Chapter 9
JENNA
It’s almost midnight when we pull up to the mansion, where garden lights illuminate the yard.
I notice armed men, and my head whips to Cassia, who says, “Don’t mind the guards. They’re here for our protection.”
If she says so.
I push the door open, and climbing out of the SUV, I look at the mansion again. There are windows spanning over two floors at the front, and with the lights on inside, I’m able to see a black leather lounge suite, a fireplace, and a huge TV.
Gosh, am I really going to live here?
“Welcome to your new home, Jenna,” Cassia says as she walks toward the front door. I follow her, and when we step inside, she adds, “I hope you’ll be happy here.”
My lips part in a gasp as I take in all the space and luxury. I can smell fresh paint, and all the furniture looks brand new.
Feeling intimidated by all the wealth, I curl my shoulders forward and bow my head.
“Let me show you where everything is.” Cassia walks toward the stairs, and I keep glancing at all the expensive-looking things from under my bangs as we head up to the second floor.
When we reach the landing that overlooks the living room, she explains, “You can move freely through the house, but stay out of the main bedroom.” She points to a shut door. “It’s the only place that’s off limits.”
I nod to show I understand, and then I get to peek into the two guest rooms, which aren’t furnished at all.
“This is your room.” Cassia opens the door, and when we step inside, my jaw goes slack.
A big bed stands between two windows, the bedding white with pale pink blossoms scattered over the foot end.
It’s so pretty.
I look at the dressing table, and seeing a vase with a bouquet of pink roses, I feel overwhelmed again.
Cassia gestures at the flowers. “There’s a note attached for you, but you can read it once I’m done showing you the house. Let’s head back downstairs.”
I steal another glance around the room as I leave, finding everything surreal.
This place is huge, and by the time we get to the kitchen, I’m dying of thirst. Cassia opens the fridge and says, “It will be kept fully stocked at all times. The guards will bring the deliveries, and you can just pack everything away.” She glances around.
“I think that’s everything. Do you have any questions? ”
So, so many.
I dig my phone out of my pocket and open up my email, which I only have because I needed one to sign into the app I watch my K-dramas on. I type out everything, then turn the screen for Cassia to see.
What does my boss like to eat? Is he allergic to anything? Can I make food for myself as well? What do I do if there’s an emergency, like a fire or something? How will I get paid? Do you need my bank details?
Cassia lets out a chuckle. “Don’t worry about cooking for your boss.
The fridge is stocked for you. If there’s something you don’t like, just give the guards a note telling them to stop getting it.
If there’s an emergency, the guards will get you to safety.
Your salary will be paid into your bank account, and we have those details already. ”
A frown forms on my forehead as I type out another question.
How do you know my bank details?
“We did a search on you, remember?”
What kind of search?
“A general one to see if you have a criminal record. Every employer does one.”
I’ve never heard of that, but okay.
Cassia meets my eyes. “Anything else?”
I shake my head.
“Then I’m going to go. If you need to reach out to me, the guards know how to get in contact with me. Walk with me so I can introduce you to Oscar. He’s in charge of your group of guards.
My group?
When we step out of the house, a man who seems to be in his forties comes closer. He doesn’t try to shake my hand but locks eyes with me. It’s so unnerving, I quickly look down and wrap my arms tightly around myself.
“I’m Oscar, ma’am. If you need anything, just let me know.”
I nod quickly and give him a wave.
“Guard her with your life,” Cassia orders in a tone I haven’t heard before. It makes my eyes flit to her face, and seeing a look of authority tightening her features, I gulp.
Crap. Did I read her wrong?
“I will,” Oscar replies.
Cassia turns her attention to me, and instantly her features soften again. “Have a good night, Jenna.”
I give her a wavering smile, and when she walks toward the SUV, I hurry back into the mansion. I shut the door behind me and engage the single lock.
I miss the deadbolts on my doors at home.
As I turn around, still clutching the handbag and my backpack, I take in all the luxury again.
This place must cost millions. Whoever owns it is filthy rich.
I look in the direction of the kitchen, and a second later, I hurry toward it. I set the bags down on the granite top of the island and yank the fridge open.
So much food, and it’s all mine?
I take a bottle of water from the door, and twisting the cap off, I drink some while I grab a shiny red apple. Taking a big bite, I chew, my eyes feast on all the vegetables and fruits.
Fresh fruit, and not the stale packs I used to steal at the gas station.
I open the freezer, and when I see all the meat, my eyes grow twice their size.
Oh. My. God.
Steak.
I grab a packet and shut the doors of the fridge before I dart to the sink so I can thaw the meat.
