I Signed for Housework, Not His Retirement

Due to the change in my work location, I'd already informed Paul Miller, my part-time helper, to look for a job elsewhere three months ago.

Back then, Paul had agreed to do so immediately. But when I'm about to move out of my old home, he made an absurd request to me.

"I've spent so many years working for you to the bone. According to this industry's rules, you have to take care of me for the rest of my life. But if you refuse to do that, you can pay me a pension of ten thousand dollars every month."

I'm stunned, to say the least. Did I hire a part-time helper, or did I find myself a financial burden instead?

I turn Paul down immediately, so he decides to take a step back.

"If you don't want to pay me, then give me this house of yours. I can't just leave without anything, right? It'll just show how petty of an employer you are. If not, I'll humiliate you in the group chat!"

Fury floods my senses immediately.

Fine. Let's see who will get humiliated here!

"You're not going to say no, are you? Do you really want me to spill your business to everyone?" Paul Miller, my part-time helper, asked tentatively.

When I stayed silent, he went on, insisting I see things his way, "Why are you taking so long over something so trivial? Sure, I'm just a part-time housekeeper, but I've been working for you for seven years.

"I may not have done anything impressive, but I've worked hard. All I'm asking for is your house. I even gave you two options. Why can't you make a decision? Is it really that hard? I've treated you like family all these years. Don't go and break my heart now."

I froze, stunned by the audacity in Paul's tone.

Moments later, I finally spoke. "Paul, you can't just expect both retirement funds and a house. That's too much. There's no way I'd agree to either. If you want to make a fuss, go ahead. Let everyone judge what's fair."

At my words, Paul went rigid. But he quickly recovered, his expression darkening with irritation.

Ignoring the last part of what I said, he continued, "You might not have heard of it, but that's just how things work around here."

After a brief pause, he added in a lecturing tone, "Honestly, I'm doing this for your own good. Look at you. You're a young man with so much property in a big city. How could you possibly watch over it all by yourself? But if you give me the house, I'll take care of it for you. You won't have to worry about a thing."

As Paul spoke, a calculating glint flashed in his eyes. Every word he said made it clear that he wanted my house for himself.

Since he would not let up, my patience snapped, and my expression turned cold.

"Paul, if you keep this up, I'll call the police. My parents are still alive, so why would I leave you my house? Besides, you have your own children to take care of you. Why are you coming after me?"

At the mention of the police, Paul restrained himself a little. But the moment his retirement came up, he got worked up again.

"Well, it would take some pressure off my kids. And you're rich. So what if I take a little?"

That was the last straw. I slammed my phone onto the table, the dull thud echoing through the room.

"I'll be blunt. Your retirement is none of my damn business!" I retorted, my voice icy. "From today on, you're done here. You'll get paid for today, but if you want more, go get it from the police!"