Struggling to make ends meet and save money for her sick mother's treatment, the protagonist feels hopeless after another fruitless day of job-hunting. As night falls, she walks home through a dimly lit area when strange noises catch her attention. Initially dismissing it as her imagination, she grows cautious and investigates. To her shock, a bloodied man collapses in front of her, gravely injured and barely conscious. Overwhelmed but determined to help, she calls for an ambulance and tries to comfort him, cradling his head in her lap. As the man's condition worsens, she reassures him, urging him to stay strong until help arrives. This life-changing encounter not only sparks her compassion but also pulls her into an unknown world of danger, trust, and unexpected bonds. Little does she know, saving this man's life will entwine their fates in ways she could never have foreseen.
Chapter 1 At home
Chapter 1
It's already afternoon, yet here I am still lying in bed. I'm silently thinking about what I should do next. I went out earlier this morning to look for a job, but just like the past few days, it ended the same-still nothing.
Sometimes, I think about going back home to take care of my mom, but then I also consider her medical needs, so she won't have to suffer from her illness anymore.
I'm exhausted. How many days have passed with my life stuck like this? In the morning, I leave early to look for work, then come back disappointed in the evening. This has become a routine.
I let out a deep sigh, turned on my side, and began scrolling through my phone again. I opened Instagram to see if anyone had commented on the post I made this morning.
Yes, I shared my job hunt on social media, thinking it might help me find work faster. I'm really hoping that someone sees it and offers me a job.
Any kind of job will do! I'll take anything just to have a source of income.
Even if it's washing dishes! Or cleaning up after carabaos, that's fine! Cleaning up after kids? Perfectly okay! Feeding pigs? I'll do it! Offer myself to wild animals? Of course not! Someone still needs me, after all.
When I saw my post, my eyes widened, and I sat up quickly upon reading a comment that immediately caught my attention.
@itznuttt: Are you looking for work? You can work with us if you'd like. All you need to do is take care of my son. Don't worry, your monthly salary will be 50 thousand.
Oh my god! Is this for real? 50k a month? That's huge! And the job sounds so easy-just taking care of her son!
I didn't hesitate for a second and immediately sent her a private message, noticing she was still online.
@farraD-: Hello, Ma'am. Good afternoon. Yes! I'm very interested in the job you're offering!
I couldn't help but bite my finger while waiting for her reply.
@itznuttt: I'm glad to hear that. Let's meet in person to discuss further details. Where do you live?
Overjoyed, I replied to her almost instantly, sharing my location.
@itznuttt: What a coincidence! I also live here. Let's meet for dinner at the Green Grass Restaurant to talk about this. I'll wait for you at exactly 6 PM.
@farraD-: I'll be there early, Ma'am. Thank you so much!
After sending that message, I hugged my phone tightly and rolled around my bed, unable to contain my happiness.
"Yes!" I screamed, not caring if anyone next door heard me. I just wanted to let my excitement out.
"May I know your name, iha?"
I smiled and nodded before clearing my throat to adjust my voice.
"I'm Farra Devigan, Ma'am. I'm 25 years old." Even though she didn't ask about my age, I mentioned it anyway.
My smile remained as I watched her nod in approval.
"Hmm, you're suited to be my son's caretaker."
I looked down and clasped my hands tightly on my lap. Am I hired? I hope so. I've been waiting for this chance.
"Tell me, what can you do to make me trust you with my son?"
"I can take good care of him! I'll prepare his breakfast every day! I can take him to and from school-" I paused slightly when I noticed her laughing softly, as though I said something amusing, but I continued speaking.
"-I can also stay with him during his classes! I'll dress him up every day-" I stopped completely when she gestured for me to be quiet.
I waited for her to finish laughing before I listened to what she had to say.
"Iha, are you assuming that my son is a child?"
"H-Huh?" My jaw almost dropped to the floor in shock.
Does she mean her son is already grown up? But I'd still be willing to take care of him as long as I'm older.
But... what if her son is older than me? That would be weird, wouldn't it?
"Actually, my son is already 28 years old."
Now, not only was my jaw dropping, but my eyes were also widening in disbelief. I had just thought of it, and here she was confirming it. But do I even have a choice? I need to grab this opportunity. I don't want to go back to my previous life here.
"Ahm, is he sick?" I asked, trying to understand the situation.
She shook her head.
"No, but he often comes home with several wounds, iha. That's why I need someone to take care of him. I'm scared that one day, these wounds might lead to something more dangerous. I always suggest bringing him to the hospital, but he refuses and just leaves without letting his injuries be treated. The last time he went to the hospital was when his body could no longer handle the pain. I'm afraid that might happen again. So, please, help my son."
I had no choice but to accept the job, especially since I desperately needed work.
"When do I start?" I asked.
"Tomorrow, iha. Don't worry; I'll send you his address through email. Just text me your Gmail."
"All right..."
I thought our conversation was over, but apparently, it wasn't.
