Eadric turned to her with his usual cold demeanor and said, “You start work today. Meet the receptionist to get your instructions.”

  Mabel, practically bouncing on her feet and glowing with delight, responded with far too much enthusiasm, “Okay, sir!”

  The car drove off, leaving Mabel standing victorious. In your face, life! she cheered internally. I still prevailed! Now, to go see Candace.

  Meanwhile, in the car, Eadric clenched his jaw. I can’t believe this audacious little creature made me go back on my word—something I haven’t done in years. He let out a slow, measured sigh. I should have just walked away. Instead, I got her hired. Now, I’m late. This girl and this rain have been such wonderful little blessings of misery.

  Mabel arrived at the company and was introduced to the head cleaner, Jasmine, who handed her a uniform and directed her on what to do.

  “You’ll clean this whole area every day,” Jasmine explained, motioning to the vast space as if it were a small kitchen. “You start by 8 p.m. and close when you are done. No days off for now as a new hire. But as you continue working, that will be discussed later.”

  Mabel clasped her hands together in pure joy. “Okay, Ma! Thank you so much!”

  Jasmine did a double-take. Why does she sound… happy? Most young people she met started this job looking miserable, but Mabel was practically glowing with joy. Is she okay? Did someone misinform her about the job description? Does she think ‘cleaner’ is a code word for ‘secret millionaire’? But then, Jasmine felt a small wave of admiration. The girl’s got spirit. She’s enthusiastic about whatever job she is given. It’s weird but I like it nonetheless.

  Mabel continued, “Then I’ll head home and be back by eight! Thanks again!” She gave a polite bow before skipping off. “Goodbye for now!” She waved enthusiastically.

  Jasmine waved back, still processing what just happened. “Alright, dear, stay safe.” She’s either really hardworking or absolutely clueless. Either way, I hope she survives.

  Later that day, Eadric returned, radiating his usual energy of Don’t Talk to Me Unless It’s Life or Death, And Even Then, Think Twice. He did his job on his computer with impeccable attention. Then he made his usual rounds around some offices of the company, making sure everything was running smoothly—or rather, making sure people were running at his expected efficiency levels. As he passed through the halls, he spotted Jasmine and called out to her, “Jasmine.”

  Jasmine nearly tripped over her mop. Oh my! He remembers my name! How can he be so nice to remember this old cleaner’s name? Yet he is so hurtful sometimes. That’s why so many people hate him. He’s so charming, yet so terrifying. She immediately stiffened. Wait. Why is he calling out to me? What does he want? Did I do something wrong? Oh no. Have I accidentally disrupted his perfect order? Is this my final day here?

  “Yes, sir?” she asked cautiously.

  “Has anyone named Mabel come to you?”

  Eadric kept his expression unreadable, but internally, he was smirking. She’s not here. Just as I thought? She probably realized cleaning wasn’t her destiny and fled. Predictable. I knew asking her to be a cleaner would get rid of her. But now that she agreed and tried to escape, I suddenly feel the need to get her back and make her work whether she likes it or not for annoying me in the first place. And here I was, thinking she had some fight in her.

  Jasmine nodded. “Oh yes, I met her.”

  Eadric’s brows furrowed slightly. “Really?”

  “Yes, she starts at eight tonight. Is there a problem?”

  Eadric stared at her, processing this betrayal of his expectations. She actually stayed? His brain short-circuited for a moment. She’s actually going through with it? Interesting.

  He cleared his throat. “Where will she be cleaning?”

  Jasmine, a bit perplexed by his sudden interest in a cleaner, hesitated before saying, “I will take you there, sir.”

  As they walked, her thoughts began spiraling. Why does he care about a cleaner’s job? Is he already against her? But she hasn’t even started yet and she is a cleaner! She’s so sweet and innocent and kind, and really beauti— Her eyes widened. Wait. Does he like her?

  She pressed her lips together to contain an excited squeal. That’s it! He’s interested in her! Otherwise, why would the fiercest CEO in the nation concern himself with the workload of a cleaner? Our fierce CEO has fallen for a cleaner! Oh, I can’t believe I am involved in the love story of a CEO. I’m sure when I show him where she will be cleaning, he will tell me to reduce it to something really little. And she wouldn’t know it was all him. Oh my! This is so romantic.

