The Billionaire's Caregiver

"You're fired, Leah! I don't want to ever see you here again." Her boss' words struck her like lightning. She had just lost the only job that fed her and her family. Hot tears threatened to leave her eyes as she stood in front of Mr. Michael, trembling.

"Please, sir. I- this is my only source of income. You know how it is ever since my dad-"

"Enough, Leah! You should have just continued to be the obedient girl that you were." He cut her off, his voice sending a chill down her spine, as she glanced around to see people staring at her.

All she did was refuse the advances an annoying customer had made toward her.

Her boss had queried her because of the several reports he had gotten from their top customers on how she snapped at them.

He said she was being rude to their big customers and was likely pushing them away to their competitors. He urged her to just play along when they flirted with her.

"You don't have to go to their houses and get in their beds, Leah. Just play along here," he had told her, but she just couldn't allow some simp try to flirt with her.

She quietly picked up her bag and headed home.

"Your mom was rushed to the hospital. We tried to contact you but couldn't get through to you," their good neighbor said upon seeing her.

"Thank you," was all she muttered. Hot tears dropped down her cheeks.

The electricity had been cut off earlier that morning, the landlord had threatened eviction, and the final warning letter from her siblings' school stared back at her.

Why had the universe decided to be cruel to her?

She reminisced on how things used to be when dad was still alive. Their whole life turned upside down after he passed away.

With the weight of the burden she was carrying, she needed to brace up and find a new job as fast as she could.

She could do anything to help her family. Anything.

She had thought she was strong but lately it seemed like she was just holding her family together with duct tape and prayers.

It wasn't long before she received a phone call from an acquaintance about a job opening.

Mr. Jeremy Harper needed a caregiver and the salary was $500.

"The Harpers that we all know? $500?" Before she asked all the questions she wanted, she got interrupted.

"Hold on. It seems like it's a male caregiver he wants. I'm sorry, Leah."

Leah was disappointed. "Oh...I see."

She was back to wondering when she would get another job. The weight on her shoulders felt like a mountain crushing her chest. It was worse that she had just lost her job. She could no longer afford her mother's medication and now her mother had been admitted.

Her hands gripped her head. She needed to vent. She called her best friend, Noah.

Noah sat cross-legged on the floor, sipping from a half-empty soda can. His boyish smile, the one Leah usually found comforting, was missing. He hated seeing her like this-defeated, hopeless. "I wish I could help more," he said quietly, "but you know things aren't great for me either right now."

Leah sighed. "It's not your responsibility. It's mine. Mom, my siblings-none of this is your burden." She grabbed her phone off the coffee table and opened the job listings app again. Scrolling through countless postings she wasn't qualified for, one caught her eye:

"Male Caregiver Needed. Live-In Position. $500 Monthly."

It was the same one her former colleague had just informed her about.

Her heart skipped a beat at the figure. That kind of money could go a long way. Bills, rent, school fees, and even her mother's medication-all covered. But then reality set in: Male caregiver. She wasn't exactly what they were looking for.

"Why do guys get all the good-paying jobs?" she muttered bitterly, tossing the phone onto the couch.

"What's it about?" Noah asked.

She hesitated. "A live-in job. Caregiver. Pays well but... it's for men only."

Noah laughed. "They probably think men can lift and carry stuff better."

Leah shot him a glare, a spark igniting in her chest. "I can lift just as well as any man. And I've got a brain too. This is ridiculous!"

"Well, life's not fair, Leah," Noah said with a shrug.

Something clicked in her mind-a crazy, outlandish idea. She sat up, her eyes blazing with sudden determination. "What if I become a man?"

Noah stared at her like she'd sprouted another head. "What?"

Leah grabbed his soda can, taking a dramatic swig before lowering her voice. "What if I disguise myself as a man and apply for the job?"

Noah burst out laughing, doubling over as he clutched his stomach. "You? Pretending to be a guy? Leah, you'd be caught in five minutes."

She smirked. "You forget, I've watched way too many soap operas. I know how to act. All I need is a haircut, some loose clothes, and a slightly deeper voice. I'll be fine."

"You're delusional," Noah said, still chuckling.

"I'm not, Noah. You will help me pull this off," she said, brushing off his doubts.

