After a week, Nyla went to the kindergarten center and had a miserable meeting with her director. Due to some issues with Mr. Curt's money problem, Nyla's name is being dragged into it. There is an investigation ongoing and it affects the center as well.
As much as Nyla wants to question the board's decision to dismiss her from teaching for now, Nyla just agreed. She's not the type to argue even if it seems unfair to her. Anyway, she's kind of embarrassed since her lover was like that.
Nyla went home dejected. The rent is due by the end of the month. She can probably stay here for another 2 months. She has to find another job, but where, how, and what? If she decides to go back to her old apartment, the one before she moved in with Jacques, the landowner will usually want deposits and advance rent.
Can I find a new center immediately which will accept me knowing the background of my last dismissal?
'Shall I ask for help from my father? Ahmmm no, I was already disowned... Hahaha! I changed my number so I really cannot contact him because I no longer have his number…' Nyla laughed bitterly.
'Father, don't I really have a place in your heart? What was your reaction when I sent you that text message 4 years ago? Oh... he didn't respond then. So there's that.' She continued to ponder.
'I also need to pay Mr. Humphrey... How much was that monthly? Plus the overdue and interests... ohhhh wait. That was what Jacques was worried about that night he was drunk. He was screaming about it…'
This endless round of overthinking went on for another week. Honestly, she already cleaned the whole apartment because she likes cleaning when she's stressed and doing deep thinking.
Finally, she decided to have a discussion once again with Mr. Humphrey.
Mr. Grant picked her up, even though she told him she can just go to the office.
"No. Boss' order is not to inconvenience you, Ms. Burnes." Mr. Grant said as he ushered her to the car in front of the apartment.
Within 15 minutes, they were already in front of the building. She was once again back in that huge room. Mr. Grant left her there.
"So, have you decided?" Without any pleasantries, Callum asked her directly. He's breathtakingly handsome again in his gray suit. His watch looks expensive while he clasped his hands together where his chin is rested and elbows on the desk.
"Ahmmm no Sir. But I would like to hear the outstanding balance with interest incurred and hopefully my options for payment...?"
Callum patiently explained the new terms of payment which he designed for her to make it easier for her to pay if ever she decides to take responsibility for the loan.
When he was done explaining, he can see the confusion along with frustration as she tried to calculate her best option for this situation.
"Ahmmm sir... does your offer still stand? Please explain it to me so I can weigh my options. My mind is really on overdrive because I need to find another job as soon as possible."
Callum stared at her sitting, prim and proper in front of him. He wants to save her. He wants to pick her up and take care of all her problems.
"Did you resign?" Callum asked.
He stood up and sat on the chair in front of her. She looked at him directly.
"Because of Jacques' debt issue, I was dragged along with him. Until the issue is cleared, I can't go back to the center." She divulged.
"How about the apartment?" He probed.
"I... I can still stay for about two months but will have to go search for another one." Nyla, though uncomfortable, answered again.
Callum and Nyla didn't speak for a while. Nyla has her hands in her lap. Callum has his arms crossed in his chest. He sighed before finally speaking.
"Nyla, do you remember when you were about 18 years old, you went with your father to Humphrey Estate? You were wearing a blue dress and stayed in the gardens while your father talked with mine in the study room?"
She obviously tried to remember. Then her eyes widened a bit when she did.
"Oh... is that you? Sorry I cannot look into your eyes then... My father was very strict."
"Your father, how is he?"
"He is no longer my father... I mean... I was disowned when my ex-husband divorced me. It was an arranged marriage to his best friend's son."
Callum's anger is starting to rise.
'What is it with all the misfortunes of this woman?' He thought.
"Nyla. What was your impression of me when you met me two weeks ago? Be honest."
"Huh? Ahmm you look strict, domineering...," then she looked at him and she got a bit scared, "b—but you are very attractive sir!"
"Hahaha!" Callum can't help but laugh at her last words. His laughter rang in her ears. It sounded beautiful.
"I'm glad you think that way even if I scare you. Tell me, Nyla, why do you think I am still not married?"
Nyla stared at him, looking confused.
"Maybe because you haven't found the perfect woman yet?"
"Hmmmm... the perfect woman... So what do you think about me asking you to be my woman?"
"I don't know sir. I have nothing to offer. I am a divorced woman, abandoned by my parents and lover, and jobless. So to be honest, you are really confusing me."
"Nyla, listen. As the head of this multi-billion empire, the $100k is a chump of change for me. But as the president, all delinquent accounts, regardless of the amount, get reviewed by me. I found your surname there during a review of co-makers which I recognized and thought maybe it is you that I met 9 years ago. A long shot really. But I was not wrong.
Now, I know you are confused. But my offer still stands. I want you to be my woman. It cancels all invitations to meet the daughters of business associates. I don't want to deal with such nuisances.
With that, I am also offering you an Executive Secretary position. So you will always be with me. I have Mr. Grant manage most of my schedules but he's getting busier as the business grows so it's high time I let him focus on his job. I will provide for you and protect you as well, given the circumstances with Mr. Curt."
'So I will be his front to refrain businessmen from offering their daughters to him right?' She contemplated...
'Will she agree?' He wondered...
"Ahmmm... does it include... you know... at night...?"
"You'll have your own room. But if it comes to that, it should be consensual. I won't force it on you, you know. I wouldn't be a bachelor now if I didn't have restraint."
"Huh, we'll live together? And... and sorry I didn't mean you're an animal..."
"I said I want you always with me. I am not comfortable knowing you will still live in that apartment where you were attacked."
"But your father?"
"He's been on a year's travel to Europe. I will tell him though."
"Until when...?"
"Three years. Do you think you can do that? By then, you already established an experience as an executive secretary. Also, Mr. Curt may have been found then. You can shift careers or go back to being a kindergarten teacher."
Nyla stared at him. His offer is much much more than she bargained for. Besides, this person... is her type. Yes, her heart is flirting now.
Really? Yes.
'It wouldn't be hard to serve him just like I did with James and Jacques. That is all I can offer anyway. And I'm good at it. Another heartbreak after 3 years is still going to be longer than my past two relationships. I think I can do it!'
"Ahmm Sir... when do you want me to start?"
Callum stood up and hovered over her. She looked up with fear in her eyes. He touched her hand and slowly pulled her up.
"First, I need you to relax around me."
He pulled her up a bit and leaned down a little and his lips brushed hers. Without much effort, he was able to open her mouth and his tongue slowly explored her mouth as she also tried to fight with her tongue.
It was the most intoxicating and sweetest kiss she ever tasted. She felt weak. His arm held her around the waist. Nobody ever kissed her that way before.
"Mine..." He left one more swift kiss on her lips.
"You— You're..." She stammered.
"A great kisser, I know. And you're welcome to have it anytime you want. Just let me know."
'I'm his woman now. And I kinda like it…'