  Her heart practically melted. I knew it! No matter how fierce a man is, there’s always that one woman who will appear and melt his heart. Our fiercest CEO has finally found love!

  With a dreamy smile, she pointed to the designated cleaning area. “This is where she’ll be working. Is it too much?”

  Eadric glanced at it. “No. Triple it.”

  Jasmine’s romantic daydream shattered. “…What?”

  “Do I need to repeat myself?”

  “No, sir. I will triple it,” she answered weakly. Oh. He doesn’t like her. So, this is a horror story. Yeah, this suits his personality better.

  “Good,” Eadric continued, “better yet, have her clean this entire floor, including the glass all around.”

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  Jasmine gaped. “But, sir, that would take her at least three days to complete!”

  Eadric considered it, then nodded. “Fine. Assign her an area that takes her from eight at night to six in the morning. Every day.”

  Jasmine was appalled. “Every—” She quickly composed herself. “Yes, sir.”

  Eadric wasn’t finished. “And the moment she makes a mistake, let me know.” His tone was final.

  Jasmine’s conscience screamed at her to say something. She took a deep breath. “Sir, if I may ask… why are you giving her so much work?”

  Eadric’s piercing gaze settled on her. “You may not.”

  And with that, he walked off, leaving Jasmine standing there in horrified silence.

  She clutched her chest. Oh, poor Mabel. You are such a sweet girl. What have you done to this man? He already hates you! Will you be able to survive him?

  Jasmine sighed. You’re too nice for this job. What could you have possibly done to make him hate you this much? She clenched her fists. No, we all know it’s not you. It’s him. He’s just too ruthless. I want to help, but I can’t risk being fired. Should I just tell her to quit? The poor girl has no idea what she’s up against. But then again… this is a great place to work. Even as a cleaner, it’s prestigious. It’s a tough decision… Her shoulders slumped. But I have to warn her. It’s only fair. He already hates her. It would be difficult for her to survive here.

  But if you decide to stay, I’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines, girl. I just really hope you don’t suffer too much.

  Meanwhile, Eadric was still on his way. So, she stayed. She’s got more nerve than I thought. His lips curled slightly. I’m slightly impressed by her determination. Let’s see how long she lasts.

  Earlier on, on her way home, Mabel was on a call with Adelina. Adelina asked about her day at the Super Important Job that she had been so proud of, and Mabel replied, “Today is one of the toughest days for me this year. But I’m ok.”

  Adelina immediately hung up. Mabel blinked at her screen, her face scrunching in confusion. Did she just hang up on me? She tried calling back, but Adelina didn’t pick up. She kept trying until the bus got close to her stop—and there was Adelina, waiting for her like some overprotective parent.

  Mabel got off the bus, and before she could say a word, Adelina rushed toward her. “What happened?” she demanded; worry written all over her face.

  Mabel stared, baffled. “How did you get here? Weren’t you at work?”

  Adelina, still looking intensely at her, responded, “You said today was one of your toughest days this year. Mabel, that, coming from you, is a big deal. What happened? Are you alright?”

  Mabel felt a warm sense of pride and love bubbling in her chest. As they walked to her house, she exaggerated her movements, swaying dramatically as if she were floating on air. “You came all the way here for me? Wow. I’m so loved. Who needs a man when I have you? Aww, my heart is full. You love me so much.”

  Adelina deadpanned. “Mabel, I’m serious. Stop playing. And why are you wearing a cleaner’s uniform?”

  Mabel grinned. “Let’s get inside first.”

  They got in, and Mabel made some hot choco while narrating everything to her bestie. “So that’s what happened. I changed into the uniform because the clothes I got from the lost and found bin got wet when the guards threw me into the rain.”

  Adelina looked horrified. “How can he be so heartless? You were only four minutes late!”

  Mabel shrugged. “His heartlessness doesn’t bother me. The important thing is that I still have a chance to get that Super Important Job.” She took a sip of her drink. “The only issue was that I was really cold under the rain. But I’m okay now.”

  Adelina squinted at her. “You might be okay physically, but mentally? Not so sure. Even though every psychologist we should visit declares you normal, I know better. You need help.” She sighed, clearly exasperated. “How could you agree to such an outrageous offer? No matter how much you want that job, standing under the rain for s-e-v-e-n whole hours is insane. If this were your only hope, I would understand. But you literally own a company. What is wrong with you?!”

