Sofia's POV

"Mom, if you keep pestering me like that I'm gonna be late on my first day of work". Mom chuckled.

"Baby. You have to look good" she said.

"Mom, you know me and you also know how I feel about makeup and stuff and besides I'm a vet mom. I'm probably gonna get dirty so what's the need" I said giving her the 'like seriously ' look.

"Besides you know how ruthless the manager of that ranch can be mom. "

She eyed me skeptically then eventually sighed. I took that as my cue to go. I placed a kiss on her head then walked out.

"Take care love" I heard mom say.

"I will" I shouted back before stepping out of the house to make my way to the ranch.

Not before kissing my late dad's portrait as always. "Give me the strength to go through this day dad" I sigh as I walk out.

Actually I had been hired by the "De la cruz" ranches back here in Mexico city a week ago. I can say I got very lucky because not everybody gets hired just a month after they have a degree.

Mom owns a restaurant not far away from the house, and Anna our benjamin helps her during the day while attending an online course for a college degree.

My other sister Irina, is in fourth year culinary arts department. She had her license and is now doing the masters. She works regularly at the restaurant when she is free. Although she recieved multiple proposals to work in big restaurants due to her brilliant performance. She always refused saying she wants to make our restaurant great. And true to her word, the restaurant was always crowded.

As for me, I'm a vetinary doctor and I'm probably gonna be late on my first day of work. Great!

The thing is; the manager of this place gives me the creeps. Him and his weirdo assistant . They both look like the wicked step-mothers in Disney cartoons. Don't tell them I said that.

I reached the stables on time. Fortunately. I started examining the horses a familiar voice interrupted me.

"Morning sunshine. "

"Diegooo... ". I got up and ran to his arms. Actually he was the one who recommended me here. I'm so glad he did. Him, his mother and sister, Daniella always help us out. They are like family.

"Well, well, well, I believe I don't pay you guys to cuddle. " I heard a deep vicious voice say behind me. Diego tensed in my arms and I turned to see a man.

He was tall, lean and fairly well built with black hair and eyes. I recognized him immediately as the manager of the ranch. Alfonso Guttierez. Crap.

"Sir, good morning, sir" I said and moved away from Diego.

"How are you today my dear Sofia? "

He asked.

"F-Fine sir" I stuttered.

"Diego, you may take your leave" he said and my face paled. This man gives me creepy vibes and I'm not sure I can stay calm anywhere around him. But then again I can't let Diego get in trouble because of me. So I turned and nodded at him to go.

He was reluctant at first but eventually accepted.

"How c-can I help you sir? " I asked once we were left alone.

Then he did something that actually made me want to dig a hole and crawl inside forever . He chuckled.

"My dear, why are you so tensed. I won't hurt you, you know" he said but I still didn't like him.

"S-sir, c-can I return to work now? "

"Yes, of course, Sofia. " He said and then left with long strides. As soon as he was out of sight I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

The rest of the day went by smoothly, fortunately. But I noticed the animals were a bit weak. Maybe they are not well fed. I'll talk to the manager about their nutrition later.

Actually the 'De la Cruz' were amongst the world top billionaires due to the multiple businesses they own. I even heard that they were the world's top billionaire family in the recent ranking .

They have many farmhouses all over the world and I just happen to be working in one of them.

I finished packing and got on my way to 'La reina' restaurant which was our main source of income.

Diego was already waiting for me near the pick-up so I joined him and we drove off.

When we arrived at the restaurant, we met Aunt Maria who was Diego's mom and she was crying. Mom was trying to console her but she was unstoppable. Anna, Daniela and Irina had solemn looks on their faces.

"What's going on here? " I asked.

Aunt Maria just cried harder.

My three sisters came to hug me and I just hugged them back. I was so confused.

"Sofia-" Irina started. "- some people came here the other day saying they wanted to buy the restaurant. When we refused, they said they were going to come back. "

"You didn't tell me that" I said

"Yeah I know. We just didn't wanna border you guys. Besides we were very clear that day" Anna said

"Yeah an what happened then? "

"Today, they came back with a construction permit. They left a cheque of $50000 and they left saying we have 1week to leave" Daniela continued. By this time, I was fuming. "They have no right! "

"Oh no Aunt", I ran to hug her. Diego too looked solemn. You may ask yourselves why we were sad despite the fact that we got so much money.

