Hugo owned multiple businesses and was a wealthy widower in his fifties. Despite his huge tummy and bald head, he thought he was still appealing and had a high image of himself. He thought he was charming, especially around the young women he worked with.
Although he didn’t flirt all the time, he never passed up a chance to show courage. He frequently used sloppy comments to make embarrassing passes toward his waiters.
Only a few weeks prior, 22-year-old Alina had been recruited as a dishwasher. She had experienced a traumatic event: while she was pregnant, her partner Elias passed away in an accident. She had stuck to this work in order to survive and support her infant daughter because she had no close family.
She noticed a “Now Hiring” sign on the restaurant window one day. She entered without reluctance and begged for a chance. Her bashful grin won Hugo over, and he gave her the job.
Coworkers cautioned her very promptly.
“Alina, be cautious around the boss. He enjoys playing the charmer. A couple of the girls have already received dinner invitations from him.
However, Alina’s primary goal was to work and make a decent life.
She answered coolly, “I know how to stand my ground.”
She was going to depart one evening when Hugo stopped her, holding a rose.
“Alina, do you know why I hired you?” He smiled oddly as he asked.
“No, sir. I’m rushing.
“Don’t address me as sir. Give me a call, Hugo. I’m giving you a weekend at a posh spa, all expenses paid. Shopping, massages, and champagne… What are your thoughts?
Alina was taken by surprise and froze. Then she gave a solid reply:
“I’m here to do my job. I appreciate it, but I’m not interested.
Hugo felt the sting of rejection. He was simmering with anger, wounded in his pride.
She only works as a dishwasher. She can’t possibly turn me down. She will see my abilities.
Days went by, but Hugo was unable to let it go. He began to pay great attention to Alina, noticing in particular how frequently she went to the locker room and carried a big suitcase.
When the restaurant was crowded one afternoon, Alina remarked:
“I have an errand to run, so I’m leaving early today.”
But she was stopped by Hugo, who was motivated by hatred and jealousy.
“Hold on! In that bag, what are you concealing? Will you be taking any leftovers? Wine bottles?
Stunned, everyone looked at Alina. Her throat constricted.
“Just my clothes and lunch, please.”
“Give it to me!” Hugo grabbed the sack and barked. He opened it after slamming it against a table.
A six-month-old daughter was sleeping soundly beneath the blanket. She whispered, barely conscious, “Ma…ma…”
There was a thick quiet. Alina started crying.
“I apologize… I’m alone. I am unable to pay for daycare, thus my child does not go. I conceal her with myself. During my breaks, I feed her. I wasn’t stealing. All I wanted to do was work without leaving her.
Hugo’s face fell apart. There was something terrible about the scene. He thought of his own child, who had perished years before in a car accident with his wife.
He was so moved that he started crying. He stumbled in front of everyone:
“Pardon me… Anger made me blind. I also lost my family. I’ve been hiding behind my money ever since. However, I was mistaken.
Alina gave a soft, tearful nod.
“I get it. However, I don’t want an unfair judgment.
Hugo wiped his eyes and put her bag back.
“This is a paid month off for you. Your work is secure. Additionally, you will receive a raise to assist with childcare when you return.
With a sigh of relief, Alina thanked him and left, holding her infant close to her.
Hugo changed after that day. He became more humane with his personnel and ceased making inappropriate advances. He was still clumsy sometimes, of course, but he had softened on the inside.
Real love? He still hadn’t located it. But he felt for the first time in a long time that he might deserve it.
