chapter one

 Maryland, Rockville~The cafe 

Tessa had just finished her morning shift at 

her first job. This might be the last time she worked here. Her eyes were puffy and red, as she had been crying. 

Earlier that day, Tessa got to work as early as possible so, as not to meet her furious manager. (Richard) and fortunately for her, she got to work before her which led to the deduction of fifty percent of her salary. 

Tessa stood on a spot looking shocked, and surprised. But she couldn't do anything.

Tessa pleaded with her manager to reduce the money, but all to no avail.

Funniest part? She didn't know her offense. She only received the fifty percent deduction of her salary from her manager(Richard) 

Of course, she has heard a lot about Richard. How his face could kill at one sight because of his ugliness, height and everything, but Tessa was not interested.

The news surrounding Richard was scary not meant for someone like Tessa as soft as she is.

She is twenty one years old, doing all kinds of petty jobs, to provide for herself and that of her grandma. 

Ever since she was a child, she wanted to go to college like her age mates. But looking at her current situation she can't afford it. So she decided to be doing petty jobs to save up.

Tessa just ended her morning shift, running out the restaurant we're her shift just ended, she entered the bus heading to her second job.breathing heavily inside the bus because of the way she ran. 

Tessa got to second shift late but luckily for her the manager was not around. She met her colleagues Nuella and Derek.

"Go serve the men on that table" nuella said

Tessa walked as fast as her legs could carry her to serve them. 

The men on the table keeps murmuring to themselves how beautiful and curvy Tessa looks. Tessa heard all of that but decided to mind her work. Tessa took there orders and left. 

Tessa shift ended by 9pm. Tessa was worn out and stressed out because of the loads of work but she has no choice. Tessa got home and met her granny in their little sitting room. 

Mrs Evelyn; you are back, how was work 

Work was fine but stressed and exhausted as usual Tessa said. 

Did you cook anything granny said Tessa pouting her baby face, 

Yes I did said Mrs Evelyn, go freshen up and come down for dinner. 

Tessa smiled and told she's the best. Tessa got to her room and looked around it but was not happy because her clothes and shoes are all old and dirty and she can't afford new ones. I can't risk removing money from my savings said Tessa. 

Sometimes she would stay in her room crying when she says her mates going to school and partying.but she had no choice.

Tessa freshened up and came down for dinner. She met her granny dishing the food, the aroma filled the air of the living room. Tessa is already salvating, if eyes was mouth the food would have finished with way Tessa eyes was on it. 

Mrs Evelyn was done dishing the food, 

Tessa started eating with her full of creamy pasta and was still complimenting granny cooking skills.

Tessa and Mrs Evelyn finished eating and retired to bed.

 Sparkle high academy 

A new white gwagon drove into the school compound and got all the students attention. 

The students began to scream Ontop of their voices because is nobody but Clinton. 

Clinton came down from the looking extremely hot, with his hair styled one side covering some part of his blue eyes.his pinks lips looking good like that of a girl. His steps were making the female students fall but none dears comes close to him. 

He winked at the girls and most them fainted. 

The students keep chantering, Clinton come and have me,Clinton I want to have a taste of your lips, Clinton I love you.

Clinton walked his way to the class and met his best friend Daniel. As usual the girls in class were all over him flirting with him. 

Clinton catwalked to his seat looking extremely hot. 

Pearl is the most beautiful girl their class, pearl is a model with big butt and hips, her shape will make a man drop without her touching you. Pearl is obsessed with Clinton but unfortunately Clinton doesn't do love. He just fucks and go no string attached. 

Pearl entered the class with her friends rose and Olivia, the guys looks in the class were all over Pearl, she was already used to it, she just smiled and kept looking around the class like she lost a gold. 

Her eyes finally landed at Clinton her crush, she catwalks towards him all eyes on her. 

Raymond couldn't take his eyes off Pearl. He loves Pearl alot but Pearl keeps pushing him away because of Clinton. His hated for Clinton increases day by day. 

Raymond kept glaring at Clinton, he did not notice that the class just stepped into the class. 

The chemistry teacher entered the class and the students keeps murmuring to themselves. The chemistry teacher shouted keep quiet all of them kept calm. 