"Iha, I saw your kindness earlier. So, I hope you won't get tired of my son because he's not as kind as you. I also hope you can help change his attitude. To be honest, you're not the first person I've hired for this job. Many others came before you, but none of them lasted even a day. I just hope you're different from the others."
Is her son that scary? Judging by her words, he might be. I need to prepare myself for the worst.
I'm already bracing for an unpleasant first day at work.
Early in the morning, I left the house to go to the address the lady sent me. I noticed that the place where I would be working was quite far, meaning I would have to travel a considerable distance from my rented apartment.
I think I need to find another condo to rent. But of course, I'll only move once I've saved up enough money.
Actually, the lady told me I could live in her son's condo so I could take care of him anytime. I agreed since it made sense and would save me the hassle of taking a taxi, but it still depends on the man.
What if he does something bad to me while I'm sleeping? Then I wouldn't even wake up because he- No! No! No! I won't allow that! I just won't sleep!
Honestly, I'm feeling a bit nervous on my first day working for him. It would have been better if this were a simple job, but it isn't. I'm anxious about what might happen to me, but I forced myself to stay strong.
I need to be brave! I can do this! For my mother's medical treatment, I'll endure this!
"Driver, this is my stop," I said as we reached the towering building in front of me.
I paid the fare before stepping out of the vehicle, my eyes still fixed on the tall building. The lady gave me all the details-what floor his room was on, the room number, and even the passcode. She told me everything!
Her son might think I'm trespassing! But I'll knock first, and if he doesn't open the door, I'll have no choice but to go in.
As I entered and headed straight to the elevator, I pressed the button for the 46th floor, where his room was. Inside the elevator, I couldn't keep still. My nerves were on edge!
I took a deep breath as I checked the floor number when the elevator opened.
Seeing nothing unusual, I walked down the hallway, checking the numbers on the doors.
269... 270... 271-here it is!
"Ho!" I exhaled, unable to stop myself from swallowing nervously.
My hand trembled as I raised it and knocked softly three times. I frowned when I didn't hear any response from inside. Maybe he didn't hear me?
I'll try again! This time, I knocked five times.
If he still doesn't answer, I'll have to use the passcode to get in.
He's really ignoring my knocks! How rude! He won't even bother opening the door for me!
Fine! I bent down and entered the passcode for his room.
I stepped back when the door opened. I looked around to see if anyone saw me and might report me for trespassing. But honestly, this was trespassing.
Seeing no one, I entered the room and quietly closed the door. I scanned the area but didn't see anyone. Was he not here? I placed my bag, which contained various kits, on the sofa and continued looking around.
"Is anyone here?" I called out. Seeing a single closed door, I cautiously approached and slowly opened it.
My hand trembled as I did so!
When the door opened, I was surprised to find darkness inside. It was still morning, but because the curtains were closed and the lights were off, it was pitch black.
"Why is it so dark in here?" I muttered to myself as I entered the room, planning to find the light switch. Suddenly, I froze in place when I felt someone's presence behind me.
I was about to turn around when I heard the distinct sound of a gun being cocked, and I felt it pressed against my head! I'm doomed!
Before I could explain my purpose, I heard a deep, baritone voice from behind that sent chills down my spine.
"Who the fuck are you?"
"Who the fuck are you?"
My mind went blank as I stood frozen in front of him. I couldn't move! I couldn't even speak!
"Speak, or I'll blow your fucking head off!" he suddenly shouted, making me almost jump in shock!
Oh my god, how can I speak when his gun is still pointed at my head? What if I make one wrong move and he shoots me?
Is this what happened to the women who came before me? Is this why they didn't last a day working for him-because he greeted them like this? Did they leave because they were terrified of him?
I'm scared too, especially knowing that this is the kind of person I'll be taking care of. But that doesn't mean I'll run away. No! I need the money, so I need this job. I'll endure staying here for as long as he doesn't kill me. I hope he doesn't!
I'm crying inside right now.
After swallowing hard several times, I mustered the courage to speak and fight my fear.
"I-I'm Farra. Your mother sent me here to tak-"
"Out!" I flinched as he raised his voice again. How rude! He didn't even let me finish talking, though he probably already knew what I was going to say since I'm not the first one to attempt working for him.
"Get the fuck out of my fucking room!" This time, I jumped in shock.
Why does he like shouting so much? Doesn't he know I'm not used to being yelled at?
Stupid, Farra. You just met; of course, he doesn't know that.
"I-I'm leaving, see?" I stammered, fumbling to find the door because I had closed it earlier! Now I needed to locate the doorknob.
I couldn't turn to face the exit properly because he still had his gun pointed at me! I could feel him shifting positions, likely to ensure I couldn't touch him. Earlier, the gun was pointed at the back of my head; now, it was pressed against the side. If I turned to my right, where I could feel his presence, we'd be face-to-face, but it was too dark to see each other.
My hand stopped searching when, instead of the doorknob, I felt the light switch!
To Be Continued...
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