Mr. Badass ✔

02 ...The doll shows up at my workplace

Gemma's POV.

Restaurant.

Charlotte and I rush in, out of breath.

A waiter walks over. "Ladies, may I help you?"

I raise two fingers. "-Two glasses of water."

"Alright." The waiter gives us a puzzled look before heading back behind the counter.

"What were you running for just now?" Charlotte collapses into a chair, sweating. "I'm exhausted chasing you."

I widen my eyes. "Didn't you see the way that man looked at me? It was terrifying!"

"But didn't you already apologize to him?"

"I nearly harassed him in public! That was harassment-" I lower my voice as the waiter returns.

"Ladies, your water."

"Thank you." I grab a glass and gulp it down, feeling slightly calmer.

I take a deep breath and pick up the menu on the table. "What do you want to eat? My treat today."

"Your treat?" Charlotte's eyes light up as she picks up the menu, pointing to a picture. "Vegetable risotto." < an Italian rice dish cooked with broth until it reaches a creamy consistency. >

I shake my head. "Too economic. Add two lobsters."

Charlotte's eyes widen as she leans in. "Did you win the lottery? Why are you suddenly so generous?"

I give a slightly smug smile. "I'm getting my quarterly bonus tomorrow."

Based on my performance, this bonus will not only pay off two months of my mortgage but also allow me to indulge a little-achieving the freedom to dine out as I please.

"That's amazing!" Charlotte smiles. "Then let's order a bottle of red wine to celebrate!"

"Of course."

The meal lasts a long time. It's already 9 PM when we say goodbye.

I call for a designated driver to take me home, then take a shower and go straight to bed.

I start dreaming after I fall asleep. In the dream, I've already achieved financial freedom and reached the peak of my life. I travel the world every day, wear Chanel couture, drive luxury cars, and live in a mansion-

I'm still smiling when I'm awakened by the sound of my alarm.

After a quick wash, I head out to work.

The weather is exceptionally good today, and so is my mood.

As soon as I sit at my desk, a colleague leans over. "Gemma, congratulations! You're the sales champion again this quarter."

"Thanks." I smile, trying to appear calm.

Summer is traditionally a slow season for car sales.

The heat and rain accelerate battery drain and steel rusting; people prefer staying home in air conditioning, not visiting car dealerships in the hot suburbs.

However.

Thanks to my relentless efforts, my sales this quarter are even higher than last.

I almost admire myself.

The next moment, my phone rings with a text message notification from the bank confirming my salary deposit.

I pick up my phone, unable to resist recalling last night's dream.

Would living alone in a mansion be too lonely? Would it be haunted at night? Maybe I should find a hot guy with eight-pack abs to keep me company-

I start reading the message.