Lot of Damage

"Mia, you have caused quite a lot of damage, and it will come at a cost," he stated, gripping her ribbon firmly.

"Yes, sir, I am aware. But please, my salary for the next two years won't be enough to cover it. Is there any work you can offer me, sir? Please," Mia pleaded desperately.

"Very well, since you insist, you can work as my personal assistant. You may start whenever you like," he agreed, releasing her ribbon. As Mia turned to leave, he added, "Your number." Mia quickly entered her contact information into his phone, bowed respectfully, and hurried away, hiding behind a pillar in the parking lot until they drove off. She then rushed to clean up the mess they had left behind.

Back inside the supermarket, Mia's despondent expression caught Vanessa's attention. She rushed over, helping Mia regain her balance, and held her in a comforting hug as Mia's tears flowed freely.

"Mia, what happened? Why are you crying?" Vanessa asked, concerned for her friend.

Vanessa's partner choked back her sobs before replying, "Vanessa, you know the man bought fifty bottles of wine? Well, I tripped over a stupid stone and broke every single one."

Vanessa's eyes widened with worry. "How are you going to pay for it, Mia?"

"Don't worry, Vanessa. He offered me a job as his personal assistant, so I'll work off the cost," Mia assured her, feeling slightly better about the situation.

With renewed determination, Vanessa and Mia returned to their respective work stations, continuing to serve customers until closing time. Vanessa had planned to walk Mia home, but she received an urgent text from her boyfriend, forcing her to leave Mia alone. Mia stood there, casting a gloomy shadow upon herself. The night had fallen, and the deserted road offered no signs of passing taxis or cabs.

Realizing she would have to undertake the long walk home, Mia began contemplating her options when the sound of a car horn caught her attention. Though her vision was blurred, she discerned a familiar silhouette across the road. 

It was Harry, beckoning her to join him in his car. Despite the hesitation swimming within her, Mia decided to take a leap of faith and accepted his unexpected offer. As she entered the vehicle, her eyes met Harry's, and the world around her seemed to fade away…

His piercing green eyes held Mia captive, his ebony black hair perfectly framing his handsome face. It was impossible to tear her gaze away from him. But as soon as Harry entered the scene, all thoughts of the enigmatic man vanished from her mind. The car was filled with Harry's intoxicating scent, a fragrance Mia couldn't seem to get enough of. Nervous and uncertain, she fidgeted, not knowing what to say or do in his presence. 

"Mia, it seems you're stuck here, and your house is quite far, isn't it?" Harry raised an eyebrow, flashing his killer smile that seemed to ensnare her. Mia continued to stare at him, momentarily speechless. Finally, she took a deep breath and responded, "Yes... sir, I mean, boss. It's a considerable distance, and I would be truly grateful if you wouldn't mind taking me home." Mia instantly regretted her words, feeling awkward and out of place. She always seemed to behave strangely around him, fearing the exposure of her true feelings.

Harry's mesmerizing gaze intensified as he leaned closer, causing Mia to instinctively lean back, until she collided with the chair. He continued to draw nearer, so close that she could smell his intoxicating scent. Fearing his intentions, Mia's mind raced, worried about any coworkers who might chance upon their intimate encounter and spread rumors. But her infatuation with Harry overwhelmed her concerns. 

"Mia, please don't call me boss," he said, his voice laced with flirtation. "You can call me anything you want, anything less formal. How about babe?" Harry's attempt at flirting made Mia's face flush with embarrassment and, once again, she found herself holding her breath. Harry noticed her reaction and smiled, his gaze lingering on her. He reached out, fastening her seatbelt, a simple touch that Mia wished could last forever. But Harry abruptly withdrew, as if stung by something invisible. Concern etched on her face, Mia asked, "What happened? Are you hurt?" Harry replied, "It's nothing serious. But you feel really warm... are you feeling unwell?" Mia blushed, feeling shy and vulnerable. "No, I'm fine. Did you get hurt?" she stammered, her fingers lightly brushing against his muscular arm. 

Suddenly, Harry's touch shifted from her hand to both of her hands, his seductive gaze accompanied by that charming smile. Mia struggled to contain her emotions, wanting desperately to embrace him and release her pent-up feelings. But she fought to keep them locked away. "Mia, I was only joking," Harry said, but his words contradicted the intense look in his eyes. "But, I must say, you look incredibly attractive yourself."

Overwhelmed by his persistent flirting, Mia could no longer resist. Her desire to hug him and confess her true feelings became too much to bear. She tried to maintain composure, but her resolve shattered. "Oh... Harry, what has gotten into you? You sound... different," she managed to utter through her emotions. "It's you, Mia," he confessed, his eyes locked onto hers. "You've captivated my mind. I love you." Mia's eyes widened, rendered speechless by his unexpected declaration. Emotions flooded her thoughts, and without hesitation, she flung open the car door and rested against it. Harry moved closer, his presence causing Mia's teary eyes to sparkle. She attempted to speak but couldn't find the words, instead gazing away. Harry gently held her face, desperately seeking answers. "Mia, what's wrong? Did I say something to hurt you? Don't you love me too, Mia?" As he searched her eyes, the air grew tense with anticipation. Once more, he repeated the question, "Mia, do you love me?" 

Tears welled up in Mia's eyes as she stared at him, her voice heavy with emotion. "Yes, yes, I love you, Harry. I can't go a single day without thinking of you, but..." Mia's words were abruptly silenced by his hand placed delicately over her lips. "Mia, that's all I needed to hear," he whispered, brushing her hair behind her ear and drawing her closer.