The chemistry teacher Mr grey is in his mid forties but still looking like he's in his late twenties with his cute and plumpy lips. 

Mr grey introduced the topic for the day "mistures" after explaining and teaching for two hours. He ended the class and started asking questions; 

He asked Pearl to explain the meaning of mixtures to the class, 

Pearl could say anything, she was looking lost, like a statue, the whole class burst out laughing. 

Mr grey asked her; so during the period while I was teaching you were busy feeding yourself with Clinton face and you did not listen. 

She wants to eat up Clinton by all means said Natasha

"Natasha is also a model, her skin glowing like sunshine, her slim waist like that of a doll, with her pink lips, and curvy shape." 

"Her shape is smaller than pearls own but more pretty". 

"Natasha is Pearl rival in the modeling industry, they never get along. Always fighting"

Pearl glared at Natasha with an evil eye 

The class couldn't control their laughter. Mr grey called off the noise and redirected the question to Natasha. 

 Mixture refers to a combination of two or more substances where each substance retains its individual properties without undergoing a chemical reaction to form a new substance Natasha answered. 

Pearl kept glaring at Natasha like she just wants her dead. 

Mr grey ended the class with them, and left. 

 The school garden 

Daniel and Clinton went out for a walk, 

"What are you up? Daniel asked"

Nothing, just not feeling the vibes today 

Daniel looked up and saw an angry looking savior walking towards them. 

Clinton looked up from his phone and also saw him coming and he chuckled. 

"Raymond approached them, why are you always on my way in whatever I want, i know you don't like pearl so just let her go said." 

"Clinton did not utter a word, he kept pressing his phone there was nobody talking". 

"Raymond rushed him and held by his shirt." 

Let go off my cloth said Clinton. In his calm but dangerous voice. 

Raymond let go off his shirt but a warning " this is not the end" and walked out. 

"This guy is the most funniest guy I have seen still laughing and rolling on the floor." 

I don't like pearl and I don't want to have anything to do with her. I had sex with her just once, and since then she's just pushing herself to me Clinton said . 

So what are you going to do now? Daniel asked'.

I think I will have a taste of her again , then tell Raymond how she taste like said clinton. 

You are a bad guy Daniel said . 

That would be fun right? 

"Yes man, just have fun Daniel said" 

Let's head back to class is almost time for our second class said Daniel. 

They headed back to class for their second and last lecture for the day. 

Immediately after the lecture;

Natasha was on her way out of the class and pearl blocked her. 

"The students stood still and crowded to watch the drama because is going to be a show"

 " these two never stops fighting"the students mumbled. 

Why are you blocking my way? Natasha asked. 

Are you going to stand there like you don't know what you did, you hoe pearl cursed. 

Natasha rolled her eyes and tried to walk pass pearl 

Pearl pushed her back with one of her hand. 

Am trying my best not have issue with you but you keep getting on my nerves.

Are you not ashamed of yourself? Natasha asked

 "The students gasps"

And why should I be ashamed of myself, O" i almost forgot am more prettier than you are? Pearl said laughing out loud. 

"At least am not throwing myself on a man that does not look at me" Natasha fired. 

"Pearl rushed Natasha and they both started fighting and themrowing punch's at each other".

"The students did not separate them, instead they brought out their phone to record the scenes."

"Pearl friends came and dragged her from Natasha"

"This is not the end" Pearl groaned from her friends grip. 

Natasha dusted her dress and headed home. 

 *The Alfred Group of companies*

 Mr Alfred Mateo owns the biggest and most expensive companies in Maryland, he owns a school, car company, wine company, restaurant and many more in his name, it's easy to identify him as the richest man, he could go band for band with other richest man in world.

As the securities opened the car for Alfred and he stepped down in all him dark aura and heavy presence screaming power,he had his cooperate wear on, the first four bottoms of his shirt undone, leaving his sexy chest to be seen. Walking majestically into the company with his handsome and ever young face.

But everyone knows behind that handsome face is the most deadly and loving man on earth, as everyone bows while he walks at the center like it's a runway with the bodyguards following him, the only response Alfred gave them was his nodding.

As still everybody's head remained bowed, at one side was Sophia waiting, she smiled and bowed for him before joining him to continue walking. 

