Marriage Contract - Gael's Secret

Evy.

"Your name, please!"

"Evy Dixon."

"Alright, Evy! We have an opening in the pantry. It's quite different from what your resume showcases, but..." I inhale deeply. The truth is, I've pounded the pavement and sent resumes all over this city, and nothing. And the worst part? I can't afford to wait any longer. I need a job, and I needed it yesterday!

"Okay, I'll take it!"

"Are you sure?"

"Unfortunately, I don't have much choice. I urgently need a job and a paycheck." I muster a smile for the woman behind the employment agency counter.

"Alright! I'll jot down the address for you and notify D'Angelo that you'll be filling the position."

"Thank you, Dany!" After she records the details, I exit the building and head straight for D'Angelo Corporation.

A position at one of the country's premier accounting and management firms would be an unparalleled opportunity for my career. Serving coffee, tidying counters, and tables weren't what I had envisioned, but for today, it works wonders. Life hasn't been easy since my father, Andrew Dixon, passed away in a car accident. It's like he was the linchpin holding everything together. Since then, my older brother John Dixon left home seeking his adventures, and my mother, Judy Dixon, hasn't found much joy in life lately. Then came the debts that nearly left us homeless and hungry, or both. In the end, serving coffee will sustain us as best as possible for now. With a deep breath, I lift my head, staring at the towering skyscraper, forcing myself to step inside. Unavoidably, I take in the opulence throughout the lobby and approach the expansive counter made of sleek black marble, introducing myself to the young woman behind it.

"Good morning, my name is Evy Dixon. The employment agency sent me for the pantry position." I hand her the paper, and she reads it silently, then flashes a professional smile.

"I'll inform them you've arrived, Miss Dixon." I simply nod as she picks up the phone to make a call. "All set. Head to the employee elevator and press the button for the third floor. Someone will be waiting."

"Thank you!" I never imagined entering a place like this through the service area. After all the studying and years of dedication, I had hoped at least to enter through the front door and occupy a room of my own. Dreams, can't rely on them! The elevator's chime signals my arrival on the desired floor, and as the doors slide open, a man around thirty, sporting an inexpensive suit, greets me with an exuberant smile.

" You must be Miss Dixon. I'm Dylan Thompson, and I'm in charge of this department."

" Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Thompson!" I extend my hand with a cordial smile to the man who will probably be my boss from now on, as I step out of the elevator."

" Please, just call me Dylan. Come this way." He gestures, leading me down a wide and long corridor, and we head towards the last door. In the pantry, there are a few ladies wearing a dark blue uniform with white aprons and caps, bearing the logo of a company I'm not familiar with. Probably, D'Angelo outsources this kind of service. "Put this on; I need you ready to start." Caught off guard, I raise an eyebrow as I gaze at the tall man handing me the uniform.

" Oh... now?" I stutter because I didn't expect to start my first day today, especially not now. I mean, I didn't tell anyone, and Mom is alone at home. Darn!

" Any problem, Miss?"

" Oh, no, it's fine! Where can I change?"

"There's a restroom for employees down that corridor, third door."

I grab the uniform and leave the pantry to change. When I return to the kitchen, Dylan introduces me to dozens of employees lined up before him. Soon enough, I discover that my first task of the day is to set up a breakfast in one of the meeting rooms on the twenty-sixth floor. Everything seems very fast-paced and pragmatic here, and in the blink of an eye, I have a silver cart in front of me containing trays with toast, cookies, croissants, a coffee pot and another with water, a teapot, some cups and glasses, and a pitcher of juice. The meeting room is completely empty, which makes me more at ease as I arrange everything neatly in a corner near a huge window boasting the most beautiful view of New York City. As soon as I finish, I leave, closing the double doors behind me, and immediately head back to my department to follow the next orders.

" How's your first day going?" Anne, one of the employees, asks as she sits beside me during lunchtime. She opens a plastic container, and the scent of homemade food fills the air instantly. I shrug at her question.

" Not bad," I retort, unwrapping a cereal bar I had in my bag.

