A SECOND CHANCE AT DISASTER

REBECCA'S POV

CHAPTER 4

The city of New York was known for its busy roads. The cars and trains horned loudly as they sped across the highway.

This was why I enjoyed this city. It was popularly referred to as the city that doesn't sleep. It was always buzzing with several cars at whatever time of the day.

There wasn't a dull moment wherever you were in New York City.

Getting down from the train, I walked to my mom's place which wasn't very far.

I remember when I came here in search of a snack after getting back from school. Coming to my mom’s house reminds me of my childhood memories so much.

“Mom!” I called out once I entered the house. The familiar scent of lasagna filled the air as I sniffed it loudly.

“I have missed your meals!” I cried out dramatically while she laughed at me. “I thought your obsession with food would have stopped,” she says, earning a giggle from me.

We sat down at the table with my brother. He had just arrived from college which was in another city. Justin and I didn't really have that bond, we rather fight or ignore each other. Throughout the school year, no one recognized us siblings.

Justin was famous in school and was respected well. Unfortunately, I was just an introvert and rather stay at home.

“This tastes so good!” I hummed in satisfaction while they both laughed at me. I loved eating, it felt like torture when I went hours without eating.

“Thank you for making such a sumptuous meal for me!” I thanked her. “I didn't make it for you, I made it for Justin!” my mother disagreed while I gave her a playful glare.

After playing around for a while, my mom called us into her room for what we wanted to discuss.

“Are you sure about what you saw?” my mom asked me.

The truth was that my mom had not called me to come. I had decided to come myself because I needed to discuss things with my mom.

Whenever I was confused like this, I rather come to my mother for advice.

“I saw the letter, I will soon be moved to the managerial position,” I affirmed. It was indeed a piece of good news but for some reason, I decided to share it with my mom first.

“I don't deserve that position mom, there are several people who are worth that position. Including Damian.” I explained as everyone’s eyes were on me.

My mother quickly interrupted me. “I don't believe that you deserve whatever was brought to you.”

My mother said with positivity.

The truth was that there were many other better persons, in terms of capability and outspokenness. Truth has to be told and I wouldn't lie to myself.

I was shocked when I saw the letter, there were going to be suspicions if it got out. I needed to find a solution to my predicament before they got out.

“That's not it mom, I don't deserve that position.” I let out.

“A few months ago, I started noticing the behavior of our CEO,” I started off while looking at everyone who was deeply engrossed in the conversation.

“Mr Knight had not missed any chance to flirt with me for some months now but I had kept it all from Damian,” I told them.

I had been noticing it, he would touch me. Or even praise my outfit. Call me sweet names and even give me tips for no reason.

“He makes little advances and I can't help but notice it. He is definitely the one who did this because I will get closer to him once I am in that position,” I explained to them.

“I am happy for you sis! Imagine getting married to your CEO, our lives will change for the better!” Justin said, interrupting me.

“What do you mean? I am married for goodness sake!” I half yelled. I had come here for their advice. If I am to be the new manager, things will turn out badly.

The whole staff will find out about what has been happening, I will be referred to as a w***e. I couldn’t even imagine doing something like that to Damian.

Mr Knight will try to make advances and when I stop him, he will fire me!

“Married? What does that have to do here? Not like he can even afford your bills.” Justin spat angrily.

I stared at him in shock, not expecting such a response from him. He was always acting nice around Damian so I was shocked with his outburst.

“Do not speak ill of my husband!” I warned, standing up to face him.

“Quiet!” my mother’s voice finally came up. Glaring at Justin, I finally sunk back into the sofa.

“Becca, I think Justin is right.” my mother said while I stared at her in shock.

“Are you saying that I should commit adultery?!”I asked angrily. I felt disgusted by their mindset, that money was not everything in life.

“That's not it baby. We need this, even if you need it! You don't want to continue living in penury for the rest of your life.” my mother started, trying to convince me.

“Who told you that I was living in penury or that I wasn't comfortable with my lifestyle?” I asked angrily.

“Keep quiet and listen to me!” she ordered.

“You have to accept whatever advances he brings to you. In fact, be the one to initiate it. Leave Damian alone! He is poverty-stricken!” she advised.

I couldn't believe my mother would ever say something like this, maybe I was talking to the wrong person.

“Sis, you have to do this for us. I need to attend a better college and get my degree. Mom needs proper medication and rest, she deserves a luxurious lifestyle now.” Justin said in a calm voice.

I didn’t want to break down but I didn’t know when tears started rushing from my eyes.

“To be honest, I am exhausted of this lifestyle. I also want to live rich but what about Damian’s feelings?” I asked in between my sobs.

“Who cares about that?” my mom replied with a scoff. You don't need to worry, I will tell you exactly what to do. All we need is a good plan, we could even make it seem like the divorce between you guys was his fault.

“But, he left his family for me…” I stuttered. “That is a red flag, how can he leave his family for a lady? That's absurd. How do you know if he wouldn't leave you for another lady?” she asked.

“But…” I tried saying but was quickly cut off by my mother. “No buts, you have to do this,” she said. I couldn't help but nod my head with several emotions.

How was Damian going to feel about this? I didn't want to do this but at the same time, I couldn't continue living like this. This wasn't what I envisioned my future to be.

I was still thinking when a knock interrupted my thoughts.

“Who is there?” My mother asked while walking towards the door.

We weren't expecting a visitor so who was that?