The man who sponsor me

####Their meeting

Serena ended the call with a bright smile spreading across her face.

For a few seconds, she simply stood there, unable to believe what she had just heard. An interview. A real job interview. It wasn’t a huge position, but it didn’t matter. It was an opportunity—one she had prayed for countless nights. Without wasting another second, she slipped her phone back into her bag. “Thank You, Lord,” she whispered, her heart pounding with excitement. She couldn’t wait to tell Aunt Grace. Maybe this was the beginning of a better life. Maybe things were finally about to change. Still smiling, Serena lifted her head and the smile slowly faded.

Three young men stood a few steps away, their eyes fixed on her. One leaned lazily against a nearby wall, chewing gum. Another shoved his hands into his pockets, a crooked grin spreading across his face. The third simply stared at her as though she were the most interesting thing he’d seen all day. Serena’s fingers instinctively tightened around the strap of her bag. She had never seen any of them before. The one with the crooked grin stepped forward first. “Well, well…” he drawled, looking her up and down. “Where’s the pretty lady rushing off to?” Serena forced a polite smile. “I’m sorry, I have somewhere important to be.” She tried to walk past them. A foot slid into her path. She stopped. The second young man chuckled. “What’s the hurry?” “We’re only trying to be friendly.”

Serena looked from one face to another. Every instinct told her to leave. “Please excuse me.” She took another step. Again, they blocked her way. This time, the smile disappeared from her face completely. “I said I have somewhere to be.” The first young man laughed. “And we said we’re talking to you.” A small knot formed in Serena’s stomach. She glanced around the street.

People were passing by, but everyone seemed too busy to notice what was happening. She tightened her grip on her bag. “I don’t want any trouble.” The third young man smirked. “Neither do we.” His eyes dropped briefly to the bag hanging over her shoulder before returning to her face. “So… why don’t we get to know each other first?”Serena’s heartbeat quickened. She tightened her grip on her bag and took a cautious step backward. “I really have to go,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady. “But we just met,” the man with the crooked grin replied. “At least tell us your name.” “I don’t think that’s necessary.” “Everything is necessary when a beautiful girl is involved.” The three men laughed. Serena’s smile had completely disappeared. She looked around again, hoping someone would notice what was happening. Most people simply walked past. No one stopped. No one asked if she was okay. One of the men moved closer. “Don’t be scared. We’re just trying to make friends.”

Before Serena could answer, a calm voice spoke from behind them. “Is there a problem here?”

The laughter stopped. The three men turned at the same time. A tall young guy probably in his early 20s stood a few steps away, dressed in a simple white shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows. One hand rested casually in his pocket while the other held a set of car keys with his calm expression. One of the men forced a smile.

“No problem, boss.” The thugs answered with recognition written all over their faces. The stranger’s eyes moved past them and settled on Serena. She didn’t say a word. But the uneasiness on her face told him everything he needed to know. The guy looked back at them. “Then why is she standing there like she wants to leave?” The first thug laughed awkwardly. “No, you’ve misunderstood.” He pointed at Serena. “But She’s my girlfriend.” The stranger raised an eyebrow. “Your girlfriend?” “Yes.” Then the stranger nodded thoughtfully. “That’s interesting.” The three men relaxed Until he added, “Because she’s my girlfriend too.” Their smiles vanished. “What?” The stranger shrugged as if stating the most obvious fact in the world. “We’ve been looking for each other.” The men stared at Serena. Then at him.

Then back at Serena again. None of them knew what to say.

After a few uncomfortable seconds, the man scratched the back of his neck. “Ah… sorry, boss.”

“We didn’t know.” The stranger gave a small nod.“Now you do.” Without another word, the three men quickly walked away, mumbling apologies to themselves.

Only when they disappeared around the corner did Serena finally let out the breath she had been holding. She looked at the stranger. “Thank you.”

He simply nodded. Then turned to leave. “Wait!”

He paused but didn’t look back. Serena hurried after him. “I didn’t even get to thank you properly.” “You already did.” She smiled. “Can I at least know your name?”

For a brief moment, he was silent. Then, without turning around, he answered, “My name?”

A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “Your boyfriend.” Before Serena could react, he continued walking. She stood there, blinking in confusion. “…My boyfriend?” A laugh escaped her lips. “What a strange tough guy.”

She watched him disappear into the distance before shaking her head with an amused smile. She would probably never see him again Or so she thought.

“Your boyfriend?” Serena murmured, shaking her head with a soft laugh. “What kind of introduction was that?”

