how many times I've won the employee of the month. Work does continue around here.

I walk to one of my tables wearing a smile, as it is my obligation. Cecilia has always been insistent on the fact that we should not scare the customers away with frowning faces. We should always wear those smiles that make them feel welcome. If she catches so much as a wisp of a frown, there is no telling on the repercussions that might follow.

“Good afternoon, sir…ma’am.” I greet the middle-aged patrons before me. They are definitely a couple. Just one look…it doesn't take a genius. From the way they are looking at each other, smiling. The aura speaks for itself.

They are seated on either side of the table. The woman has a bright smile; if I knew her well, I’d say she’s glowing. They remind me so much of my parents. The love, care, and affection they portray, which has been constant for as long as I can remember. I can sternly call them my role models. That's how love is supposed to be, is it not?

The only difference is, they can't afford to have lunch in this luxurious hotel. Yet.