Our Little $ecret

rs with a forced smile and pinched eyelids. His gaze shifted to me; his stare pierced thro

up your lies like a bowl of spaghetti. You are fired! Your pride and ill manner did this to you. And if you like, bring a whole family tree, I would not accept you back in. You cannot work for me on your own terms. I pay you for crying out loud, working on my terms.” He looked past me. “Claret

picked some candy and toys and pushed them into my bag. The bell above the door chimed, and I turned back to see a young man in a suit

car parked out front, its windows t

ted him from head to toe, a reflex honed by years of working in

ere.” I replied softly, m

insisted. I glanced down at my work at

eded. “But I

His words surprised me, and I stared at him with an arched eyebrow. A man in a suit and tie, yet he seemed out of place, like he worked

nt?” I asked, my voice

ted. I fetched his order and scanned the items for t

d picked up the nylon bag. I processed the payment, placing the money in the cash register. I barely had time to retrieve his change befor

tomped over to me, startling me in my criminal act. I wal

eplied, my voice low and weary. “No

ound and just le

couldn’t help but mutter under my breath. “M

at?” Mr. Str

d colleagues met me. As I attempted to explain, my voice broke, and tears streamed down my fa

efore leaving. I walked out of the store feeling a swirl of

Walking behind it, my curiosity got the better of me, and I

t injured. Thank God for that stroke of luck. I picked myself up, shaken but not harmed, and the man who had come to buy the towel r

ver. This drew the attention of passers-by who grew curious. Some were giggling and making mockery of the situation, while some of them took out their phones to

His face was concealed and he was neatly and well dressed. My anger was boiling over, and I couldn’t help but examine h

u?” He asked, his voice carrying genuine concern. I am su

ther one look presentable.” I snapped back, still reeling from the s

again, is there something we can do to tend to you? I

tain serious?” I muttered, looking elsewhere. He

t even care to know who you are. Speaking from an honest place.” He fire

ing beneath the surface. His brows quirked. I just…I couldn’t help myself. I was angry. “El chico estúpido

y eyes widened in shock. Did he by chance understand what I said in Spanish? He didn’t look

n’t photoshop your ugly personality.” I fired

nishable manner. It hit. He nodded toward his driver, who rushed into the

e driver handed the ba

wed by the driver, who apologized once more before rushing into the car. They drove off. I…stood there in shock, my

ounted my steps, still trying to make