Chapter 10
1061 Words
Elena’s POV
“You don’t understand, Jax. l just met you. You know nothing about me. I need income or I’ll be in serious trouble!”
“Why not accept my offer and become my tour guide? I’ll pay you double!”
My heart pounded heavily. While Jax looked at me with clear confidence, irritation bubbled up inside me. Who did this guy think he was, constantly pushing me?
“I am a licensed interior designer, Jax. If you need a tour guide, hire someone else. Why keep bothering me?” l frowned deeply.
“You’re a local. I’d rather hear genuine insights about the area from you and follow your suggestions.” He shrugged and smiled. “If you’re not interested, just say so politely. l was only trying to help you escape that exhausting job and earn better pay ”
“You know what? This is pointless! l already turned down your offer the first time!” l shook my head, grabbed my laptop and coffee, and stood up.
“I really hope l never see you again,” l said before storming out.
When l got home, l still struggled to write the apology letter. l wanted to search for a new job, but l couldn’t afford to wait months through endless interviews when my mom and l had urgent needs.
Tears filled my eyes as l closed my laptop. The memory of Meredith’s harsh words terrified me. l didn’t want to wake up to another angry call from her or have coworkers gossip every time she yelled at me in the office.
Yet l felt like l had no other choice.
“Elena?” my mom, Amanda, suddenly said as she entered my room. Realizing l hadn’t closed the door, l quickly turned away and wiped my tears. “Are you crying?” she asked.
I looked at her and shook my head. “No, l was just… noticing how dusty the room is. l haven’t cleaned since I’ve been so busy with work…” l smiled to reassure her.
I couldn’t let her worry about me.
“Is this about your job?” She sat beside me, her face full of concern. She reached out and gently touched my cheek. “You can tell me anything, Elena…”
“I… l don’t think l can return to that job, Mom,” l replied, licking my lips. “It became too difficult, and l couldn’t take it anymore. It wasn’t pride, it was the built-up trauma.”
“You shouldn’t hesitate. Go find a new job, Elena. l will always support you,” she said with a warm smile.
Why am l so lucky to have such a supportive mother?
I felt better after that conversation. The next day, l woke up early to job hunt, but just as l was about to leave, l heard my mother coughing violently.
“Mom, you’re burning up!” l exclaimed when l felt her forehead. “Come on, we’re going to the hospital!” l added, rushing back to my room.
Even though l knew we would run out of money, l had no choice. She stayed in the hospital for an entire week. When the doctor finally said she could be discharged, the weight of the world felt like it sat on my shoulders because of the massive unpaid bills.
“I’m sorry, but you must settle the payment before she can leave…” the doctor said, shaking his head as he walked away.
I couldn’t understand how this had happened. My mom had seemed fine during our talks. l was certain she was healthy while l worked for Meredith! Or…
Had l been too busy to notice she was sick and hiding it from me?
Tears poured down my cheeks like a waterfall as l pulled out my phone and called Jax.
Without overthinking it, l swallowed hard and said, “Have the contract ready. I’ll come to your place and sign it.”
“You have to stay with me for two months. During that time, you’ll travel to various places with me and keep me company,” Jax stated as he reviewed the contract he had prepared himself.
I could hardly believe it. l had been so sure l would find another job and never see this man again, yet here l was, turning to him for help! The way l had proudly rejected him before, insisting l was an interior designer and not available as a tour guide…
Ugh. Peak embarrassment!
But what other option did l have when all l wanted was to get my mom out of the hospital?
I swallowed the lump in my throat and clenched my fists on my lap. We sat across from each other in the living room of his unit.
On the ride over in the taxi, l had noticed the upscale building. It confirmed that Jax likely had money and could actually help me.
After a while, he stood up with a bright, satisfied smile and raised the signed contract. “I’ll be back in a few minutes,” he said, walking toward a door that l assumed led to his bedroom.
I sighed and let my eyes wander around the space.
Abstract paintings in brown frames decorated the white walls. The cove ceiling featured warm yellow lighting tucked in the corners. There was a brown loveseat, a blue-green single-seater sofa, a small coffee table, and a large fifty-inch television mounted on a wooden accent wall.
A glass door opened onto a compact balcony filled with plants, offering views of towering buildings and glittering city lights.
White tiles covered the floor, accented by a brown rug. The kitchen and dining area sat on the far left, with bedrooms on the right.
I was about to stand and check the balcony view when Jax emerged from his room wearing a triumphant grin and carrying a thick white envelope.
“I know you need to cover your mother’s hospital bills, so l added extra in here. Go get her discharged. Just return when l call you so we can prepare the itinerary. We’ll leave in a few days,” he said, handing me the envelope.
My hands shook as l opened it. My eyes widened and my heart raced when l saw how much cash was inside.
- Writer