She's his secretary and the only one who has access to him in the company, not even the executives or managers are allowed to go close to him without passing through Sophia first.

The bodyguards all stopped when Sophia joins him and they just watch the two of them walking till they were out of sight. 

I have goodnews, sir" Sophia smiled when they came from the elevator on the last floor we're alfred office is.

Alfred only nodded and she continued anyway.

"More than thirty companies reached out to us for the contract proposal, everything is on your table sir, you have to pick the one that is best for you…."

" Take all of them and pick the you think is the best, I don't have time to go through that." Alfred finally uttered a word in his deep calm voice. 

"My pleasure sir" Sophia smiled and packed everything as ordered. 

"What's all these?" Alfred frowned, staring at the envelopes in other side of the table about 30.

"Oh, they are letters of invitations, dates from noble ladies of your age sir" Sophia smiled, but the smile disappeared when she saw the way Alfred was looking at her.

"I will get rid of them sir" she immediately said and gathered all of them together with the files she was holding before.

She bowed gently and walked out of the office, as she was going out, she bumped into Liam who was about going into Alfred office.

"Sorry" Liam said 

Sophia hissed at him and rolled her eyes before walking away, that doesn't seem to bother Liam anyway, not a new thing that they both don't like each other, never get along. 

"Boss" Liam bowed when he entered the office. 

"The goods are coming in tonight he said."

"How about the security?" Alfred asked

" you don't have worry about that, I took care of everything all clear" Liam said .

Alfred nodde and took his tobacco stick, instantly, Liam ran over to him and help him light it.

He stood there watching Alfred smoking sexily and wondering if horeally in his 60's.

" what about Theodore and his weak men?" He asked. 

Theodore is his rival in business.

"No traces of them yet boss, I'm sure they have no idea about the the new goods" Liam said. 

**************************************************

Tessa just had her shower, breathing a little bit faster than normal.

It's her first fresh and long lasting bath since the week. She was dressing up to go to bed. 

"Gosh" she wiped the water off her face and moved her wet hair back, the hair dropped at her back. 

She sat down staring at her small mirror,wondering and why her life is these rough.

"Tessa" she heard her granny voice from the sitting room.

"Tessa? She called again.

Tessa said nothing and got out of the bathroom, she picked her small towel, and wrapped it around her body and left the bathroom. 

"Good evening granny" Tessa greeted with a little smile.

"Why are you not answering me? I have been calling you, any problem?" Mrs Evelyn rushed her words.

"Tessa chuckled from the way she sounded"

No granny, absolutely not Tessa answered. 

"I noticed you have been wuyand moody these days is there any problem you can share with me."

"Not at all" just stressed, Tessa said. 

"Okay no problem" I will be in the living room, so we can have dinner. Mrs Evelyn said. 

"Okay no problem I will be with you shortly" Tessa said. 

Tessa dressed up quickly and left to the living room, Tessa got to the dining and saw that granny has already set the table with chicken wings and fried rice.

"Tessa was Suprises and watched granny with an open mouth for explanation."

"Oh" don't be surprised Mrs Evelyn said. 

"Tessa got more confused" and said, the last time I checked you only make beads, you hardly gets work or sell, so tell me or rather explain to me how you got the money to prepare these delicacies.

"I will explain" granny said.

Tessa kept her gaze on her waiting for the explanation.

Earlier today while I was going to delivery the beads I made for my friend, when I got to her house, I saw her friends there, they screaming luxury and money without them talking, I gave my friend her beads and also told I her I have new ones. 

"Her friends saw the beads and loved them.they bought all my beads and paid in full and gave me extra money". Mrs Evelyn explained.

"Wow" so you used the whole money to prepare these

"Not all of them" Mrs Evelyn said

"Okay" Tessa said while devouring the food and chicken.

"Eat calmly before you get chocked in the food" Mrs Evelyn complained.

"Don't worry just eat, I can't teo the last time I ate these type of meal, and I don't know when I will eat, so let me enjoy"tessa said 

"Mrs Evelyn chuckled"

They both finished eating and sat in the living to gust. 

So how is work?" Mrs evelyn asked

"Work is fine, just stressed and tired as usual"Tessa answered. 

