The CEO'S safe Haven

CHAPTER 3

ISAS POV

I seat down in my living room dejected and still shocked on the days event
I never even imagined that what toke place could ever take place

I remember the last time I saw Leo
It wasn't a pleasant one and I left to avoid seeing him again and here it looks like the gates are playing ping pong with me and I'm stocked on the middle without an atom of a way out

As my thoughts transcended in my mind Alice my best friend walks in
She has been my best friend for six years since I met her after running
She's been my back bone
"Hey binch!!!" She shouted
A means of announcing her presence without saying she is here

Crazy as hell and opinionated but she definitely will die for me one reason I love her

As as expected one glance at me and she knew that something was up
"Alright binch, which motherfucker I'm I rolling up on this time" she asked taking stance for action

It drew a laugh from me"nobody Al, I'm good" I told her but as expected she didn't even believe it one bit

"The hell you are,bitch I have known you for so long and I can tell you categorically that your not good, so before I match up and beat everyone you've been in co tacy with today
You better start talking" she said giving me her venomous side eye which I dispose but I knew very well that if I don't let her in on what was bothering me at that time, she will definitely carry out her treat

After explaining the occurrences of the day carefully for her to understand I continued
"He put me in a really tough spot by pressuring me to quit my job where I almost faced assault. Now, I'm working as his child's nanny, and it's been a real struggle for me. I felt so trapped and scared, not knowing what to do. I just wanted to confide in you because I value your support and advice. This whole situation has been weighing on me, and I could really use a friend right now."

  Just then she gave me a hug, we stayed quite in each other's peaceful arms
One reason I like her, she may be crazy but she sure knows when to talk, when to laugh, when to go crazy,when to be quiet and definitely when all I need is a hug

She thinks before she acts and I admire her for that

"So what's your plan, will you take it"
I nod in affirmations to her question

"Yes I have no choice, the pay is daily and much better and with the way it's coming I can definitely pay off my loans and even safe for my business and online school"
I tell her the logical answer

She nods and says "I know, I agree with you, but is this what you want will you be happy if you go through with this, think about this properly boo"

I look at her and just hug her
If I had other options I would just look for another workshop to work at but with Leo's power and influence and the fact that I may not see the kind of pay he is offering I feel it's only logical I take Leo's answer

I move with Alice to the kitchen
I stood in Alice's kitchen, staring down at the cold cup of tea she'd made me. My head was spinning with thoughts of Leonardo, his offer, and my future.
Alice, sensing my turmoil, put a hand on my shoulder. "You know what we need? A break. Let's go to the movies. It'll give us a chance to just unwind and have some fun."
I hesitated. "I don't know, Alice. There's so much to think about..."

Alice waved her hand dismissively. "Exactly why you need a break! We're not going to solve the world's problems today. And you can't make a decision when you're all tied up in knots." She grabbed my arm and pulled me towards the door. "Come on, Izzy. Live a little!"
I let her lead me out of the apartment, a small smile tugging at my lips despite myself. Alice always had a way of making me laugh, even when things were at their most serious.
As we walked through the mall, I couldn't help but let the stress of the day fade away. The cheerful chatter of shoppers, the smell of popcorn, the bright lights of the arcade—it was like stepping into another world.
Alice grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the movie theater. "Let's see what's playing," she said with a grin. "I'm thinking comedy. Something to make us laugh until our sides hurt."
I followed her inside, chuckling as we browsed the selection of films.

We settled on a lighthearted rom-com and made our way to the concession stand. Alice loaded up on popcorn and candy, then handed me a soda with a wink. "Gotta have the full movie experience, right?"
I laughed as we found our seats, relishing the feeling of escape. The previews rolled, the lights dimmed, and for a few blissful hours, I forgot about my worries.
As the credits rolled, I turned to Alice. "That was exactly what I needed," I said, feeling lighter than I had in days. "Thank you."
Alice smiled.

The excitement of the movie theater enveloped me like a warm embrace as we made our way through the bustling lobby. The scent of popcorn and butter wafted through the air, igniting a sense of childlike wonder within me. As we approached the concession stand, Alice’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree as she scanned the menu.
"A large popcorn, candy, and two sodas, please!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm contagious. I couldn’t help but chuckle at her unabashed exuberance, and nodded in agreement at her selection.

With our snacks in hand, we navigated the maze of cinema hallways, finally finding our designated theater. The aroma of freshly-popped popcorn and the fizzy sweetness of our sodas filled the air as we settled into our plush seats. The room was dark and cozy, the only illumination coming from the brilliant silver screen that beckoned us.
The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as previews for upcoming movies played, each one piquing our interest. We shared hushed whispers and excited giggles as we waited for the feature presentation to begin.

As the final credits rolled, I felt a sense of peace settle over me, like a warm blanket on a chilly night. Alice and I exited the theater, our eyes adjusting to the bright lights of the mall once more. I couldn't remember the last time I had laughed so freely or felt so carefree.
"That was just what I needed," I said, turning to Alice with a grateful smile. "Thank you for being such a great friend."
Alice squeezed my hand. "Anytime, Isabella.