Hugo was a wealthy widower in his fifties who controlled many enterprises. He had a high opinion of himself and believed he was still attractive despite his enormous belly and bald head. He believed that he was endearing, particularly to the young ladies he worked with.
He didn’t always flirt, but he never missed an opportunity to be brave. He regularly made awkward advances toward his waiters with careless remarks.
Alina, 22, had been hired as a dishwasher just a few weeks before. She had gone through a horrific experience: her partner Elias died in an accident when she was pregnant. Since she had no close family, she had remained true to her career in order to live and provide for her newborn baby.
One day, she saw that the restaurant window had a “Now Hiring” sign. Without hesitation, she went in and pleaded for a chance. Hugo granted her the job after being won over by her shy smile.
Her coworkers quickly warned her.
“Be careful around the boss, Alina. He likes to play the charmer. He has already extended dinner invitations to a few of the girls.
But Alina’s main objective was to work and earn a respectable living.
“I know how to stand my ground,” she said calmly.
One night she was about to leave when Hugo, with a rose in his hand, stopped her.
“Do you know why I hired you, Alina?” He asked with a strange smile.
“No, sir. I’m in a hurry.
“Avoid calling me sir. Hugo, give me a call. I’ll cover all of your costs for a weekend at a luxurious spa. Champagne, massages, and shopping… What do you think?
It caught Alina off guard, and she froze. Then she responded firmly:
“I’m here to carry out my duties. Thank you, but I’m not interested.
The ache of rejection hit Hugo. His pride was injured, and he was seething with rage.
She is a dishwasher alone. I can’t imagine her rejecting me. She’ll notice my skills.
Days passed, but Hugo couldn’t let it go. He started observing Alina closely, noting how often she visited the locker room and how she always had a large luggage with her.
One afternoon, when the restaurant was packed, Alina said:
“I’m leaving early today because I have an errand to run.”
Hugo, however, who was driven by jealousy and hatred, stopped her.
“Wait a minute! What are you hiding in that bag? Are you going to take any leftovers? Bottles of wine?
Everyone stared at Alina, stunned. Her throat tightened.
“Please, just my lunch and clothes.”
“Give it to me!” Hugo barked and snatched up the sack. He slammed it against a table and opened it.
Beneath the blanket was a daughter, six months old, resting peacefully. “Ma…ma…,” she muttered, scarcely cognizant.
A dense silence fell. Alina broke down in tears.
“I’m sorry. I’m by myself. My child doesn’t attend daycare because I can’t afford it. I keep her hidden from myself. I feed her during my breaks. I wasn’t stealing. I just wanted to work so I wouldn’t have to leave her.
Hugo’s expression collapsed. A awful quality pervaded the scene. He reflected on his own child, who had died in a vehicle accident with his wife years earlier.
He began to cry because he was so moved. In front of everyone, he staggered:
Excuse me… I was blinded by anger. I lost my family, too. Since then, I’ve been hiding behind my wealth. But I had been wrong.
Alina nodded softly and tearfully.
“I understand. But I don’t want an unjust verdict.
After wiping his eyes, Hugo returned her luggage.
You have a paid month off this month. Your work is safe. When you return, you will also get a raise to help with childcare.
Holding her baby close to her, Alina thanked him and walked away with a sense of relief.
After that day, Hugo changed. He stopped making improper advances and became more empathetic with his staff. He had softened on the inside, though he was still clumsy at times.
True love? He hadn’t found it yet. For the first time in a long time, however, he thought he could be deserving.