"I noticed you have been coming home late, don't tell me you added another work,"Mrs Evelyn asked

Yes I did" you know I need to save up so I can go to high school, I also need new clothes and shoes,all the clothes and shoes in my wardrobe are worn out, i need new ones, Tessa answered. 

Mrs Evelyn started tearing up. 

Please granny stop, I will make it to high school no matter what, all I need from you is to be strong for me, please, Tessa pleaded.

"I will, am just worried about you" granny said 

Don't worry about me, I will be fine, Tessa assured. 

Tessa was able to convince her, let's retire to bed is late. 

"Okay, off the lamb" Mrs Evelyn said

Tessa walked granny to her room, then headed to her own room.

The next morning 

Tessa groaned from her bed, stretching and turning round the bed, she yawned and opened her eyes, "how wish I can sleep through out today but unfortunately is not going to happen" Tessa muttered. 

"Tessa got up from her small bed and headed to the bathroom to take her bathe and prepare for work." 

After bathing, she wore her clothes and shoe for work, she hissed at the way her shoes were looking but still hard no choice than to wear it to work. 

"Good granny" Tessa greeted.

"Good morning dear" Mrs Evelyn answered

"How was your night?"

"It was good, you woke up so early hope there's no problem? Tessa asked"

"No dear, I got up early so I can warm the left over food for you to eat, that's the least I could do for you"Mrs Evelyn said. 

"Awwwwn, you shouldn't have done that, you should be resting, I don't want you to stress yourself" Tessa said 

"No don't worry am fine" Mrs Evelyn said and smiled

"Come let's eat, so I can hurry to work"

"Don't worry eat I will fix myself something else," Mr Evelyn said

"No" let's eat it together, Tessa argued

"Okay, since you said so. 

They both sat down and elate the left over portion of food. 

Take good care of yourself, don't stress yourself, Tessa told Mr Evelyn.

"Okay I will" Mr Evelyn answered.

"Bye, Tessa pecked her forehead and left for work."

 Mr Alfred Mansion 

Clinton climbed down the stairs making noise with his slides, looking hot, the maids cloud not stop staring at him. 

"Good morning boss" the maids greeted and bowed. 

Clinton rolled his eyes and walked towards the dinning.

"Good morning dad" Clinton greeted and sat down

"Morning son" Mr alfred answered.

"Aren't you going to school today? Mr alfred asked

" i will" Clinton answered 

"You are not dressed why"

Clinton groaned, can I just skip school today please dad, Clinton pleaded with a pity face.

"So you can go clubbing and disturbing the whole city of Maryland as usual" Mr Clinton asked.

Clinton stood up"

"Don't you dare walk out on me young man, sit down, Mr alfred commanded.

Clinton sat down. 

The maids finished serving their breakfast and left them to eat.

Immediately after these breakfast, make sure you dress up and go to school, Mr alfred said in deep calm voice.

"Okay dad" Clinton muttered grumbly 

"Liam walked in"

"Good morning boss" Liam greeted

Mr alfred answered with a nod. 

Liam stood a distance from the dinning, Mr alfred ate the last piece of meal and looked up. 

"Do I have a lot today?"Mr alfred finally said, as if Liam has been waiting for that question,he began pouring everything out. 

"You haven't responded to all the letters we received last week, the governor letter is part of it."

"Why would he send a shitty letter to me, when he has a phone,is he crazy? Mr alfred said.

"It's an official ..." Liam bit his lips when Mr alfred glared at him.

"You have a meeting with the executive's,"

"Is that all?"Mr alfred asked. 

"No sir", you have to see the new companies product, Sophia signed the contract with the company you will be impressed, they requested for a meeting day"

Mr alfred nodded.

There are some petitions you need to review as well. 

I will try to respond to some petitions and review some of the letters, arrange them as important as they are. 

Yes boss, Liam walked out of sitting room,

Mr alfred finished his breakfast and walked out of the dinning.

 Clinton stated at himself in the mirror with satisfaction, he was wearing a black jean with white shirt and pair of sneakers, with his hair styled covering a part of his eyes, making him look like a Demi God.

He stepped out of the house, looking Smokey hot with the way he walks. 

Even the way he walks is sexy.

