Contracted By The Enemy; Daddy’s new Nanny

Chapter 2- Fired

The moment Eli walked out of the restaurant, the sky felt too blue for the kind of day he was having. His backpack slung over one shoulder felt heavier than usual, dragging at him with every step. He did not look back. He would not give Damian the satisfaction.

His coworker Mia chased after him. "Eli, wait. You are really leaving?"

He forced a smile, even though his chest stung. "Looks like I do not have a job anymore."

"This is insane," she said.

Mia hesitated. "Do you want me to talk to the manager?"

"Don't bother. Damian talked. Everyone else shut up." Eli let out a humorless laugh. "It is fine. I will figure something out."

"You hate that man," Mia said quietly.

"I do," Eli replied. "With everything I have."

She touched his arm sympathetically. "If you need anything, call me."

"I'll be okay," Eli lied. "Tell the others I said bye."

He walked toward the bus stop, refusing to let the burn in his eyes turn into tears. Losing a job was one thing. Losing it because a rich jerk wanted to feel powerful was something else entirely.

The bus arrived with a loud screech. Eli climbed in and sat near the window. He rested his forehead against the glass while the city blurred past.

His phone buzzed.

Aunt Lila.

He answered quickly. "Auntie. Is…is everything okay?"

Her voice came out thin and scratchy. "Just checking if you are on your way home. I want to try cooking tonight."

He shut his eyes. "Do not strain yourself , auntie. I will handle dinner when I get back."

She coughed twice before speaking again. "You work too much."

"Not anymore," he muttered before he could stop himself.

"What was that?" she asked.

"Nothing. I will explain when I get home."

Her breathing sounded strained. "Eli, is everything alright?"

"I promise you, I will handle it," he said softly. "Please rest."

He hung up before she could ask more questions.

Rent. Medication. Groceries. Everything pressed on him at once.

He whispered to himself, "I will not bow to that arrogant bastard. Not ever."

The bus ride felt longer than usual. When he finally reached his street, he walked faster. Oh, how he needed the safety of home. Maybe he could hide his fear there for a moment.

Inside the tiny apartment, Aunt Lila sat on the sofa wrapped in a shawl. She smiled weakly. "Welcome home, sweetheart."

Eli leaned down to kiss her forehead. "How are you feeling now?"

"Better since morning. Sit with me." She patted the cushion beside her.

Eli sat, trying to figure out how to break the news.

Before he could speak, she asked, "Did you eat?"

"Not hungry," he said.

She studied him closely. "You look upset."

"I am not," he replied. "Just tired."

"You can talk to me, Eli."

He swallowed his frustration. "Later. You need to rest first."

Another cough shook her small frame. Eli instantly held her shoulders. "Careful. Breathe slowly."

She smiled even though she struggled. "I will be fine. Go, drink some water. You look pale."

He obeyed just to keep her from worrying. In the kitchen, he gripped the counter and muttered, "It's going to be fine. I will fix this. I have to."

He drank a glass of water, then returned to the living room.

Aunt Lila asked gently, "Did something happen at work?"

Eli froze.

She saw the answer on his face. "Eli... did they fire you?"

His jaw tightened. "It was not my fault."

"Tell me what happened."

His voice cracked. "I defended my colleague from getting bullied."

"Just that ?"

"Yes."

She raised a brow. "That does not sound like something you lose a job over."

"It does when the bully is Damian Blackwell." His lip curled in disgust. "The man is rotten. He told them to fire me like he was ordering dessert."

Aunt Lila sighed. "I am sorry, sweetheart."

" I just want to work. I want money for rent. I want you to be healthy." He ran a hand through his hair. "I cannot deal with his ego ruining everything."

"You will find another job."

"I know," Eli said. "I just need some time."

Her eyes softened. "That boy hurt your pride."

"He did," Eli admitted. "But he will not break me. I am not bowing to someone like him."

They sat quietly for a moment. Then she whispered, "We will figure it out together."

Eli nodded, even though doubt crawled through him.

……..

Later that evening, he heated soup for her. She ate slowly between coughs….he could not stop glancing at the medicine bottle that was almost empty. He needed money and fast.

After she went to bed, Eli paced the living room. His mind churned with panic and plans. He checked his phone for job postings. Most jobs required experience he did not have.

He muttered, "Come on. There has to be something."

A knock cut through the room.

He frowned. "Who is that?"

Another knock. Louder.

He walked to the door and opened it.

His landlord stood there, arms crossed, face tight with impatience. "Evening, Eli."

Eli stepped outside to keep Aunt Lila from overhearing. "Is something wrong?"

"My rent is overdue," the landlord said. "Two weeks overdue."

Eli closed his eyes briefly. "I know. I am getting the money."

"May i ask when?"

"Just give me some time."

"I gave you time already."

"I lost my job today," Eli said. He hated how small that sounded. "I am doing everything I can."

The landlord let out a tired sigh. "I'll tell you what: you are a good tenant and I don't want to have to kick you out but I run a business, not a charity."

"I will pay," Eli insisted. "You have my word."

"Your word does not pay the bills ." The landlord leaned closer. "You have three days, Eli. Three. If I do not have my money by then, you and your aunt will have to find somewhere else to stay."

Eli felt heat rise in his chest. "Please ….do not say that out loud. My aunt is sick. She will hear you."

"Then pay what you owe."

"I said I will."

"You said that last week too." The landlord shook his head. "This is the last chance that I'm giving you."

Eli looked at him, fists trembling at his sides. "Can you at least lower your voice?"

The landlord scoffed. "No one is out here listening. If you don't like embarrassment, then pay up."

Eli felt his face burn.

"Three days," the landlord repeated. "No more excuses."

Eli stared at him, stunned and humiliated. "I will get the money."

"Good." The landlord turned away. "I'll be expecting it on time."

Eli’s feet were rooted to the floor of the hallway for several moments after he left. His stomach twisted painfully. His breath came in uneven waves. Shame dragged at his skin as though the entire building had overheard.

He leaned his forehead against the wall. "Damn it."

His voice cracked.

He hated Damian. He hated his landlord. He hated the world for choosing today of all days to fall apart.

Inside the apartment, Aunt Lila called softly, "Eli? Is everything alright?"

He straightened immediately. "Yes, Auntie. Everything is fine."

But his chest felt like it was crushing itself.

He whispered to the empty hallway, "Three days. I have three days to save us."

His phone buzzed in his pocket.

He ignored it.

For the first time that day, fear fully settled in his bones.