Chapter 6

• [ARIETTA’S POV]
• We got busy the whole morning, so I didn’t have the chance to focus on Sir Pierce. Not that I wanted to give him attention.
• I was exhausted when my shift at the restaurant ended. I stretched my stiff body, ready to head to the locker room when I noticed Sir Pierce talking to the supervisor.
• The other crew members were staring at him and whispering among themselves. They were, of course, daydreaming about him. Who wouldn’t? Well, me, of course.
• Sir Pierce stands out too much. You can’t deny that he grew up with a lavish life, with a golden, if not a diamond spoon in his mouth, and that he’s a Grimaldi heir.
• I glanced at the women who were fawning over him. Even though they were at a distance, it was as if they were about to push each other just to get his attention. I shook my head. If you’re not in their league, you’re just left dreaming. People like Sir Pierce, who come from wealthy families, will look for partners who are on their level or share the same luxurious lifestyle. That’s why people like us, who aren’t rich, can never reach their level.
• I’m not dreaming about that either. Besides, it’s not on my mind. I want to focus on my career. I’d rather get rich myself than marry someone rich. It feels so much better to spend money you’ve worked hard for.
• I was about to leave when the supervisor called me.
• I turned to look in their direction. I saw Sir Pierce and the supervisor looking at me. I glanced toward where the women were fawning over Sir Pierce.
• "Come here," the supervisor called again. I had no choice but to approach, even though I felt like someone was about to yank my hair from the women who were into Pierce Grimaldi.
• "Why, sir?" I asked as I got closer to them. I avoided looking at Sir Pierce. I could see his smirking face from the corner of my eye.
• "Your allowance won't be deducted because of the Macallan glass that broke yesterday. You'll get your full weekly allowance," the supervisor said, smiling at me. My eyes widened. I didn’t expect this kind of news. I had been worried about it since last night.
• "Really?!" I almost shouted. I was so happy. I felt like hugging the supervisor out of pure joy.
• "Yes." He pointed to Sir Pierce, so I looked at him as well. "Sir Pierce explained everything to me. He said it was an accident that you were bumped into, causing the glass to break. Thankfully, Sir Pierce clarified what really happened."
• My smile slowly faded. He tilted his head to the side and looked at me, as if waiting to be praised.
• "R-Really?" My smile trembled. I didn’t know whether to be happy or upset about what he did. "Thank you, Sir Pierce." I still had to thank him. At least I'll get my full allowance! It would be a big help with my savings and expenses.
• He didn’t say anything, just kept smiling at me. I cleared my throat and avoided his gaze. I forced a wide smile as I looked at the supervisor.
• "And also, Arietta, Sir Pierce was impressed with your excellent service last night. The way you assisted him in his private villa was exceptional. He even requested that you personally assist him while he’s here in the villa."
• I was stunned by what I heard. My jaw almost dropped from what the supervisor just told me.
• "B-But I’m just an intern. Wouldn’t it be better for a permanent staff member to assist Sir Pierce—"
• "I think this will be a good experience for you. You can apply everything you've learned in school to assist me. Don’t worry, I’ll grade you fairly."
• At that moment, I felt like this guy was just messing with me.
• What did he find so impressive? All I did last night was push him away from me!
• I didn’t want this! I wanted to shout it, but I felt like I had no right to refuse.
• The supervisor leaned in closer and whispered, "This is a great opportunity for you, Ari. If you put your affiliation with Mr. Grimaldi on your CV, I’m sure you’ll have no trouble finding a job in the hotel industry after you graduate."
• Since it sounded good, even though it was uncomfortable to be around Sir Pierce, I agreed. Damn, I wish I hadn’t!
• I froze while changing into my uniform when I heard my friend Blaire’s voice. I didn’t feel like looking at her, but she greeted me with a wide grin.
• I already had a feeling about why she approached me, but I still let her say it out loud.