" It's not so bad here. We have a salary, health insurance, meal cards, and we earn some extra if we need to work overtime."

" Overtime?" She nods, indicating a yes, and takes a forkful of food.

"Sometimes I make almost two thousand a month just from overtime."

" Wow," I say, trying to hide my concern. Two grand a month won't even begin to cover the debts my dad left. Not to mention the rent and daily bills. Mentally, I sigh. And then there's my mom, who can't be left alone. I'll have to figure out where to leave her during the day while I'm working.

" Did you only bring that for lunch?" Anne asks, bringing me back.

" Actually, I didn't know I'd start today."

" I see. If you want, I can share mine with you."

"You don't have to, Anne, thanks! I'm not very hungry right now."

During the second shift, it was hard to concentrate. I was worried about Mrs. Judy, about her being alone at home, and I couldn't even call Mary, our neighbor, to ask her to look after her until I got back. However, I could distance myself from the problems that keep me awake every night since everything turned upside down. The creditors knocking on my door demanding the money my dad owes them, or the last letter from the bank giving me an ultimatum to pay off the mortgage on the house. Since I couldn't pay anything, we were evicted, and everything of value was seized. Except for my savings, which are almost depleted.

" Wow, you look amazing!" I marvel at Wendy, who appeared in my line of sight wearing a tight black dress that accentuated her sensual figure and makeup that highlighted her deep, pulled-back black eyes. She runs her hands through her voluminous curly hair, shaking the strands.

" She's going to Tecno's Kiss nightclub. Wendy dances there at night," Anne explains, as the brunette applies a purple-red lipstick.

" Oh!" It's all I manage to say."

" Yeah, you can't live off just a maid's salary," Wendy grumbles, adjusting a shiny shoulder bag. I just think she's absolutely right, but I had no idea. Throughout my adolescence and young adulthood, I always had everything in my hands, and my family was happy, so I was content with that. How did everything change so radically overnight? That's a question I ask myself every day.

" I'm off!" I announce after changing clothes, and the girls wave me a finger goodbye.

Evy.

"She's asleep now," Mary speaks as soon as I drop my bag on the sofa.

"Thank you, Mary! You don't know how worried I've been about her today," I whisper, feeling tired.

"I knew you had gone job hunting, and when I realized you hadn't come back home, I assumed you'd found something." I smile.

"Yes. It's not much, but it'll help us."

"That's good, dear. And what about her?" I let out an audible sigh.

"I still don't know, Mary. Could you look after her while I go back home?"

"I can do that for a few days, dear, but you know Judy needs special care."

"Yeah, I know. But with what I'll earn, it'll barely cover the bills and food for us. How will I afford a clinic?" I grumble disheartened.

"Dear, you could place her in a nursing home. Just... until things improve." I feel suffocated just hearing that suggestion, but I know I won't have another choice.

"I promise I'll consider it carefully, Mary." The sweet lady forces a smile at me.

"Alright, dear! I left some macaroni in the fridge for you. Take a shower, eat something, and rest. Tomorrow is another day."

"Yes. Thank you again, Mary!" She nods and leaves. After a long shower, I wear a short flannel pajama set and before heading to my room, I take a moment to look at her. Mom sleeps peacefully under the effect of medication, and tears well up as I sit on the small armchair, observing her for long minutes. "I'm so sorry, Mom!" I whisper. "I didn't want to have to take you away from me, much less force you to live with strangers. However, I don't see another way out. I promise... it'll only be for a while," I softly mutter, wiping away the tears. I stand up and before leaving the room, I gently kiss her forehead.

The next day...

"Good morning, Evy! Ready for another day?" My boss asks me with an enthusiasm I can't quite understand. Maybe that's just his overly enthusiastic manner, or perhaps he wants to cheer us up for another hectic day. With a smile, I grab my uniform and go to change for another day of work. D'Angelo is a business building, but the vast majority of the commercial spaces are law firms and administration offices. It hosts renowned and large companies. From what I've heard the girls comment, Mr. Gael D'Angelo, the owner, maintains one of his companies here, even on the top floor. Rumors also say that none of our maids have served that floor. Seems like the man has grandiose habits or a king-sized ego. Well, even working in the building's pantry won't get me to that top floor. "Let's go, ladies! Anne, third, fifth, and sixth floor. Wendy, twentieth, twenty-third, and thirty-first. Evy, the entrepreneurship floor."

