Piper’s POV

“What’s going on? It’s not like he usually gathers us in the morning?” I asked curiously. Honestly, I felt a little uneasy, like something was up.

“I don’t know. But, given the state of the company these past few months, I think I know what he’s trying to say. I hope what I’m thinking doesn’t happen. Let’s hurry over there,” Marta replied.

“Ok.” I took my cell phone and put it in my pants pocket, then walked out of my room together with Marta.

As we walked to the meeting room, we passed the staff room. Their rooms were empty. That meant they had all gathered there. To be honest, my heart was beating faster than usual. Hopefully, it wasn’t bad news.

Now Marta and I were standing in front of the meeting room door. Marta pushed the door inward and there were rows of employees sitting on chairs arranged horizontally. Marta pulled my hand to hurry and sit on two empty chairs close to the entrance. Mr. Brown seemed to observe us from the front. He was silent as he looked at all of us one by one and occasionally exhaled a long breath.

“Well, you’ve all gathered here. I have something to tell you. Although I’m reluctant to say it, I can’t do anything about it because the decision is not in my hands. Are you ready to hear it?” Mr. Brown asked, his eyebrows raised as if he was deep in thought. There seemed to be some sort of inner turmoil within him.

“Yes, Mr.”

“Ok, with great regret the company is forced to announce that this week is your last week working because the management has closed the company until someone will buy and pay for the company’s considerable losses and debts. You can look for another job starting today and you can finish your work that has been delayed for this week. Your salary and all benefits for the month will still be paid to you. So, there is nothing to worry about. Questions?” Mr. Brown asked.

We were all shocked and saddened by the news we heard this morning because we have been working at this company for over five years and it felt hard to leave something that has become integrated into us.

In addition, Marta and I were confused, and it quite muddled our minds because of where we had to look for another job amid the country’s poor economic conditions. Long before we experienced this, I had often heard rumors about companies closing down and laying off thousands of employees.

Let alone, companies, even small businesses, were being affected by the economic instability in our country.

Marta touched my hand while looking into my eyes. From the look in her eyes, I knew she felt the same confusion as me. Especially since we were the backbone of the family and a single mother.

“Do you have any ideas?” I asked Marta. She shook her head.

I had expected that. Since the first day I started working at this company, Marta had depended on me a lot. She was an introvert, and I was her only friend in the office and the only source of information and ideas she sometimes needed.

I didn’t blame her or thought she was not trying. I understood her situation as a single mother with one daughter and she was also an only child with a sickly mother. She was juggling two jobs every day that even I probably wouldn’t be able to handle.

“How about this, Piper?” she asked.

“We’ll think about it at home in peace,” I replied.

After that, we were busy with our work until it was time to go home. Marta and I took the same bus to our apartment, which was quite a distance away. After saying goodbye and getting off the bus, I rushed into the apartment building and took the elevator to the floor where my apartment unit was located.

In my confused and idea-less state, I just wanted to withdraw from the world and stay in silence, trying to think clearly while looking for opportunities.

I opened the door and greeted mom and Jensen as usual. “I’m home.”

Jensen’s head was visible from behind the kitchen door. “Mom, dinner will be ready in a minute.”

“I’m going to take a nap. You guys eat first,” I replied.

“Are you ok, mom?” Jensen asked.

“Yes. I’m just a little tired. Don’t worry.” I went into the bedroom and lay on my stomach. It felt very comfortable even though my head hurt a little.

Suddenly, an idea came to my mind. Maybe I could ask Lisa for help since Lisa’s family is a wealthy family that has many connections with big companies. There’s no harm in trying. Who knows, she might help.

I hurriedly sent her a message, after which I slept for a while, just to relieve the pain in my head. Before I knew it, I had been asleep for over an hour. When I opened my eyes, I felt a blanket covering my body. Maybe mom or Jensen came into the room and covered my body even though I was still in my work clothes.

Before getting out of bed, I grabbed my cell phone and read the reply message from Lisa. And instantly I jumped for joy. I felt like shouting and telling Jensen and mom that there was an opportunity for me at one of Lisa’s friend’s companies. But I hadn’t told them anything yet. I figured I’d better tell them after I got through the interview with the company’s boss.

