Falling in love with my Arrogant Boss

Chapter 5

AMBER'S POV

I returned to my workstation to gather my belongings, feeling a mix of emotions. As I handed my resignation letter to Ma'am Megan, she informed me that I would receive payment for the week I had worked. Saying goodbye to my colleagues, I couldn't help but notice the sadness on their faces. Reflecting on my time in the Admin department, I realized how happy I had been. My officemates were not only easy to work with, but also incredibly kind, especially Ma'am Megan and Maya, who I had quickly formed a bond with.

"Amber, why don't you consider accepting Sir Dominic's offer?" Ma'am Megan asked me, her voice filled with concern. "The job he's offering could really benefit your family."

"Ma'am, Sir Phillip already despises me so much," I replied, my voice tinged with sadness. "Perhaps it's better for me to assist my mom in selling her sewn items at the market or on the streets. I will continue searching for a job, but maybe not right now. What I went through was quite traumatizing, especially since it was my first job."

"We'll miss you, Amber, especially the boys," Maya chimed in, a mischievous smile on her face. "There are plenty of people here who genuinely like you, especially those from the Marketing department. I keep getting asked about you." Maya playfully teased me, knowing how popular I had become in just a week.

I laughed along with Maya, reminiscing about the countless times I had caught people's attention during my short time here. Whether it was the elevator rides or the persistent requests for my phone number, I had become quite the topic of conversation. However, I chose to ignore the advances from men, still hesitant to enter into a relationship after my first love ended in heartbreak.

Back in college, I had experienced my fair share of flirtations, but I remained open-hearted and uninterested in reciprocating. Kenneth was the only one who had patiently courted me for a long time. I truly loved him, as he possessed all the qualities I had ever desired in a man. He was kind, cheerful, loving, handsome, and impeccably clean. His dimples were an added bonus, making him even more adorable, especially when he flashed me that heartwarming smile.

The moment Kenneth and I first locked eyes was at a bookstore in New York City, where I was studying. I had already developed an attraction towards Ken, but I hesitated because I knew he attended a prestigious school for the wealthy, judging by his uniform. When he attempted to ask for my number, I confronted him, assuming he was just toying with me. However, fate had other plans for us, as our initial encounter was followed by Ken accidentally picking up my wallet. I was taken aback when I discovered it was him waiting for me outside school. That's when our friendship began to blossom, and eventually, I found myself falling in love with him. However, it took me a while to fully accept him, as the disparity in our social statuses was a significant concern, and I feared being used by someone from a privileged background. While he attended a private school, I was a scholar at the State University.

I got to know him deeper when I saw that he was persistent in wooing me, and I did answer him. The worst thing just happened to us was when he suddenly disappeared like a bubble after he found out that I had a heart disease.

"Hey, Amber, you're incredible!" Maya exclaimed out of nowhere, snapping me out of my reminiscing about my past with Ken.

"Oh, it's nothing. Just had a random thought." I grinned at Maya and Ma'am Megan. "I really appreciate all of you. It was a pleasure working here, even if it was only for a short while." I felt grateful towards the two colleagues who had been there for me during my tough times with the CEO.

As soon as I finished tidying up my workspace and handing in my responsibilities, I swiftly left the Perault Building. It was noon, and I needed to go home and break the sad news to my mom. I knew our nosy neighbors would be taken aback when they saw me returning early, considering they knew I had just started working and now it was already my last day. I was certain I would be bombarded with gossip once again. I was exhausted from constantly being the topic of conversation. I had always heard people say that studying was pointless if you couldn't find a job, that my mom was struggling because of me, and that I was useless for not being able to contribute to the expenses and debt payments.

I went at the park first, I haven't had lunch yet. I checked my wallet and it only contained 10 dollars. I bought biscuits and mineral water and ate them while spending time at the park. I also loaded up to call Sam, I needed someone to vent my anger on.

"Hey, bestie! Did you call?" Sam answered after I dialed her number twice.

"Bestie!" I exclaimed, and the tears that I had been holding back finally flowed. I knew Sam could hear my crying on the other end.

"Amber, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"

"Sam, I lost my job."

"What? But didn't you just start?" Sam asked, sounding curious.

I explained everything that had happened, including how Phillip's dad had offered me a job as his son's secretary.

"Bestie, you did the right thing. Standing up to your grumpy boss was brave, but I hope you've considered accepting his dad's offer. It could be a big help," Sam said reassuringly.

"No more, my dear friend. I'll just try selling at the market first, take a few months off, and then reapply." I'm exhausted from constantly searching for a job.

Samantha and I finished our conversation. After some time, I made up my mind to head home. I'm feeling hungry and I need to eat some rice to regain my strength. I don't want to spend my remaining money on more cafeteria food, as I might run out of funds for my commute back home.

As I was walking home, Shiela suddenly rushed towards me, calling out my name.

"Amber! What's wrong?" I asked, surprised by her urgency.

"Your mother, Rebecca, was rushed to the hospital!" Shiela exclaimed.

I was speechless for a moment, shocked and overcome with nervousness. I stood frozen in place, tears welling up in my eyes, even though I had no idea why my mom was taken to the hospital. "What happened to Mom?" I asked, clutching my chest. Why did this have to happen now? It feels like one problem after another keeps coming my way…

“Hey Amber, take a deep breath! You should go see her immediately. Out of nowhere, your mom started having difficulty breathing, so Bea and I quickly took her to the hospital," Shiela said.

I rushed to the hospital as soon as I heard that my mother was having trouble breathing. I ran until I reached the hospital entrance, not caring about how tired I was.

"Excuse me, where is Rebecca Miller's room?" I asked the staff, still trying to catch my breath. "I'm her son." My health didn't matter at that moment, all I cared about was my mom.

