Bounded By A Billionaire Promise

Chapter 5

The gunshot’s deafening blast still echoed in my mind , leaving my ears ringing and my senses disoriented. For the first few minutes, I could hear nothing, the sound having momentarily blocked out the world. As I lay face down, I screamed, the noise muffled by the concrete. When I finally lifted my head to take in the chaos around me , I saw one man lying lifeless on the floor . The other masked assailant had vanished into thin air . My heart raced as I tried to piece together what had happened, unaware of the daily game of cat and mouse I was now caught in .

Little did I know , the masked man was lurking nearby , watching my every move . Just as I mustered the courage to approach the body to see if he was truly dead , a cold metal pressed against my temple , and a strong hand gripped my neck .

“Don’t move “, a menacing voice growled.

“I-I won’t”, I stammered, tears streaming down my face . “please , sir , don’t hurt me”.

“Give me one reason why I shouldn't “, he said, his voice dripping with malice .

I was paralyzed, my voice caught in my throat. All I could do was cry .

“Sir, I beg you . I promise I won’t tell anyone”, I. pleaded desperately.

“Better”, he sneered. “I know who you are and i know where to find you . Speak a word of this to anyone, and you’ll end up like him .

He forced me to my knees, commanding, “keep your head down until I'm gone”.

“Yes, sir”, I whimpered, trembling and tearful.

I listened as he retreated, the roar of his car engine fading into the distance. Only then did I dare to rise , sprinting away without looking back. I couldn’t shake the chilling threat : he knew me and he could find me .Panic propelled me through the streets until my instinct assured me no one was chasing me .

Still , fear clung to me like a shadow as I shakily dialed Sandra’s number. She was the only person I could trust .

“Sandra , are you home?” I blurted , skipping any preamble.

“ Sofia , what’s wrong?” Her voice was laced with concern.

“Please , are you home ?” I asked again , tears threatening to spill over .

“Yes, I’m here . Come over.

I hopped into a cab , my paranoia making me glance over my shoulder constantly, certain I was being followed. But it was all in my head a trick of my terrified mind .

Sandra was waiting at the door , her eyes widening in alarm as she took in my disheveled appearance.

“Sofia , what happened?” she exclaimed.

Instead of answering, I collapsed into her arms , sobbing uncontrollably.

“Oh my God , why are you crying, Sofia ? You look exhausted. What happened? Is it your dad ? Is he okay?”

“I lost my job”, I choked out . “I was framed”

“What? How ?” Sandra asked , her face a mix of show and empathy.

I poured out the entire story , from the unjust accusation to the terrifying encounter with the mask man .

“Jesus , Sofia , this is too much”, Sandra gasped . “But you have to calm down . We’ll figure out the job situation. As for that man , he probably doesn’t know you . It was a scare tactic to keep you quiet . Let’s keep it our secret. Don’t tell anyone else okay.

I nodded , grateful for her comforting words .

“Hold on”, Sandra said, disappearing briefly before returning with a glass of cold water .

I drank it eagerly, feeling as though it was the first drop of water I'd tasted in ages.

“Breathe in”, Sandra instructed, guiding me through a calming exercise . “Now breathe out “.

After repeating the process a few times , she asked ,

“How do you feel?”

“Better”, I replied , managing a small smile .

“Good”, she said warmly . “Now , about your job . You know you need another one , right ?”

I nodded , feeling like a scolded child “Yes , I know .

“How much have you saved for your dad’s surgery ?” she asked .

“Only $4000,” I admitted, frustration lacing my words .

“You’ve got a long way to go, but there’s hope”, Sandra said .”A friend mentioned a job opening at a billionaire’s house . it’s for a maid , but it pays well $500 a week .

“$500 a week?” I gasped . “That’s amazing! I could save $2000 in just four weeks.

Sandra adjusted her position, leaning in conspiratorially. “The interview’s Monday . Make sure you look your best . The employer prefers women who present themselves well .

“I will”, I promise, feeling a flicker of hope.

“Thank you so much , Sandra . I don’t know what I'd do without you”.

“You’re welcome , love”, she replied with an assuring smile .

I stayed at Sandra's that night , too shaken to be alone . The weekend passed in a blur, my mind consumed with the upcoming interview. Before I knew it , Monday arrived, bringing with a mix of nerves and excitement. I dressed carefully, choosing a well-ironed shirt and trousers , applying light make up , and styling my hair to perfection.

Arriving at the opulent mansion for the interview, I was taken aback by the number of candidates. All of them looked stunning, but I refused to let intimidation get the better of me . I waited patiently until my name was called .

“Sofia williams “, a voice announced.

As I entered the room, I was struck by the sight of the man sitting before me . His handsome features took my breath away . Why did he look so familiar?

“Sofia Williams”, he repeated his voice as smooth as silk .

“Yes, sir”, I replied , my skin prickly with goosebumps. What was it about him that made me feel this way ?

“You seem familiar”, he said , his gaze piercing.

My mind raced . “ Have we met before?”

His lips curled into a knowing smile .”I believe we have”.

The realization hit me like a bolt of lightning. He was the man from the lounge the one whose shoe I had accidentally stepped on .

“I’m sorry sir,”I stammered. “It was an accident, I swear”.

“I know, “he said , his voice dripping with intrigue. “But I'm not looking for a maid , Sofia . I want something more .