Strictly Business (Miguel O'Hara x Reader)

Chapter 5: A Test of Patience

I didn't expect anyone to be there, let alone Miguel actually keeping his word. So when I heard his warm greeting, it jolted me from my thoughts and surprised me. Miguel looked up from his desk, a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes as he saw me. "Morning!" he greeted me warmly.

I instinctively placed a hand over my chest, trying to regulate my breath, still taken aback by his early presence. "Mig-" I began, about to call him by his first name, but quickly corrected myself, opting for formality. "Mr. O'Hara," I acknowledged him, maintaining a professional demeanor. I noticed his smile slightly fade, before he straightens himself out and begins to speak again.

"Thanks again for giving me another chance. I know it won't be easy, and I genuinely appreciate you trusting me to get the job done right. Today, I'm determined to show you that you can rely on me, not only to perform my duties excellently, but also to follow your instructions meticulously." His voice carried a sense of determination, a newfound steadiness that hadn't been present for months. Miguel felt confident that today would be a day without any missteps.

"By the way, I forgot to mention something yesterday. It's crucial that we maintain a strictly professional relationship," I continued, busying myself with adjusting the pillows on the couch in my office, purposefully avoiding eye contact. "We don't know each other, and as far as anyone in this office is concerned, we have no history whatsoever. I want everyone to believe that we are complete strangers. Understood, Mr. O'Hara?"

"You don't have to say it twice. I understand perfectly," Miguel assured me, grateful for the opportunity and fully aware of the lack of trust between us. He knew that this chance I had given him was nothing short of a miracle.

"I understand that we are strangers. Rest assured, I will follow your instructions caredully. If anyone asks, I'm simply a competent employee fulfilling my responsibilities. And if anyone says otherwise, I'll wholeheartedly deny it. You have my word."

"Good," I replied, taking my seat at the desk, ready to immerse myself in work. "Now, could you get me a coffee? I have a pounding headache just from seeing you."

Miguel chuckled, understanding the underlying tension in my words. "Sure thing," he said, walking toward the door. "Regular coffee, right?"

"Yes," I replied with a cold tone, waiting for him to just leave already.

Nodding, Miguel headed toward the staff break room. Soon, he returned with a smile adorning his face. "Here's your coffee. I took the liberty of adding the sugar, cream, and cinnamon, just the way you like it" He said as he placed it down on my desk, expecting a "thank you".

I take the coffee, not acknowledging Miguel. As I take a sip, nostalgia hits me because the coffee in my hand tastes exactly the same as when he used to make it for me every morning. I can't believe he remembers my favorite drink. I realize that I can't let this get to my head, so I turn my attention back to the task that I was going to hand to Miguel. "I also have some dry cleaning that needs to be picked up," Without looking at him, I handed him a notecard with the address while continuing to type on my computer.

Miguel accepted the card, assuring me with a nod. "Consider it done." He briefly glanced at me, his gaze lingering for a moment, as if he remembered something from the past. Perhaps he was still entranced with one beautiful women he had once fallen in love with.

However, he swiftly brushed off those thoughts, recognizing that work took precedence. With determination in his stride, Miguel turned and exited the office, setting out to collect the dry cleaning.

Throughout the day, I made sure to keep Miguel occupied, minimizing our interactions as much as possible. Secretly, I hoped he would make mistakes, hoping to find any flaw in his work. I despised seeing him, considering him a wretched man, but he seemed genuinely determined to win my favor. I wouldn't go out of my way to make his life a living hell, but I would surely make him work harder than necessary.