 Sparkle High Academy 

The class was ongoing when Clinton entered the class. 

"Why are you coming by these time?" mis Elena asked.

Clinton said nothing and just walked to his sit, like nobody was talking to him.

"Did he just walk out from the teacher" the students mumbling.

Keep quiet everyone, miss Elena shouted. 

Miss Elena continued her teaching, when she ended her class, she gave assignments to the students and left. 

"Hey man" Daniel called. 

"Am good" Clinton answered.

You were forced to come to school today? Daniel asked. 

"Yeah" Clinton answered 

Daniel is the only person closest to Clinton, his the only one he talks to. 

Pearl walked over to Clinton, to sit on his laps, Clinton pushed her off roughly. 

"Not today Pearl" Clinton said in his calm deep voice.

"The students started laughing and making mockery of her."

"She turned to look at the students they all kept straight face except Natasha"

" it must be exhausting, pretending you're better than me, especially when you know you are not" Pearl said in a mockery voice.

"I don't need to pretend. That's what's bothering you, when you know pretty well that am better than you" Natasha said and walking out on her. 

"voice low but shaking with rage"You think walking away makes you stronger? You think silence means you've won?.Pearl said angrily.

"calm and unreadable, turns her back without a word, footsteps echoing down the corridor as she walks".

Don't you dare pretend you're above this! Face me! Pearl shouted after Natasha.

Natasha keeps walking—head high, spine straight.

"Coward" Pearl muttered.

…

Inside and empty class.

"Man, my dad literally forced me to come. Said I was wasting my future lying in bed," clinton half laughs

"He's not wrong, though." Daniel smirked 

"Easy for you to say. You don't have a human alarm clock threatening to cut off your allowance every time you skip a class." 

"Damn. Harsh", Daniel poutered with a pity face.

"He thinks school's the only way to make something of myself. Like… there's no room for anything else."clinton said angrily.

"That's rough. But maybe he's just scared you'll waste your potential?"

"Or maybe he just wants me to be a copy of him. I didn't even choose this course, you know?"clinton said

(quiet for a second)

"Yeah,That's not fair,You deserve to choose your own path."daniel said 

"Exactly. But I have tried telling him that. It's like arguing with a brick wall". Clinton said looking pissed. 

You are lucky, he's allowing go for clubbing, and the rest, I just think he wants the best for you… daniel paused with the way Clinton was glaring at him. 

"Clinton smirks suddenly, pushing off the locker, trying to lighten the mood like he always does."

"You know… I'm not usually this deep. I mean, usually by now I'd be texting three girls at once, avoiding feelings like a plague". Clinton said.

"Daniel raised his eyebrow"

"Oh, so this is rare Clinton—emotionally available, honest Clinton. Should I mark my calendar?"

"Might as well. This version only comes out once a semester—usually right before exams or a breakup."clinton grinned.

They both laugh, but there's still weight in his eyes, something he's not letting the smirk cover.

Hey, flirting is a coping mechanism. And it works. Most people don't ask too many questions when you're busy being "the fun guy."Clinton said being defensive.

"Right. But I'm not most people."Daniel smirked. 

Clinton pauses. The smile softens into something more real.

Clinton;No, you're not. That's what messes me up a bit. You actually see through it all.

Then stop pretending with me, Daniel said.

Alright. No more pretending. At least not with you.clinton said. 

Let's have launch today,after school, are you in? He added. 

"Sure" Daniel said.

 Steam and sip cafe

The scent of espresso clung to Tessa's clothes like a second skin. Her apron was dusted with milk froth and stray coffee grounds, and her back ached from hours of nonstop orders. The morning rush had finally died down, and the quiet hum of the coffee shop was almost peaceful—until Richard's voice pierced the calm.

"Tessa, those tables aren't going to wipe themselves," he barked from behind the counter, not even looking up from his clipboard.

She clenched her jaw. "I was just about to get to them."

"You were just about to stand there until your shift ended," he muttered under his breath, but loud enough for her to hear.

Tessa grabbed a rag from under the counter and headed to the nearest table, biting back the dozen responses she wanted to throw at him. Every shift with Richard was like this—passive-aggressive comments, impossible expectations, and that smug tone that made her feel five inches tall.

