Her secret crush

Noah who had escaped from the pervert and hurriedly entered the bar to take her shift. She had contemplated working at the nearby bakery, but the pay there wasn't as lucrative as working at the bar.

With her father constantly pestering her for money, this seemed like the best option. The local bar had been previously owned by an elderly grandmother, but it was now managed by her grandson, Theodore.

Theodore, four years older than Noah, had faced tragedy at a young age, losing both of his parents in an accident when he was only six. Raised by his grandmother, he decided to stay and help her run the bar after completing his studies in business management. Under his management, the bar had expanded into a bar and restaurant.

Located in the bustling heart of the city, the bar enjoyed a steady stream of customers, ensuring good business overall. Theodore, recognizing the importance of his workers, paid them well. 

When Noah lost her mother three years ago and found herself in desperate need of money to support her studies and care for her little sister, Theodore didn't hesitate to offer her a job, despite her lack of experience.

He patiently guided her, offering support and financial assistance when needed. Theodore was a decent-looking man with light brown curls and an average height. 

Despite her secret crush on him for the past two years, Noah knew she was nothing more than a little sister figure to him. So she decided to keep his feelings to herself.

"Oh, here you are! I thought you wouldn't make it in time," Theo greeted her with a smile, ruffling her curls as he spoke.

Noah's heartbeat quickened at his action. It's his hobby, always patting or ruffling her hair like a little girl. Even though she hated that fact she couldn't bring herself to refuse it.

She smiled at him, " You know I always will"

He hummed softly in response, "Ok carry on, today will be a busy day" he once again patted her head and turned to leave for the kitchen.

She looked at his back, How kind unlike some pervert. At the thought of that man her brows furrowed in irritation. She went to change her clothes and carried out to serve the orders of the customers.

After finishing her shift, she returned home to find the house quiet, indicating her father's absence. Climbing the stairs, she peeked into her sister Mia's room to find her diligently doing her homework. 

Smiling to herself, Noah quietly closed the door and headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner for them both.

Noah prepared a simple meal of eggs in purgatory with rice and veggie fries. After setting the table, she went upstairs to call her sister for dinner. When Mia saw her beloved sister she ran towards her and hugged her waist.

"You are eight and still acting like a child" Noah chided her lovingly.

Mia grinned widely, two front teeth missing from her smile. Noah chuckled at her sister's antics and led her to the dining table. She served up two plates of food and they began to eat together in peace.

After finishing their dinner Mia helped her sister to dry the dishes which she had washed and arranged neatly on the shelf. They both silently did their work for an hour. When Noah finished her assigned work she turned to see her sister. She had already fallen asleep on the table with her open book and snored softly.

Noah shook her head in amusement and removed her glass. She gently lifted her sleeping sister and placed her in bed, tucking her in securely. Afterward, she took a quick shower and changed into her night clothes. As she settled down, she heard her phone beep, indicating a new message.

Noah's anger flared as she read the message, her face growing red with frustration. She knew exactly who had sent it, even without a name attached.

The message contains a photo of a little Poodle dog, under the pic a single line which states "This reminds me of you" ends with a kissing emoji.

She now regrets that she didn't hit him hard with sneakers that day. When she was about to block the contact, the next message popped up.

"If you don't want me to show up at your university tomorrow forget about blocking my contact"

She grinded her teeth hard and sent a big picture of sneakers in response and closed her phone and placed it on the table with a loud thud.

Mia stirred in her sleep hearing the sound. Noah immediately went towards her and took her little fingers and wrapped it around her pinky. As if feeling comfort and safety, Mia continued to sleep peacefully. 

Noah joined her in bed and tucked the blanket on both of them and slept alongside her little sister.

On the other hand Hardin, who had received the sneakers, laughed loudly in his study. The Butler who acted as a wall by his master's side wondered whether his master finally snapped.