Well, this restaurant has always been our family treasure. It has been in our family for generations. It has a value no money can buy.

After our little break down I asked. "Who bought it? ".

"A woman called Veronica De la Cruz "

I froze. I'm working for the people who are abput to ruin my family's business.

I felt bad for that but then again, they pay quite well and I need that money. As soon as I find a new job I will get out of that place. It gives me creepy vibes anyway.

"Auntie. You know I love you but we need to to leave. Diego will start looking for a new place to make a new restaurant. But for now let's just leave okay. Please Aunt. "

"You may be right. I will show those people I'm not weak. I'll get up and look for a new place. But this place had soo much value to me. Guess it's time for a change "

"Who do they think they are. Its not because they have money that they can have all they want. We're gonna leave this place with our heads held high and show to those people they can have the restaurant but not our dignity. "

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaand : CUT

Yup end of the first chapter.

Hope y'all liked it.

🚶🚶🚶

One week. Its been one week since i started working in the ranch.

So far I haven't seen Mr. Guttierez and I couldn't be more grateful.

However, his annoying assistant was always there ordering people around. She introduced herself as Vivian Suarez.

That woman annoys the heck outta me. She thinks so high of herself. She even told us that she was practically the owner of the ranch so we owe her respect.

She is just a worker like the rest of us and even the manager is. The nerve of that woman.

Actually now is Sunday and I'm going to say goodbye to our family restaurant.

We already moved out all our things to a warehouse temporarily. Just the time for us to find a new location.

When I arrived everyone was already there and as usual, Aunt Maria was crying.

"Oh. Aunt don't worry. We'll find a new place Ok. "

"Yeah but it would never be the same again. That place keeps so much memories. "

"Yeah I know aunt and those memories will forever be in our hearts. The place doesn't matter. We could create new memories where ever we are going. Hm"

"You are probably right but-"

"No buts. What happened to 'I'm gonna show these people I'm not weak. ' " I said mimicking her voice.

At that she smiled and we all did a family hug. Diego was absent saying he had to take care of some things in the ranch.

"Well, if this isn't cute, then what else is it. " we heard a female voice say.

When I turned my head, I saw a pretty blonde girl looking at us with a hint of very negative emotions in her eyes. Something I couldn't quite put a name on.

"You again" Irina sneered. Wow since when did my sister become so hostile.

"Uhh. Irina, who is she? " I asked.

"That's Veronica De la Cruz" Dani deadpanned.

"Oh"!

"Why are you here? " Irina asked.

"What a stupid question to ask. I am the owner of this...... thrash now"

She said eyeing the place in disgust.

"Oh yeah, it's thrash to you, then why did you buy it. " Irina said. By now she was fuming red.

"Oh. Don't be so impatient. You'll see in time. "

She then spoke on the phone with a man and soon enough she entered her car and drove away.

Not long after, we heard engine noises and huge caterpillars came by destroying everything our family ever worked for.

Even though I said I was strong, I couldn't help but cry. I mean who wouldn't. Its like watching a part of me crumble away.

I'm so sorry dad. I couldn't protect our family.

************************************

Diego's POV

This week has been very eventful. I mean , with my mom having to sell her precious restaurant.

She was so depressed the whole week even if she tried not to show it.

Dani and I did everything we could to comfort her but she wouldn't listen.

As if that wasn't enough, I'd catch a glimpse of that Alfonso man staring at Sofia here and there when she wasn't looking with what I could only describe as pure lust.

The mere thought of it had me stopping my car right in the middle of the road.

Dammit. I don't want that psycho anywhere near my family.

I was suddenly knocked out of my thoughts when I heard a crash sound at the back of my car.

Why do these things always happen to me?

I opened my car door and got out at the same time with the other person.

Then before I could blink, I felt a slight tingling sensation on my cheek.

Was that supposed to be a slap?

I could tell by the softness of those hands that it was a woman.

I chuckled. "Pretty feisty. Aren't we??"

