CHAPTER 5:FIRST MEETING

Later that night after work, just as I was preparing the bed for my mom, my phone buzzed. My heart leapt as I saw the email notification.

Subject: Interview Confirmation

The message was brief and to the point. I was to return the next morning for an interview with Mr. Gerald Thompson himself. My excitement quickly turned to nerves. Meeting Gerald Thompson wasn’t just intimidating—it was terrifying. His name alone carried a reputation that preceded him: ruthless, demanding, and utterly uncompromising.

I barely slept that night, going over every possible scenario in my head. By morning,I was both exhausted and determined to make a good impression. I chose the best outfit I had—a modest, simple dress that was clean but far from designer—and did my best with my hair and makeup.

When I arrived at the estate, the same uniformed guard escorted me inside. This time, I was led to a grand office where Gerald Thompson awaited.

The moment I stepped into the room, I felt the weight of his presence. He was seated behind an imposing mahogany desk, his sharp gray eyes immediately locking onto me. He didn’t bother to hide his disdain, his gaze sweeping over me with a mixture of irritation and disapproval.

“Miss Evans, I presume,” he said coldly, not bothering to rise from his chair.

“Yes, sir,” I replied, keeping my voice steady despite the lump in my throat.

He didn’t respond right away, instead leaning back in his chair and studying me like I was an unsatisfactory business proposal. Finally, he sighed, as though my very presence was a waste of his time.

“Bow"

I did just as he said with my heart skipping countless beats.

I’ll make this quick,” he said, his tone clipped. “My daughter, Laura, requires a full-time nanny. You will handle her daily routine, ensure she remains disciplined, and report directly to Dr. Melvin. You will not question my methods or decisions. Do you understand?”

I nodded, swallowing hard. “Yes, sir.”

“There are rules,” he continued, his voice like ice. “You will not bring personal matters into this house. You will not overstep your boundaries. And under no circumstances are you to interfere with my schedule or bother me with trivial issues except it's regarding Laura.”

Each word felt like a slap, but I kept my expression neutral.

“Your hours will be long, and I expect nothing less than perfection. If you can’t handle that, leave now.”

“I can handle it,” I said quickly, the words rushing out before I could think twice.

Gerald’s lips curled into a faint, humorless smirk, as though he doubted me entirely. Without another word, he stood, smoothing the lapels of his impeccably tailored suit.

“Dr. Melvin will provide you with the specifics,” he said curtly, already turning toward the door. His bodyguards fell into step behind him as he strode out of the room, leaving me standing there with my head spinning.

I heard the sound of car doors opening and shutting as he exited the house. The roar of an expensive engine signaled his departure, and the silence that followed was deafening.

Dr. Melvin appeared moments later, her expression unreadable. “You’ll start tomorrow,” she said simply.

I nodded, still trying to process what had just happened. Gerald Thompson was as cold and intimidating as I’d imagined—and then some. But I was in. I had the job.

Now, all I had to do was survive it.

When I got home that evening, the first thing I did was head straight to my mother’s room. She was sitting up in bed, her frail hands folded in her lap, her tired eyes lighting up the moment she saw me.

“Mom,” I began, barely able to contain my excitement, “I got the job!”Her face broke into a smile, the kind I hadn’t seen in weeks. “Oh, Kayla, that’s wonderful. Tell me everything.”

I sat down beside her, taking her hands in mine as I explained the details. “It’s for a very wealthy family—Gerald Thompson’s daughter. They’re even giving me a room there, and they’ll be providing meals. I’ll finally be able to save some money for us, Mom.”

Her smile faltered slightly. “But you’ll be living there? I won’t see you every day.”

I squeezed her hands reassuringly. “I’ll visit you every weekend, I promise. I’ll bring food from the estate, too. They’ll be feeding us, so you won’t have to worry about groceries for a while.”

Tears welled in her eyes, but she nodded. “I’m proud of you, Kayla. You’ve been so strong through everything.”

Her words warmed me, but they also reminded me of why I was doing this. I kissed her forehead, silently vowing to make this opportunity count.

The next morning, I arrived at the Thompson estate, my nerves warring with determination. Dr. Melvin greeted me at the door, her expression as brisk as ever.there? I won’t see you every day.”

I squeezed her hands reassuringly. “I’ll visit you every weekend, I promise. I’ll bring food from the estate, too. They’ll be feeding us, so you won’t have to worry about groceries for a while.”

Tears welled in her eyes, but she nodded. “I’m proud of you, Kayla. You’ve been so strong through everything.”

Her words warmed me, but they also reminded me of why I was doing this. I kissed her forehead, silently vowing to make this opportunity count.

The next morning, I arrived at the Thompson estate, my nerves warring with determination. Dr. Melvin greeted me at the door, her expression as brisk as ever.

“Laura is at her morning classes,” she informed me as we walked through the grand halls. “She’ll return this afternoon. In the meantime, you’re to prepare her lunch. She has a specific list of favorites. I’ll have the chef assist you with any questions.”

I nodded, mentally preparing myself for the task. Cooking wasn’t my strong suit, but I was willing to do whatever it took to make a good impression.

After a brief orientation in the kitchen, where I learned Laura’s favorite lunch was a simple pasta dish with a side of fresh fruit, Dr. Melvin led me to my quarters.

“This will be your room, there're a lot of maidens around, let them know if you need anything." She said, pushing open a door.

I stepped inside and couldn’t hide my amazement. The room was enormous, with high ceilings and a wide window that let in streams of natural light. The bed was plush and inviting, with soft linens that looked like they belonged in a luxury hotel. There was a small seating area, a desk, and even an adjoining bathroom.

“Laura’s room is next door,” Dr. Melvin continued, gesturing to the connecting door. “You’ll need to be readily available for her at all times.”

I nodded, running my fingers over the smooth wood of the desk. The room was more than I could have dreamed of.

Dr. Melvin's sharp voice broke my reverie. “Lunch needs to be ready by noon. You’ll find Laura’s preferences outlined in the kitchen binder.”

With that, she left, leaving me alone in the spacious room. I sat on the edge of the bed, letting out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

This was it. A new beginning. And while the challenges ahead seemed daunting, I couldn’t help but feel a spark of hope. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was on the verge of something better—for myself and for my mother.

And for my daughter, perhaps.