"Where are you?" My boss snarled at me over the phone.

I scratched my head. Damn.

"I-Im on my way," I lied.

The truth is, I just got up from bed! And I don't wanna think about the reason behind it. I don't want to ruin my day.

I heard him groaned on the other line. "What time is it? Are you aware that you're late? If we won't catch up the flight today, I swear, I'm not gonna give you your whole month salary."

I gaped. I was taken a back with what he said. That's too much!

"Yes okay? I'm coming. I'm almost there," I lied again.

I ended up the call without his permission. I hurriedly went to my bathroom and have a quick shower. I put my clothes on without drying my body properly. I didn't comb my hair, I didn't eat breakfast. I don't have time for that.

I grab my phone and car key before shutting the door closed. I went to the garage. Get inside my car and drive fast. My salary is at stake so I need to get to the airport as soon as possible.

We have a three day business trip, and as always, I am assisting my boss. The good thing is I'm all set, my small luggage and laptop are inside my car, it's just that I woke up late and even forgot set the alarm of my phone.

I drove like a madman, never minding the highway protocols. Luckily, there are no police patrols on the road, or else I'll be in jail for reckless driving.

I checked the time on my wrist watch and smiled like an idiot. I made it! Hah!

I saw my boss. It's easy to spot him because wherever he go, he always stands out. He has a good looks that always catches the eyes of everyone.

His sharp eyes scanned me.

"Your own your way huh?" he said upon seeing my soaked shirt due to my wet hair, some water are dripping too.

"But I'm not late," I reasoned out.

He rolled his eyes and didn't respond. He talked to his Butler and ordered to take my car home.

Alexandrus Monte Carlo, a usual dominating CEO, serious and full of arrogant. But nonetheless, I'm glad that he didn't fired me yet due to my small mistakes like this.

I'm his secretary, Jane Torres, and I tell you, it's not easy to enter his company and the position I'm in right now. One remarkable about me are my high grades since elementary up to college. I attended trainings and seminars too to gain more experience and knowledge before facing the corporate world.

I did all those hard work for my family, especially my mom whose supporting us ever since we are a child. I want to return the favor and save for the future, that's all.

I caress my stomach when it grumbled. We're here now inside the plane and beside me is my boss.

Alexandrus stared at me before handling a tuna sandwich. "Eat it up. I don't want my secretary to be starving. You're not gonna function well if you're hungry."

"Thanks," I replied and get the sandwich on his hand.

I looked outside the window and sighed. I hate this side of him, it's not that I don't like his kindness but he always reminds me of my big brother whenever he is acting like this.

He never contacted us since he left the house, and my mom was crying all day and all night because of that. I hate him for that, he left us just like our father did to us.

And my concern right now is my mom's new boyfriend. I stayed up all night talking to her. She keeps on asking to give them my blessing which I don't want to give.

I only see the guy in picture. He looks gentle and kind. But I don't just rely on looks. They may look good outside but who knows what they're thinking inside. I'm not being cruel to my mother, I'm just protecting her. I don't want her to suffer again from pain. And I hope that she understand that but heck, love is really making people blind.

Hours passed and the plane finally landed.

"Let's go," Alexandrus called out.

I fixed myself. This will be a three long stressful day.

"Ughhh," I groaned upon hitting the bed in my room. Our business trip is finally done. I've been doing this for how many years now but my body isn't getting used to it.

I'm hungry but I'm too tired to cook. This is the downside of living all alone. You're gonna do all things by yourself. I'm taking a lot of vitamins too to avoid getting sick. That's the least thing that I want to happen because no one will assist me during those times.

My door bell rang.

I lazily stood up and went downstairs. Upon opening the door, I saw Lily, one of my good neighbors. She's smiling while holding a small basket in her hands.

"Hey," I smiled and greeted her.

She's 5 years older than me but that didn't stop us for being a good friends besides, she has a baby face so she looks younger than her real age.

"Hi Jane! Good evening. Uhmm.. Here, I brought you dinner," she said and handed me a Tupperware from the basket.

My smile grew wider. What a great timing. "Thank you Lily. You're really the best."

I invited her inside but she declined. She just stopped by to my house to give the food.

"By the way, did you meet your new neighbor?" she asked.

My forehead creased. "What neighbor?"

"The house next to you!" she exclaimed. "I want to give them a welcoming food but no one's answering so," she shrugged.

"Really?" I uttered in disbelief.

I even go outside to check and she's right, the lights inside the house are on. It's been a year and a half month since the house left unoccupied. And it's a surprise that it will be occupied again!

"I didn't know. I just got home from a business trip," I said.

She just nodded her head. "Okay. I'll get going."

"Thank you again. I'll return the Tupperware tomorrow."

Lily just waved her hand goodbye.

It's good to have a good neighbor. Well, Lily's house is five blocks from here. She's married and have two kids. I envy her though because she has a loving husband. And I hope that that won't change.

After taking a hot bath, I decided to eat my dinner on the veranda of my room. I get some soda and some gummy bears for dessert.

Lily is a good cook. I can cook too but it's just simple dishes. And I'm living alone so I can eat anything, whatever inside the fridge.

While munching my food, I heard a sound of a creaking door on my right side. I immediately look on the veranda of the house next to mine.

The lights are off so I couldn't see the person. Just some vague silhouette. Minutes past and I saw the person lits a cigarette.

I grimaced. Seems like my new neighbor is a man who likes to smoke. The scent of the tobacco even reached where I am eating. I tried to drink the soda to remove the after smell but it didn't help. I cough simultaneously. I really can't handle the smell of it.

I closed the Tupperware and about to leave when I heard a hissed and then the man stomped the cigarette.

Oh. Is he being considerate?

I sit back and open the Tupperware again while looking where the man is.

I narrowed my eyes and I can see that he is leaning on the wall. I took one spoonful of food inside my mouth,eyes still fixed to the silhouette of the man.

He's done smoking so why isn't he going inside yet?

Wait, what am I even doing? It's not my concern anymore.

Suddenly, the tiny hair on my nape started to rise. I feel anxious all of a sudden, like someone is watching me.

I looked at the man, he's still on the same position. My heart skipped. I gathered my things and went inside.

I'll just finish my food here.