I’m so making stir fry tonight. If this is all a trick to kill me, at least I’ll die with a full and happy stomach.
I let out a snort at my thoughts, and as the meat defrosts, I open the fridge again and take out carrots, cauliflower, and mushrooms.
As I start to prepare the meal, a smile settles on my face, and once I’m sitting at the island with a heap of stir-fry in front of me, I begin to feel emotional.
Is this really happening to me?
Every battle I’ve had to fight just to survive flits through my thoughts. I spear a strip of steak, and as I take the bite, unshed tears sting my eyes.
When the flavors burst over my tongue, and the meat practically melts in my mouth, I can’t stop a tear from rolling down my cheek.
God. Please let this be real. I promise I’ll work my fingers to the bone.
I savor every bite, all my attention on the nourishing meal instead of watching a K-drama.
When I’ve eaten everything, and my stomach feels like it’s going to burst, I clean the kitchen and make sure nothing is out of place.
I pick up my bags, and as I walk out into the hallway, I turn left and go to the living room. I stare at the big TV for a few seconds before I take the stairs up to the second floor.
Walking into my bedroom, I’m once again struck by how pretty the bedding and flowers are, and I notice my luggage has been placed in front of the closets.
Remembering Cassia mentioned a note, I move closer to the dressing table, and seeing a piece of paper that’s folded in half with my name written on the top, I pick it up.
Jenna,
Thank you for accepting my offer. Please make yourself at home. Once you’re more comfortable with your new surroundings, we’ll meet, but until then, relax.
I promise you’re safe and no one will hurt you ever again.
E.
I read the short letter again and see login details for the WIFI and various apps, which are probably accessible on the TV.
I wonder what E stands for. Erik? Eugene? Who knows.
My eyes dance over the words, and the corner of my mouth lifts because it really feels like whoever I’m working for wants me to feel welcome in his home.
Surely, these people wouldn’t go through so much effort only to trick me?
I press the paper to my chest as I glance around the luxurious room, and walking to the windows, I peek outside. Seeing a lake, my lips part, and a smile spreads over my face.
Letting out a happy shriek, I run to the bed and throw myself onto the mattress that feels as comfortable as it looks.
Emotions pour into my heart, everything from happiness to relief to intense gratitude.
Turning onto my stomach, I bury my face in the crook of my arm as the tears come.
“Thank you, E,” I whisper.
I don’t know who you are or what made you do this for me, but thank you so much. You have no idea how close I was to downing a bottle of pills and calling it quits.
Once my emotions settle, I climb off the bed and go to the ensuite bathroom. The tub is so big, and the entire left wall is covered in a mirror.
My eyes land on my reflection, and I take in my blotchy face. Untying my ponytail, I pull my fingers through my hair, which falls in waves to my bra strap.
I look like roadkill compared to Cassia.
I tie my hair up again, and grabbing the letter from the bed, I leave the room. I glance at the shut door at the end of the hallway, and for the first time, I wonder if my employer is home.
Shoot, I should’ve asked Cassia.
I check the time on my phone, and seeing it’s almost three am, I dart down the stairs to get cleaning supplies from the kitchen.
As I polish every surface and mop the floors, I notice everything is already spotless, but I continue doing my job.
Just after six, I sink down on one of the couches and pick up the remote. Switching on the TV, I see it’s already set up, and I go into the app I use to watch my K-dramas.
Finding the show I’m busy with, I press play and scoot backward.
When the characters appear on the big screen, I grin like an idiot because it feels like I’m at the movies.
The only thing missing is popcorn and a soda.
I glance at the hallway, and pausing the episode, I get up and go to the kitchen. I feel like I’m sneaking around as I open the pantry door. I don’t see any popcorn, but there are various packets of chips. I take one and also help myself to a soda from the fridge.
I head back to the living room and press play again. Getting comfortable, I open the pack and pop a wavy chip into my mouth.
God, now this is the life. I could so get used to this.
Halfway through the episode, the hero saves the leading lady from people who are trying to kidnap her, and my thoughts turn to Mr. Oliveira.
Oh no!
I sit up straight and glance at the windows.
Realizing I’ll probably never see him again, my shoulders sag, and the excitement I’ve been feeling since I walked into the mansion dies away.
I set the packet of chips down on the coffee table, and as sadness creeps into my heart, I contemplate going to the gas station tomorrow night to see if he’ll come.
He didn’t show up the past two nights, and after killing those four men, he’ll probably avoid the gas station at all costs.
It really sinks in that I won’t see him again, and it feels like I’ve lost something very important.