LUCKY BILLIONAIRE

2

"This can't be happening," Alejandro whispered more to himself.

His eyes welled up with tears as he thought about his wife. What would he tell her? What would he tell his family? They would mock him, as they always did.

Alejandro made his way to his workstation, packing up his belongings. He had been loyal to his boss for years, ever since he graduated from school, and now he was being cast aside. He felt a surge of anger, not just at losing his job, but at his boss's lack of trust in him. He hadn't been given a chance to prove himself. But in the end, he was just another insignificant employee.

Stuffing his designs into his bag, including the ones he had hoped to present to his boss, Alejandro felt a surge of bitterness. He glanced at the jewelry, especially the piece he had intended for Sophia, before angrily shoving them into his bag.

"Oh, leaving already? I can talk to your boss for you. You know what I want," Charlotte interjected, her voice cutting through his thoughts. Alejandro froze, his fists clenched, but he maintained a stoic expression. He ignored her advances, refusing to engage.

"I still want you, Alejandro. And besides, no woman would want to be with a man without a job," Charlotte teased, attempting to grab his hand.

"I'd rather be homeless than be with someone as shallow as you. You may be wealthy, but your character is worth less than nothing. Leave me alone," Alejandro retorted firmly before storming out.

The journey home felt endless for Alejandro. Losing his job weighed heavily on his mind as he walked. He knew he'd be mocked by his in-laws and that Sophie would only despise him more.

After an hour's walk, he finally reached the ornate gate and was allowed in.

The atmosphere buzzed with evening chatter, louder than usual. Alejandro kept his gaze low, but his mother-in-law stopped him before he could go upstairs.

"You're home early. What happened?" Her tone was chilly.

"It's nothing. Just a rough day. I'm not feeling well, Mrs. Brown," he replied, his voice as gruff as ever.

"Alejandro?" Sophie's voice drew his attention. She was sipping a glass of wine.

"It was a really tough day, Sophie," he admitted wearily.

"What happened?"

"I got fired. They framed me for a theft."

"What?!" Sophie's anger flared, cutting him off. "You stole?!"

"No, I—" Before he could defend himself, she poured her wine over him, and the liquid stung his eyes painfully.

"I won't tolerate a thief!" Sophie raged.

“What were you expecting from him? Something great? Look at how useless he is, can anything good ever come out from him?” Mrs. Brown said.

"Do you think I'd steal?!" Alejandro retorted, his voice was rising now as he felt unjustly accused even by his family.

"I don't care! You've brought disgrace upon us," Sophie spat and began shoving him away.

"I was framed, Sophie!" Alejandro protested.

"I don't believe you! Now everyone will know I married a thief! I regret marrying you! Get out and never come back!" Sophia said and shut the door behind him.

The street was dark as Alejandro walked around. He ended up in the park. He sat on a bench, thinking about how his in-laws treated him. Tears started falling, and he couldn't stop them.

After a while, he felt tired and tried to sleep, but the cold woke him up soon. He decided to go to his best friend, Miguel's place, even though it was far.

After a long walk, he knocked on Miguel's door. Miguel opened it and smiled at him.

“Alejandro? Come in!” Miguel said warmly. “What's wrong, buddy? Is it Sophie?”

“Yes... and I lost my job today. Can I stay here for a while?” Alejandro asked, feeling sad.

“Of course, man. You don't even need to ask,” Miguel replied, patting his back. “There's food in the kitchen, your favorite. Change and let's talk.”

Alejandro took off his work uniform and wore one of Miguel's clothes. He went to the kitchen and dished out food. It was then he realized how hungry he was.

"So, tell me what happened," Miguel asked him as he ate.

"I was framed by Charlotte Roosevelt at work because I refused her sexual advances."

"Wait, Charlotte Roosevelt, the daughter of Mr. Frank Roosevelt, the billionaire?"

"Yes."

"That's bad, and your boss did nothing about it?"

"He was part of the whole thing. I think Charlotte paid him some money to kick me out. I got home and told Sophia what happened but she and Mrs. Brown drove me out of the house immediately without thinking twice." Alejandro said and looked down dejectedly.

“You know, Sophie can be mean sometimes,” Miguel said, trying to make him feel better.

“Yeah, but I didn't expect her to treat me like that,” Alejandro admitted sadly.

“You'll find another job, don't worry,” Miguel encouraged him. “I think I'll call my boss at work and see if there's a vacancy.”

He picked up his phone and dialed his boss' number.

“Hello, Miguel.” His boss said when the line connected.

"Hello, boss. Please, my friend lost his job, and I'm calling to ask if there's any vacancy where you can fit him?" Miguel asked after his boss picked up.

"No, but I think we have vacancies at the new company. Thank you for recommending your friend to us. We'd be glad to accept him after the interview."

"Thank you too. Please, when can he come for the interview?"

"As early as tomorrow morning. He should be at the company, so he will get the job."

"Ok, I'll let him know. Thanks," Miguel said and hung up.

"Don't worry, Alejandro. Everything will be fine. You'll get a new job as soon as possible.”

“Thanks, Miguel. You've always been there for me,” Alejandro said, feeling grateful for his friend's support.

“You're welcome. We're best friends and so we always got each other's back. Remember how you took me in when I just came to the city?”

Alejandro was grateful for Miguel's help. He knew he would count on him.