Chapter 5 Crushed by my crush

Sasha's fury burned intensely, and I couldn't help but empathize with her anger. While part of me wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt, deep down, I knew that there was nobody else who could be responsible. All the evidence pointed directly at her. It was foolish to hope that she would be forthcoming and admit the truth. Who was I kidding?

A heavy sense of guilt washed over me as I realized that she had been taking care of my needs while I had a significant amount of money stashed away in the trunk of my car. Nevertheless, that didn't give her the right to take what wasn't rightfully hers in the first place.

Silently, I beseeched a higher power, the words tumbling from my lips and reaching Sasha's ears, "Please, God, I pray that I secure this job, so I won't remain a burden to my friend." It was my hope that she could grasp the sincerity and desperation hidden within my plea.

"Oh, so now I'm a burden to you, FRIEND!" she lashed back, her tone biting with emphasis on the word "friend." Her words scorched my heart, igniting a painful fire within.

"I never meant it like that. That's not what I meant. Please don't twist it into something it's not," I pleaded earnestly, desperately hoping she would understand the true intention behind my words.

"Then what, Ravia? You don't want to be around a thief?" she retorted, her voice filled with accusation.

"Please... just stop!" I exclaimed, glaring at her with a mix of anger and disappointment. I wondered if her harsh words were driven by guilt, but I couldn't bear to look at her any longer without feeling a sense of disgust for the person she had become. It was startling how money could drive people to do such strange and unimaginable things.

In two days, my two-week work probation as a housemaid would begin, and I found myself assigned to the Jacob's family mansion along with two other female coworkers.

To say I was excited would be an understatement. I was rendered speechless, completely lost in a whirlwind of emotions. The mere thought of stepping foot in the prestigious Jacobs family mansion overwhelmed me, sending a cascade of mixed feelings coursing through my entire being.

The Jacobs family held a legendary status as the wealthiest family in all of Lack Heart and the surrounding towns. With ownership of one of the largest oil companies in the world and a chain of highly successful restaurants, they were true billionaires, commanding respect and awe from all who encountered them.

But that wasn't even the most thrilling aspect of being assigned to their mansion. Rumors swirled around the town about the return of the Jacobs' enigmatic son, who had been living abroad for years. Very few people knew what he actually looked like, but whispers of his unearthly beauty spread like wildfire. Both divorced and single females in the area eagerly anticipated the moment when he would make his grand entrance, imaginations running wild with anticipation.To say I was excited would be an understatement. I was rendered speechless, completely lost in a whirlwind of emotions. The mere thought of stepping foot in the prestigious Jacobs family mansion overwhelmed me, sending a cascade of mixed feelings coursing through my entire being.

How could I possibly compete with so many beautiful and accomplished girls vying for his attention? Who was I kidding? At the end of the day, Jonathan would make his own decision, regardless of the competition. Besides, I had heard rumors that his mother had other plans for her bachelor son.

The news of Bruce Jacob's debilitating stroke had resonated throughout the town for months, evoking sadness and worry among us all. Doctors had delivered a grim prognosis, stating that he might never walk or speak again. It was undoubtedly one of the most somber stories to circulate in Lack Heart. With Bruce's incapacity, the responsibility of running the family businesses fell upon Jonathan Jacob, his second born son.

Jonathan, along with his brothers Alarick and Kevin, as well as their cousin Damion, stood as the most eligible and affluent bachelors in Lack Heart and its surrounding communities. They seemed to possess an allure that left the girls swooning, captivated by their striking looks and vast wealth. Despite this, Jonathan remained shrouded in mystery, his true persona unknown to most. It was precisely this enigmatic quality that drew me towards him, like fresh meat eagerly awaiting to be devoured.

Damion Jacobs, known for his extravagant spending and lack of self-control, indulged in the company of any woman who desired him. Despite his charm, he struggled to find the confidence to make any commitment. With his British accent, captivating brown eyes, and athletic physique, he possessed a hypnotic effect on half of the town's female population, rendering them submissive to his every whim.

In contrast, Alarick Jacobs, the older and more mature brother, had already settled down. He was married to Rose-ann Green Jacob and had three children. However, Alarick harbored feelings of betrayal towards his father, resentful that his younger brother, Jonathan, had been entrusted with the reins of the family businesses instead of him. The tension simmered beneath the surface, creating an underlying discord within the family. Meanwhile, Kevin Jacobs, the youngest of the brothers, was still a teenager, only seventeen years old.

The mere thought of meeting Jonathan Jacobs sent shivers down my spine. Oh, how I indulged in the fantasy of us falling in love. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at what seemed like a foolish notion.

