CHAPTER 3
1143 Words
Lily looked at the contract dumbfounded.
“You’re offering me a million dollars just to play your fiancée?!” She was flabbergasted.
“Yes. Is that too little? We can always increase it to satisfy you.” Mr. Dominic said with a straight face. She looked at John who was sitting next to her and then shifted her gaze to Mr. Dominic who had just made such a ridiculous offer.
“Do I lose my job if I don’t accept this offer?” She asked, her voice had turned shallow, fidgeting her fingers.
“Of course not.” John said firmly. “This is a very important matter to Mr. Dominic, but it is a personal matter. We completely understand if you do not wish to take part in this.” John added.
Lily let out a sigh of relief. She wasn’t going to lose her job and she wasn’t going to take this ridiculous offer.
She placed the contract on the table dividing them.
“I’m sorry, I don’t think I can accept such an offer.” She said. Her eyes met Mr. Dominic who seemed unbothered.
“Is the money not enough?” Mr. Dominic asked.
“It’s more than enough, but I don’t want to get myself involved in such a crazy scheme.” She said firmly.
“Why don’t you think about it first and give us your answer by tomorrow. We don’t have much time.” John suggested.
Lily sighs. “I’ll think about it but my answer will still remain the same.” Lily said firmly and calmly. She took a deep breath.
“Can I go now?” She asked.
“Yes.” Mr. Dominic answered.
Lily stepped out of the office with John following behind. As she walked towards the elevator, John said “Give it a deep thought, it’s a good deal and to get anywhere in this world , you have to utilize what is given to you.”
“Thank you John, goodnight.” Lily said before walking off.
As Lily started her journey back home, her mind was occupied with the thought of what had happened. It was only her first day and things had already gotten messed up for her.
The vibration of her phone ringing brought Lily back to her senses. She looked at the screen. “Aunt Rachel.” Lily’s eyes lit up at the sight of the name on the screen.
Aunt Rachel is the head of the orphanage Lily grew up in. She is a middle aged woman in her late 40s.
Lily picked the call. “Aunt Rachel.” Lily greeted.
“Lily darling, how are you doing?” Aunt Rachel said, her voice sweet and gentle as always.
“I’m doing very well, Aunty. How are you and how is everyone back at the orphanage?” Lily asked, trying to avoid talking about what happened at work.
“I’m fine Lily, but…” Aunt Rachel paused, Lily could sense something was wrong.
“What’s wrong Aunty?” Lily asked worriedly.
“The truth is that the orphanage lost an investor a few months ago. I’m sorry to bother you Lily but the orphanage is in a bad situation.” Aunt Rachel said.
Lily's heart sank at her words. The orphanage was her home and Aunt Rachel was just like family.
“Why didn’t you say something earlier?” Lily said, her voice broke, she clenched her fist knowing how hard it must have been to manage the orphanage all alone. What made her even more pained was the fact that she was powerless, there was nothing she could have done even if Aunt Rachel had told her earlier. She was barely able to make ends meet until she finally got a job and her boss seem to be a weirdo.
“Don’t worry Aunty. I’ll figure something out by tomorrow, and don’t ever apologize for asking for help. You’re family.” Lily said, letting out a deep breath.
“Lily… Thank you.” Aunt Rachel said through the phone, her voice filled with relief.
There was only one thing for Lily to do.
…
The next morning, Lily woke up early, took her bath and was ready to leave for work.
“Aren’t you going to have breakfast?” Ezra asked Lily who was now putting on her shoes.
“I’ll get something at work.” Lily said.
“You were already asleep when I got back yesterday.” Ezra said “How was your first day?” She asked.
Lily knew Ezra would freak out if she told her what had happened, but who wouldn’t.
“It was good.” Lily said, forcing a smile which Ezra noticed.
“Are you sure?” Ezra asked.
“Yes.” Lily said before holding the doorknob, ready to head out. Ezra knew Lily was the type to act tough and try to figure things out herself, so Ezra decided to believe in her. Lily was a strong lady.
“If your boss is being an asshole to you, just one call and I’ll kick his ass.” Ezra said, pulling out a fist to show how serious she was.
Lily laughed at Ezra’s attempt. Mr. Dominic was tall and from his figure it was obvious he had a good build so the image of Ezra trying to fight with him wasn’t adding up.
“I’m heading out now, have a nice day.” Lily finally said before leaving.
“You too.” Ezra replied.
On her way to work, Lily bought a cup of coffee. She decided to get for Mr. Dominic since her plan involved winning his favor, especially after how she spoke yesterday. She didn’t know what type of coffee John would prefer so she got the same as Mr. Dominic’s, sugarless and bitter.
Lily entered the building taking the elevator to Mr. Dominic’s office. Her heart began racing, beads of sweat traveled down her face as the numbers counting on the elevator increased.
The elevator door opened at the seventeenth floor. She stepped out and looked around. John wasn’t on his seat. She headed straight to Mr. Dominic’s office. She knocked on the door.
“Come in.” Her heart sank as a voice came from inside the office. It was none other than Mr. Dominic’s voice.
Lily opened the door. “Good morning sir.” She greeted stepping closer.
He was sitting behind his desk, eyes fixated on his computer.
“I brought coffee.” She said placing his coffee on the desk.
“Thank you.” He replied.
“Have you thought about my offer?” He asked, finally breaking his eyes off the computer, now on Lily.
“Yes.” She replied nervously.
“I’ll accept the offer on one condition…” she added. Mr. Dominic lifted an eyebrow.
- Writer