"It's in the paid section, room 204, ma'am." The staff informed me, and I hurriedly made my way to my mom's room. I saw her lying in bed, still connected to the oxygen and fast asleep.

"Amber, I'm glad you're here." Bea, our neighbor and Shiela's eldest daughter, who is studying nursing, rushed towards me. We have a close bond, and Shiela's family has always been kind to my mom and me. They often provide us with food to help us save money, knowing our financial struggles.

"Bea, how is Mom?" I asked, tears streaming down my face and unable to hold back my emotions.

“Amber, the doctor mentioned that she is already back to normal. Earlier, when mom and I spotted her at the market, she seemed to be struggling with her breathing and had a fever.”

I sat beside Mom's bed, gripping her hand tightly. It shouldn't have come to this, it's all my fault. I'm useless, just a burden to everyone.

"I'm so sorry, Mom! It's because of me, ever since Dad passed away, we've been struggling with so many problems." I sobbed, looking at my mom lying on the bed. I turned to Bea. "What did the doctor say, Bea?"

"It's pneumonia, Amber." Anxiety washed over me, knowing how dangerous pneumonia can be for someone her age. "The doctor said she needs to be admitted for at least three days to avoid any complications."

"Bea, thank you and Sheila. If it weren't for you, Mom's condition could have worsened. Thankfully, she was rushed to the hospital immediately."

"It's not a problem, Amber. You and Rebecca are practically family to us," Bea responded, but then she hesitated, lowering her head. "Um... Amber, the hospital asked for payment earlier, and I already paid a hundred dollars. I used the money I saved for my tuition next semester. I was supposed to enroll next week. I'm sorry, Amber. My mom and I don't have any extra money—"

"I get it, Bea," I interrupted her, quickly understanding the situation. "Don't worry, I'll pay you back this week. Thank you so much."

Yet another issue arises. Where will I find the money to repay Bea? I don't have a job anymore. Meanwhile, my mom is busy sewing and selling at the market, as well as taking on other people's laundry as a side job. My mom never made me work too hard, so all I know is how to cut cloth and occasionally sell at the market, which is rare. Most of the time, I do household chores and cooking. "Bea, can I go back home for a bit to change my clothes, and then I'll come back to take care of Mom?"

Before heading home, I spoke to the doctor. There are still tests that need to be done on Mom, and she needs to be hospitalized for three days for observation. After she's discharged, she'll need to rest for two weeks before she can start working again. There are still medications that need to be prescribed for her complete recovery.

Oh, the never-ending struggle with money. It feels like I'm drowning in expenses, to the point where I can't help but entertain dark thoughts. Money, money, money - it's always at the root of our problems, isn't it? Sometimes I can't help but wonder why I was born into poverty. If only my father were still alive, maybe I would have had someone to lean on, or even a brother to share my sorrows with during these difficult times.

After a long day, I finally made it back home. Exhausted and hungry, I realized there was nothing to eat. On top of that, I had to rush back to the hospital, leaving my daughter Bea with my mom. It was embarrassing to rely on her so much. Determined to find a solution, I tidied up and headed to the cabinet where my mom kept her sewing and laundry money. My heart sank when I saw that there was only a measly $63.79 left. It was nowhere near enough to cover Bea's expenses. I briefly considered reaching out to my friend Sam, but I still owed her money and I knew she had her own family to support.

Just as I was lost in my thoughts, a voice called out from outside, accompanied by a knock on the door. I hurriedly made my way to open it, finding Mrs. Elizabeth standing there. I didn't need her to say anything - I already knew why she was here. It was time to collect the rent once again. With a heavy sigh, I muttered a plea to God for mercy.

“Amber, I understand your situation and I'm truly sorry for what you're going through with Rebecca. However, I still need to collect the rent as it's been three months since you last paid. I know it's difficult, but I have my own financial obligations too.

As I spoke those words, tears welled up in my eyes. I couldn't believe the weight of the situation. I found myself sinking to the floor, tears streaming down my face, feeling utterly desperate.

"Mrs. Elizabeth!" I managed to utter, my voice choked with emotion. I had no words left, all I wanted was to wake up from this nightmare. To my surprise, Mrs. Elizabeth knelt down beside me, offering comfort in her own way.

"Amber, I'm sorry. I'm just as helpless as you are. I need the money too. I'm under immense pressure, but you know me, don't you? Your mother and I have never put this kind of pressure on you before. But my son's life is at stake, he needs immediate surgery or he could die." Mrs. Elizabeth's voice trembled as tears streamed down her face.

"Mrs. Elizabeth, I'm sorry. My mom and I truly have nothing." I embraced her tightly, seeking solace in her presence. It was exactly what I needed in that moment - a comforting hug to ease the burden on my chest. We both cried, our tears mingling as we looked into each other's eyes.

"Amber, that's enough. Crying won't solve anything. I'll leave now, I'm truly sorry. I just hoped that maybe you had some extra money or could find a way to contribute towards the rent." Mrs. Elizabeth tried to console me, but how could I tell her that I had lost my job and that there were countless other expenses piling up?

Suddenly, a glimmer of hope flickered in my mind. I wiped away my tears and stood up, determined not to give up. I would swallow my pride and accept Mr. Dominic Perault's offer.

"Mrs. Elizabeth, don't worry, I will find a way to pay the rent immediately." Mrs. Elizabeth said goodbye because she is going to ask for a loan from her bank to pay for her son's surgery.

I quickly searched for the business card that Sir Dominic had given me. Luckily, I discovered it in my wallet and I had topped it up earlier so I could contact him. Sir Dominic picked up my call after just three rings.

"Hello?" Sir Dom answered from the other line…