02| self care day

Enya was intrigued by Leah. She was very unlike the women in the office.

Most of the them were just interested to be her brother's wife. Gold diggers to put it simply.

But Leah was different. Her dressing was the first indication. Her attitude and how she carries herself is very refreshing.

Realizing she had work to do, she went on ahead to do it.

She is one of the board members, not because of her relation with her brother, but in fact her outstanding work ethics.

Majority of the board members were delighted to have Enya on board, with the exception of none other than Mr Warts.

Mr Warts, also known as Austin Warts, had been working here ever since Matthew De Luca, Kane and Enya's father was the CEO.

When Matthew retired and handed over the company to Kane, Austin was jealous though he kept it to himself pretty well although he was never in line.

He didn't have much shares as compared to Kane or Enya but he had a plan. A plan that will hopefully will overthrow the heir of  De Luca corporation.

•••

"That will be $4.75. Thank you so much!" The cashier said as Leah payed for her food. Today since she had time, she decided to go to the cafeteria to buy her lunch.

On her way back, she bumped into Enya once again. "I'm sorry Ms De Luca" She cursed herself once more for being so stupid.

"Enya. Just call me Enya. So what department do you work at Leah? I haven't exactly seen your around at all" Enya questioned.

"The HR department" Meekly, she responded.

"Really?" She exclaimed astonished. As far as she remembered, she didn't remember Bianca having an assistant or a partner and planned on confirming it with Bianca herself.

"I got to go. Bye Ms Enya!" Leah waved at her politely before rushing, careful not to spill her food.

Thankfully today, Bianca hadn't give her any work to do so she could peacefully enjoy her spaghetti.

As the clock struck 2, she cleaned up and waited for instructions. She just prayed it wasn't going to be difficult.

Just then, she heard the high heel shoes of someone walking towards her and as expected, it was Bianca.

"Get it done as soon as possible" Was all Bianca said before walking back to her desk where she continued watching her drama.

Leah sighed in sadness but she couldn't do much. After an hour, the work was completed and she walked out, wanting to place it on her desk.

Seeing Bianca was asleep, she gently placed the work on her table and went back to her desk and doodled on her sketch book for business ideas.

While in the midst of doodling, she heard some noise. Peering through the ajar door, she saw Enya talking to Bianca. Although, she couldn't hear what she said or lip read.

They were talking pretty softly compared to yesterday. As this was not her business, she went back and continued doodling.

However the conversation concerned Leah a lot.

"So sleeping on the job?" Enya casually asked the half asleep Bianca who immediately bolted up at the sound of the boss's voice.

"Sorry Enya" She apologized, embarrassed that she was caught.

"Anyways, I want to know. Do you know Leah who is in your department. From my recollection, I don't remember so" Enya casually slid in the question.

Bianca knew she was talking about that assistant of hers but she couldn't let her know about her so she responded with a "Leah huh, no why do you ask that?"

"Oh okay" She was a little disappointed. Maybe she actually didn't work here?, she thought but it was more of her convincing herself.

"Here are the reports like you asked" Bianca passed it to a surprised Enya. "That's fast. Thank you!" Before walking off.

Enya knocked on her brother's door. When it came to work, they acted professionally but as soon as the clock struck 6, they were goofy as hell.

"The reports from the HR department. Also, can I have the document with the whole employees list" Enya said to her brother.

"Sure but why though?" He asked as he pulled the thumb drive for the documents. "Well there's this girl whom I have never seen before. Her name is Leah.

She says she works at the HR department"

"Wait, I thought Bianca was the only one after Timothy left?" Kane was a little puzzled.

"Exactly! I had the same reaction so I went to Bianca to ask about it but she claims she doesn't know Leah" Enya explained.

"Good luck and remember Mom's dinner plans tonight. It's at 6.30pm" Kane reminded Enya who left for her own desk to do her own research.

There was no response and he assumed she had already left and thus resumed his work.

•••

"Leah!" Enya called out to her. She was just leaving, about to buy dinner for herself.

Leah turned around at the sound of her name. To her surprise, she saw Enya looking pretty tired from chasing Leah.

"Hi Enya. How can I help you?" She replied politely.

"I have a question, do you have a work desk?" Enya asked.

"Yes" Leah was a little baffled by the sudden question.

"Thank you!" Enya said before running off, leaving Leah very confused.

Ignoring what just happened, Leah decided to buy her dinner nearby to end the day well.

On the other hand, "Hi little man" Enya said as he got into his brother's car. Mind you, he was actually older than her.