  “I’m not insane,” Mabel said, her tone innocent.

  “You are! Otherwise, why would you accept that deal?!” Adelina shot back.

  Mabel fidgeted guiltily. “I just really want that Super Important Job.” Then, shifting to defense mode, she added, “I don’t give up on what I start. This wouldn’t be my first challenge. Also, The VIC is the top company in the world. I repeat, in the world! Even as a cleaner, I feel powerful. By the way, cleaning is an honorable job. My duty is to be the unseen hero preventing others from stepping on hidden landmines of filth and germs. Just because society looks down on it doesn’t mean it isn’t honorable. I am a cleaner with pride!”

  Adelina rubbed her temples. “I knew you needed help, but I didn’t think it was this serious.”

  Mabel huffed. “I don’t care what you think about my sanity. I’m still going to work at The VIC.”

  Adelina sighed, deeply concerned. “Mabel, from the moment you got that email, I told you this wasn’t a good idea. I’ve been in this country longer than you. I know The VIC. Their CEOs are notorious. Eadric, the CEO you met? He’s considered the fiercest man in the entire country. No one likes him. If he dislikes you, he takes it to the grave. Now, take a man like that and pair him with a girl like you—”

  “I’m a lady,” Mabel corrected.

  Adelina squinted at her and continued, “—a child like you, who is very different when it comes to the sanity measurements of sound individuals. Not that yours is in a higher or lower degree, it’s just different. There’s bound to be chaos. Mabel, stay away from that place. You’re too annoying to work anywhere close to those CEOs. Take my advice and quit. Please.”

  Mabel tilted her head. “But if he’s so terrible, why does everyone still want to do business with him? He must be incredibly passionate and great at his job. You know I admire people like that. Also, even though I might be annoying, I’m not unreasonable. I wouldn’t intentionally provoke my bosses. I would give them the respect they deserve. Don’t you trust me enough to believe that? I literally took a job as a cleaner. Do you think I would mess around and get fired? Also, no matter how I am, I will never cause chaos. Do you really think I would? Girl, I’m a lady. Show some respect.”

  Adelina looked unconvinced. “It wouldn’t be your fault. He doesn’t overlook even the slightest mistake.”

  “Then he’d quietly fire me. What havoc would come out of that?” Mabel countered.

  “That man literally sues people for crying in his presence. Leave. That. Place,” Adelina urged, her voice low and serious. “Just listen to me this once. Please leave.”

  Mabel straightened and spoke with absolute authority. “Adelina, stop doubting my worth. I will not get fired, and I will get that Super Important Job. I will never quit. And I won’t go back on my word. So, it would do you a lot of good to stop wasting your breath trying to advise me otherwise.”

  Adelina exhaled in defeat. “Fine. I truly am wasting my breath. It just hurts me to see you do this to yourself. But I will control myself from now on. I will not care.”

  Mabel softened. “Stop worrying. I’ll be fine.”

  Adelina turned away. “It’s your business. I won’t care.”

  Mabel pouted. “Are you mad at me because I won’t listen to you?”

  Adelina sighed dramatically. “I think I just got a glimpse into motherhood. A mother advising her baby that she’s about to make a terrible mistake. She knows it’s the baby who will face the consequences, but she loves her too much to watch it happen. It’s painful. It hurts. But fine. I’m going to try not to think about it. I’ll do that.”

  Mabel stared at her. “Man, it's literally just a job. I’m not going to war. I’m a cleaner, that’s my job. Stop being so dramatic.” She then picked up a pillow and threw it at Adelina with unholy force. “And how dare you belittle me!”

  Adelina blinked before chuckling. “You know what? On second thought, I think you’d be a good match for Mr. Eadric. Both of you are equally attractive yet repelling. He’s fierce but dedicated to his job. You’re lovable but annoying. Honestly, you two might just work.”

  Mabel looked at her in sheer disgust. “Ew.”

  Adelina grinned. “What? I thought you admired people who are passionate about their jobs?”

  Mabel crossed her arms. “Yeah, but it’s just admiration. Do not wish that upon me. You’re supposed to be my friend.”

  Adelina burst into laughter, and Mabel launched another pillow at her. What followed was an intense pillow fight, ending the night on a much lighter note.