Chapter 27He kept staring at the screen till someone jolted him out of his trances. He turned and Claus was standing in front of him. " Yeah? " Shane asked him. " The CEO of Maynard Enterprise is here to see you " He announced. Shane let out a scoff as he dropped his cell phone." Bryan? Really? " He asked unbelievably. Claus let out a nod. " Yes sir " He replied. A playful smirk suddenly played on his lips. " Let him in " He finally said. Claus bowed a little before walking out of his office." Bryan Maynard... " Shane muttered and suddenly chuckled.Bryan Maynard is Shane's business rival. They are neither friends nor enemy. Or let's say they're both.The door suddenly pushed open and there he was. He had this smirk on as usual, and it's the same with Shane. Shane watched as Bryan walked over to his desk and sat down on the chair, opposite him." Afternoon friend " He finally said, stretching his hand forward for an handshake after settling himself down comfortably on the seat. "
Chapter 28Shane stared at her and she did the same, they continued staring at each other for minutes before Shane finally broke the stare. He looked away, at least he has seen her now. That's all he wanted." Hey " Mirah tapped Layla slowly. " We should get to work " Was all she said and walked back into the worker's part of the cafe. They put on their working dress and began serving other customers. Layla wouldn't stop stealing glances at Shane and it's the same for him too. He would glance at her every minute." Do you need anything else sires? " Mirah asked with a light smile as she walked over to them. " No, we're fine. Thanks " Alec replied instead. She smiled and glanced at Shane before walking away." You saw her now, so what now? " Alec asked Shane. " So we finish our coffee " He replied rather with a scoff." You are not going to say a thing to her? " Alec asked, glancing at Layla who served other customers along side other workers." I don't have a thing to say to her " He
Chapter 29"I'm really a substitute, ain't I? " She asked herself again. " Gosh, I think I'm going crazy " She muttered in frustration. Mirah who had been watching her couldn't help but wonder what she gat on her head that could be really frustrating her." You sure you're really okay? " Mirah asked when she couldn't take it anymore." I'm fine, seriously! " She replied, staring blankly at the customers who were begining to disperse. Seems they're closing soon." You don't look like you are " Mirah persisted. " We should start making preparations to close the coffee shop. Mr Cyrus ( the coffee shop owner ) would be here soon " She said instead and began to walk away, ignoring Mirah's call." What's really up with her? " Mirah said to herself worriedly.They finished packing the empty cups along side other workers and it was finally time for them to leave for their home.Layla got in through the driver's side and sat down, ready to drive while Mirah got in, opposite her, at the passeng
Chapter 30" Shane? " Mrs Kent called again, breaking Shane out of his trance. He had went mute for some seconds. " You like her right? " Mrs Kent asked again.Shane released a sigh. " Mom, it seems you're taking this the wrong way. I shouldn't have told you anyways. I and Brielle will be fine, like seriously. You don't have to worry about us " Shane assured. Mrs Kent let out a sigh. " I'm not worried about her, I'm worried about you!. It's obviously she doesn't love you but you just don't seem to care. " Mrs Kent said sadly." Mom, you should leave now and go take a rest, it's late in the night " Shane said, trying to change the topic. Mrs Kent understood his plight but played along anyways. " Alright then. Bye baby " Sha bade and Shane let out a forced smile. " Bye " He muttered and hanged up.He sighed shortly. He knows too well his mom wouldn't stop thinking about it and he's regretting now that he had told her. He shouldn't have.It's not really his fault anyways. He's been try
Chapter 31His lips spread into a smile. It's Layla. " Who's it? " Alec's voice came out and he glanced at him. " She's calling again " He muttered, confusing Alec the more." Who's it? " He asked with his brows slightly raised. Shane realized he hadn't been speaking actual words. " Oh " He muttered. " It's Layla " He added and Alec muttered an * oh *." Hey " Shane said over the phone. " Um.. hi " Layla's voice came in a whisper. It sounded like she was being forced to talk and Shane couldn't help but ask if she was okay." Is everything okay? " Shane asked and he pictured her nodding as she didn't reply for some seconds." Yeah I'm fine " She mumbled. " So?... You called?... " Shane started as he took a glance at Alec who seemed very much interested in their conversation as he listened intently." Yeah, I.. made a mistake... It was unintentional, sorry if that disturbed you " She lied. " No you didn't. It's fine " He said quickly. " Oh, okay then. Bye " She muttered and he nodded. "
Chapter 32" No, I don't really do. I just want to show her my sincere appreciation. She had helped me with my wallet I had misplaced " He explained and Mr Cyrus let out a smile. Tho it was the total opposite of what he was expecting, but he's glad one of his workers had left a great impression to this great millionaire." She's not really here today, but you could come around tomorrow or another day. She would be around, you could thank her properly then " Mr Cyrus said and Shane nodded with a little chuckle. He's well aware of Mr Cyrus tactics. They're both business owners and he clearly understand the concept of trying to get an investor invest a business. It's the sane tactic Mr Cyrus is trying to use on him." I will do so then " He said and Mr Cyrus smiled. He bowed a little before walking away excitedly and scolding the workers to get to work and attend to the seemingly endless customers who kept trooping in all because of the millionaires in their midst. ***** Next day *" S
Chapter 33They got inside after putting on a cap, they were trying not to attract people. They walked in and headed straight to the counter where some of the servers were." Welcome sires " They greeted with a short bow. The guys returned their greetings with a wave of their hands. " Um, is Layla around? " Shane was the first to ask. The two servers passed themselves glances but the two cared less." No sir. She was only available in the morning " One of them replied and Shane nodded. " When would she be available then? " Shane asked again. " Um, I think you should please see Mr Cyrus for that. He actually decides when the two would come to work since they're a part timer " The guy replied politely. " Alright then. Thanks " Shane thanked and they nodded. They made their way deeper to Mr Cyrus office.They got there and with a little knock, they pushed the door open. The middle aged man who was working on his laptop look up to the two guests before him. His lips widened to a smile im
Chapter 34Shane wouldn't look away as he kept on staring at Layla who also stared at him. " You should look away to avoid suspicion " Alec said silently as he tapped Shane.He was about doing that until he realized Layla had look away and was headed to the counter together with Mirah." Oh, seems she looked away first " Alec uttered and looked at Shane trying to study his expression.He caught a glimpse of a hurt look on his face and he let out a silent sigh. Shane looked away, biting his lower lips. That again is a verification that she's angry at him. She looked away first." Are you okay? " Alec asked but Shane let out a sigh instead. " I think she's really mad at me. She looked away and even walked away, totally ignoring me " He explained sipping from the cup in front of him." And you're worried? " Alec knowingly asked the dumbest question ever. Shane let out a scoff. " Come on, I'm not in the mood for that " Shane muttered and Alec let out a huff before looking away from him an