Chapter 5 A New Path

Amelia had long since stopped believing that she could change her fate. The weight of her mother's illness, coupled with the burden of working in Mrs Cactus's mansion, had drained her, leaving her with little hope for anything better. The life she had carved for herself felt like a never-ending struggle, where every step forward was met with another setback. But she had one thing left that kept her going-a fierce determination to see her mother healed, to see her family free from the chains of poverty and suffering.

And if that meant stepping away from the only world she knew, from the mansion that had become both a prison and a source of pain, she would do it.

For months, Amelia had quietly searched for a way out. She had taken on extra work when she could, even offering her skills as a designer to local businesses who needed help with architecture plans. She was well-versed in the art of design, her passion for architecture running deeper than she had ever been able to express. She had dreams of studying architecture at a prestigious school, of one day running her own design firm, of escaping the cycle of poverty that had trapped her for so long. But those dreams had always felt out of reach, just beyond the horizon, taunting her with their impossibility.

But one day, as fate would have it, Mrs Cactus sent her to get some things her in one of the big mall in the city. Just as she was about to step out of mall, a familiar voice caught her attention.

"Amelia?" a voice called out, and she turned, her heart leaping in her chest.

It was Sara, her childhood friend. They had grown up in the same neighborhood, played in the same streets, and shared the same dreams of something better. Sara had always been the more outgoing of the two, the one who had the confidence to chase her dreams, no matter the odds. Amelia had envied her for that. After all, Sara had always known exactly what she wanted to do with her life. She had gone on to graduate from university and secured a job at a construction company that was steadily rising in prominence.

Sara's smile was wide as she approached, and for a moment, Amelia felt a twinge of nostalgia. "It's been too long," Sara said, her eyes scanning Amelia's face as though trying to read her thoughts. "How have you been?"

Amelia forced a smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I've been... okay," she said softly. She didn't want to burden Sara with the details of her life, not when her friend seemed so carefree and full of hope.

"Okay?" Sara arched an eyebrow. "That's it? I can tell something's off, Amelia. I know you too well."

Amelia sighed, her shoulders sagging in defeat. "It's my mother. She's not getting better. I've tried everything, Sara. The doctors, the treatments, the medicines... none of it is working." She shook her head, feeling the weight of her words. "I don't know how much longer she has."

Sara's face softened with sympathy, and she placed a hand on Amelia's shoulder. "I'm so sorry to hear that. You've been through so much already, and now this... It's not fair."

Amelia nodded, her throat tightening with the sting of unshed tears. "It's been hard. But I'm doing my best. I just wish I could do more."

Sara looked at her for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "I understand. But listen, Amelia, I might be able to help. I work at a construction company now. We're always looking for talented people, especially architects. And you, my friend, are one of the best designers I know."

Amelia's eyes widened in surprise. "Sara, I can't just walk into a job like that. I don't have the qualifications, the experience. I-"

"You're smarter than anyone in that company, Amelia. You know that," Sara interrupted with a grin. "I'm serious. You're so talented with design, and if you've got the passion, that's half the battle. The rest is just about getting your foot in the door."

Amelia hesitated, her mind racing. A job in architecture... it was everything she had ever wanted. It was the kind of opportunity that could change everything for her, for her mother. But could she take such a leap? Could she leave behind everything she knew, even if it meant stepping into the unknown?

"Please, Amelia," Sara pressed, her eyes pleading. "Let me talk to my boss. The company has been looking for someone with your skills. It could be a game-changer for you."

Amelia felt a flicker of hope, but it was tempered by doubt. "I don't want to get your boss's hopes up, Sara. What if I'm not what they need? I don't want to fail."

Sara gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about that. You're capable of more than you realize. You won't fail. I'll make sure of it."

And with that, Amelia found herself agreeing. It wasn't much, but it was a chance. It was a way to escape her current life, a life that had become suffocating, and move toward something that had the potential to change everything. She would work hard to prove herself, she had to.

The next few days passed in a blur as Amelia prepared for the interview. She spent her evenings poring over her design portfolios, brushing up on architectural concepts, and reviewing the construction company profile. It had been years since she had done any serious design work, but the skills were still there, buried deep inside her, waiting to be unlocked.

When the day of the interview finally arrived, Amelia dressed decently, choosing a simple but elegant outfit that conveyed professionalism without drawing too much attention. She was nervous, her heart racing in her chest as she stood outside the construction company's sleek modern building. The towering glass structure loomed above her, and for a moment, she felt small and insignificant. But she straightened her back, inhaled deeply, and walked through the doors.

Inside, the lobby was bustling with activity. The receptionist smiled at her as she checked in, and moments later, Sara appeared, guiding Amelia to the office of her boss.

"This is it," Sara said, her tone a mixture of excitement and pride. "You're going to do great."

Amelia nodded, her nerves still fluttering in her stomach. She was about to enter a world that felt far removed from her reality. But this was her chance. This was her moment.

The door to the office opened, and Sara led Amelia inside.

The man sitting behind the desk stood as they entered. He was tall, with broad shoulders and an air of authority that immediately filled the room. He looked to be in his mid-thirties, with dark hair neatly styled and sharp, intelligent eyes that seemed to see right through her. Amelia felt a rush of heat spread across her face as she realized that Prince Daniel was the CEO of the company.

At first, she didn't recognize him. But there was something about his presence, something unmistakable about the way he carried himself. The same man who had been part of her past. The same Prince Daniel who had unknowingly taken part in the betrayal of her body.

Her heart stopped.

Sara introduced them, but Amelia could hardly focus on the words. The Prince's gaze lingered on her for a moment too long, and she could feel her pulse quickening. She tried to calm her breathing, but it was impossible.

"I've heard a lot of good things about you, Amelia," the Prince said, his voice cool and professional, but with an edge that hinted at something more. "Sara tells me you're a talented designer."

Amelia nodded, unable to form words. The Prince-the very man who had unknowingly played a part in her humiliation, was standing before her, and the weight of the past threatened to crush her.

She forced herself to meet his gaze, ignoring the rush of memories that flooded her mind. This was not the time for fear. This was her opportunity, and she would not let it slip away.

"Yes," she said, her voice steady despite the whirlwind inside her. "I am an architect, and I would love the chance to contribute to your company. I've studied design extensively and have worked on several small projects, and I'm confident I can bring value to your team."

The Prince studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. And then, after what felt like an eternity, he nodded.

"Very well. I'm willing to give you a chance, Amelia," he said, his words final. "Sara's recommendation means a lot to me. We'll start with a small project, something to see how you can work under pressure. If you succeed, we'll talk about a permanent position."

Amelia's heart raced as she forced a smile. This was it. This was her chance to change her life, to escape the cycle of pain and servitude she had been living in. And for the first time in a long while, she felt the stirrings of hope in her chest.

But deep inside, the question lingered-what would happen when the truth between her and the Prince finally surfaced? Would the past destroy everything she had worked for? Or would it be the thing that set her free?