The Billionaire False Embrace

New Beginning

Catherine’s POV

I did not know when sleep carried me, I was only brought to consciousness with the slow ache in my bone. The ground beneath me was rough and not good for anybody to sleep on. I felt slight pain in my neck as I tried to turn so as to make sense of where I was.

Morning light attacked me through the trees above, pale and hesitant, touching my face in a way that almost felt kind. For some seconds, I lay quietly, listening to the distant hum of traffic while pretending to be waking up from my own bed..

The reality hit in..

My bag clutched loosely to my chest, my fingers were already numb from gripping my bag throughout the night. The air felt cold, and sharper than I expected. My clothes smelled faintly of grass and damp earth. I tried to push myself up slowly, I was careful because sudden motion might attract unwanted attention.

“Miss”

I turned to see two police officers a few steps away from where I was. Their uniform is very neat. They are very alert but not unkind. My heart skipped a bit, instinctively bracing up for the worst. I was ready for a fight. My old habit from prison resurfaced without warning, tightening my shoulders and my fist.

“Yes? “ I responded quietly

One of the officers looked around the park, then back at me.. “Why did you sleep here last night? “

I waited a bit, counting my words. The truth was hard for me to spill out.

“I don't have anywhere else to go, “ I muttered with courage.

The both officers exchanged a look, they seemed surprised but it was hard to do their job.

*You shouldn't sleep in the park, it's not safe, especially overnight ”

“I totally understand Sir, “ I said and I meant it.

“You have to find a shelter or somewhere safer to sleep next time, “ He responded firmly but not cruelly.

I nodded in response, feeling a little pain in my neck. After a moment the two officers walked away, their footsteps fading into the quiet morning. I was just looking at them until they were out of sight before releasing the breath I had been holding for long.

I started feeling ashamed of myself, because of this whole situation. I hugged my bag closer because that is the only companion I have. I reminded myself that surviving one night outside did not mean I am a failure, even though it's not safe. The world outside prison had its own dangers, ones that did not come with schedules or predictable rules.

I started brushing the dirt on my trousers, something on the wall behind the bench caught my attention. A bright piece of paper was laying on the floor, I was curious and stepped closer to get a clear view of what was written on the paper.

LIVE-IN HOUSEMAID WANTED, was written boldly on the piece of paper.

I read the notice again, slowly this time around, trying so much not to rush it.

Immediate Employment…

Accommodation will be provided..

This fitted perfectly with what I was looking for. I looked at the corner of the paper saw and address, along with a contact number written clearly.

I stared at the paper as if, if I blinked, it would disappear. Job opportunities are rare for somebody like me, stable jobs are even rarer. This job opportunity means shelter, food, structure in fact everything I desperately need to survive.

I brought my pen and jotter from my bag with trembling fingers and wrote the address and contact number in my notebook, pressing the pen hard as if that would make it more real. At that point I was a little bit hopeful, cautious and fragile.

I looked around the park, and I suddenly became aware of how exposed I was. This park became my shelter for just one night, but it's not the future I want to see for myself. I need to move, to act before doubt convinces me otherwise.

I found a sink near the public restroom and splashed cold water on my face. It feels good and refreshing. The last splash of water cleared the remaining sleep from my mind. I brushed my teeth quickly, not minding the reflection of myself who I barely recognize in the mirror.

My eyes looked older and sharper compared to when I was sentenced to prison.

I dressed up in my cleaner clothes, smoothing the fabric carefully with my hand. My outfit was not that impressive, but it was neat, at least for now that should be enough. I tired my hair back and took a deep breath while steadying myself.

I returned to the bench to gather my belongings, and I noticed that the park was already buzzling with people. Early morning joggers passed with focused expressions. Parents are busy pushing strollers. Life resumed its usual rhythm, without much regard to my quiet battle.

I decided to sit down on the bench to allow my nerves to settle. My stomach filled with anxiety, but beneath the anxiety was a steady determination. My life has been a roller coaster which is far worse than an interview.

Trust me, while serving my jail terms I have endured years of confinement, judgement, and regret which is far worse than an interview. I will not allow fear to stop me now or never.

One question keeps demanding an answer from me. “What if they ask me about my past?... What if they looked at me and saw only a criminal, an ex-convict? I clenched my jaw for a second before pushing the question aside. One thing is for sure, I will not be able to control their reactions, but only my own honesty and effort I can control.

I stood up, slinged my bag over my shoulder. The address is already pitched on my mind like a promise pulling me forward. It felt like a victory each step forward, it was proof that I was choosing movement over despair.

As I walked toward the park exit, I looked back at a place that became my shelter on my first night of my release. Of course it was not where I wanted to stay, but this place has given me something important - clarity for my next move.

I wasn't too sure if this job would work out or if it would even go as I had planned and hoped.. The only thing I know is that I have to make a move as standing still was no longer an option.

With hopeful determination, I left the park behind, with a focus on the future that I am ready to fight for.