Chapter five

CHAPTER FIVE

A JOB OPPORTUNITY

Those men had left us traumatized. The reality of finding millions in just two weeks was overwhelming and unfathomable.

As tears streamed down my face, I thought, what if we failed? What if we couldn't raise the money in time? They would come for Mum, and that was simply unacceptable.

I embraced her tightly, trying to provide comfort even though I felt shattered myself. "It's going to be okay," I assured her, though deep down, I knew that those words felt hollow.

Her pale face was filled with despair, and my heart ached for her.

Once inside the house, a heavy silence loomed, almost as if mourning is our fate. Checking the time, I realized I was late for work and hurriedly prepared for the day.

The vileness of finding a solution weighed heavily on me, like a storm cloud I couldn't shake.

At work, Sarah’s presence reminded me of the difficult conversation we’d had the night before. I couldn’t shake the thought of how much money she earned through stripping, and then, amid my desperation, the idea crossed my mind.

Could I really consider that as an option? Even with the potential of earning at least a thousand dollars a week, it wouldn't come close to covering the towering ten million dollar debt.

The thought of my family being in danger overshadowed everything else, and my focus was slipping. Customers began to complain about my mistakes, and I felt utterly lost.

"Diana!" The sharp voice of my manager cut through my haze.

"Come to my office now!" My heart raced as I hurried in, my thoughts still miles away. I

struggled to listen as he reprimanded me, his words fading into the background. Suddenly, a loud bang on the table jolted me back.

"Now leave my office, and I better not hear another complaint about you, Diana!" His tone left no room for argument. Numbly, I nodded and exited, grappling with my swirling emotions.

Outside the office, Sarah waited, concern etched on her face. Seeing her was the tipping point; I broke down, tears spilling uncontrollably.

She quickly pulled me into a comforting hug. "It's okay, it's okay. What’s going on?" she murmured, her voice soothing.

I struggled to articulate the turmoil inside me, the worries spilling out as sobs shook my body. We retreated to a quieter space behind the diner, the buzzing kitchen fading into the background.

"Sit down," she instructed gently.

Once I did, I took a deep breath and finally began to share everything: the insurmountable debt, the threats to my mum’s life, and the crushing urgency of having only two weeks to come up with an impossible sum.

"And there’s no way I can earn that kind of money working in this dead-end job!" I exclaimed, frustration spilling over as I tossed a napkin onto the floor.

After a moment of silence, Sarah leaned closer. "I might know a way for you to get that ten million— or even more—quickly," she said, her words igniting a flicker of hope within me.

"I'll do anything!" I responded vehemently, my voice trembling. "Even becoming a stripper— if it keeps my mum safe, I'm in."

Sarah smiled gently. "Take a breath, Diana. If you truly want to find a way out of this mess, trust me, and I’ll help you. But first, let’s get you through today."

She stood, and without hesitation, she added, "I’ll cover your shift for now. Tomorrow, I’ll take you to the place I work, and if I see your commitment, I’ll explain how we can make that money." She gave a reassuring smile, as if promising that things would be alright.

Despite my uncertainty about what lay ahead, my desperation for a solution outweighed my apprehension. I was willing to do whatever it took to protect my family. As I wiped my tears, I felt a surge of determination.

Before I left, Sarah held out an envelope filled with two hundred dollars. "What's this?" I asked, bewildered. "It's what I made last night. Take it for you and your family. And don’t come back to this diner," she insisted.

Confused, I pressed, "Why not?" Her expression turned serious.

"This job isn’t worth the stress. I’m doing it for my little brother, to shield him from this life. You don’t need both jobs; it’s too much. Meet me here tomorrow after closing, and I'll help you out."

I nodded, touched by her kindness, and headed home with the envelope in hand. I felt waves of relief wash over me. Sarah’s reassurance soothed my worries, and I clung to the belief that she would guide me through this dark time.

I couldn’t help but accept that taking on a job as a stripper, while unexpected, was a necessary step. I planned to disguise it as longer shifts at the diner when I broke the news to Mum.

As I arrived home, I found David in the living room, looking surprised by my early return. "Did you get fired?" he asked, voice tinged with concern.

Quickly, I fabricated a story, saying I wasn't feeling well and would start working night shifts for better pay. He seemed satisfied with my explanation and focused back on the television.

Watching him navigate life in a wheelchair was both heartbreaking and inspiring. He had adjusted remarkably well, managing tasks independently thanks to thoughtful modifications Mum had made around the house.

My heart swelled with admiration for him; he had faced immense challenges and come out stronger.

After a refreshing shower, I began preparing dinner, relishing the familiarity of it all. My Mum returned and joined us for a meal filled with laughter and warmth.

Moments like these reminded me why I was fighting so hard. I wouldn’t let anyone disrupt our family’s happiness. Whatever it took— I would gather the money, even if it meant crossing moral lines.

The mere thought of losing my family was unacceptable, and determination surged within me. I felt a fierce resolve to protect Mum and David, no matter where the path led me.