The girlfriend contract

“Madison, can you take this to table four?” “I’m coming, Mom.” Madison picked up the tray and carefully made her way across the bakery. The familiar scent of freshly baked bread and warm pastries filled the air. She had spent most of her life in Tasty Bakery, helping her mother whenever she could. “Here you go,” Madison said, placing the bread on the table. “Thank you, sweetheart.” She smiled at the customer before returning to the counter. Tasty Bakery was popular in the neighborhood. Elena's bread, cakes, and pastries were always fresh, and some customers had been coming for years. From the outside, everything looked fine. But lately, Madison had noticed that her mother wasn't herself. “Come on, Madison.” She turned and saw Elena standing behind the counter. “You've been working since morning. Have you had breakfast?” Madison glanced at the clock. “It’s just ten twenty-five, Mom. I'll eat later. Let me finish helping the customers.” Elena sighed. “Baby, the customers aren't going anywhere. You need to eat.” “I know.” “And?” Madison smiled. “I'll eat soon.” “You're stubborn.” “I learned from the best.” Elena laughed softly. “Fine. Just promise me.” “I promise.” Elena nodded and returned to the kitchen. For the next few minutes, Madison moved between the tables, taking orders and helping customers. The bakery became busier, and breakfast quickly left her mind. Then the bell above the door rang. “Good morning, Elena.” Madison looked up. One of their regular suppliers had walked in. “Good morning,” Elena replied, stepping out of the kitchen. “I came about the last payment,” the man said. Elena's expression changed. Madison stopped what she was doing. “What payment?” she asked. Her mother immediately looked at her. “Madison, can you check the bread in the kitchen for me?” Something about her voice made Madison suspicious. “Mom—” “Please, baby.” Madison reluctantly walked toward the kitchen, but she stopped near the doorway. She could still hear them. “Please be patient,” Elena said. “I'll clear my debts soon.” “We've been patient, Elena. You keep taking goods on credit, but the payments are always late. I can't continue supplying you like this.” “I understand. Things haven't been easy lately.” “How much longer do you need?” “I can't give you an exact date, but I'll pay as soon as I can.” “You already owe us a lot, and the last delivery hasn't been paid for.” Elena was quiet. “Please. Just give me a little more time.” The supplier sighed. “All right. But I can't keep bringing goods if you don't pay at least part of what you owe.” “I understand.” A few moments later, the bell rang again. The man had left. Madison stayed still for a moment before walking back out. Her mother was standing near the door. “Mom.” Elena turned. “What was that about?” “Nothing, baby.” “Nothing? I heard everything.” Elena sighed. “Madison, I didn't want to worry you.” “You owe the supplier money?” “Things haven't been easy lately.” She looked down at the counter. “The price of ingredients has gone up, and business hasn't been as good as it used to be. I've been trying to keep everything running.” “But you never told me.” “Because you're already doing enough. You have school, Madison. I don't want you putting your education aside because of this bakery.” “I can work more hours.” “No.” “I can get another job.” “Madison—” “I can help you.” Elena shook her head. “You already help me whenever you can. That's enough.” “But it doesn't feel like enough.” Elena reached for her hand. “You have such a big heart. You think every problem around you is yours to solve.” Madison looked down. “I can't just watch you struggle.” “I know. But the best way you can help me is by focusing on your education and building your own future.” Madison wanted to argue, but she couldn't find the words. Tasty Bakery wasn't just a business to her. It was where she had grown up. She remembered sitting behind the counter as a child, watching her mother knead dough and helping package cupcakes after school. She couldn't imagine losing it. “I won't let you handle everything alone,” Madison said quietly. Elena smiled. “You don't have to.” Madison nodded, but she wasn't convinced. As she looked around the bakery, one thought kept repeating in her mind. I have to do something. --- By the time Madison arrived on campus, she had already decided she needed a part-time job. She could work evenings or weekends. Anything that would allow her to earn enough to help her mother without abandoning school. “Madison!” She heard her name but didn't stop. “Madison!” She finally turned. Ava Mitchell hurried toward her. “Girl, I've been calling you!” “Sorry. I didn't hear you.” Ava studied her face. “What's wrong?” “Nothing.” “I won't believe that.” Madison sighed. “It's my mom's bakery.” Ava's expression softened. “What happened?” “It's not doing well. She owes some of her suppliers a lot of money.” Ava frowned. “How much?” “I don't know exactly. She doesn't tell me everything. I just know it's serious.” Madison looked toward the classroom. “I need to help her.” Ava nodded. “Okay. We'll figure something out.” “Thank you.” “Don't thank me yet. We haven't figured anything out.” Madison laughed softly. They entered the classroom together. During the lecture, Madison tried to concentrate, but her mother's situation remained in the back of her mind. After class, she pulled out her phone. “I need a job,” she said. Ava leaned closer. “Then let's find one.” Madison searched through several listings. Waitress. Shop assistant. Receptionist. Cashier. She opened a few, but the pay was either too low or the working hours conflicted with her classes. Then she stopped scrolling. PERSONAL ASSISTANT NEEDED Madison opened the advertisement. The salary was much higher than the other jobs. Ava looked over her shoulder. “Personal assistant?” “Look at the pay.” Ava raised her eyebrows. “That is a lot.” Madison read the requirements. Good communication skills. Organizational ability. Flexibility. Discretion. She frowned. “There's barely any information about the job.” “Check the company first.” Madison did. The company was unfamiliar, and there wasn't much information available online. “This feels strange,” she said. “It might be,” Ava replied. “But you can apply and find out more before accepting anything.” Madison hesitated. Then she thought about her mother. The supplier's warning echoed in her mind. She couldn't just sit and wait. Taking a breath, she clicked Apply. A few seconds later, a message appeared on the screen. APPLICATION SUBMITTED SUCCESSFULLY. Madison stared at it. She had only applied for a job. Nothing more. At least, that's what she thought. She had no idea that this application would lead her into a world she had never imagined—and introduce her to a man who would completely change the course of her life.