And for the first time, I turned my head to meet the eyes of that person.

I froze.

To say I was dumbstruck would be an understatement.

There I was staring at the most beautiful pair of eyes I've ever seen. One was hazel gold and the other was ocean blue. It complemented her dirty blonde hair flowing in a straight line to her waist.

O gosh did this woman fall from heaven, coz she's absolutely gorgeous.

I was busy staring at her when I noticed we were still in the middle of the road.

"Umm, I know you certainly love what you see but we need to kinda y'know, get outta the road now if we don't wanna be run over by a caterpillar. " I said then moved to my car to park properly and she just did the same.

And then again, here comes the tingling sensation that was meant to be a slap.

"What the hell do you think you were doing? You were in the middle of the freaking road with that piece of shit"

She said eyeing my car with disgust.

This time around, I was pissed. How dare she insult my baby. I worked very hard for five years to be able to buy this car.

When I tilted my head to get a proper look at her car, I understood what she meant. There was a red car of the newest version of car, Honda accord.

I chuckled darkly. "Well, miss this road is approximately 3m large and there are no cars passing by. Why didn't you just go round the car and save us trouble. "

She reached her hand out to slap me again but I caught her hand in time. I bent down and whispered in her ears,

"I know you love touching me but you don't have to be so indirect. Just ask me and I'll be all yours". I whispered huskily in her ears.

I let her go and when she pulled away, I saw her cheeks go a fiery red color.

This made me smirk.

"You, you pervert. Is this what you do to every other woman you meet.... "

I zoned out a bit as she continued her bantering and was busy staring at those luscious lips. What will they feel like.....

I snapped out of my thoughts as I saw her snapping her hands in front of me

"Hey are you listening to me"

"Sorry you were saying- ah yes are you jealous of the 'other women' babe "

She suddenly started hitting my chest.

"You bastard, after all what I said that's all you retain. Just shows your pea-sized brain... "

I suddenly grabbed hold of her hands and yanked her body towards mine.

"I told you before. If you keep touching me like that again, I'm gonna fuck you senseless. Do you hear me? "

When she pulled away her whole face was beet red, which made me smirk.

"Damn you" she said before walking to her car and driving away.

"I'm looking forward to seeing you. " I shouted as she drove away.

Definitely. We will meet again.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand: CUT

OMG. Who do you think was this new woman?

Please don't forget to vote and comment.

🚶🚶🚶

Sofia's POV

"Hey Sofia, good morning. " Jessica, chimed in. Jessica or Jess as she liked to be called is a maid working in keeping the farmhouse clean.

"Morning Jess. How are you doing today and how is that little cutie there doing " I said pointing at her stomach.

Yup. Jessica was two months pregnant. The idiotic bastard was a stuck up rich man. He left her to marry off some rich ass girl. He just had his luck I didn't meet him. I would've probably smashed his balls.

"Mr. Guttierez has requested an employee meeting right now. He has hired some new employees to construct a new stable. He also wants to discuss about some new rules and stuff.... "

"OK. I'll be right there. " I said before fixing my things and moving to the yard where the meeting is held.

I noticed the animals were weaker everyday. This was not good. I decided to talk about it to Mr. Guttierez. As much as I hated his presence, I needed to talk to him

I see Diego in the distance and wave at him, walking over to where he was standing.

"Hey Diego, what's up? ".

"Hey Sofia. I'm fine thanks. " We continued talking in peace when the devil himself walked up. And as usual, his annoying little assistant followed obediently like a pet.

Ugh. Doesn't she have some dignity.

"Good morning to you all my dear employees. As you may all know, the stables have become smaller with the increasing amount of cattle"

And he was right. The cattle now produced way more offspring than normal. But they were growing weaker. Like large quantity and low quality.

Now, we have hired new men to take care of the construction .

Two absolutely handsome men made their way to the stage. Then the third one entered and I froze. It was like the world stopped.

He was absolutely, breathtakingly gorgeous. He had midnight black hair and electric blue eyes.

He was extremely tall about 6ft,8 and I could see the huge bunch of muscles underneath his shirt.

Then his eyes met mine. I was like in some kind of trance.

