Christy had always been a morning person, but today, exhaustion clung to her like a second skin. She rubbed her tired eyes and stretched, groaning softly as she rolled out of bed.
The weight of yesterday's work still lingered, but there was no time to dwell on it. She had another long day ahead.
As she picked up her phone, she noticed a message from an unknown number.
Unknown Number: Good job yesterday. Keep it up.
Christy furrowed her brows. She didn't recognize the number, but something about the message sent a shiver down her spine. Was it someone from work? Maybe Mr. Adams? Or… could it be Nathan?
She shook her head. No way. Nathan wasn't the type to send random encouraging texts. In fact, he barely acknowledged her existence outside of work-related matters.
Pushing the thought aside, she quickly freshened up and dressed in one of her newly bought outfits, a crisp white blouse tucked into a fitted navy blue skirt. The new clothes felt unfamiliar, but she had to admit, they made her look professional.
She arrived at the office at exactly 7:50 AM, determined not to give Nathan another reason to criticize her punctuality. As she settled into her desk, she went through his schedule for the day. Several meetings, a few business calls, and…
"Good. You're early today."
Christy looked up, startled. Nathan stood in front of her desk, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a file. His sharp eyes scanned her from head to toe, lingering slightly longer than usual.
For a moment, she thought he was going to say something else, but instead, he handed her the file.
"Review this. It's for the contract renewal with Sterling Enterprises. I expect a summary before my 10 AM meeting."
Christy took the file and nodded. "Yes, sir."
Nathan hesitated for a second, then said, "And… you look more presentable today."
Her eyes widened slightly. Did he just… compliment me?
Before she could react, he walked away, leaving her both confused and oddly flustered. What just happened?
The day went by in a blur of meetings and paperwork. Christy stayed on top of her tasks, making sure Nathan had everything he needed before each appointment.
She was so focused on work that she almost forgot to check her phone, until she received a call from her younger sister, Grace.
"Christy! Mom's not feeling well," Grace's voice was filled with worry.
Christy immediately tensed. "What do you mean? What happened?"
"She's been coughing a lot, and she looks pale. I tried calling the doctor, but they said they need an upfront payment before they can come."
Christy's heart clenched. Money. It was always about money. She had just started this job, and while the pay was good, she hadn't even received her first full paycheck yet.
"I'll figure something out, okay? Just keep an eye on her. I'll call you back soon."
As she hung up, she felt a wave of helplessness wash over her. She needed this job more than ever. No matter how difficult Nathan was, she had to endure.
At exactly 3 PM, Nathan had his last major appointment for the day, a media interview regarding his company's latest expansion. Christy sat on the side, taking notes as reporters fired questions at him.
"Mr. Carter, your company has seen a 20% growth in the last quarter. To what do you attribute this success?"
Nathan leaned back slightly, his expression calm and confident. "Our team's dedication and strategic investments have played a key role. We focus on innovation and ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of our customers."
Christy couldn't help but admire how effortlessly he handled the media. He was no longer the carefree, playful Nathan she once knew. This Nathan was polished, composed, and completely in control.
But deep down, Christy was very worried. She needed to get home to her mom.
After the interview, Nathan caught Christy watching him.
"Something on your mind, Miss Miller?" he asked.
She quickly looked away, embarrassed. "No, sir."
Nathan smirked slightly but said nothing more.
***********
The moment Christy stepped out of the office, she wasted no time. She rushed straight to the pharmacy to get her mother's medicine, then stopped by the grocery store.
Kate had insisted on tagging along, knowing Christy was too stressed to handle everything alone.
By the time they reached Christy's house, she was exhausted. Grace was sitting beside their mother, gently stroking her hand. The older woman looked weak but calm now.
Christy sighed in relief, setting the grocery bags down before walking over to her mother. "Mom, we can't keep doing this. We need to get you to the hospital."
Her mother gave her a tired but reassuring smile. "I'm fine, my dear. It was just an episode."
"Episode?" Christy repeated, frustration creeping into her voice. "Mom, this is serious! We can't just sit back and wait for something worse to happen."
"I don't want to be a burden," her mother said softly.
"Burden?" Christy's chest tightened. "Mom, you're my responsibility. I have a little money left, and I'll pick up extra shifts at Madam Maggy's until I get my first paycheck."
Her mother opened her mouth to protest, but Christy shook her head. "That's final."
She placed the medicine on the nightstand beside her mother and turned to leave the room. Kate followed her outside, concern evident on her face.
"You okay?" Kate asked gently.
Christy let out a heavy breath. "I'll be fine, Kate. Thanks for today."
Kate hesitated. "Are you sure you don't want me to stay over?"
Christy shook her head. "It's okay, I don't want Joel to worry."
Kate rolled her eyes. "Pfft… he'll understand."
Christy managed a small smirk. "Go home to your man."
Kate let out an exaggerated sigh. "Fine, but if anything happens, call me, okay?"
"I will," Christy promised.
Kate gave her a quick hug before heading out.
As soon as the door closed, Christy pulled out her phone, her hands shaking slightly as she scrolled through her contacts. She hesitated for only a moment before dialing Madam Maggy.
The phone rang twice before the warm but firm voice of her former employer came through. "Christy? It's been a while."
"Hey, ma'am," Christy said, gripping the phone tightly. "Can I start work again?"
There was a pause on the other end. Then, in a serious tone, Madam Maggy asked, "Christy… is everything alright?"
Christy swallowed hard. "I just need to make some extra money. As soon as possible."
Another pause. Then, finally, Madam Maggy spoke. "Come in tomorrow evening. I'll see what I can do."
"Thank you," Christy whispered.
She ended the call and closed her eyes, gripping the phone to her chest. She had to do this, for her mother.
But as she stood there, exhausted and emotionally drained, her phone suddenly buzzed again.
She glanced at the screen.
Unknown Number.
Her stomach tightened. Who was it again?
Hesitantly, she opened the message.
"You think you can just move on? I haven't forgotten you."
Christy's breath caught in her throat.
Her hands trembled as she stared at the words.
Who was this?
Her heart pounded as a cold shiver ran down her spine.