Before going to take a shower, I received another message from Lisa.

“Huh, interview at his mansion tomorrow morning. But? It’s okay, as long as I get the job as soon as possible,” I muttered. So I hurriedly texted Max and asked him to accompany me to the boss’s house tomorrow morning.

Finally, a bad day doesn’t always end with a bad ending. At least I could sleep well tonight.

The next morning, I was ready and waiting in the apartment lobby. It wasn’t long before Max’s car arrived and we drove to the address Lisa had given me.

“Piper, were all the employees who applied for jobs with Adams Company asked to come to the mansion?” Max asked, surprised.

“I don’t know. Lisa said that Mr. Jay asked me to come to see him at his mansion. I didn’t ask the reason,” I replied.

“Oh okay. Let’s just say that he asked everyone who applied for the job to come to his mansion. It seems a little strange to me.”

“How so?” I asked curiously.

“It’s okay. There’s no need to think about it. The important thing is that you get the job,” Max replied.

“Thanks, Max.”

Thirty minutes later, our car arrived at the mansion. Max parked the car right there in front of the entrance of a large and tall mansion. Two maids waited for me at the entrance.

“Welcome, Miss. Please come with us. Sir Jay is waiting for you.” A maid invited me to come with her to the workroom.

Piper’s POV

“Ok, thank you,” I replied as I walked after the maid into the mansion. Max walked beside me.

Just as our feet stepped into the living room, Max’s eyes widened and his lips released a compliment. “Wow. Amazing.”

This mansion quite impressed me. Judging from the area and interior design, the inside of this mansion is almost similar to grandma’s mansion, only different in the exterior design.

The maid took us to another room in the mansion. My eyes stared straight ahead while observing my surroundings at a glance. However, it differed from Max. He nudged my hand a few times as he whispered, “Piper.”

I turned and looked at him and answered his call with a whisper as well. “What’s wrong?”

“This mansion is even nicer than your grandmother’s and Lisa’s. I’m sorry if I’m comparing. But, my purpose is not to compare. I just want to tell you that this man is very rich. And if you can work for him, it’s a fortune for you.”

“We’ll see. I’m also hoping to get this job,” I replied with a sigh. I had been praying since last night that I would make it through this job interview and get a job and a salary equal to or higher than my previous salary so that my family’s standard of living would be better, but also so that I could continue to pay Jensen’s expensive tuition.

The maid took us to a workroom next to the back porch. She opened the door and let us in.

“Wait here for a moment. Sir Jay will come down and see you soon. What would you like to drink?” she said.

“Umm, just mineral water,” I replied. However, Max suddenly nudged my hand a second time, and he said, “Two red wines, please.”

“Do you want the mineral water too?” she asked again.

“No need. Just red wine,” Max replied.

“Ok, I’ll be right back,” replied the maid, and she closed the door.

After the door closed, my eyes immediately traveled around the room. Sir Jay’s study is very cozy and extraordinary.

It’s amazing to me because, at the back of his desk, he put a wide and tall bookshelf filled with many books on each shelf. And to me, this room is like heaven because I love reading so much and I can spend all day just reading.

If this wasn’t my future boss’s office, I might have approached the bookshelves and peeked at the neatly arranged books on each shelf.

The large glass in this workroom leads to the swimming pool and mini garden close to the pool, adding to the value of this space in my eyes. With the perfect interior design coupled with the aesthetic outdoor view, this room is truly a paradise.

“Hey, are you going to keep standing there and looking at every corner of this room?” Max asked, who immediately woke me up from my reverie.

“Umm, I’m just impressed with this room. You already know that I love reading and that shelf over there is full of books, so this room is perfect,” I replied.

“I have an idea,” he said.

“What?” I asked curiously, my eyebrows raised.

“What if you marry this guy? Then you’ll have this room for yourself and him. You could make love to him between the books. Doesn’t that sound sexy?” he replied with a sly smile.

