My Ex Waited In Line For My Autograph

CHAPTER 4 - BEAUTIFUL AND LUCKY.

CLEO CLEMENTINE.

The stranger was grumpy the whole time. I didn’t even catch his name, since he frowned all through the hours we spent together; anyone would think I forced him to treat me to that meal.

Okay fine! I kinda forced him.

In my defence, he bumped into me! He ruined my dinner! It's only fair he treats me to another dinner.

He practically ruined my night.

Suddenly my phone begins to vibrate; I raise it up to find it’s an unknown caller, but it answers automatically before I can make a choice of my own.

“Have you gotten an apartment yet?”

I take the phone away from my ear to look at the number one more time. “Do we know each other?”

“Of course not. I overheard your conversation, so I convinced them to give me your number. I know someone who knows someone who knows a person looking for a roommate. Do you want to check out the place?”

“Since you overheard everything, you probably overheard that I don’t have the money for a deposit. I…”

“Just take a look at the place first,” the person at the end of the line snaps back at me.

I receive a text message, and it’s an address. I realize it’s not far from the guest house I am staying at.

It doesn't hurt to look, right?

I jump out of bed, throw on a jacket and move straight to the location.

When I get there, I see a huge house, really big. It’s just a walk away from the store I met the stranger who harmed my hamburger and a few more walks from the guest house I'm staying.

“This can’t be the house the lady who called me was talking about, right?” I murmur to myself. “I mean, I told her I didn’t have the deposit for even a hostel, but here she is bringing me to a mansion.”

“Over here!” someone waves at me from a distance, walking towards me.

It’s a woman who looks like she’s in her fifties; I swear she sounded younger on the phone earlier.

“Follow me,” she says, and I nod, not caring that I might actually be on my way to getting kidn*pped.

She goes into the house, and I follow behind, physically unable to hide my awe and shock; this house is hugely beautiful.

I shake my head to snap myself out of the delusion, “This house is huge!” I blurt out truthfully. “Even if I work for ten years, I don’t think I would be able to afford a month's rent for this place.”

“Young girl, that’s exactly why I’m recommending it,” she says, stopping and turning around to look at me.

“Why? Because I can’t afford it?”

The old woman chuckles softly, “Because you don’t have to pay at all. All you have to do is take care of the house; the person is too busy to handle it or something.”

I squint my eyes in suspicion, “The owner is obviously rich; why not hire somebody to do it?”

I mean, that makes more sense.

“What does it matter? You’re broke and have an opportunity to live here; why not take it?” she retorts, raising her right shoulder and letting it fall.

Yeah, why TF not?

“What do I have to do?”

“There’s a contract over there on the table. Sign it, and you can move in immediately.”

I walk to the table, and sure enough, the contract sits there signed by the other party. I pick it up and begin to read.

“HOUSEMATE AGREEMENT & HOUSE RULES. Effective date: upon signing by Party B. Term length: Five (5) years. Parties: Party A (Primary Residence) & Party B (Co-Resident). Core Terms & Covenants. 1. Strict Daily Curfew: Party B must be inside the residence no later than 6:00 PM every single day. No exceptions, late passes, or unapproved delays are permitted. 2. Spatial & Movement Restrictions: Party B’s personal space is strictly limited to their designated bedroom. Party B is prohibited from occupying or lounging in common areas (living room, hallways, patio), except during active, uninterrupted cleaning duties. 3. Mandatory House Cleanliness: Party B is solely responsible for maintaining pristine, spotless conditions throughout the entire house at all times. All cleaning tasks must meet Party A’s personal standard of perfection. 4. Zero-Guest Policy & Appliances Approval: Party B shall permit zero guests on the premises at any time. Furthermore, Party B must submit a written request 24 hours in advance before using any kitchen appliances or common electronics.”

Extremely ridiculous rules... But okay.

“PENALTY CLAUSE: Any violation or breach of any single rule listed above shall incur an immediate, non-negotiable liquidated damage fine of $100,000 USD per incident, payable directly to Party A within 24 hours of notice. Acknowledgment & Execution: By signing below, Party B acknowledge having read, understood, and voluntarily agreed to these uncompromising terms for the full duration of five years.”

I choke back my hesitation. I have no money to rent a place of my own; this is the best opportunity I can get. Plus, what could possibly go wrong?

I pick up the pen, sign my name and also write the date underneath

I just need to keep the house clean.

“Can I move in immediately?” I ask the old woman, and she smiles at me.

“Here’s your key card.”

I even get a key card… sweet.

I reach and collect the key card, watching as the woman turns around, walking out of the house. I look around one last time, and a wide smile curls up on my face. The house is so beautiful; what could possibly go wrong, right?