Working for my Cold Hearted Ex

Chapter1

Chapter 1

TRACY'S POINT OF VIEW

I let out a frustrated sigh as my phone inexplicably powered itself off. It had been malfunctioning for about a week, and I'd been doing my best to cope with it until I could afford a replacement.

Unfortunately, money was scarce, and I had no source of income. I couldn't return to my parents' house in Kern after college. My original plan was to study hard, graduate, secure a job, and provide a better life for them. However, that dream seemed increasingly distant, especially since I couldn't land a job despite earning a second-class degree.

I was staying in a two-bedroom apartment with my college friend, Ari, although I wouldn't describe us as the closest of friends. We were roommates during college, with me in the school hostel and three other roommates. Ari and I didn't hit it off immediately; it took until the first semester of our sophomore year for us to become friends.

Ari was hardly ever at the hostel, often following men around and engaging in activities for financial gain. By the end of our first year, we'd grown closer, and she would lend me money whenever my parents were running low on funds.

My mother worked as a bank cashier, but her salary wasn't substantial, and my father, sadly, wasn't supportive. He was rarely at home, squandering his earnings on other women, despite my mother's patience. I'd made a conscious decision not to interfere in their marital issues.

Ari left the school hostel when we reached our junior year, renting an apartment with money earned from her encounters with men. She commuted to school from there, and I'd visit her when I needed financial help. She was often reluctant, wanting me to join her in her ventures, but I always declined. After much pleading, she'd usually assist me.

After college, Ari graduated with a third-class degree but showed no interest in seeking employment. She was already entrenched in her current lifestyle.

I didn't want to return home, so I begged Ari to let me stay with her temporarily until I found a job. It had been three months, and despite attending numerous interviews, I hadn't been selected for any position.

I took out my phone's battery and was about to reinsert it when the bedroom door swung open, revealing Ari in a short red dress that showcased her figure. Ari undeniably had a striking body, but she resorted to selling her charms for income, a path I couldn't judge her for.

"Did you cook the remaining pasta in the cupboard?" she asked, her first words upon entering.

"Yes, I did. I was hungry, and there was nothing else to eat. I promise I'll pay you back," I replied.

She burst into laughter. "Really, Tracy? You've been saying the same thing for three months now. You're living here rent-free, eating free food, and all you ever say is that you'll repay me. When, exactly? At this rate, I'm not sure you'll find a job."

"I will, just give me some more time," I pleaded, my embarrassment growing.

"Time," she repeated, her expression amused. "Tracy, why don't you just join me? You'd be amazed at how much you could earn in a single night. You have a great body and a beautiful face. I could connect you with wealthy clients," she suggested, as she often did.

"Ari, I don't want to. You know that. I'll find a job eventually," I asserted, refusing to give up on my job search.

"Why not? I don't understand. It's not as if you're a virgin. Why act like a saint?" She rolled her eyes. "Just remember, I won't be able to put you up here forever. Find a job or join me; it's as simple as that," she concluded before leaving the room and closing the door behind her.

My attention returned to my phone, still in pieces. I knew this moment would come, but I hadn't wanted to admit it. I desperately needed a new phone to search for job opportunities online and to communicate with potential employers.

My options were limited. Ari couldn't lend me money, and I didn't want to burden my mom. My dad was out of the picture, spending his money recklessly on other women. I didn't have any other close friends besides Ari, and the college friends I did have seemed unresponsive and uninterested in helping.

As I lay on the bed, staring up at the ceiling and placing my hands on my stomach, I racked my brain for ways to secure the money for a new phone. One solution loomed large, even though it went against my principles. Joining Ari, even if just for a night, seemed to be the only way out. What was the worst that could happen?