Right after Max said that, the door opened and a handsome, tall, blue-eyed man with light brown hair walked into the workroom and closed the door gently. His clothing style was elegant. He wore a dark blue long-sleeved shirt, both sleeves folded up. Then, he paired the shirt with a pair of black trousers and shiny black work shoes. A shiny, expensive-looking watch was attached to his left arm.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” he said as he walked to his chair.

After he sat down in his chair, he looked at us and said, “Piper Smith. Please take a seat. Lisa has said a few things about you.”

“Ok, sir,” I replied as I walked to the chair in front of him. After sitting in front of him, I waited patiently for the questions he would ask.

As I gazed into his face and eyes, there was honestly a strange stirring inside me. I just felt he looked like a man in the night seven years ago, but maybe it’s just my feeling or I’d been alone for too long. It couldn’t be him. He is a rich man and how could he end up with me, an ordinary girl in the hotel? I was sure it was my feeling. Six years without a date or even a blind date dinner with a man. I only spent my life with Jensen and earning money to make ends meet.

“Excuse me, sir. I’d better wait outside,” Max said as he left Jay’s workroom.

After Max closed the door, Jay asked, “Is he your boyfriend? If so, then he can wait inside here without having to wait outside.”

“Oh, no-no. He’s my best friend. I asked him to drive me here,” I replied while moving my hands left and right, showing that Max and I were not a couple.

“Oh okay. Let’s get on with it. Did Lisa tell you about the job you’ll have if you get hired by me?” he asked as he leaned his back against the back of the chair.

“I did. She said you were looking for a private tutor for your six-year-old daughter. I have a child the same age as yours and I used to teach him from a young age, so I feel capable of becoming a private teacher. This is my well-crafted cover letter. I hope you like it,” I replied. Honestly, my heart was beating quite fast and cold sweat covered my palms.

“Ok, I’ll read it for a while,” he replied as he read the first page of the cover letter I put in the folder.

I tried to calm down while convincing myself that I would pass this interview. Even if I didn’t pass, I would try to find another job even though it might take a while and be draining, but I couldn’t do anything about it.

“Umm, I like this cover letter. In terms of education and experience, you are not suitable to be a private tutor, but you are suitable to be a division head or manager. However, since you said that you also have a child the same age as mine, it makes me believe you can handle my child. Okay, you’re hired and when you can start working?” he asked as he folded his arms across his chest.

“Next week, sir.”

“Ok. Next week, you’ll be working straight away. I’ll tell my daughter about you. By the way, here is the salary amount you will receive every month. Questions?” he asked.

“No, sir. Everything is quite clear,” I replied happily. My lips painted a big smile.

“Okay. I’m sorry I have to end this interview because I have to see someone. Is that okay?” he asked gently, and he stood right in front of me.

He-he was so handsome.

“Y-yes, it’s okay. Thank you for the opportunity. I shall take my leave now,” I replied, a little nervously.

“Okay, see you next week. Oh, I forgot to tell you something important about my daughter,” he said as he got up and walked closer to me.

Piper’s POV

“I’m all ears, sir,” I replied.

“She has a hard time accepting new people in her life. Maybe it’s because she’s an only child and she’s spoiled. Before you, over ten teachers were working here and in less than two weeks, they resigned. The reason was that they couldn’t stand my daughter’s attitude and some other reasons that they didn’t mention. I hope you can get along with my daughter and you can have a good relationship. Ok, I think I’ve explained everything. See you next week,” Jay said as he smiled and showed off his rows of white teeth. His handsome face and cool appearance supported his charming smile.

I repeatedly had to remind myself that he was my boss. He may be handsome, young, rich, and seductive, but he is my boss. But just admiring him is not wrong.

“Ok, sir,” I replied as I walked out of his workroom. I saw Max sitting in the living room and he seemed to enjoy some snacks.

After closing the door, Jay called out to someone, “Lily!”

From the direction of the kitchen, a woman came towards us. She turned out to be the maid who welcomed us earlier, and her name was Lily.

“Yes, sir,” she replied.

“Please escort them out,” Jay replied.

“Ok, sir.”

“See you later, sir,” I said as I shook Jay’s warm and smooth hand. He smiled back and his smile made me blush.

Is it because I’ve been alone for too long that I’ve fallen for my boss? But, isn’t it a good thing to have a gentle, kind, and handsome boss? I think of it as a work booster.