Deep down, Noah admired her courage. He'd always been drawn to Leah's fire, but she'd made it clear they were just friends. He didn't want to jeopardize that.

The next day, Leah chopped off her long black hair, styled it into a short, shaggy cut, and borrowed Noah's oversized hoodie and sneakers. With her face free of makeup and her voice rehearsed into a convincing baritone, she was ready. She applied for the job, and to her shock, she was invited for an interview.

Two days later, Leah-or rather, "Leo"-arrived at a sprawling mansion. The estate was intimidating, with tall iron gates and perfectly manicured lawns. A woman in her late 40s opened the door, and ushered her in.

The woman held a document in her hands, probably Leah's application. With a very broad smile, she said, "Welcome, Mr. Leo. I am Maggie. Mr. Harper asked me to interview you."

Leah felt a twinge of fear, worried that her lie might be uncovered. She covered up with a warm smile.

For the next few minutes, Maggie grilled Leah on caregiving tasks. Leah, having taken care of her mom for years, answered every question with confidence, ensuring she deepened her voice while she spoke. By the end, Maggie nodded.

Maggie stepped away briefly into another room. Moments later, she returned and politely said , "please, follow me."

Leah was led into a study where Jeremy sat.

His wheelchair was positioned behind a large oak desk. He didn't even look up when she walked in. He was just looking out the window.

Jeremy was a striking man, his features sharp and commanding, as that of any billionaire, but his expression seemed cold, almost hostile.

Everyone knew the Harper family but no one ever described Jeremy Harper perfectly.

His presence alone was intimidating. Even from behind, she could see the tension in his posture.

"Mr. Harper," Leah called out steadily.

Jeremy turned around swiftly and Leah saw him face to face for the first time. Yes, people had described him to be very wealthy and commanding and good looking, but no one ever described how he looked perfectly.

Pictures of him on billboards didn't even do justice. This man was dripping in finesse.

"How can one man be this good-looking?" Leah wondered.

"Leo, is it?" Jeremy asked, his piercing blue eyes scanning her from head to toe. He was a very classic man.

Leah swallowed her nerves, deepened her voice and answered, "yes, sir."

"You start tomorrow," he said, dismissing her with a wave of his hand.

Leah almost skipped out of the mansion. She'd done it. The job was hers.

On reaching home, she saw that her mother had been discharged, and it was Noah who had taken care of the hospital bills.

Her mother had been in a myasthenic crisis but was doing better after receiving treatment at the hospital. She only had to keep taking her medication, avoid stress and have enough rest, then she'd be fine.

Her siblings were around their mother. Noah was there too. She could feel the love and warmth in the atmosphere. Even though they didn't have money, they had what mattered the most – love.

Feeling mischievous, Leah put on a sad face and dropped her bag. Noah quickly approached, concerned.

"Is it about the interview?"

Leah just feigned a frown. She didn't say anything. Everyone then turned to console her. Then she screamed, laughing, "I did it!"

"Everyone, you are looking at Leo, the caregiver for Mr. Jeremy Harper," she said, sounding manly.

"What? Come here! I'm so proud of you. I knew you could pull this up" Noah lifted her off the ground. Her siblings and mother congratulated her.

Keira and Ivan, her siblings, suggested a celebration, and mama supported.

After they had supper, Leah's mother asked her when she would resume work and how long she planned on putting up the show. She was afraid Leah could get caught anytime, and the pain of starting afresh. She couldn't bear to see Leah sad.

"Mama," Leah interrupted her mother. "It'll all be fine. I've got this, trust me. I'm resuming tomorrow. It's you I'm worried about. While I'm there looking after Mr. Harper, who'll care for you?"

"Do you not see how strong I am now?" Mama stood up and playfully shook her waist, making everyone laugh.

"It's your boss who's on a wheelchair that needs to be cared for. You just do your job diligently, you hear me?"

"Yes, mama," Leah nodded.

"Listen, my dear, I will be fine. Keira and Ivan are here, and Noah, too. Am I right, kids?"

They all nodded in affirmation.

When she and Noah were alone, he handed her a few of his clothes and schooled her on how to act manly. He gave her a few tips on things to do and what to avoid, so that she didn't get found out.

