Chapter 1: Dealing With Work

"Hey, you, get me a coffee," the manager ordered as he pointed at Billy.

"Right away, sir," Billy said without batting an eye.

Suddenly, another coworker said, "Get me a coffee too."

"Me too," another said.

"Okay, does anyone else want a coffee?" he asked.

Everyone within hearing distance immediately gave their orders, which he happily accepted. Before he could leave to grab the coffee for everyone, someone stood in his way. Standing before him was Jacqueline, who crossed her arms with a stern expression on her face.

"What's going on here?" she demanded.

Immediately, everyone went silent. No one dared to speak to her. Even though she had only joined the company a few months ago, everyone knew she was on the fast track to being promoted. She had the looks and brains to rise to the top. If they made a mistake, it would be the end for them.

Her green eyes scanned the area as everyone ducked their heads except for the manager. "Well? Why are you all silent?"

"Now, now," the manager said as he gave her a placating gesture. "Mr. Wood here offered to get coffee for everyone."

Jacqueline's eyes narrowed as he focused on the manager and said, "That isn't Billy's job."

Billy quickly intervened and said, "It's alright. It's no trouble. I can get you coffee too."

At his words, her gaze softened as she said, "I'll come with you. It won't be easy carrying all the coffee."

"Wait. Jacqueline, there's something that requires your attention," the manager said as he took a step forward.

She snapped her head in his direction and outright glared at the man. Her long red hair whipped around and nearly hit Billy, who moved back to avoid getting smacked in the face. This time, he chose to remain on the sidelines since there was now no hope of stopping her.

"I doubt you need my help since I'm a new employee. I'll go with Billy to get the coffee," she said in a tone that allowed no arguments.

Then she spun around and grabbed Billy by the arm to drag him out of the room. He could have easily broken out of her grip if he wanted to, but he allowed her to, if only to give himself some peace of mind. It was better to let her blow some steam this way. After walking for a bit, she stopped walking and removed her hand.

Giving him an apologetic look, she said, "Sorry about that. I didn't mean to grab you."

He shrugged. "It's fine. It's better than you losing your temper and getting fired because of me."

Jacqueline scowled as she said, "I don't understand why you put up with them. You should say something instead of letting them walk all over you."

"It's fine," he said as he resumed walking, with her following behind him. "I'm just repaying them for helping me out so much. Even though I'm not qualified, I was able to get this job thanks to my connections."

If it wasn't for his wife and her family, he would have never been able to step foot in the company. He didn't know what they did, but he was grateful to get a well paying job despite never finishing school. Without them, he would be busy flipping burgers or begging on the streets for some change.

"Besides, getting coffee isn't so bad. It gives me a chance to stretch my legs." Then he leaned towards her and whispered conspiratorily, "Also, I can get away from everyone and relax."

She chuckled. "Okay, I can see the benefits, but I still think you should say something. I'm kind of worried that they might take it too far."

"If that happens, I'll deal with it," he said with a grim expression.

Jacqueline didn't look like she believed him, but that was fine with him. He wasn't the type of person to lash out first. However, once someone pushed his buttons, he would never let them go scott free. No one, not even his wife, knew how he used to beat up his bullies when they dared to make fun of his orphan status and talk trash about his parents.

His parents died young, so he barely remembered them, but he knew they were good people. Anyone who could talk badly about them deserved to be sent to the hospital. Luckily, no one suspected he was the one to beat up the bullies. The bullies didn't want to admit it was him, and there had been no other witnesses.

"Do you remember the orders?" Jacqueline asked as they stood in line in the cafe.

Her eyes scanned the menus as Billy said, "I can order."

As soon as they reached the cashier, he immediately listed the entire list of orders. The cashier had to ask him to repeat it a few times since he had said it so fast. After he finished ordering, Jacqueline also ordered her own coffee. However, when she tried to pay, Billy quickly cut her off and used his card.

"I could have paid," Jacqueline grumbled as they sat down to wait for the order.

He shook his head. "I have the money."

His wife had provided him with a card so he would never be short of money. He had really lucked out on having a beautiful, rich wife. Billy sometimes wondered why she picked him out of all the people to date and marry. Combing through his short brown hair, he tried to ignore the way Jacqueline was looking at him.

Even though he had already told her that he was happily married, she still seemed interested in him. Billy couldn't remember being this popular back in his school days. Well, he couldn't really say he was popular if it was only two women, but the point was that he wasn't going to cheat on his wife.

Besides, Jacqueline had plenty of other options to choose from. The manager was obviously interested in her, though he doubted she would ever bat an eye in the man's direction. He didn't seem to be her type. Practically everyone in the office had a crush on her. Even he could see that. If he weren't married, he might have accepted her offer to date when she asked him out a few weeks earlier.

Jacqueline suddenly leaned forward and whispered, "Hey, is it true today is your anniversary?"