FROM GRIT TO GRAND: A BILLIONAIRE IN GUISE

“One last order Elijah. Avalon penthouse. Room23B.”

Mr. Biggs, Elijah's boss shouted, his voice lilt– an evidence of the how sale went that day.

Today has been more productive than any other day. Customers were tropping in, orders were coming in multiples and the task at hand overmatched the workers. For the first time at the Biggs Cafe.

Elijah wiped sweat off his brow and jumped up. “Just what I needed!" He said Excitedly and hurried to his boss.

Elijah has taken a double shift throughout that week but he didn't care. He has to impress his girlfriend, Clara Quinn and makes his proposal worthy.

Today, he's going to propose to his girlfriend and he can't wait to see her reaction when he finally slips the $1000 worth solitaire halo ring into her finger.

Elijah had worked his ass off to get $800 that week.

“$200 more! A catch!!" He mumbled happily as he walked his boss.

Sarah is in her final year. She's a beauty on the campus and men cluster her like bees, vying for her hand in a relationship.

Men with powers and opportunities, rich students on campus and even politicians but Clara chose to date him.

She accepted his proposal because she loves his poise and how different he behaves on campus.

Elijah appreciated this. Even though he is struggling, Clara always tell him he believes he has potentials and that has strengthen their love more.

Clara told him. She told him that she loves to keep their relationship a secret. Her reasons; her personal affairs is always kept private.

Mr. Biggs had prepared the order. Four specialty drinks in a customized box– chocolate covered strawberries.

“Here. Tips!" His boss gave him extra $300 dollars.

Elijah was bubbling with joy. Finally. He'll be able to pay for the ring and it must be today. The Proposal.

With the same energy and glee, he carried the box and kicked his bike to life. The drive to Avalon suite which was supposed to last 20 minutes was reached by Elijah in just 14 minutes.

Avalon hotel is not just an ordinary hotel. It screams of wealth and opulence. The towering building which only elites and rich men in the city can afford. Elijah had heard it– to spend a night there cost a fortune. $3000 per night.

Waste of money. Elijah thought.

He was checked by the securities before he was allowed into the reception. With smiles on his face, he approached the female receptionist, holding the box carefully.

“Good evening Ma. Please I'm here to deliver an order to–” Elijah paused, looking at the box for the name. “Mr. Derek Vaughn. Room 23B. From Biggs Cafe.”

“Alright. Hold on please.” The lady picked the telephone and spoke to Mr. Derek.

She dropped the call and said. “Take the elevator to the last floor, third floor and you check the doors for room 23B.”

“Thanks.” Elijah appreciated with a gentle smile and walked to the Elevator.

The door of the Elevator chimed open when it got to the third floor and Elijah stepped out with the box. He was stunned by the opulence of the place.

The pristine wall that reflects his shadow, the door of the rooms looks similar with only the room number differentiating them, smart and modern with eye scanners and cards to unlock it.

Elijah keeps noting the room number till he go to room23B. He stopped at the door and took a sharp breath.

Softly, his knuckles bruised against the Doctor and he took a step backward, the box relaxing on his hand.

No response.

His brow creased slightly and he looked up to confirm the room number again. He was at the right place.

Again, he knocked and a thick angry voice came from inside.

“Who the heck is that?!"

“The delivery guy.” Elijah responded immediately, calmly.

“Go get it baby.” He heard the voice said. Not to him but to someone inside with him.

Elijah waited patiently.

Then the door of the room opened softly and a lady stood at the door, her body slightly concealed as the door wasn't totally opened. The smell of alcohol preceded her.

Her hair was messy and her eyes looks groggy, an indication that she must have burnt some hours in the club.

Elijah stood frozen, his jaw slack and shock settled in his eyes.

No. This couldn't be. It must be some cruel hallucination caused by the stress and sleepless nights.

There, at the door stood Clara, his girlfriend in an oversized shirt which clearly don't belong to her.

The shirt barely cover her thigh and just a little bend will expose her underwear if actually she has one on.

Elijah froze at the spot, lips quivering slightly and eyes almost popping out of sockets.

Clara's expression mirrored his own. She was shocked to see him. The heaviness and dizziness in her eyes cleared off instantly.

“Clara!" Elijah called with a low voice that burns with desperation to grasp the vivid reality staring at him in the face.

Elijah's body was on fire. His whole body trembled with his hand which could barely hold the weight of the box on his hand.

He couldn't believe his eyes.

“Did you get my coffee, babe? Ask him if he gets the syrup right this time around.”

A thick voice, seductively low with an edge of something Elijah understood quite well came from the room.

The same man, Derek Vaughn who he had come to deliver his order, came to the threshold, his hand wrapped around Clara's waist and he leaned in brushing his lips on hers.