The smile lingered on her face for only a second before she glanced at the time on her phone. Her eyes widened. “Oh no…” She had completely forgotten about her lectures.mShe looked down the road leading to her school, then back at the phone in her hand.n“If I go to class now, I’ll never make it back in time for the interview.”She sighed.

“I’ll just miss today’s lectures.” This interview was too important to lose over a single day of classes.

Making up her mind, Serena hurried home instead.

The wooden door swung open before she could knock twice. Grace looked at her in surprise. “Serena? Why are you back already? I thought you had lectures.” Breathing heavily from rushing, Serena dropped her bag onto the chair. “Auntie, you won’t believe what just happened!” Grace’s smile faded. “What happened?” “I got a call from the job i applied online and now… guess what” “don’t stress my old brain” her auntie said laughing “oh aunty, ok I was called for an interview” “wow” her auntie exclaimed “and one more gist, I was on my way when three men stopped me.” Grace’s face immediately paled. “They didn’t hurt you, did they?” Serena quickly shook her head. “No, no. I’m fine.” She smiled reassuringly. “A stranger came out of nowhere and chased them away.”

Grace let out a long breath and placed a hand over her chest. “Thank God.” “He was… strange.”

Grace frowned. “Strange?” Serena laughed.

“When I asked his name, he said his name was ‘Your Boyfriend.’” Grace blinked. “Your… what?”

“‘Your Boyfriend.” They laughed “it’s really strange or maybe thats how you young people introduce yourselves this day” “I hope not! I need to leave now or I’ll be late.” Grace nodded. “Where is the interview taking place?” Serena stopped “…”

Grace folded her arms. “Don’t tell me…” Serena scratched the back of her neck sheepishly. “I… forgot the name.”

Grace stared at her in disbelief. “You’re going for an interview, and you forgot where?” “It’s on my phone!” Serena defended herself quickly. “This is the modern world, Auntie. I don’t need to memorize everything.” Grace sighed, trying not to laugh. “You children and your phones.” “I’ll check the address on the way.” Grace walked over and straightened Serena’s blouse. “Just be careful.”

“I will.” “And call me when you’re done.” “I promise.” Serena hugged her briefly before hurrying toward the door. “Wish me luck!”

“You already have it,” Grace called after her.

With one last wave, Serena rushed out of the house, completely unaware that the interview awaiting her would change her life forever.

Serena checked the address on her phone for what felt like the tenth time before stopping in front of a pair of towering black gates. She slowly looked up. The words engraved in gold caught her attention. KINGSTON ESTATE. “So this is the place…” she whispered. Taking a deep breath, she tightened her grip on her folder and walked toward the entrance. A security guard stopped her politely. “Good afternoon. Name, please.” “Serena Hale.” He glanced at the list in his hand before nodding. “You may go in.”

The gates opened. Serena stepped inside, and her eyes widened. The estate was unlike anything she had ever seen. Perfectly trimmed gardens stretched on both sides of the driveway. Elegant fountains sparkled beneath the afternoon sun, while luxury cars lined the entrance to the magnificent mansion.

For a brief moment, Serena forgot why she had come. “This is someone’s home?” she murmured under her breath. A young maid approached her with a professional smile. “Are you here for the interview?” “Yes.” “Please follow me.” Serena nodded and followed her into the mansion.

Inside was even more breathtaking.

Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings. Marble floors reflected every light. Expensive paintings decorated the walls. She suddenly became conscious of her simple clothes. she wondered if she truly belonged there.

The maid led her into a large waiting room where several applicants were already seated. “Please have a seat. Madam will be with you shortly.” “Thank you.” Serena chose an empty chair near the corner and placed her folder on her lap. Around her, nervous whispers filled the room.

“I heard the pay is unbelievable.” “They say the interviewer is very strict.”n“One mistake and you’re out.” Serena smiled faintly to herself.

“No pressure,” she whispered.

Just then, the door opened. The room fell silent.

A graceful woman dressed in an elegant cream-colored suit walked in, followed by another staff member carrying several files. Every applicant immediately stood. The woman acknowledged them with a slight nod before her eyes swept across the room… and stopped On Serena.

The color slowly drained from her face. Her fingers tightened around the file she was holding.

“No…” The word escaped her lips before she could stop it. Her heart pounded violently as memories she had buried years ago crashed into her mind. A young woman. Dark hair. The same eyes. The same smile. Impossible. She was dead.

The file slipped from her trembling hands and hit the polished floor with a loud thud. The room turned to look at her in confusion But she couldn’t take her eyes off Serena. Her lips trembled. “It… it can’t be…”