Entangled With The Sinful Priest

CHAPTER ONE

Vanessa's POV

"I can't take this anymore from you. You're three months behind, Vanessa. Three months!"

Greyson, my landlord yelled immediately he saw me walking in. His voice was filled with frustration. "I can't keep giving you a chance while you dodge my calls and lie about payments!"

I've been avoiding these confrontations for the longest. Anytime he came around and I was inside, I pretended not to be around, but today, he caught me while I was trying to sneak in. Apparently, he was waiting at the door, looking to see me come out of my apartment or go in.

"I'm not lying!" I snapped, trying to get into my room but he stopped me. "I told you I'd get the money. I just need a little time.” I pleaded, my anger immediately turning to pity, seeing that he wouldn’t let me in.

His face was hard as stone, he wasn't willing to give in now that he's finally gotten a hold of me. "You've had enough time. Your excuses don't pay the bill, and frankly, I'm done feeling sorry for you."

The sting of his words was like a slap to my face. "Feeling sorry for me? Is that what this is to you? A charity case? I lost my job! My mother is in the hospital, and I'm doing everything I can to..."

He didn't let me finish my statement before he interrupted, roaring like an angry lion, protecting its territory.

"To what?" "To sit here and hope the rent magically pays itself? Life doesn't work that way, Vanessa ."

My heart pounded as I saw him gesture towards two hefty men whom I didn't notice earlier. "Pack her things," he ordered.

"No!" I shouted. I realised that my fears had finally caught up with me. "You can't do this! I have nowhere to go."

He turned his face away from me, he had no interest in my pleas. "Not my problem anymore. You should have thought about this before skipping out on your responsibilities."

Skipping out on my responsibilities wasn't my intention; I've been religiously paying my rent and bills for five years. Since my father died, I've been the only one taking care of my mom and sister, and I was doing fine. But ever since I lost my job and a sudden ailment attacked my mom, I've been lagging in fulfilling my responsibilities.

I was coming home to rest after I didn't get an appointment for the job I interviewed for but rest was the last thing my landlord had in mind for me.

My mind raced as the movers began dismantling my life in pieces. My second hand couch, my mother's chipped tea set. The stack of books I read on lonely nights, everything in my apartment was being dragged out onto the sidewalk like trash.

"This isn't fair!" My voice was shaky as I spoke. "I've been living here for five years, Greyson! Five years! Isn't that worth nothing to you?"

"The only thing that's worth something to me is money and not the number of years you've spent living in my rented apartment." He replied coldly, shaking his head in pity for me.

The movers worked around me silently; their eyes were filled with pity for me, but they had to do their job. I sat on the floor, not knowing what to do next.

As I sat there to wallow in my pain, the grey sky opened up, sending raindrops onto me and My belongings scattered on the sidewalk.

I stared at the eviction notice still clutched in my hand, its bold red lettering blurring through my tears. This wasn't just an eviction to me, but was the end of everything I fought for, everything I held onto.

With a heavy heart, I packed a few essential belongings into a small bag. Clad in light clothing, I shivered, gnashing my teeth as the rain seeped through my skin, giving me goosebumps.

Confused about where to go, my only friend was out of town, and I didn't have a relative nearby to go to. I knew that during this desperate time, only God could come through for me.

I went to my place of worship, and luckily for me, it was open. The stained-glass window cast a shadow on the pews, creating a serene atmosphere. I heaved a sigh of relief as I stepped in, the warmth embracing me.

I knelt, bowed my head and began to cry. Words had failed me, but I muttered the little words I could. "Dear Lord, I don't know how what to do. Please, guide me. Give me strength."

Suddenly, I felt a figure emerge from the shadows, approaching me. He cleared his throat, his voice echoing through the silent church. "Anything I can help with, young lady?" His tone was kind and firm and his voice was filled with compassion.

Startled, I looked up, my eyes meeting his. He was a tall, imposing man, dressed in immaculate cleric garb. His face was spotless, his eyes were blue and he held an air of authority.

I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. The priest, sensing my discomfort, offered a reassuring smile. "Please, don't let me disturb your prayers. But if you need guidance and comfort, I'm here to listen.”

Father Nathaniel was the new priest who had just joined the church; he was a man who took upon himself the burden of others, and low-key, I admired him.

His words were gentle and comforting, easing the weight of my troubles. I found myself drawn to him, a strange connection forming between us. It was as if he understood my unspoken words. I found myself staring into his eyes longer than normal and I brought myself to order.

"Thank you, Father," "I'm just... going through a tough time." I thought for a moment if I should open up completely to him, maybe he would allow me to pass a night till I found my bearings.

"Let me be real with you. I've been evicted, and I have nowhere to go. I'm stranded and I hate my life." I didn't know when I began to sob uncontrollably. I do not like to cry in the presence of people; it makes me feel like a weakling, but I couldn't help it.

"Don't say that", he cautioned me, "Never say you hate the life that Christ gave you." He placed his palm on my bare shoulder as he ushered me to stand.

"Life can be challenging, but it's important to remember that we're never truly alone." He continued, his hands rubbing gently on my cold shoulder as he spoke as if to keep me warm.

"Your faith is truly inspiring, " he murmured, his breath warm against my ear. "It's rare to find such devotion in these troubled times."

I blushed, flattered by his attention. I mean, he was busy somewhere before my presence caught his attention. "Thank you, Father. It's just.. what I believe in." “I believe only God can help me in this situation.”

He smiled, and I noticed his eyes lingering on my lips. "And I admire that. Your strength, courage and unwavering hope."

As he spoke, he reached out and gently touched my hands. A sensation ran through me as our fingers intertwined.

The priest, sensing my growing desire, leaned in closer. "Perhaps we could discuss this further, on the pews right there." He pointed towards the pews, his voice low and seductive.