Shattered Vows, Unexpected Bonds

Mommy

MILIANI

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final boarding call for flight 152 to London Heathrow. All remaining passengers are requested to proceed to Gate 14 immediately. Final boarding call for flight 152 to London Heathrow. Thank you.

I sat stiffly, my boarding pass for the flight trembling in my hands. My eyes darted to the departure screen. A couple whispered to each other, leaning close, sharing the intimacy she could no longer bear to think about, all because of that traitor I called a friend and oh, she went on to claim she never wanted it to happen but Lennon made her do it.

"Ladies and gentlemen, your attention, please. Flight 325 to Toronto is now boarding at Gate 10. Passengers seated in Zone 1, please proceed for boarding. Thank you."

My chest tightened at the announcement. It was finally happening. In three weeks, I had lost my home, my best friend and now, I am leaving everything I know. The memory, the heart break and the crumbled dreams. Nothing seemed to be working here for me anymore.

Passengers seated in Zone 2 for Flight 325 to Toronto may now proceed for boarding.

This was it. There was no going back now.

By the time the plane landed in Toronto, exhaustion and anxiety weighed heavily on my shoulders. I didn’t have the think or to reflect on anything as I barely had enough money to last a few weeks—enough for a cheap motel and some food. Beyond that, I had no choice but to find work quickly.

**

“The boss would be here to attend to you soon.” The secretary informed me and a thin smile formed on my lips. Somehow, I was excited but I didn’t want to get my hopes too high. I sat in the small waiting area of the diner. About two minutes later, she motioned for me to go into the office of the manager.

The man who seemed to be in his forties had a cunny smile as he urged me to sit.

“You seem like a smart girl,” he said with a smooth tone. “And I like smart girls. Let me be honest—I think you’d be a good fit here.”

Relief washed over me immediately. “Thank you, sir. I promise I’ll work hard.”

“We value hard work here, but I should mention… we have certain high-end clients. They expect special attention, especially at night. I’m sure you’d be excellent at… servicing their needs.”

“I’m not sure I understand.”

He leaned forward, his smile widening. “It’s simple. These clients pay a premium for personalized care. If you go the extra mile, you’ll be well compensated. We’re talking more than double the base salary.”

I didn’t quite understand but when his hand reached across the desk and brushed against mine, lingering a second too long, understanding dawned on me like a slap.

I was about to step out of the room when I bumped into a figure. I didn’t care who this person was neither did I bother to look at him before stepping out immediately. I took a shaky breath, trying to steady myself when a voice called out to me.

“Excuse me! Miss!”

I turned to see a sharply dressed woman, her heels clicking against the pavement as she approached in hurried strides. The woman looked professional; her hair tied back in a sleek ponytail.

“I know you are searching for a job. I overhead it. There’s a position open at Treston Industries. It’s a manufacturing firm—big, reputable, pays well. I work there, and I think you should apply. They’re hiring urgently.”

None of what was happening seemed to make any sense. Who was this woman and why was she helping me?

“They’re doing walk-in interviews today. Just tell them Annie sent you. Trust me, you’ve got a good chance. You have nothing to lose and you will surely thank me later.”

Although I was skeptical, I decided to follow her leads and do as she had said.

I swallowed hard, clutching my bag as I walked through the automatic doors. Treston was indeed big. Way bigger than what I had seen or what I used to see.

“Hi, um… I was told there’s a job opening here? Annie said I should come.”

The receptionist raised a perfectly arched eyebrow but nodded. “Take the elevator to the third floor. Someone will assist you there.”

My heart raced as I followed the instructions, stepping into an elevator. By the time I reached the third floor, I was clutching my bag so tightly my knuckles had turned white.

At the front desk, I was greeted by a man with a clipboard. “Name?” he asked briskly.

I gave it to him, and he scanned the list before shaking his head. “You’re not on the schedule. We don’t have any walk-in interviews today.”

My stomach dropped. “What? But I was told—”

“Sorry,” he cut me off. “We don’t have anything for you.”

My cheeks flushed with embarrassment and I muttered a quick “thank you” before turning to leave.

“Actually..... there is an opening.” A deep voice interrupted and I turned to look at who this person was. From the reaction of the staff members, I could tell he was their boss.

“Miss... Miliani Warren...... it’s great to see you once again.” He had a menacing grin etched to his face.

“Mommy!”

A small boy, no older than six, suddenly ran into the room and wrapped his arms around my legs. I froze, my breath catching in my throat as I stared down at the child. Mommy? Where?