"Hi peanut and stop calling me little man" Kane grumbled.

"I'll call you whatever I want to call you" Enya cheekily retorted back as Kane rolled his eyes at his sister's childish antics.

"You know how I went to investigate the matter I told you about?" Enya reconfirmed with her brother.

"Yes, and?" He responded, curious as to what her findings are.

"So she in fact does work here but I have no clue as where her desk is.

It should be near Bianca but the desk that should be hers is combined with Bianca so I have zero idea where the hell she is" Enya explained puzzled.

"Interesting, well we will deal with that tomorrow" Kane said absentmindedly.

"Okayyy" Enya dragged out. "You know what's mum cooking for dinner?"

"It's always a surprise, I hope it's Italian. I'm craving some lasagna" Kane mentioned dreamily.

Slowly, Kane pulled up to their parents house and could already smell the aroma from the living room when they walked in.

"Hi Mom and Dad!" Enya skipped over, giving a peck to her parents on the cheeks.

Kane gave them a hug and helped set the table for dinner.

They then sat down on the table and ate the food which was Kane's craving miraculously, lasagna.

"Mmmm!" Kane exclaimed in delight. "It's fucking amazing!"

"Language!" Their mother Audrey chided. Despite her tiny frame, her voice was loud enough shut everyone up.

"Sorry" Kane said sheepishly. His mother was the only person who had the ability to 'control' him.

They had little talking and more eating, savoring the flavors of the lasagna.

"Do you remember Timothy?" Asked Enya to her parents. She decided to tell them about it.

"Yes" They responded simultaneously.

"Well not sure if you know Bianca but she is now the company's HR manager and I just found out today she has a freaking assistant.

The thing was I couldn't even find where she sat" Enya expressed her annoyance.

"Well, I'll tag along to help. After all, I do want to see who the mysterious person is" Mathew, their father said.

"Okay, enough of business talk. Let's continue eating" Audrey brought them back from their business talks and had little chatter for the rest of the dinner.

•••

The next day, the three De Luca's set off to De Luca Corporation. Upon their arrival, many staff members stopped their work and bowed at them, showing them the respect.

It has been awhile since Matthew stepped foot into De Luca Corporation as he retired, so he was glad everything was still under control.

He was glad he could count on his son and daughter to run this place.

As much as they were interested in finding the mysterious Leah, they, well just Matthew, wanted to see the company's overall situation.

After retiring, he has been spending a lot of time with his precious wife, going on spontaneous trips here and there.

(AN: i miss traveling lol)

As Matthew walked past the rooms, he reminisced the times when he was the CEO. It was a good time, he thought.

"Come dad. I want to show you where the HR manager sits" Matthew listened to his daughter, as she pulled him to where Bianca was.

From Matthew's peripheral vision, he saw a figure coming out of the toilet which was not used anymore and headed to where Matthew used to sit.

That must be Bianca, he thought.

Instead of walking towards Bianca, he walked straight and into the toilet not in use and just as he has suspected, a petite figure was sat there, doing what looked like paper work.

Leah immediately looked up at the sound of someone walking in, expecting it to be Bianca. However, she saw a man about 5'9, looking at her.

When Leah looked again, she realized it was the previous CEO, Matthew De Luca standing in front of her.

"Good Morning Mr De Luca" She was shocked by the sudden presence of the ex boss.

She smoothened out the one piece she was wearing. It was one of her favorites.

It had a cute little belt to finish off the look.

Kane and Enya too followed Matthew into her 'office'.

Bianca had tried to stop them but it was too late.

Leah was found. That mysterious Leah Enya couldn't find.

"What is this?!" Enya asked in slight anger. "Why is she working in a toilet?"

"It is not what it looks like" Bianca tried to come up with an excuse but she couldn't. "She said that-"

"Save it" Matthew said. "I need you to follow me to the office"

By now, a lot of people had stopped their work to see what the commotion was all about.

Bianca tried to protest but the looks from the three De Luca's made it clear that they meant business.

"My dear, Leah am I right?" Matthew said in a softer tone. Leah nodded despite the confusion and shock. "Please follow us too" Matthew smiled at her reassuring, as if he knew she was going to overthink.

Although from a outsiders point of view, we would all know that Bianca is in the wrong, but to Leah she would like always thinks she's in the wrong.

"The remaining of you people please get back to your work now!" Kane instructed.

Despite the command, many people still were gossiping about it, making their own guesses.

The five of them took a lift to Kane's office. It was a silent ride.

"Take a seat" Kane said. Matthew sat on the sofa along with Enya while Leah and Bianca sat on the chairs opposite of him.