As she wiped down the table, she watched the clock. Ten minutes left.

"Just ten".

Richard walked by, eyeing her work like a hawk. "You missed a spot."

She forced a tight smile. "Thanks for pointing that out."

He didn't catch the sarcasm—or pretended not to.

By the time she finished, her patience was as thin as the worn towel in her hand. She untied her apron and headed to the back.

"Where do you think you're going?" Richard called after her.

"My shift ends in five minutes," she said without turning around.

"So?you will stay until everything is spotless." 

 Tessa paused, took a breath, then kept walking. "Then I guess you've got five minutes to find someone else to frustrate."

Tessa tossed her apron onto the hook with more force than necessary. The small room smelled like cleaning supplies and burnt toast, and the flickering light above only made her headache worse.

She sat on the bench, pulled her phone from her pocket, and exhaled the breath she'd been holding all shift. A text from her friend Mirabel blinked on the screen: "Hope your shift wasn't hell. Want me to bring snacks?"

Mirabel is the only friend Tessa have, she's a journalist.and also a graduate unlike mirabel. 

Tessa typed back one word: "Richard."

Just then, the door creaked open.

We're not done until the café's clean. That's policy.

Tessa didn't even look at him. "Policy also says we get breaks. But you only remember the rules that work for you."

You know, attitude like that won't get you far here, Richard said coldly.

She stood slowly, her eyes meeting his, steady and unflinching.

And staying here won't get me far either. So maybe that's the point.

A beat passed. Something flickered in his expression—surprise, maybe even respect—but it vanished as quickly as it came.

Richard shruggling, "Suit yourself."

She grabbed her bag and headed out through the back exit. The sun hit her face like a promise—warm, real, and waiting.

As she walked toward the bus stop, she didn't think about coffee orders or spotless tables. She thought about what came next. Maybe a new job. Maybe finally sending that application she'd been sitting on. One thing was certain: she was done letting people like Richard decide what kind of day she had.

  Vielle Luxury Restaurant 

Vielle luxury restaurant is one of the biggest restaurant in Maryland.

La Vielle Maison exuded pure wealth. Crystal chandeliers glistened above marble floors, and each table was dressed in flawless white linen with silver cutlery that caught the light like diamonds. Soft piano music floated through air perfumed with designer florals. Staff moved in silent precision, trained to vanish before being noticed. The guests wore silence like silk, speaking only in low tones of power and privilege. Everything gleamed, from the glasses to the egos. This wasn't dining—it was status on 

Tessa rushed in offering a smile to her colleagues. Hope the manager is not here yet, and has she asked of me Tessa rushed her words.

The manager just arrived but she didn't ask of you, Derek answered.

"Oh" thank my goodness, Tessa breath out. 

You need to hurry up and change, Nuella called.

 After school 

"Which restaurant do you have in mind?" Clinton asked while tightening his set belt.

There's this big luxurious restaurant I heard of, Vielle luxury restaurant, have you gone there before? Daniel asked. 

"No, not at all" clinton answered 

So, should I head there, Clinton asked.

Yes, I heard there are services are nice, and the servants are responsible, so let's go. Daniel said. 

Why won't they be responsible, when the heir of the Alfred is coming to there restaurant, Clinton chuckled.

Daniel laughed, indeed Alfred heir but don't want to take over the companies. 

Let's not go there please. 

The clatter of polished shoes echoed across the marble floor as Clinton and Daniel entered Vielle luxury restaurant , drawing subtle glances from the staff. Dressed like privilege itself, Clinton wore his arrogance like a tailored suit.

A hostess led them to a private window-side table. Moments later, Tessa approached, head high, but heart pounding. Her morning shift had drained her, and her hands still trembled faintly.

"Good afternoon, sirs," she said, placing their menus down with practiced grace. Clinton barely looked at her.

She returned with their drinks—sparkling water for Daniel, a chilled martini for Clinton. But as she reached to set it down, the glass slipped from her fingers. Ice and gin splashed across Clinton's shirt, dripping onto his lap.

Gasps broke out from a nearby table.

Tessa froze. "I—I'm so sorry, sir."

Clinton stood slowly, the cold drink soaking through his designer shirt. His expression was sharp, jaw tightening.