Chapter 51: New job.
Charles left the text on read, tossing his cell phone onto the bed with a sigh before making his way toward the bathroom.
He needed a moment to himself, to clear his mind and shake off the lingering thoughts of Augustine.
Charles took off his singlet and boxer briefs, standing in front of the bathroom mirror.
He stared at his reflection, his brow furrowing in confusion. "What the hell is wrong with Augustine?" he muttered to himself, frustration creeping into his voice.
He turned on the shower, allowing the warm water to cascade down from his head and onto his entire body.
Minutes later, Charles grabbed a pair of white towels which he wrapped around his waist.
Once more, Charles observed his reflection in the bathroom mirror.
His gaze fell to his chest, and in curiosity, he trailed his index finger lightly over his skin.
The motion ended at his nipple, and his thoughts swirled. ’Why did Augustine ask about the color of my nipples?’ he wondered.
Slowly, his index finger circled his nipple, and with a deliberate motion, he pinched it.
Instantly, it hardened.
’Wait... what the fuck am I even doing?’ Charles spat coldly as he questioned himself in surprise.
He was a bit taken aback by his actions.
Charles shook his head sideways, trying to push the dirty thoughts clouding his mind away. ’I need to go to work before I imagine something really weird,’ he muttered, rushing out of the bathroom.
Walking over to the wardrobe, Charles opened it and grabbed a white shirt, quickly slipping it on, the hem ending just above his thigh.
His hands skimmed through the clothes, pulling out a black shirt, which he put on before proceeding to glanced at the time on his phone screen.
’I need to hurry so I don’t arrive late on my first day,’ Charles thought to himself, noticing that the time was already a few minutes past eleven o’clock.
With hastened steps, Charles grabbed his backpack, quickly slipped on a pair of flat slippers, and headed out of the mansion.
He walked straight to the roadside, extending his hand to hail a cab.
Soon, a yellow cab pulled up beside Charles.
He quickly got in, providing the driver with his destination.
Eventually, the driver pulled over at the restaurant where Charles was about to begin his first shift.
He paid the fare through mobile transfer, his hand slightly trembling as he did so.
Turning to face the entrance of the restaurant, Charles took a deep breath. ’I hope I do my best,’ Charles purred and with a courageous deep breath as he stepped inside the restaurant, walking over to a waitress.
Charles explained to the waitress that he was new worker so she took him over to the manager.
After the manager has given Charles some instructions, a green apron was handed over to him, and without hesitation, he slipped it on, ready to begin his first day.
His duties were simple—taking orders, serving customers, and ensuring that everything ran smoothly.
After six hours of serving tables, his body began to ache from the constant movement.
And finally, Charles took off his apron, the weight of the day lifting off his shoulders.
He cloaked out of the restaurant, stepping into the fresh air outside, feeling a sense of relief wash over him.
The day had been exhausting, but it was done.
Charles took a deep breath, letting the cool air fill his lungs as he walked away from the restaurant. The streetlights flickered above him, casting a warm glow over the sidewalk.
The world around him was still bustling, but for Charles, the night felt quiet.
Sigh!
’What a hectic day,’ Charles mused, walking down the cold night street with a smile on his lips.
"Hey!" A young man from across the road called out as he waved his hand at Charles.
The call of the young man draws Charles’s attention and a scowl forms across his face. ’Who’s that and what does he want?’
Charles ignored the young man at first, but his persistent waving caught Charles’s attention.
Reluctantly, Charles crossed the road to ask him what he wanted.
"Do I know you and why are you calling me?" Charles inquired, sounding irritated.
The man appeared to be in his late thirties, his sophisticated three-piece suit exuding an air of confidence and authority.
The man smiled. "I was asked to take you home."
"Huh? Take me home?" Charles probed with an arched brow. "Who sent you?"
"Mr. Wales sent me." He explained before averting his gaze towards the black Ford car at his side.
Seeing the car, a scoff rolled out of Charles’s lips. ’Why is Augustine trying to behave romantically?’ He questioned while rolling his eyes.
Charles had always known that among all the cars Augustine owned, his black Ford was one of his favorites.
"Alright then," Charles replied, opening the passenger door and settling into the seat.
His eyes immediately landed on a sunflower bouquet resting beside a bottle of water and instantly, Charles smile brightened.
’Augustine is such an helpless romantic.’ Charles thought.
The man from earlier slid into the driver’s seat, his movements steady and composed.
With a quiet hum, he started the engine, the soft purr of the car blending into the bustling sounds of the night as they merged into the flow of traffic.
’Why didn’t Augustine tell me he was sending a car for me?’ Charles wondered, his brows knitting together in confusion.
He bite into his lower lips as he grabbed the rose blower bouquet.
"Are all these for me?" Charles asked the driver in a warm tone, his gaze shifting between the rose bouquet and the bottle of water.
He wanted to be sure they were meant for him and not someone else.
The driver nodded but didn’t utter any words out of his mouth.
’Having a bottle of water would at least quench my thirst.’ Charles inwardly muse within himself.
Opening the bottle of water, he drank the entire content in a few gulps.
But within minutes, a wave of dizziness washed over him.
His vision blurred, and before he could grasp what was happening, his body went limp, collapsing against the seat.