There was no doubt about the fact that I was going to accept Mr. Reeves' job proposition. If I refused it, then I would be dumb because which other job would offer me $5,000 a month for just cleaning? I could do so much with that money and save so much so as to accomplish all the plans I had for the future. It was settled.

Or maybe not.

Chris had come over to my apartment after days of ignoring and worrying me. I hadn't said a word. I wasn't going to beg and grovel. He had insulted me then gone MIA on me. If anyone had to apologize, it was going to be him. If I continued giving him so much liberty, he was going to take it as an excuse to walk all over me.

"Kayla," he started. I looked up at him, cocking my head and waiting for him to say whatever he had to say. "I'm sorry about the other day. I was mad, but that didn't give me the right to talk about you like that. I know... I know you're not a whore, I know you're not a tease or anything I said. I just... I was so insecure."

He took my hand in his and continued. "I don't want you to leave me. I can't bear the thought of you leaving me. If would kill me. I love you, Kayla."

I looked at him a moment then I stood on tippy toes and kissed him. I knew it had taken a lot for him to come to me and apologize. I knew he was a very proud person. But this, and the love confession, just swayed my heart.

"I love you too, Chris," I said, when we had pulled away from this kiss.

I swallowed and moved away from him. Now came the hard part, telling him about Roman's job proposal. I knew he was going to tell me to reject it.

But Chris wasn't like me. He hadn't grown up thinking about whether he was going to eat the next day, he had never had to sacrifice breakfast just so he could get dinner. He wouldn't understand. Money was easy for him to get. And in as much as he insisted, I didn't want to depend on him for everything. I knew just how ugly it could get.

"Babe, there's something I need to tell you."

His expression grew wary instantly. "Before I say anything, promise me you won't overreact."

He was hesitant. That much I knew. But he still said, "I promise."

"You know how I was fired from the restaurant, right?" I asked animatedly, watching his face. Chris nodded. "Well I got a job offer!"

"That's amazing babe. Why did you think I would overreact?" he asked, pulling me closer and placing a kiss on my forehead while beaming happily down at me.

"Let me finish first," I said, then pulled myself away from him. I swallowed, took in a deep breath then said, "It's Mr. Reeves who offered me a job."

The smile slipped off Chris's face just like I knew it would. "What does the job entail?" he asked.

I took in a deep breath before saying, "Cleaning and cooking."

"No," Chris said.

"Chris hear me out," I pleaded, putting my hands on his chest.

I knew I didn't need his approval to take this job. But it would be nice for us to keep the peace between us. I didn't want these constant arguments that I knew were eventually going to tear us and our relationship apart.

"What's there to hear out, Kayla? That man clearly wants you and this is the perfect way to get you! Why don't you see that?"

"Babe, I..." I didn't know what to say for a minute. Then I got my wits about me. "He's offering me $5,000 a month. That's double what I got at the restaurant! Nobody is ever going to offer me that kind of money just to clean for them!"

"Why don't you just come and stay with me? That way you won't have to worry about bills or work," Chris said, frowning.

I sighed. We had gone over this a million times. He wanted me to depend on him completely. But it was impossible. I couldn't. I had to admit that I couldn't trust Chris entirely. There was no guarantee that he wasn't going to turn on me. And I didn't want to be cornered ever again in my life.

"We've already spoken about this, Chris. I can't just move in with you and depend on you for everything."

I saw he was still not satisfied. "Babe, I know you think he wants me. But I don't want him! I want you and I love you. I don't care about him."

"I know... I know. I just... Come here," he dragged me and I leaned between his legs. "I don't want to lose you, okay?"

"I don't want to lose you either," I said, then lay my head on his chest. I felt Chris pull me closer then he placed a kiss on my head. I could stay like this forever.

***

I bit my lip as I stared at the card. I knew that I had to call Mr. Reeves. Chris had accepted, albeit reluctantly, to let me work with the man. I wasn't scared. I was just nervous. But I knew I had to do it so I picked up the card and dialed the number on my phone.

"Roman Reeves," he said as soon as the call connected.

"Hello, Mr. Reeves? It's Kayla. The girl you offered the job to," I said then waited nervously for his response.

"Kayla. Have you come to a decision about my job offer?" he asked. Okay. No beating around the bush. But I appreciated that.

"Yes sir. I'll take it," I replied.

"Good. I'll send you my address and I expect you by 8 am tomorrow morning. Don't be late," then he hung up.

I stared at my phone blankly for a minute. I was happy about the job, excited even about a steady source of income. But I just couldn't shake the feeling that I had just signed a deal with the devil... and that I was going to end up regretting it.

***

Word count: 1056

Hi y'all. Sorry for this short chapter. And about the fact that I haven't been very active. Life is hard.
I'll respond to all your comments when I make time and thank you so much for reading my book
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Love, Essie 🌺