Chapter 172 - What is your Dream?

After Elena had calmed down and Charles had recovered from the shock, they broke away from each other's arm. Then Elena thanked Charles for offering her the job in which she gladly accepted.

She also apologized for her actions and for making him nervous. She explained that she was just happy and emotional that she could not help herself but cry.

After discussing the terms, her working load and her salary, Charles oriented her about what to do. He taught her everything she needed to learn while working in the Cafe. 

She looked like an intern who was observing Charles while serving and entertaining the customers.

She could not take her eyes off him. 'Elena what are you doing?' she scolded herself. 'Do I have a crush on him?' Elena shook her head and her cheeks began to blush once again.

She felt embarrassed every time she would remember how she threw herself and hugged Charles a while ago, who is now her boss.

She was glad that Charles did not make things uncomfortable for both of them. He acted as if nothing happened and he did not mind it. She stole glances at him from time to time.

She would smile unknowingly every time she would see Charles greeting their customer cheerfully. She found him more attractive every time he would smile and laugh, exchanging lively conversations with their customers. He was emanating a good and happy vibe around him.

'Maybe that was one of the reasons this Cafe attracted more customers.' she thought to herself.

Charles was also kind and very thoughtful toward her, asking her if she needs anything... if she was just okay, tired, or hungry. He did not look like a strict boss. He was acting more like a friend or just her equal. Because of that, she admired him more and she was excited and motivated to work with them.

Too bad, Elle did not come today, she wanted to thank her for everything. 'I will not disappoint both of you. I will do my job very well.' she promised to herself.

"Elena, let's take our lunch for now." Charles invited her. He already ordered their food and had it delivered to the Cafe. Elena joined him.

While eating, Charles started a conversation with her. "Elle had mentioned to me that you stopped attending school. You can continue your studies and work part-time here." Charles suggested to her.

Elena was taken aback after hearing that. She faintly smiled at him as she said "I need to save first. Then after that, I will pursue my study."

Charles paused for a moment as if he was thinking something. "What do you want to become? I mean your dream." Charles asked her.

"Ever since I was young, my mother was always weak because of her illness. Then I told myself I want to become a doctor someday so that I can take care of her personally." Elena started to open up to him.

Charles just kept silent while listening to her attentively.

"But it was expensive and costly. We are just poor. I graduated high school because of the scholarship offered by the local government in our province. But I did not pursue my studies in college for a while because I decided to find a job to help my parents and to save money." She said, there was a hint of sadness in her voice.

"But I will not give up in reaching my dream!" she said feeling so determined.

"How about you sir, why did you choose to put up this Cafe. Is this also your dream?" This time it was Elena who asked him.

Charles was put in deep thought after hearing her words.

'Dream? I did not have any dream, or maybe I had one but I already forgot about it. I wonder what is the dream of Elle also" He smiled bitterly.

Unlike Elena, He and Elle had experienced the cruelty of life. Their childhood was spent in the dark world. They both lost their parents at a very young age. Both of them had struggled to live, committing crimes just to survive. They were already trapped in this sinful path that they had already taken.

But if given a chance to turn back time, he would still take this path because, despite everything, he was still grateful and happy that he met Master Phantom and Elle.

'But I wish Elle to live a normal life as other people do.'

Charles just realized that the things which were happening right now were not a bad thing at all. Elle meeting Erick gave her the chance to live like a normal person.

Even if she was hiding something from him but the Elle who was with Erick right now was truly the genuine Elle and Catseye was only her mask to protect her true self against the demon of her past.

Elena stared confusedly at Charles who was very immersed in his own thoughts."I am sorry. Did I go overboard by asking you about your dream, sir?" Elena's voice pulled him back from the daze.

Charles scratched his head as he apologized to her. "No, it's okay. I should be the one to apologize. I became absentminded just a while ago."

"Anyway, you can enroll in college this upcoming semester. I know someone who would like to sponsor your studies." Charles gave her a reassuring smile.

Elena was at a loss for words. This was too much. He already offered her a job and it was enough for her. If she accepted another help from them, she did not know how she would be able to repay their kindness.

"No need sir. I should refuse your kindness now. Having a job right now, I am already thankful. I don't know how I can repay all of this. I don't want to take advantage of you. I know you are helping me just because I look pitiful right now." Elena honestly said to him.

Charles let out a soft chuckle. He was amused by her purity and innocence. Now, he understood why Elle took a liking of her immediately.

"You don't have to worry about that. And you don't need to repay us, just continue to follow your dreams and do your best to achieve it. Elle and I will be happy if you became Dr. Elena Bartolome in the future. Then if we get sick, you will have to take care of us, service free. It's just like we are investing now for the future."

'Yeah, I am willing to take care of you, sir, until you get old!' Elena's innocent mind said to herself and her cheeks started to burn once again.

"Hmm, take your time and think about it. But I prefer it if you will continue your studies. Don't worry, the sponsor that I know has lots of money and she is very generous. She even gave one hundred million to the family of her security guard." Charles convinced her once again.

Elena's eyes widened because of his remark. She could not believe what he had just said.

'Eh, Is he telling the truth or just joking in order to convince me.' Elena was feeling doubtful right now but she disregarded the thought that he was lying when she saw his eyes.

Charles was staring at her intently, his lips curled into a radiant smile as he was waiting for her response.

'Eh… don't look at me like that sir Charles. You are blinding my eyes. You are so captivating. I have the urge to- ah damn, this is not right, coveting my boss on my first day.' she sighed nervously on her seat as she scolded herself.

Charles gave Elena a strange gaze. Now it looked like she was having a deep thought.

'Hmm, I wonder what is running again in her mind right now.' Charles could not help but ponder to himself. He just shrugged and let Elena take her time to think.

They were still having their lunch when Phantom arrived at the Cafe. He was slightly shocked when he saw Charles eating with someone. And that someone was a pretty young woman.

'Is that the girl Elle mentioned to him before. The young woman she met during their operation and one of the victims.' he thought to himself.

If Charles only knew, he would really feel upset towards Elle and would complain about unjust and unfair treatment. The truth was Elle consulted first Master Phantom and seek his approval about letting Elena work at the Cafe.

She knew Charles would refuse at first but after getting the approval of Phantom, that's the time she informed Charles about her decision.

He walked towards them to greet them. He was also curious to know this girl whom Elle wanted to protect. He assumed that maybe Elle wanted to act a big sister to her since from the beginning she always wanted to have siblings.

Charles was the one who noticed Phantom first. They exchanged meaningful glances towards each other. When Phantom reached their table, Charles immediately introduced him to Elena.

"Elena, I'd like you to meet my Dad, Tom. Dad, she is Elena, Elle's friend, and our new staff here."

Elena froze on her spot and she was surprised beyond belief. It seemed like she lost her ability to speak.

'Dad? I did not expect to meet his father right away. Wait! Get a grip of yourself, Elena. Why are you so nervous? Is this how it felt, meeting the future father-in-law for the first time? WAIT! What am I thinking, for goodness' sake!'

Both Charles and Phantom were looking at her reaction, puzzled. Both had the same question in mind 'what's wrong with her?'