• "Is it true? Are you going to work for Sir Pierce while he’s at his villa? OMG!" Blaire shook me, and I immediately stopped her. I was dizzy from her actions.
• "Wow, the news spread fast," I said, rolling my eyes as I placed some of my things in my locker. I’d probably get the rest later and take them back to my dorm. "I don’t even know if this is still part of the internship—"
• "Hey, are you stupid? Of course it is!" Blaire laughed. "Just think about it! If you put on your CV that you personally worked for a Grimaldi, girl, everyone in the industry will be fighting to hire you. That family is so famous, especially in New York and its neighboring states. They have tons of property." Blaire flashed me a wide smile. "So, do your best! Who knows, maybe Sir Pierce will fall for you. Shocks! I’m already getting butterflies."
• I snapped my fingers in front of her face to burst her little bubble. Blaire stopped daydreaming and looked at me.
• "You're daydreaming too early," I said as I fixed my hair, deciding to tie it in a ponytail. "Rich people don't fall in love with poor people, you know?"
• She made a face, which I could see from the corner of my eye. "You’re not really poor!"
• I furrowed my brow at what she said. I didn’t say anything else. I am poor.
• "The West family has money! I don’t even know why you’re still working. My dad told me your family is really rich. You have a lot of businesses here in Boston and even in New York."
• I sighed. "That was before, Blaire. Now, we're struggling. Plus, I can’t keep relying on my aunt. She already put me through school and took care of me after my dad was imprisoned. I’m no longer a minor. I can’t always depend on her. I also know she’s saving up for my dad’s bail."
• There were so many charges against my dad. He’s constantly in and out of jail. He runs away, and even when he does, he doesn’t do anything good. That’s why he’s facing multiple charges now.
• Some of my dad’s relatives took care of me when I was younger. I still live with them, but I’m already financially independent. I really don’t like depending on other people’s money. Maybe because, one day, I don’t want to be reminded of it.
• "Didn’t your dad leave any money for you before he got imprisoned? That's crazy, right? I wonder what your dad’s case is. It’s piling up; I don’t even know anymore."
• I didn’t say anything. Maybe my dad did leave money for me back then, but Aunt used it all for my expenses, and now it’s gone.
• "My dad says it wasn’t his fault. He says they just point to him as the one to blame." I didn’t know whether to believe him. He also told me before that powerful and wealthy people were the ones accusing him, claiming he did something wrong. Because of the influence of those behind his imprisonment, he couldn’t even post bail. Still, we never lost hope that once we have enough money, we could post his bail.
• Blaire and I were silent after I spoke. I was okay with being independent. Maybe it’s better not to always rely on other people’s help. I want to build my own life and career. So even though life is tough right now, I’m still happy.
• "When are you starting with Sir Pierce?" My friend’s mischievous grin returned. I rolled my eyes because here she goes again.
• "I don’t know. Maybe he’ll just call me when he needs me." I closed my locker, so I could clearly see her teasing expression.
• "I’m rooting for you! I never lose hope that you’ll finish this internship, or even Sir Pierce’s stay here, without you attracting his attention." She stepped closer and fixed my hair. "With your beauty, you’ll win him over. Do your best!" She winked at me.
• I playfully slapped her arm. We both left the locker room together.
• "Stop trying to hook me up with that guy. If anyone hears you, they’ll think I’m a gold digger!"
• Blaire laughed and kept walking beside me. "Come on, you could get with him! He has a name, you know! His name is beautiful. Just call him that."
• I stopped walking and looked at Blaire. She was waiting for me to say Sir Pierce’s name.
• Her lips curled into a small smile, as if she was holding back laughter. I burst out laughing. I only then noticed she quickly sealed her lips and was staring behind me.
• “You mean Pierce of Darkness?” I was still chuckling when I looked behind me to see who Blaire was staring at, and my laughter faded when I saw Sir Pierce with his arms crossed behind me.