"Bianca I'm disappointed" Enya said, sighing at her wrong judgment.

"This is unacceptable" Kane said still relatively calm.

"I'm sorry" Not really, he thought. It was just for formalities. "But you are fired"

"WHAT?!?!" Bianca exclaimed. "It's not my fault that she's a little bitch!"

"Please leave" Kane was trying to control his anger. He would not allow any kind of mistreatment towards any of of his employees.

"Urgh!! Just you wait" Bianca said, storming off.

"Well that was fun" Enya commented, trying to diffuse the tension but it was still pretty tense.

"May I leave now?" Leah asked, breaking the silence.

"Ya sure. You can take the rest of the day off and we will settle your seating arrangements" Kane said, leaving no room for refusal.

As much as Leah was fine with staying in the toilet for now, she knew that Kane would reject so she nodded and left the room.

It was the first time in a while since she had a day off. She never took a day off unless it was necessary.

But now with her leave, she had no clue what to do. Maybe she could treat herself? Or maybe brainstorm some ideas for her business?

Hmm, she thought. Maybe I should go to a nearby cafe.

She agreed to herself mentally, than proceeded to google the nearest cafe around here. On the top search shows 'A little tea' and it was only two minutes away. With the help of google maps, she found it.

A little tea, the signboard read. Smiling to herself, she stepped in.

A bust of cold air greeted her, messing up a hair a little. She felt at peace, happy.

Seeing her favorite dessert- chocolate cake was on the menu, she ordered it alongside a chocolate chip Frappuccino.

After paying, she found a seat near the window and put on her earpiece and began doodling some clothing ideas.

"Miss" She felt a tap on her shoulder. She immediately removed her ear piece, not wanting to be rude.

"Your food is here" The kind female said. She couldn't help but admire her beautiful features along with her straight black hair and immaculate style.

She rocked a tight black dress with heels.

"Oh thank you" Leah smiled at the stranger. Leah quickly went forward to grab her order and sat down at her seat.

"Sorry if I'm being too invasive but what are those drawings? You drew them so well!" The stranger exclaimed, admiring it.

"Thank you. Erm it's just my doodles" Leah muttered. She wasn't good with compliments.

"Really, this dress you drew is so pretty" The stranger couldn't help but compliment. "Thanks"

"Oh where are my manners, I'm Scarlet, nice to meet you!" The stranger introduced her herself.

"Hi Scarlet, I'm Leah, nice to meet you too" Leah replied, smiling.

"Do you work at a fashion design studio by any chance?" Scarlet asked. Leah shook her head, though that would be a dream.

"Oh well, that's such a waste of talent" Scarlet said.

"Thank you" She said sheepishly.

"Well I will not disturb you anymore, sorry if I made you uncomfortable. Bye!" Scarlet said as she stepped out of cafe.

Leah released a breath she didn't know she was holding. As much as she was nervous, she was also flattered. No one has said anything like that to her.

She decided to finish up her food and head home to relax for the day.

However, she made one pit stop to a diner to buy her dinner- A fish burger with a side of fries and a milkshake.

Leah waited for about five minutes since there wasn't a lunch or dinner crowd. It was quite relaxing for her. She didn't need to talk to anyone. She could just be in her little cocoon.

Leaving the diner with a smile, she headed back to her apartment where she kicked off her shoes, placed her food on the counter and rested on the couch.

Leah was very happy to be back home. Looking at the time, it was around 4pm and decided to do some more designs while watching some Netflix.

She was currently binge watching a classic, Peaky Blinders. She loves watching crime shows in contrast to her soft look she portrayed.

Leah grabbed her sketch book and started sketching some clothing designs as she watched, one of her favorite past times.

When she 'lost' her creative juices, she realized it was already 6.30 in the evening and decided it was time to eat.

But she still continued her show while eating of course. What kind of person would she didn't continue watching.

Finishing up her last fry, she quickly cleaned up, both herself and the living room and headed to bed.

Leah found herself exhausted from today's events. It was truly interesting to say the least.

But of course, she chose her outfit for the next day. After all, she still had to work the next day.

If only she could live like this, was her last thought before she went into dreamland.

~~~

hello everyone!! i'm back with another chapter. this was a long one and hope you didn't die of boredom

please let me know your thoughts on this chapter

there's no more teasers lol cause i have no idea what happens next

i write based on my mood so you will have to deal with it :)

thank you for reading this chapter and see you in the next 👋🏻

[word count: 2711 words]

[published on: 26 may 2021]