Max, who had seen me coming out of Jay’s office, hurriedly stood up and approached me. While walking beside me, he nudged my arm and whispered, “How was it? All clear?”

Sometimes Max’s behavior and words elicit laughter. He was a kind and humorous man who was always ready to help me and Lisa. The three of us have been best friends for years and we’ve been through thick and thin together, so the bond between us is like that of siblings.

“Safe,” I replied, and we laughed together.

It was a beautiful morning, and everything was going well. At least that’s what I had in mind for a moment until we heard a woman’s voice calling my name and the voice was familiar. A voice I didn’t want to hear because it had stirred up terrible memories of my past. A painful past.

“Well, what is my beautiful cousin in this mansion for? Don’t tell me you’re selling yourself to my future husband. Well, maybe by giving him quick oral sex in the morning just for some money,” Megan said with a chuckle.

“Do you and Mrs. Megan know each other?” asked Lily.

I nodded.

“In that case, I will wait in the other room. You can call me when you’re done talking to Mrs. Megan,” Lily said as she left, leaving Max and me with the evil woman.

It turned out that even on a beautiful morning; I had to meet her after six years. I felt sick and angry. She had set me up to get me and mom kicked out of the mansion with no preparation and with very little money.

I was too naïve. I thought Megan differed from her parents. From that incident six years ago, I learned not to trust someone based on their appearance and good behavior because a wolf can resemble a sheep to trick its prey.

However, if I hadn’t experienced that incident six years ago, my life path would have been much different and Jensen wouldn’t have been present in my life. Besides, I might still be a spoiled rich girl with a wealthy grandmother. Maybe everything that happened in the past made me a stronger and more independent woman, even though I felt a little insecure about my current state, lonely, and sometimes tired. Luckily, mom and Jensen have always supported me. They are my everything.

“Is that all you have in mind? That’s too bad,” I replied as I looked back at her standing on the stairs.

“If so, then why? What are you here for? I heard you’re struggling financially because you just got your son into a prestigious school. I suggest you take your son out of there because you don’t deserve to be there,” she said as she looked at her fingernail nail art.

“I don’t think I need to tell you about my business here. It’s none of your business. If you have nothing good to say, I’d better get going before I get my mouth dirty answering all your nasty questions,” I replied as I waved goodbye to him and got Max out of there.

“Sassy! Is that how you answer a question from a cousin you haven’t seen in a long time? You’re making me sad. I miss you so much,” she replied, wiping away the crocodile tears that dripped a little from her eyes.

I was stunned for a moment. My mind tried to digest what was going on. Why was she suddenly playing that dirty game?

“Oh, apparently you know each other?” someone asked behind me and I seemed to be familiar with this voice.

I hurriedly turned around and, sure enough, the man who would soon become my boss was standing right behind me. What I was worried about was that he believed in the drama being played out by Megan and I lost the opportunity to work for him. That wasn’t funny.

“Y-yes, we know each other. She,” I stammered.

“We are cousins, dear. It’s been years since we’ve seen each other, but I don’t think Piper was thrilled and enthusiastic about our meeting. She makes me sad,” she said, wiping crocodile tears from her eyes again.

Jay looked at me while I looked down. I let out a long breath and shook my head left and right a few times.

Max smiled and whispered, “You don’t need to care about her instead of wasting your time trying to deal with her childlike behavior. Let’s get out of here,” Max said as he pulled my hand away.

“I’m leaving now. Sir. See you next week,” I said with a smile.

I should be able to hold my emotions and sanity in front of Jay. Oh, wait! She called Jay ‘dear’? Is Megan Jay’s wife? Was that mean I’m going to be Megan’s employee soon?

I didn’t know if I should feel like this was a piece of luck or trial. If I become a private tutor in this house for their daughter, I really can’t imagine what would happen. She would mock, sneer, and find fault with me. It’s even possible that she might report something untrue about me and Jay might fire me. It was unbelievable.

“Okay,” Jay replied.

“No offense to what I said, Piper. See you next week,” Megan said.

Hearing her words made me not want this week to pass quickly.