High Society Redefined

Chapitre 6 :

Athena POV :

We have now arrived at Asher's hot and cold cafe. It's small but cozy, and the view of the sea is breathtaking.
Of course, I didn't tell Asher thr truth about my job. I gave him lets say a white lie about having to quit due to problems with my boss. I certainly don't want to admit that my family runs a major company, and my sister is working hard as the CEO, while I'm just out here living it up spending money willy-nilly!

"If he were to discover that I've never had to work a day in my life and that my privileged upbringing comes from a successful family business, he might think I'm just a frivolous rich girl who hasn't had to struggle or work hard for anything."

"Asher approached me with a steaming cup of coffee and a freshly baked brownie. 'Thanks,' I replied, eyeing the treat appreciatively. He then took a seat next to me and said, 'Welcome, Barbie.'".

"At that moment, my phone buzzed with a message from Charlotte. Oh, I forgot to tell her  that I'm moving here because my father is punishing me for spending too much money, and moving here is his way of teaching me a lesson. Drama, right?"

"Charlotte's message popped up on my screen: 'Athena, where are you?!'

I responded: 'Destiny Town...'

Charlotte's reply: 'Destiny what?!'

I replied: 'Yeah, it's my dad's childhood town. He sent me here with $2,000 for six months as a punishment because I've been spending too much money, and he wanted to teach me a lesson.'"

"Charlotte replied: 'Send me your location now; I'll come to you.'

I quickly shot back: 'Charlotte, I'm fine, really. No need to worry. Just give me some time to rest, and I'll call you afterward.'

Charlotte responded: 'Alright, just take care.'

Asher regarded me with a curious expression and asked, "Are you texting your boyfriend?"

I quickly responded, "No, it's just my best friend."

Asher raised an eyebrow at my response and gave me a slight smirk. "Just your best friend huh?"

I rolled my eyes at his teasing tone and took a sip of my coffee. "Yes, just my best friend. Nothing more, nothing less."

Asher leaned back in his chair and studied me intently. "You don't have a boyfriend though, right?"

Asher's eyes held mine, waiting for my response. I could feel a slight blush creeping up my cheeks under his intense gaze.

"No, I don't have a boyfriend," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "Why do you ask? Are you offering to fill that role?"

Asher chuckled and leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table.

"Is that your way of asking me out, Barbie?" he asked with a sly grin.

I rolled my eyes at his playful use of the nickname "Barbie", but couldn't help but feel a flutter in my chest.

"No, it wasn't," I said, trying to keep my tone lighthearted. "I'm not interested in dating anyone at the moment."

Asher's smirk widened at my response. "Is that so?" he drawled. "Why not? I'd think a beautiful young woman like you would have men lining up around the block to win your heart."

As Asher and I were deep in conversation, the café door opened and in walked his best friend and co-worker, Xavier. He was a tall, muscular man with eyes as dark as night, and his arms and chest were adorned with intricate tattoos. He approached our table and flashed a dazzling smile.

Xavier was already standing behind the cafe's counter, his broad shoulders filling out his white shirt. He seemed to have overheard our conversation as he chimed in with a friendly wave.

Xavier approached our table, his smile wide and friendly. "So, I hear someone new arrived in town," he said, his gaze fixed on me. "I'm guessing it must be you?"
I nodded, trying to keep up a polite smile. "Yes, I just moved in today."
Xavier chuckled, clearly amused by my less-than-enthused response. "Well, welcome to our little town. I hope you enjoy your stay here."
I internally bristled at his words. "Thanks," I managed to force out,
but I can't wait for these six months to be over...

An elderly gentleman approached our table and addressed me. "Are you Klaus Astor's daughter?" he inquired. I responded in the affirmative, confirming my identity.
He then proceeded to take a seat beside us. "Ah, so you're Klaus' youngest," he said with a nostalgic smile. "He and I were once the best of friends, but I hadn't known you were coming today. Last I heard, Klaus had become a billionaire through his hard work. He truly deserves it."

Jack, the older man, nodded in agreement. "Your father is an exceptional person," he began. "Starting from nothing, coming from a humble family with no money, he studied and worked relentlessly. Look at him now: a billionaire with his own successful company. Such determination and perseverance."

I couldn't help but reflect on the stark contrast between my father and myself. He had risen from humble beginnings, working tirelessly to build his wealth and success, while I had squandered my privileged upbringing on mindless expenditures. Perhaps my father's decision to send me here to this small town was a way to jolt me out of my selfish ways and teach me the value of hard work and frugality.

Jack, the older man, asked why I was in town. "Are you here to work on your father's old house?" he inquired.

I gave a half-truth in response, knowing fully well that my father had sent me here as a form of punishment, but not wanting to disclose that information.

"No, I'm just here on vacation," I said casually. "I needed a break from the city, and my father thought this town would be a quiet, relaxing place for me to rest and rejuvenate."

The old man nodded, seemingly satisfied with my answer.
"Ah, I see," he said, "a vacation then. I can understand needing a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. And your father was right; Destiny Town is a quiet, peaceful place to rest and recharge."

I smiled and nodded in agreement. "You're right, it really is," I replied. "I've only just arrived today, but I can already feel the tranquility of this place. It's a nice change of pace from the nonstop noise and chaos of the city."

Jack bid us farewell, promising to visit the café again in the future. As he left, Asher turned his attention back to me, the corners of his mouth slightly upturned.
"You made quite the impression on our old friend," he noted, his eyes holding mine.
I gave a small shrug, trying to brush off the compliment. "He just wanted to say hi to my dad," I replied. "We're not exactly close friends."
Asher chuckled softly. "Even so, you have a way of putting people at ease."