Four days into my work probation at the Jacobs Mansion, I had yet to catch a glimpse of Jonathan. The anxiety that coursed through my body was almost suffocating. Swallowing food became an arduous task, and each breath felt more labored than the last.

Jonathan had been away on a business trip, but the anticipation of his return for the family dinner this evening was almost unbearable.

The anticipation filled the air as the tables were meticulously set, flickering candles casting a warm glow throughout the room, illuminating both the table and the sparkling chandelier above. The uncorked bottles of exquisite wine and champagne added to the spectacle, creating an atmosphere unlike anything I had ever witnessed.

With the kitchen being short-staffed, they approached me to assist with waitressing duties, and my heart soared with elation. One of the cook's assistants had fallen ill and couldn't make it, presenting me with an opportunity to step up and fill the void. It was a challenge to quickly grasp what needed to be done and how to do it, learning from the cook's instructions in a mere ten minutes. But I refused to succumb to defeat; I was determined to be a valuable part of this occasion.

As we made our way out of the kitchen, carrying different dishes poised on our hands, my eyes scanned the room. However, my excitement quickly waned as I noticed an empty chair among the guests. Where was he? I instinctively lowered my head slightly, avoiding direct eye contact with any of the family members, and diligently searched for any unfamiliar faces to no avail.

Disappointment settled within me, and I couldn't help but let out a sigh of frustration.

Returning to the bustling kitchen, Mrs. Richmond, the head maid, sought me out, her presence commanding my attention. She informed me that my services were needed in Master Jacob's room; there was a split on the bedroom floor that required immediate attention.

"Don't take too long. We have plenty of work to do in the kitchen," Mrs. Richmond cautioned gently, emphasizing the importance of not lingering.

"Yes, ma'am," I replied innocently, acknowledging her instruction.

As I made my way towards the bedroom, I cherished every moment, basking in the lavishness that surrounded me. The grandeur of the house felt like a dream come true, as if I had been transported to a magnificent palace. The sheer opulence and elegance captivated me, igniting a sense of deep appreciation within.

Approaching the room, I noticed that the door was slightly ajar, allowing faint sounds and movements to escape from within. The sound of footsteps echoed towards me, growing louder with each passing moment. Timidly, I raised my hand and gently knocked on the door, my heart pounding in my chest. Before any words could escape my lips, a familiar voice resonated from inside, commanding me to come in. My hesitation lingered for a brief second as I tried to place the voice in my memory. I knew I had heard it before, but its origin eluded me.

"You don't have all night," he snapped harshly, his impatience evident in his tone.

Feeling a mix of fear and curiosity, I pushed open the door slowly, causing it to emit a faint cry. With cautious steps, I entered the room, my anxiety intensifying. As I surveyed my surroundings, I couldn't help but be struck by the sheer elegance of the space. His room exuded luxury, and my eyes were immediately drawn to the enormous bed, provoking a rush of imaginative thoughts. The delicate decorations adorned the room, leaving no doubt that a woman's touch had left its mark.

A sudden pang of disappointment shot through me at the realization that he might not be single. The thought of him with someone else weakened my resolve.

Without wasting a moment, I grabbed a cloth and swiftly began mopping up the spilled wine on the floor. I was determined to finish my task and leave the room before he emerged from the closet.

As I gathered my cleaning equipment and prepared to make my way back down the stairs, I was taken aback to find him standing at the entrance of the closet. I couldn't help but analyze him from his feet upwards, my gaze unwavering.

In that tense moment, my entire being seemed to freeze in place. My heart pounded erratically, momentarily ceasing its rhythm. An oppressive stillness enveloped the room as I struggled to draw breath into my lungs. My eyes fixated on him, locked in a gaze that held me captive. Fear raked through me, mingling with a whirlwind of other emotions that surged within.

Confusion clouded my mind, making it impossible to discern whether my fear stemmed from him or what I had just witnessed. The familiarity of his voice intensified the knot of unease that twisted in my gut. I knew, deep down, that I had encountered him before.

As I continued to stare, the recognition hit me like a bolt of lightning. My body trembled with a mixture of fear and anger when my eyes landed on that distinctive mark above his eyebrows. Could it really be him? The same person who had caused so much pain in my life?. The person who had shattered my life and left me broken?

Those mesmerizing forest green eyes bore into mine, holding me captive under their spell. There was a flicker of recognition in his gaze as well, a hint that he too remembered who I was. The weight of the past pressed down on me, filling me with a surge of conflicting emotions.

"Run!" screamed a voice within my head, urging me to flee from his presence.