"Look, she just arrived and is already near the sky!" Anne jokes, pulling my attention away from our boss's announcement, making me look at her curiously.

"Near the sky?" She nods, sporting a broad smile.

"It's the floor closest to D'Angelo and where you get the best tips too," Wendy whispers, and I glance at my boss who continues reading the long list of tasks, assigning them to the respective employees. While he reads, he throws me an unreadable glance, and I smile back at the man who smirks suggestively at me. I pretend indifference and leave the small meeting room with the other employees.

"I think Dylan's taking a shine to you, Evy," Anne comments in a secretive tone while arranging her cart.

"Oh, of course not! Why do you think that?" She shrugs.

"No one goes to that department on their second day of work. They're usually very particular about that, and Dylan always tries to keep everything in perfect order. You're making progress with our boss, girl!" The girl winks and pushes her cart. Inevitably, I glance at the glass walls that separate the office of my boss from the pantry and once again, I find him looking at me. I sigh and try to focus on my cart.

Nervous? I can say that at this moment, that word is an understatement for me. I'm trembling like crazy! Knowing that Maden Accounting is the most sought-after accounting firm in the country and the world has shaken me to my core. And you might be wondering, why so much stress? Because accounting is my world. I studied for it, dreamed about it my whole life, and above all, I dreamed of working in this company, but look where I am now! Exactly in a meeting room of the top accountants, staring at each padded chair around the rectangular table. Only, I'm on the wrong side and not seated in any of those chairs. Anxiously, I run my hand over the thick, bluish fabric of one of them and let out a deep sigh. You need to leave, Ivy. My subconscious alerts me, and nervously, I press my lips, stepping away from the table, but without turning my back to head for the exit door. At that moment, someone opens it abruptly, and I'm violently pushed forward, falling on all fours onto the polished wooden floor.

"Damn it!" I curse softly, but I'm exasperated because I know I stayed longer than I should have. I just had to leave the damn cart in the room and exit right away. Why didn't I say that, damn it?

"What are you doing here?!" A female voice questions irritably, making me raise my head and awkwardly stand up, murmuring an apology.

"I just... I just came to bring breakfast for the meeting," I explain, running my hands over my uniform, trying to fix it as best as possible.

"You're new?!" There's a clear dissatisfaction in the woman's tone. Damn, I'm in big trouble!

"Y-yes, ma'am!"

"Dylan knows our requirements, how dare he?!" I gulp and realize I can't afford to lose this job.

"T-this won't happen again, ma'am," I assure nervously and agitatedly.

"No, it won't! Now get out of here!"

"Of course, Ma'am, and I apologize for the trouble!" I take two hurried steps to leave as quickly as possible, but I collide too forcefully with a tall figure and feel myself being thrown to the ground once again. However, before I feel the impact, a pair of hands firmly grasp my waist, and I immediately meet a pair of honey-colored eyes looking at me. A sideways smile emerges amidst a neatly trimmed beard.

"Just what I needed now!" The woman grumbles, still irritated, prompting me to immediately move away from the man, trembling, and readjust my uniform.

"I'm sorry for this, Sir!" I apologize, embarrassed, but I dare not look into the eyes of everyone gathered behind him due to the darn incident.

"I'll ensure this doesn't happen again, don't worry!" The woman scolds furiously, and I push my way out among the businessmen.

Here's the revised translation, aiming to align more closely with the original text and addressing the pointed inconsistencies and discrepancies.

Evy,

Later tonight...

I open the front door eagerly anticipating a long bath, craving to devour dinner, and then simply collapse into my bed. However, upon seeing Mary standing in my living room with a pitying expression, my energy renews, and I hurry towards the second room down the narrow hallway. I stop, frozen, as I spot my mother sitting at the edge of her bed, rocking back and forth, her gaze distant.

