Xander

3.

Harper's P.O.V

That encounter by far was the most insane thing that's ever happened to me.
    A million thoughts were racing through my head within seconds, I was still so shaken up. I wish I could've just given him my insurance and forgotten about that whole thing, but that arrogant asshole just had to take it there. Although it was a very unfortunate event, I knew that I had to keep it together once I returned home. I didn't want to worry anyone, another issue on our plate is the last thing my family needs.
After a few more minutes of driving, I finally arrived back home.
Just act normal, just act normal, just act normal.
I kept repeating the same thing over and over in my head as I started to walk towards the front door. As I unlocked the door and twisted the doorknob, I was so relieved when I felt the warm air and faint smell of food right when I opened the door.
Spaghetti.
I shut the door and kicked off my shoes, then hobbled over to the kitchen, my feet were so sore from work.
    "I thought I had to make dinner tonight" I said, joining my mom in the kitchen and taking a seat at the table.
"Nope, I decided I'd make something for you and Andrea and put her to bed tonight to make up for tomorrow" My mom replied as she scooped some spaghetti on a plate.
I raised my eyebrow in confusion.
"What's tomorrow?" I asked.
"Well, it was a little last minute..." My mom started to trail off as she set the plate of food and a fork in front of me.
    Don't you dare say you picked up a shift.
My mom has been working 60 hour weeks for months, and I've told her numerous times to take a break. We split the bills, but I always try to help her with hers as much as I can when she needs it, but she just tries to tell me that she's got it covered.
"But I decided to pick up a shift at work tomorrow—"
"Mom." I said.
She slowly raised her head and made eye contact with me.
"If you work anymore you're almost going to be working a 70 hour week, I'm not going to let you do that." I said, shaking my head.
"Harper, I just need some extra money to take care of the electricity bill, it's not a big deal." She argued.
"How long is the shift?" I asked.
She paused for a second.
"It's a 12." She said so casually.
"Absolutely not." I stated.
"Harper—" She started to say.
"No, I'll go into work tomorrow, you stay here with Andrea." I said.
"Harper, you don't have to worry about me, I'm the provider of this family and you're already doing more than enough to help me." She said.
"Let's compromise, okay?" I suggested, "how about we both work 6 hour shifts tomorrow."
She thought for a second.
"Then who's going to watch Andrea?" My mom asked.
"She can stay home alone, right? It's only 6 hours." I said.
"I don't know, Harper."
"Come on, there's a first time for everything." I said, trying my best to be convincing. It took a few tries, but after a while, she finally gave in.
"Okay, but when you're at work, please stay near your phone. I'm going to tell her to text both of us if anything happens, and just so we can check in." She said.
"Okay. I'll make sure to keep my phone in my back pocket for my whole shift." I said. My mom gave me a small smile and held out her arms for a hug.
"You are so considerate and hardworking, I'm so glad to have a daughter like you." She said, wrapping me in a tight hug. I smiled back, I loved knowing that I was helping my mom through her struggles.
     "I'm going to get some rest, please do the same soon, we both need it." She said, exiting the kitchen and walking upstairs.
    I twirled some spaghetti with my fork and started to eat, I didn't even realize how hungry I was until now. Then I pulled out my phone to text Miranda.
    Hey, I know I'm not supposed to work until next week, but do you need any extra help tomorrow?

XANDER'S P.O.V

That fucking cunt!
    A million thoughts were racing through my head within seconds, thoughts on how to track down and torture that whore.
I got back into my car and slammed the door shut. No amount of words could even begin to describe the anger I was feeling.
When she tried to run I should've grabbed her by her hair, dragged her back into my car and forced her to lick the leather seats just so she could see how expensive my car really was.
    Desperately trying to calm myself down, I pulled out my phone to send a message.
Axel, I need you to have a report on someone done in my office by the time I return.

~

No one ever dares to even slightly talk back to me, no one. What had happened earlier was a massive offense, one that created the beginning of a war, an offense that I will ensure doesn't go unpunished.
After parking my car, I hurried up the steps towards the Arumar Headquarters. I couldn't wait to find out who this worthless bitch was.
I walked inside and made my way to the elevator, then hit floor 16. Anticipation was killing me. I just couldn't get this girl out of my head.
The elevator door opened, and I walked hastily down the long hallway towards my office.
After opening the door, I was pleased to see exactly what I was looking for.
    "The report you requested for is all right here." Axel said, presenting the file to me.
"Thank you." I said, taking the file from him.
    I sat down behind my desk and started to eagerly look through the pages, which Axel took as a queue to leave.
    Axel and I are indeed good friends, and have been ever since childhood. However, at the end of the day we are working together, and he acknowledges that. Despite this, he knows that he holds a special place in my company and in my life. I mean, anyone else who works here would've considered it a miracle if I were to thank them for retrieving anything for me.

Name: Harper Tran

Age: 20

D.O.B: 4/11/2004

Relatives: Mei Chan, Riley Chan, Tina Cong, Evan Cong, Lilly DeNight, Michael DeNight ... etc.

Immediate family: Kim Tran, Andrea Tran, Steven Tran

Hmm, looks like she's got some Vietnamese roots.
    I scanned over the file a few times.
It appears that she just lives with her mom and younger sister, dad's not in the picture.
    I continued to read through it.
She lives in a rented house that has her and her mom's name on the lease, she must help with the bills.
A smirk made its way onto my face as I sat back in my chair and intertwined my fingers.
This girl really doesn't have much of anything. She works at a shitty restaurant, that I couldn't imagine pays too well, and she has to work long hours which she told me about herself.
     I reached for the phone on my desk and immediately dialed Axel, to which he retrieved the call.
"How do you feel about paying a visit to a small restaurant with me tomorrow?" I asked before he could even say hello.
"Sounds like a plan." Axel replied.
"Great, see you then." I said, then cut the call.
    I'm gonna have a lot of fun with you, Harper Tran.