"What would I do without you Noah?" She hugged Noah really tight and it meant a lot to him. Noah wanted to be more than just friends with Leah. He liked her a lot, but didn't want to risk losing their friendship. He only hoped that she'd eventually realize how much he loved her and love him back.

– – –

Leah, as Leo, arrived at the mansion the next day. Maggie showed her around, pointing out her room and the areas she wasn't allowed to enter. She advised Leah to stay calm and remain in the boss's good graces. She knew the boss was tough.

The first few weeks were tough. Jeremy was bitter and demanding, barking orders at her for the smallest things. He'd lost the use of his legs in an accident, and though he was physically helpless, his attitude was anything but.

"Your cooking is atrocious," he said one morning after Leah served him breakfast.

"It's not Michelin-starred, but it's edible," she shot back before realizing she'd spoken aloud.

Jeremy's eyes narrowed, but instead of lashing out, he smirked faintly. "Watch your mouth, Leo."

Despite his harshness, Leah saw glimpses of vulnerability in Jeremy – like the way his voice softened when he spoke about his late parents or how his hands lingered over old photographs on his desk.

One evening, he was drinking in his wine bar. Leah came around to inquire if he needed anything, but he just commanded, "sit."

She obliged. She was extremely cautious whenever she was around him. Her posture, her voice, everything had to be in check.

"You see, this is my favorite spot in this mansion. Can you guess why?" Jeremy asked.

"For obvious reasons, sir," Leah answered.

"Which are?" Jeremy pressed, watching her intently.

"I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean to....."

"Speak up! What are the obvious reasons? Speak up," he interrupted, his voice laced with bitterness. "You think I sit here to drink and drown my pain over that damned accident that made me a cripple?"

"I'm sorry, sir. That's not what I....." Leah was terrified. She found it difficult to speak.

"Get out!" he snapped, his frustration boiling over. "Get the hell out!"

Jeremy's anger stemmed from his accident and an unspoken burden that weighed heavily on him.

One night, Leah overheard him crying and begging someone to come back to him.

"I'm miserable without you. Why'd you leave me? Please, come back," his voice was breaking as he spoke.

"You'll throw away all we shared just like that? I love you, babe. I love you! Please, come back," he pleaded, his words drenched in desperation. Leah pressed her ear closer, her heart twisting.

A long silence followed, and Leah imagined the painful rejection on the other end of the line. Suddenly, a loud thud startled her. She peered in to see Jeremy throw his phone across the room, shattering it against the wall. His wailing filled the air, a storm of rage and sorrow.

He drank himself to stupor that night. He was wailing and cursing,

"I hate you. I hate you." His voice cracked with anguish, raw and unfiltered.

Then he passed out. Leah felt pity for her boss. He was a miserable man. Someone had broken his heart. Perhaps, that was why he was haughty, because deep within, she'd seen his soft side.

She helped him to his room. There her phone rang, and believing he was fast asleep, she answered and spoke with her feminine voice.

"Noah, you've been calling me incessantly. What's up?"

Jeremy stirred. "What the fuck?" he slurred, barely conscious. His eyes fluttered open for a brief moment, his brows furrowing. Then he passed out again.

"Ugh! My head aches so bad. Leo! Leo!" Jeremy called out, gripping his head and groaning.

"Yes, sir," Leah rushed in as if she had been waiting to be summoned. She barely had enough sleep the previous night, wondering if Jeremy had found her out or not. She was uneasy.

Jeremy just looked at her and mumbled, "lousy man."

"Make me some lime juice, for my headache. I'm having a hangover from last night."

"What? Last night?" She asked even though she had heard him clearly. She was terrified. She had been careless last night and she could've sworn that he heard her. Oh God! She prayed silently in her heart.

"Are you deaf? You better hurry!"

"Yes, sir!" She hurried out and came back with a glass of the lime juice.

"Sir, I have arranged the clothes you'll wear. Will you have breakfast downstairs or should I bring it here?" Leah asked.

"You aren't my babysitter, are you? I'll let you know when I need something. Get lost!" He snapped at her.

Leah couldn't understand why he was so difficult to please.

