Chapter 3 He offered me a job

The next morning, I made a decision-I had to see him. It wasn't hard to find Christ Jefferson; after all, he was one of the wealthiest men in town. His name alone carried power, and his influence stretched far beyond these streets.

As I stepped into his towering office building, the receptionist barely spared me a glance before pointing toward his office. The door was already slightly open.

He was expecting me.

I walked in, and the moment he saw me, his lips curled into a smirk.

"Poor rat, what do you want? Or did you come here to pour more coffee on me?"

I swallowed hard. Every fiber of my being wanted to turn around and walk out. But Ariel's pale face flashed in my mind. I needed this job.

"No, sir," I said, my voice steady. "I am really sorry for what happened the other day. Please forgive me. I acknowledge my wrong."

He leaned back in his chair, studying me like a predator watching its prey.

"Hmmm, surprising. So, you do know how to ask for forgiveness. Because that day, you looked like someone who wasn't sorry at all."

I forced a small, hesitant smile. "I... I-"

He waved a hand dismissively. "It's okay. You're forgiven. You're lucky I'm in a good mood today. But you need to learn some moral rectitude."

Moral rectitude? The irony almost made me laugh.

Instead, I extended the cup in my hand. "Please, accept this as a sign of peace."

His brow lifted. "You made me coffee?"

I nodded. "Yes... you didn't taste it the other time."

He took a sip, then another, his expression shifting. "This is... the best coffee I've ever had. Wow." He set the cup down and looked at me intently. "You know what?"

"What?"

"I'm employing you. You'll work as my personal assistant-both in the office and at home. Don't worry about your pay. I'll double whatever you earn at that rundown café."

I hesitated. "Can I think about it?"

His smile was almost too charming. "Of course."

We shook hands.

And in that moment, something strange happened. His grip was firm, warm-but oddly familiar. A memory stirred deep inside me.

This hand... I've touched it before. I've kissed it.

I quickly pulled away. Just my imagination.

"Sir..."

"Yes?" He still had that unreadable smile.

I reached into my pocket and handed him a card. "Here. My contact."

"Thanks. Good day."

And just like that, I left.

I rushed back to the café, my mind racing.

"Mami, Christ Jefferson wants to employ me."

Mami's brows lifted. "Employ you? As what?"

"His personal assistant."

She exhaled sharply, folding her arms. "I know God has answered your prayers, but child, are you sure about this? After everything that man put you through?"

I lowered my gaze. "I don't want any connection with him again. But on the other hand... Ariel's health..." I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Yesterday, he collapsed again at school. Right now, he needs an inhaler, and I don't have a dime."

Mami reached for my hands, her touch gentle yet firm. "Then you must accept the job. Forget the past. Forget the beating and the pain. Do it for Ariel."

I bit my lip. "And it's a good thing he doesn't recognize me," Mami added. "Go there, work, earn your money, and take care of your baby."

I nodded. "Yes... but I'll do it my own way."

As I walked home, my thoughts twisted and turned. I had vowed to never see that man again. Now, I was willingly stepping into the lion's den.

But this time, I wasn't the same girl.

As soon as I stepped inside the house, a familiar warmth wrapped around me.

"Welcome, Mummy!" Ariel beamed, hugging me tightly.

I stroked his soft curls. "How was school today?"

"It was good! My teacher taught us about the heart."

I glanced at Tracy, who stood beside him, listening. "And what did he say?"

Ariel's brows furrowed. "He said if we always feel weak and tired, it means our heart has a problem."

My chest tightened, but I forced a smile. "Well, your heart is perfectly fine, my love. You're strong and healthy."

But something in his eyes told me he wasn't convinced.

Later that evening, over steaming plates of noodles, I leaned in toward Tracy.

"Guess who I met yesterday?"

She twirled her fork. "Who?"

"Christ Jefferson."

Her fork froze mid-air. "No way."

I nodded, relishing her reaction. "Yes. And he didn't recognize me."

Tracy blinked. "You're sure?"

"Positive. He even offered me a job."

Tracy dropped her fork. "Wait-what?! After everything he did to you?"

I smirked. "It seems like he truly doesn't remember me. But do you think I've changed that much?"

Tracy studied me. "Of course! Back then, you were just a teenager. Your hair was black, now it's coffee brown. You wear lenses. And don't forget-you changed your name. That alone is enough to throw him off."

I hesitated, then smirked. "Maybe... or maybe he's just testing me. But you know what?"

She shifted uneasily. "What?"

I leaned in closer, my voice barely above a whisper. "We're going to play this game together."

Tracy's face paled. "Sis, don't. This man is dangerous. If you're thinking of revenge, step back before it's too late."

I smiled, but there was no warmth in it. "Oh, Tracy... this isn't just about revenge anymore. This is about something much bigger."

A chill ran down her spine. "What do you mean?"

I leaned back, my fingers tightening around my glass.

"You'll find out soon enough."

The room fell silent, except for the distant ticking of the clock. Tracy swallowed hard.

She had a terrible feeling that this wouldn't end well.

And she was right.

Because the game had only just begun.