Chereads / See you next summer / Chapter 16 - chapter 16: Time for a change

Chapter 16 - chapter 16: Time for a change

I sat down, trying to process the unexpected turn of events. Andrew, the same person who had made my life miserable in school, was now offering me a job? I couldn't help but wonder what his motives were.

"So, Emily, I want you to do a job for me," Tony said, his voice firm but with a hint of condescension. "I'm not looking down on you because you're poor," he added, his words dripping with insincerity. "That's if you're interested, of course."

I raised an eyebrow, trying to keep my emotions in check. What kind of job could he possibly have in mind for me? And why would he think I would be interested in working for him, given our past history?

"I'm listening," I said, my voice cautious, trying to keep my options open. But inside, I was seething with resentment. How dare he think I would ever want to work for him?

I was taken aback by Tony's offer. Be his personal assistant? Live in his house? It sounded like a recipe for disaster. I couldn't imagine being in such close proximity to him, day and night.

"I don't know, Tony," I said hesitantly, trying to think of a polite way to decline. "I appreciate the offer, but I'm not sure I'm comfortable with that arrangement."

Andrew raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "Why not?" he asked, his voice neutral. "It's a great opportunity for you. You'll be well paid, and you'll have a comfortable place to stay. Plus, you'll be able to walk around freely, without worrying about transportation.I shook my head, trying to think of a reason that wouldn't offend him. "I just...I need my own space, I guess," I said finally. "And I'm not sure I'm ready to commit to something like that.Andrew leaned forward, his eyes glinting with intensity. "I'm not taking no for an answer, Emily," he said, his voice low and persuasive. "I need someone I can trust, and I think that someone is you.

interior of the car. It was luxurious, just like the car that splash water on me. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I wondered what other surprises lay in store for me.

Andrew got into the driver's seat, starting the engine with a smooth purr. "So, Emily, how do you feel going to my house today?" he asked, glancing over at me with a friendly smile.

I took a deep breath, trying to process everything that had happened. "It kinda weird and...interesting," I replied, choosing my words carefully. "I'm still trying to wrap my head around everything."

Andrew chuckled. "I know the feeling. Tony can be a bit overwhelming at times. But hey, you'll get used to it.My eyes widened in shock as Andrew dropped the bombshell. "Tony and I are cousins," he said casually, as if it was no big deal.

I felt like I had been punched in the gut. Cousins? Tony and Andrew were cousins? That meant I would be living in a house with not one, but two men who had a history with me. Andrew my high school tormentor, and also my boss

I couldn't believe it. I was going to be stuck in a house with two men who knew me in different ways. Anthony knew me as the awkward, shy girl from high school, while Andrew knew me as his new personal assistant in the future now. It was all too much to take in.

"Okay, okay, I think I need a minute to process this," I said, taking a deep breath. "So, let me get this straight. I'm going to be living in a house with you and Tony, who are cousins, and I'm supposed to be Tony's personal assistant?"

Andrew nodded, a sympathetic look on his face. "That's right, Emily. But don't worry, we're not going to make you feel uncomfortable. We promise to respect your boundaries.

As we pulled up to Andrew's house, I couldn't help but gasp in amazement. The house was enormous, with sprawling gardens and a grand entrance that looked like something out of a movie. I felt like I was stepping into a different world, one of luxury and opulence.

my face, beckoning me to start the day. I stretched my limbs and made my way downstairs, my thirst leading me to the kitchen like a magnet. The soft hum of the refrigerator and the sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped me, a gentle welcome to the new day.

Just as I was pouring myself a glass of orange juice, Andrew appeared beside me, his footsteps silent on the marble floor. "How are you, Emily?" he asked, his voice low and gentle, like a summer breeze.

  exchange, spoke up from the doorway. "That's right, Emily. We work together on a lot of things, so you'll need to be able to juggle tasks and priorities for both of us."

Tony nodded in agreement. "But don't worry, we'll make sure you're clear on who needs what and when. We're not trying to confuse you."

I nodded, feeling a bit more clarity on the situation. "Okay, got it. Thanks for clarifying.

As I trudged back to the kitchen, Andrew's request for a cup of coffee felt like the final straw. I was exhausted from my first day of work, and the thought of catering to their every whim was already wearing thin. I felt a surge of frustration, but not a spark of excitement. I knew that this job was going to be a challenge, and I was already dreading the days ahead.

I poured the coffee in silence, my movements mechanical. As I handed Andrew his cup, I couldn't help but think that this was just the beginning of a long and difficult journey. Little did I know, it was only going to get tougher from here.

I sat up, eyeing the bag warily. "What's wrong with what I have?" I asked, gesturing to my closet.

Tony snorted. You can't wear those frumpy clothes to an important meeting. This is a designer suit. Put it on, and let's see if we can't make you look like a functioning member of society.I raised an eyebrow, but Tony just chuckled and tossed the bag onto the bed. "Trust me, Emily. I know what I'm doing.

My heart skipped a beat as Andrew approached me, his eyes locked on mine. I instinctively recoiled, my mind flashing back to the painful memories of high school. "Andrew, please..." I whispered, trying to keep my voice steady.

But to my surprise, Andrew's expression was soft, his voice gentle. "Emily, I'm not going to hurt you. I promise. I just wanted to check on you, make sure you're okay after Tony's... erm... 'motivational' speech."

He sat down beside me on the bed, his eyes filled with concern. "You know, I've been watching you, and I think you're really struggling. Tony can be... intense. But I'm here for you, Emily. If you need someone to talk to, or just need some support, I'm here."

I stared at him, unsure of what to make of this sudden change in behavior. Was this the same Andrew who had made my high school years a living hell? Or was this someone new, someone who actually cared?

Andrew's expression faltered, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of regret in his eyes. "Emily, I...I'm so sorry," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I was a different person back then. I was young, stupid, and arrogant. I didn't realize the pain I was causing you."

He reached out a hand, but I flinched, pulling away. "Don't touch me," I spat, tears streaming down my face. "You have no right to touch me after what you did."

Andrew nodded, his eyes welling up with tears. "I don't expect forgiveness, Emily. I just want you to know that I'm truly sorry. I've thought about what I did to you every day since then, and I'm ashamed."

I laughed, a bitter sound. "Ashamed? You're ashamed? You have no idea what I went through because of you. The bullying, the humiliation, the feeling of being completely alone..."

My voice broke, and I buried my face in my hands, sobbing uncontrollably. Andrew sat beside me, silent, as I cried out years of pain and hurt.