Our little staring moment was broken as we heard Mr. Guttierez' voice again.

"Guys. Why don't you present yourselves "

"My name is Luis Perez." The one with dark brown hair said.

"My name is Miguel Perez". The one with locked black hair said.

"My name is Aaron Perez". The gorgeous one said.

Gosh. Even his name was sexy.

I heard Diego mutter something about hiring just three men to construct a stable.

That's when I realized he was right. I saw no one else. Really strange.

"And I have one last information " the boss continued and Miss Slut aka Vivian who was beside him smirked.

"All your salaries have been reduced by 15%"

What. No.

I heard yells of protest.

"If you are not happy with that, feel free to go" he said motioning towards the door.

"With that said, the meeting is dismissed "

I watched with disbelief as the man walked away with Vivian and the new employees. Seriously? He deducted our salaries? Ugh I hate him right now.

But I don't complain. Actually this is going to have a greater impact some other people like..... Jessica.

Oh no. I need to find her. I remember her once telling me that she barely had enough for survival.

I searched frantically all over the place asking anyone if they had seen her but no one knew where she was and no one saw her leaving. It was like the place swallowed her up.

"Dammit. Where is she- ouch! " I yelped in pain as I came in contact with a rock hard chest.

"You should watch where you go miss"

A deep voice laced with a thick Italian accent snapped angrily .

I looked up and saw the blue eyed man from earlier. Aaron.

"Sorry about that. Its just that I was looking for a certain person..... "

"Does that explain why you are walking around during work time? " he said harshly again.

Nooooooo. Why do all handsome men have to be like that.....

"Well.Why don't you mind you own business sir. Who do you think you are and may I comment. The boss wouldn't be too happy to see you walking around during work hours " I said repeating his sentence from earlier.

I said and glared back at him.

As if on cue, Jessica arrived calling my name interrupting our glaring contest.

"Hey Sofia, Diego told me you wanted to see me-"

"Oh. Sorry. Err..... Maybe I should come back later.... "

"No. no. We just finished discussing. Right, Aaron. " I said giving him a fake smile.

He glared one last time before walking away.

Almost immediately, Jessica came squealing.

"OMG. He is HOT isn't he? "

I rolled my eyes. "Jess, you shouldn't always stop at the physical appearance. He might be hot but he's a jerk. "

"So why were you looking for me? "

"Jess. I know this salary reduction will be hard on you especially since you lost your other job. "

I said and her face fell immediately.

Actually, since her job here wasn't full time, Jessica worked as a waitress in a French restaurant.

Well, not until a week ago when the restaurant burned down suddenly.

There are still investigations going on about the event.

However, the boss ( a rich man of course) called all of his employees, gave them their indemnities and waved them off.

"Sofia, don't worry about me. I'll find a new job soon" she said but I could hear the doubt in her voice.

Suddenly, an idea popped in my mind.

"Hey. You can come work in our new restaurant. Daniella has to move to Houston to be closer to her university while Anna found a job there. So we will definitely need help at the restaurant. "

Her eyes brightened.

"Oh. Really Sofia. Thank you so much"

She looked at her stomach and smiled

"You heard that baby. Mommy has found a new job. " she said and I awwed.

I wonder what it will be like to have a baby.......

"Well, well. What do we have here. Why are you two not at work. "

I turned and saw Vivian glaring at us.

Is it some kind of curse today...

"And you what are you doing here. As far as I know, you aren't doing your job right now. " I said and her face turned red with fury.

"I AM THE BOSS HERE AND YOU WILL RESPECT ME"

"Okay miss boss. Just hold it there before embarrassing yourself further. You are not the boss and you shall never be. Stop being delusional. If you want to be a boss then work for it. And as for respect, it is earned not demanded. On that note, boss, I'm going back to my work. You should go back to yours. " I said giving her a fake bow and walking away with Jessica behind me.

I didn't need to turn to see the fury on her face. I was practically feeling it..

"Well done " Jessica said and went back to her work while I went back to mine.

Sure. I'm proud of you Sofia.

🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇

What do you think of :

Aaron?

Sofia?

Vivian?

Alfonso?

Grapes?

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