"What are you doing here?"
I couldn't believe what I was seeing as I stared at him. Why is it that everywhere I go, I always run into this guy?
A grin slowly formed on his lips. "Shouldn't I be the one asking you that, Miss?"
I raised a brow. "Obviously, I'm here to apply for a job. What about you? Why are you here?!"
Is he following me or something? What is he—a stalker?
"Oh? Really?"
"Yes! So could you please leave? You're like a plague in my life!"
He laughed. "Me? A plague? Or maybe… I'm your good luck charm?"
I scoffed sarcastically. This guy really had the nerve. Yesterday he was grumpy, and now he's suddenly acting like we're close?
"You're unbelievable!"
"Why? I'm just stating a fact."
"Fact, my ass!"
He just shook his head, clearly enjoying the fact that I was getting so annoyed. Why does this guy irritate me so much?
"You said you're applying here, so you should learn how to show respect to your boss."
"I am respectful… but only to people who deserve it," I shot back.
"Well then, how do you expect me to hire you if this is how you act?"
"I don't care what you think. And for your information, are you even the boss here—"
I froze mid-sentence when my eyes landed on the nameplate on the desk. Shit. He is the owner of this hospital?
And what's more shocking was the surname.
Dr. Martin Eon Vladimir A. Laurent.
Laurent. He's also a Laurent? So what's his relation to Marvin?
"Is there a problem, Miss?" he asked with a smug smile, clearly amused at my realization. "Miss Savvy Rainy Luna Castor-Laurent."
My brows furrowed as soon as I heard that. Why was he attaching my surname to his? Gross. It sounded terrible. I don't even know why I once dreamed of becoming a Laurent. Now I just find that surname disgusting.
The Laurents destroyed me.
"What a beautiful name for my future wife." He winked. "My last name suits you. Shall we make it official?"
"I don't like your surname. It's cursed," I snapped. "And for the record, I'm sticking with Castor. I will never be a Laurent!"
"Oops. Never say never," he teased, his dimples on full display as if trying to charm me. "Who knows, maybe one day you'll become a Laurent… because of me."
"Ew. No thanks." I rolled my eyes. "And you haven't even answered my question—"
"Well then, let me answer it now," he cut me off.
What the hell is this guy on? Why is he making my blood boil like this? Maybe it's because he's a Laurent. Maybe it's because he reminds me of him.
My ex.
"Can you stop being so full of yourself? Just answer me," I said sharply. "Do you know someone named Marvin? Marvin Laurent? What's your relation to him?"
He chuckled as I glared at him. "Relax, ssob. Want me to dance the 'baby calm down' for you?"
"Do I look like I'm joking?"
"What? I was just asking. Don't you want me to dance for you?"
"Shut up," I snapped. "Just answer the damn question."
"Alright, alright," he finally gave in when I grabbed a book to throw at him. "So you want to know how I know Marvin Laurent? He's my younger brother. Why? How do you know him?" His tone shifted. His eyes narrowed. "Do you have a crush on my brother or something? Is that why you applied here? You thought he owned this hospital?"
So they are related. That explains the resemblance.
Marvin… my first love…
Is fate playing a sick joke on me? Of all the hospitals in the country, why his? Why does the owner have to be a Laurent too—and Marvin's brother, at that?
Fate, you're not funny. You're cruel.
"Wait, what?! The hospital owner is Marvin's brother?!" Aly exclaimed, shocked.
Even Samira was speechless. Honestly, how do you think I feel? I didn't even know the guy I was talking to was Marvin's brother! My head is spinning.
"You idiot, Alora! Haven't you been working at that hospital for years? You never met the owner?" Chloe smacked her on the head.
"How would I know? They said he rarely visits because he owns a ton of hospitals!"
"You're still an idiot!"
We were at the restaurant where Chloe works as a chef. All of us were gathered, eating together.
"So? Are you going to accept the job? I mean, are you showing up tomorrow?" Samira asked.
"I… I don't know," I admitted, shaking my head.
"Well honestly, there's nothing wrong with working there, Sannie," Kinzley said. "It's not like he's the one who broke your heart, right?"
"But there's a big chance I'll run into my ex. And that's what I want to avoid," I muttered, taking a sip of wine.
"So your only choices are… accept the offer or not?" Maria asked as she poured me another glass.
Should I accept it?
Even I wasn't sure what to do. Should I risk it? Or walk away?
Honestly, if I don't take the job, I'll just come across as bitter. But if I do, there's a real chance I'll have to face the past I've been trying to forget. Especially now that I know my boss is none other than Marvin's brother.