Maggie explained to her that she was the fifth person to work with her in two months. All the other male caregivers left because of his attitude.

She explained that her boss hadn't always been so. It used to be so easy to work with him until the accident happened, and his fiancee who used to live with them, left. He had become miserable afterward.

"Oh my...that's really sad. I can totally understand why he's frustrated."

"Frustrated, you say?" A harsh voice interrupted from behind. Both Maggie and Leah turned to see Jeremy wheeling his wheelchair closer. They froze.

"I was waiting for my food upstairs and it was taking forever and..." he didn't finish before Leah interrupted him.

"But sir, you said..." he cut her short abruptly.

"Tell me what you know about frustration," he commanded. His eyes blazing with anger.

"Sir, ... well, my dad passed away two years ago. Everything he ever owned got usurped by someone who is now very powerful. I am saddled with the responsibility of caring for my mom and my siblings, and I have to work here...that's quite frustrating, if you ask me, sir."

"You must be a weak man. How could someone have just taken everything your father ever worked for while you are still alive? Pathetic!" Jeremy clapped back, looking sternly at her and Maggie.

"I will go back upstairs and wait for my food. If I'm not served on time, you're gone. I hate working with lazy and weak men." Jeremy said as he wheeled his chair back.

His staff thought he was frustrated and that made him more frustrated. Perhaps he had to be strict with them.

And Maggie...Maggie too was talking behind his back? He felt hurt.

In no time, Leah brought the meal to his room and served him. She stayed until he finished eating.

"Sir, I'm really sorry. I'm sorry, sir, for everything you've been through. I'm sorry for..."

"Get lost!" Jeremy barked.

And as Leah rushed out terrified, he called her back in.

"You must know your place around here." Jeremy warmed.

"Yes, sir. Sorry, sir."

Leah was in her room resting at night when her phone rang. Her ex boyfriend was calling. She had gotten over him and his betrayal. She was happy again. She didn't want to remember the pain he had caused her. How he made her feel less of a woman and how he slept with everything in a skirt.

She rejected his call, blocked his line and called Noah.

"Hello, Leo," Noah teased.

"Yes, buddy," Leah replied in her deep "Leo" voice, and they both laughed.

She inquired about her mom and siblings, and appreciated Noah for being a good friend and for looking after her family in her absence.

She promised to cook his favorite meal when she came around on her weekend leave.

Noah had been her best friend since childhood. He was a really great guy. Her mother loved him like her own son. She considered him a brother but Noah liked her more than that. He was really hoping a time would come he would be able to express his feelings for Leah and hoped it wouldn't affect their friendship.

Jeremy Harper, who had suddenly become a loner, was sulking in his room. He looked at pictures of his ex-fiancee who had left him for his best friend.

He groaned in pain and smashed the frame.

He took other pictures of her, and pictures of the both of them and tore them to pieces.

Most of his nights had been like that. He thought about how he had lost everything. He legs and his woman. And to whom? His best friend, Conrad.

"That bastard. Bastard!" He cursed.

Jeremy grabbed a bottle of liquor but stopped himself. "Get it together, Jeremy. Wake up!" he scolded himself, smashing the bottle instead.

The landline rang. He picked up and heard an aged woman say,

"Hello, Leah,"

"Leah?" He questioned.

"Sorry. I meant Leo. I'm his mother. I've been trying to reach him but haven't been able to." Leah's mother corrected herself immediately.

"Oh. Hello, Ma'am. He'll call you back shortly." He tried to get a hold of Leah but it seemed like her line was busy.

He took it upon himself to go to Leah's room and get her to call her mom.

He wheeled his chair there, and just before he knocked on the door, he heard a feminine voice from inside.

He knocked aggressively and Leah opened, he asked, "are you with a lady in there?"

"A woman? No, sir. It's just me," Leah replied in her deep "Leo" voice.

Jeremy raised an eyebrow.

Realizing what was going on, she quickly tried to defend herself, "I was only imitating my girlfriend, so I attempted to sound feminine. I must have really done it well."

"Your mother called. She has been trying to get a hold of you. Call her," Jeremy commanded and wheeled his chair back to his room.

As he left, Jeremy couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. He was certain he hadn't been drinking that night.