Moving day soon approaches for Daphne and I. After a meeting with Daphne's principal about our move, she was ready to transfer to Titian High Academy. I hated seeing her say goodbye to all her friends and teachers. I hated that it was me turning her life upside down - again. Although, the highlight of the meeting was her principal saving her a ticket for the school dance. We got on our bus one last time, and headed for the city.
"Oh. My. Days." Daphne's mouth drops open at the sight of the city. Her reaction to the beauty of the buildings, shops, people - everything is relatable. She has never been outside of the village, and to see her face light up the way it is makes me feel like I am doing something good for her.
"I am glad you like it." I smile at her. We reach our stop, wheeling our suitcases off the bus, waving goodbye to the bus driver. I use the Google Maps app on my phone to direct us to our new home. After fifteen minutes of walking, we come face to face with a closed off block of apartments. The gate was a rose gold, ivy leaves decorating it. I ring the buzzer; the gate automatically opening. As Daphne and I enter, there are two blocks of apartments on either side.
"Ziayn!" Xavier's voice shouts out, bringing me back into the present. I turn to my left to see him leaning on a black Rolls Royce. He is dressed in a light grey suit, shiny black shoes to match. We walk over to him, our suitcases rolling smoothly over the tarmac concrete.
"Good morning Xavier, this is my little sister Daphne. Daph, this is my boss Xavier." I introduce the two. Daphne shows a polite smile, shaking Xavier's hand.
"Thank you for letting us live here Xavier. And for giving my sister the job." Daphne says, putting on her angelic voice.
"Don't worry, it was no hassle. Your sister is going to be a very valuable member to Lighthouse Industries," Xavier tells my sister, his eyes wonder to mine. "let me show you to your new home." Xavier takes us into the building on the left, taking the elevator to the ninth floor. He guides us down to the end door, unlocking it with a key. The door opens up to an open living room. The dark grey and white colour scheme gives it a very modern feel. He shows us the kitchen, that is the size of our old apartment, a breakfast island in the middle, and a dining table in the far corner.
"I can get use to cooking in here!" Daphne grins, causing Xavier and I to smile.
Daphne's bedroom was big enough to fit in a double bed and a dressing table and a wardrobe and a desk where she can do all her A level exam preparations. The baby blue and white colour scheme matches Daphne excellently as well. My room was similar to Daphne's, but Xavier added an easel on the balcony for me, instead of a seating area with blankets and cushions, which is what Daphne has on her balcony. We had a bath as well as a shower in the bathroom. This apartment had everything we have ever wanted and more!
"Is this apartment okay with you two young ladies?" Xavier finally asks us after the tour.
"This is everything I have ever wanted Xavier, thank you!" Daphne says, falling back into the soft, velvet settee.
"I am with Daph on this one. It is a beautiful place Xavier." I smile, speechless at how upper class this apartment is. A part of me feels out of place, but the other part of me feels at home. This is my home now.
"I am happy to be of service to you both. Daphne you start sixth form tomorrow at half past eight, and Ziayn, if you can drive to work and be there in ten minutes, that would be great." Xavier tells us. Wait.
"Drive?" Daphne and I say in unison. This man has to be crazy.
"Yes. You both must be tired of taking the bus, so Ziayn has a company car... to keep." He says before leaving the apartment. He cannot be serious?
"Did I just get a car as well as a new place to live?" I ask aloud, not quite processing all of this.
"I think you did sis. I think you just did." Daphne confirms, taking her suitcase into her room.
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"I would like to welcome a new member to the team today. This is Ziayn Xu, and she will be our new interior designer here at Lighthouse Industries. Can we please make her feel welcome." Xavier introduces me to the Heads of Departments in a meeting. Having all eyes on me is scary. I can feel their eyes judging me, my clothes, my hair - everything. I give a timid "hello" and quickly took a seat. The meeting begins, talking about the new hotels that are in the process of being built around the UK. I take notes, sketching quick designs and ideas for the different hotels. It may be the same company behind every hotel, but they should still stand out from each other.
"That is it for this morning's meeting. I would like you all to put your full attention into this project. I want it to be the best thing Lighthouse Industries has ever created." Xavier orders, everyone getting up, talking amongst themselves. I am the last one to leave, but Xavier holds me back.
"How are you feeling?" He asks me, a concerned look in his eyes. I give him a small smile.
"Yeah, I am just trying to get use to this privileged way of life." I say, holding my notebook and laptop close to me chest. Oh yes - I also get a laptop to do my work on.
"I know it is a lot to take in, but I would not have given you the job if I did not think you could handle it. If you have any problems, do not hesitate to ask." He smirks, leaving me in the conference room alone. I let out a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts.
This is so overwhelming.
YOU ARE READING
Don't Hurt Me
Romance"If this is just a game to you then leave!" "This is no game baby girl. This is the real deal." Ziayn Xu is a twenty two year old woman who has been looking after herself and her little sister ever since they were left outside an orphanage by their...
