Be My Baby’s Dad, Mr CEO

“Hello, am I speaking with Miss Walter?” a woman’s voice asked on the other end of the line. “Yes, this is Tesley,” she replied. “This is Sarah from Imperial Crest Hotel. I just wanted to confirm you received our job offer email and that you’re all set to start on Monday?” “Yes, I did. Thank you so much, Sarah! I’m really excited to join the team.” “We’re looking forward to having you. If you have any questions before Monday, don’t hesitate to call. See you soon!” After hanging up, Tesley couldn’t help but smile, feeling a new chapter of hope unfolding. “Yes! Finally, sweet God!” she exclaimed. After countless applications and rejections, she had finally landed a job as a waitress at a five-star hotel. “Mother, I can feel you smiling with me,” she whispered, looking up. “Finally, I can start chipping away at this debt and take care of Simon.” “What’s with all the excitement?” Eva, her cousin, asked, arching an eyebrow as she stepped into the living room. “Did you win the lottery or something?” “I got a job,” Tesley said, beaming. Eva’s eyes widened in surprise. “Wow! That’s amazing, Tes!” She pulled Tesley into a quick hug. “I’m asked to start on Monday,” Tesley added. “Oh, that’s great! I’m so happy for you, girl.” Tesley gave her a familiar look. “I’ll need to borrow some money to update my wardrobe for work. I’ll pay you back as soon as I get my first paycheck.” “Who needs an angel? Eva’s always at your service,” Eva said with a warm smile, and they both laughed. On her first day, Tesley kept her head down, determined to make a good impression. By the end of the week, she had shared a few laughs with the front-desk team. When her team leader mentioned rotating shifts, Tesley gathered her courage. “Please,” she said quietly, “I have someone in the hospital I need to visit every evening.” The woman gave a slow nod. “Morning shifts then.” Her daily routine soon became a cycle of work, home, then hospital. “Tes! Wake up! You’re going to be late for work!” Eva’s urgent voice cut through Tesley’s sleep as she shook her awake. Concern was clear in Eva’s eyes. She hadn’t expected to find Tesley still in bed. Usually, they left for work together: Eva to her corporate office, Tesley to the hotel. Tesley blinked groggily and glanced at the clock. “I forgot to tell you,” she mumbled, rubbing her eyes, “I’m covering a night shift today.” “When did that start? You don’t do night shifts,” Eva raised a brow. Tesley sat up on the bed. “I’m standing in for a colleague. She pleaded, so I couldn’t say no.” Eva sighed with relief. “Oh, that’s fair. So you’ll need to check on Simon this morning and relieve Uncle at the hospital before your night shift.” “Yes,” Tesley said, sighing deeply. Her eyes filled with worry. “Father told me Simon’s treatment is entering a new phase. I’m still trying to pay off the last bill, and this one costs $4,500. My salary as a waitress barely reaches $2000 a month, even with extra shifts and bonuses. The bills just keep piling up….and father’s poultry business is barely holding on too.” Her voice wavered, betraying her deep frustration and helplessness. “Tes, it’s okay,” Eva said gently, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “I’ll help with whatever I can.” “You barely spend your pay on yourself, Eva,” Tesley said tearfully. “You’ve also been using your meager salary to cover Simon’s medical expenses.” “Anything to help Simon,” Eva said firmly. “And that’s what your mother would do if she were here. I need to get going before I’m late. So, till tomorrow?” “Yeah,” Tesley replied, slowly rising from the bed. “See you tomorrow.” Eva gave her a supportive nod before heading out to her office. Watching Eva leave, Tesley wiped her eyes, bracing herself for the hospital. By evening, she was back at the hotel. Dressed in her uniform, she stepped through the back entrance, just in time for her shift. “Thanks for bailing me out, Tesley,” Victoria said gratefully as she handed over the night shift. “Ethan will be so angry if I skip our date again tonight.” She paused, then added, “The guest in suite 201 asked for room service. It’s a plate of steak frites with a side of sautéed vegetables.” “Alright, Vic. I’ll take care of it,” Tesley said, already heading toward the kitchen to prepare the order. Minutes later, she made her way to Room 201, balancing the tray carefully. She knocked softly on the door. “Who’s there?” a deep male voice called out from inside. “Room service. Your order is ready,” Tesley replied. The man opened the door, revealing a man in his late twenties with a strong build and sharp features. His tousled brown hair and intense dark eyes gave him an air of casual confidence. Dressed in a simple shirt and jeans, he looked relaxed yet polished in the comfort of his suite. “Bring it inside,” he said, stepping aside. Tesley placed the food on the table in the suite’s sitting area. As she adjusted her uniform, the man glanced at her ID badge. “Thanks, Tesley,” he said warmly. Just as she turned to leave, he called out, “Wait.” He stepped closer, his gaze serious. “My name is John. I’d like to offer you a deal, if you’re interested.” He paused, his eyes narrowing. “I’ll pay you $3,000.” Tesley’s curiosity was piqued. “What’s the deal?” she asked, her brow furrowing. John leaned in and spoke in a low, confidential tone, causing Tesley’s expression to shift to one of shock and discomfort. “No!” she burst out. “Do I look like that to you?” Her voice was sharp with indignation. “Thanks for the offer, Mr. John. If you have a better one, let me know.” She turned toward the door. “I’ll make it $5,000,” John said quickly, trying to persuade her. Tesley hesitated, her mind spinning as she nervously swallowed. John noticed her reaction and added urgently, “I’ll make it $10,000. But you have ten seconds to decide. After that, the deal is off.” John’s tone was final. Tesley’s heart raced as she thought about Simon’s deteriorating condition. “I can’t let Simon die,” she muttered under her breath, feeling trapped. Tesley’s hand hovered near the door. “9... 8... 7...” John counted down, voice sharp as steel, locking eyes with her.