"She's not doing well today," Mary comments, coming to a stop beside me.

"What happened?" She lets out an audible sigh.

"I don't know. Judy simply refused to take her meds and started saying she was seeing her father in the room. I tried to calm her down, but she wouldn't stop screaming, and when she finally did, she became like this."

"Damn it, Mary, why didn't you call me?"

"And disrupt your second day of work?"

"But, Mary, she's my mother!"

"Yes, I know. And you need that job to help her." I exhale sharply and move closer to my mother. I place my hands on her shoulders, but she doesn't even look me in the eyes. Her gaze remains fixed on the wall behind me.

"Hi, sweetheart!" I whisper, forcing a smile at her. But nothing happens, not even a flicker of response. Judy simply seems not to be here with us. "Sorry for taking so long, but I'm here now. Can you see?" I try to sound enthusiastic, though I don't feel it at the moment.

"Evy, Judy needs help!" Mary insists. I close my eyes and hold back tears. However, she's right. I can't help her if I can't be near her all the time. "Marina can't keep stealing sedatives from the hospital. She could lose her job."

"I know!" I reply softly and dispiritedly.

"I've been researching some nursing homes with reasonable monthly fees, and they'll take good care of her for you. I left some contacts and brochures on the table."

"Thank you, Mary!" I straighten up and walk out of the room. In the living room, I bid farewell to our neighbor, shut the door, and sink weakly into a chair at the four-seater table. I gaze at some papers and letters on the surface and, with a tired sigh, I grasp a leaflet bearing the name San Tiago Nursing Home - Casa de Repouso São Tiago, and I start reading, allowing the tears to flow freely.

"Sorry, Mom!" I bow my head and surrender to the painful moment."

***

Some days...

The place isn't entirely bad, and the monthly fees fit perfectly into my budget, leaving me some spare time for extra work if needed. I think to myself as I walk through the rooms of the nursing home alongside Larissa Krill, the administrator. A room just for her with a bathroom, a small wardrobe, and a single bed next to a wide window overlooking a beautiful and inviting garden. The room isn't very spacious, but it's well-lit, and the connection with nature could help her. Larissa assures me of support from a psychologist and other professionals. However, separating from my only family is tearing me apart inside.

"And then?" The woman looks at me expectantly over her glasses, and before responding, I glance once more at the cozy little room.

"I liked it!" I finally say, and she gives me a half-smile. "When can I bring her?"

"First, you need to fill out some documents and a form with all your mother's details. We need to know every little thing about her, Evy. Then, you need to pay the first month's fee in advance. It's just a way for us to cover some initial expenses, and then you can bring her."

"Alright, I'll do that as soon as possible! Thank you, Larissa!"

I leave the nursing home satisfied, although with a heavy heart, knowing it's the best for her. Now, I'll need another job to ensure my survival and pay off our house's mortgage, and who knows, maybe we can move back there? Arriving home, I dedicate myself to keeping her company because I'll have her close for just a few more days, and I want to make the most of the time we have left together. At night, I fill out a lengthy form, making sure not to miss any details, and have dinner alone as I've been doing for the past few days. Mrs. Judy spent the entire day rambling, and that's worrying. Getting the advance for the monthly fee was the easiest thing to accomplish, surprisingly. I was taken aback by that, but my boss made it quite manageable. I need to remember to thank him on Monday. The start of the week was the toughest part of my life. After leaving her at the nursing home and being sure she'd be alright, I went straight to D'Angelo's, and as expected, my mind was constantly focused on my latest decision. I even thought about going back and taking her out of there, but what then?

"What have you done this time?!" Dylan asks, his tone filled with concern as he enters the kitchen. I simply stare at him, completely without a reaction, unsure if I've truly done something wrong. Probably yes, but I'm not certain.

"I... I don't know!" I stammer, disoriented. God, I can't afford to lose this job! I repeat in a form of prayer, as now I