From Shadow to sunshine

Would you believe that Emily owes me a sum of money? Leaning against the dimly lit room wall, Mr. Greg spoke in a frigid tone. "I know, I know," Emily answered, attempting to maintain her composure. "I swear, I will get the money." "It is best for you. He said, "You have one week," and he departed. Emily's thoughts were racing as she perched on the bed's edge. She needed to take care of her brother and stepmother in addition to paying off her debts. As soon as she heard her phone buzz, she picked it up and opened the text message from Tommy, her younger brother. "I am hungry, Emily. Could you please bring some food?" "Tommy, do not worry. With an aching heart, she texted back, "I will bring something soon." This was not the life she could continue to live. Emily went out into the streets later that evening in an attempt to locate a client. She noticed a strange-looking man standing next to a high-end vehicle. She forced a smile as she said, "Need some company?" The man looked up at her, taking in her face with wide eyes. "How much?" Emily answered, a little trembling in her voice, "Depends on what you want." "Just a night. He said, "Let us go," and gave her the key to the car. There was a lot of tension in the air as they drove in silence. Emily could not help but wonder why someone like her was necessary for a man like him. He showed her to a room and gave her an envelope when they got to the opulent hotel. "Your money is right here. "Now, let us finish this off," he said in a cold, collected manner. As the evening wore on, Emily noticed that she was spending more time chatting to him than working. He appeared unique, almost compassionate. She found out that he was a businessman named Alex and that he had a small daughter. "This is not what I usually do," Alex softly said. "I simply feel alone." Emily gave him a startled look. "Alone? With all of your cash?" "Wealth cannot be purchased with money," he retorted, locking eyes with her. "So, what made you pick me?" Emily asked as her curiosity overcame her. “I do not know.* Alex replied, with a sigh, "You appeared to be... unique. Unlike the others, actually." Emily was shocked. "Different? in what way?" Alex shrugged. "I have no idea why. Simply an emotion." While Emily was getting dressed the following morning, Alex gave her another envelope. "For yourself. And...give me a call if you are ever in the market for a legitimate job." Confused, Emily accepted the envelope. "A legitimate job?" "Yes. Alex handed his card to her and said, "I need a nanny for my daughter." "Give it some thought." "I am grateful," Emily said, her thoughts buzzing with ideas. Emily gave Tommy the cash when she got back to her tiny flat. "Please take this food." How did you find this? With wide eyes, Tommy asked. Emily looked away and said, "Just... doing my job." She considered Alex's offer as she glanced at the card he had given her. It might be her escape route. Her heart thumping, she called him later that day. "Alex, how are you? It is Emily. I have given your offer some thought. I would like to accept the position. Excellent.” Feel relieved and come to my office tomorrow morning," said Alex. "I will fill you in on every detail." Emily was nervous but hopeful as she stood outside Alex's office the following morning. With a resolve to transform her life, she inhaled deeply and entered the room. "I am glad you could make it, Emily," Alex said with a smile. "Now let us get going." Emily said, "Thank you for this opportunity," with a mixture of excitement and fear. Emily could not help but sense that her life was about to take unexpected turns as Alex described the position. The door suddenly flew open, letting a woman come inside. The woman glared at Emily and demanded, "Alex, who is this?" Rebecca, please stop. Trying not to get too worked up, Alex said, "This is Emily, our new nanny." "Our new nanny? For real, Alex? You believe I am unaware of her identity?" Rebecca spat, casting a contemptuous glance at Emily. Emily's heart fell. Rebecca was aware of her history. Already her new beginning was in danger. "What are you discussing?" Confused, Alex asked. "Alex, she is a s*x worker! Rebecca charged, her eyes blazing with rage, "I saw her on the streets last night." With a pale face, Alex turned to face Emily. Does this happen? A lump formed in Emily's throat. "Yes, but I—" Rebecca cut him off, saying, "Go out." "She cannot come near our daughter," I said. Alex begged, "Rebecca, let us talk about this," but Rebecca refused to listen. Not at all, Alex. Rebecca insisted, her voice shouting with anger, "She can not stay." With tears stinging her eyes, Emily withdrew. "I did not intend to start any problems. I am going to leave." Alex made contact with her. "Hold on, Emily. Let us solve this together." Rebecca, though, moved in between them. Not at all, Alex. Nothing can be done about this. Emily turned, heart palpitating, and ran out of the office. Previously, she believed that this job would allow her to leave her previous life behind, but now it felt like a cruel joke. Lost in thought, she strolled around the streets. She needed to find her family some other source of income. She noticed a "Help Wanted" sign in the window of a café as she passed by. This might be her opportunity. Emily went back to the café the following day to apply for the position. She was immediately hired by the manager, Mrs. Davis, an elderly and kind woman. With a kind grin, Mrs Davis welcomed Emily to the team. "Now let us get you going." The feeling that things were finally beginning to turn around in Emily's life persisted as she started her first shift. However, she was unable to let go of Alex or the chance she had missed. Her phone rang one evening while she was doing some cleaning. It was Alex. He said, sincerely, "Emily, I am sorry about what happened." "Is it possible for us to talk?" Emily did not know. "I am not sure, Alex. Your partner—" Alex cut Rebecca short, saying, "She is not my wife." "She is my sister." Emily looked surprised. "Your sibling?" "Yes. She went too far. Emily, please come back; I need you. Alex begged, "I think you are the right person for the job. My daughter needs a good nanny." Emily inhaled deeply. "I will consider it." "I am grateful," a relieved Alex said. "I will be here when you call." After hanging up, Emily's mind raced as she looked at the phone. She had to make a choice that would affect her for the rest of her life.