7

Chapter 7

Following her mother's hospitalization, Tessa confronted her father's overwhelming $20,000,000 debt. To alleviate this burden, she took a brief break from school and started working multiple part-time jobs.

Tessa worked tirelessly, taking on various roles to make ends meet. She worked at a bakery for $50 per month, arranged shelves at a supermarket for $90 per month, pumped gas at a station for $150 per month, and styled hair at a salon for $5 per hour.

Despite her relentless efforts, she only managed to accumulate a modest $545 over the next fortnight. The toll on her physical appearance was apparent as she grew thin and developed dark circles from exhaustion and lack of sleep.

Realizing that her current pursuits wouldn't be enough to settle the colossal debt, Tessa decided to stop attending school. In an email to the principal, she explained her situation and suggested finding another tutor for Tyler.

As weeks turned into a month, the pressure on Tessa became too much to bear. In the midst of her emotional turmoil, she received disheartening news - Tyler, who seemed destined for success, stumbled in the basketball tournament and couldn't proceed to the final stage.

Tessa's heart shattered into a million pieces as the weight of responsibility crushed her. She blamed herself for Tyler's inability to claim victory in the tournament. He possessed the physique of an athlete - fit, tall, and undeniably strong. However, as she observed the tournament in secret during her shifts at the supermarket, Tessa noticed a darkness clouding Tyler's focus. He seemed lost, his mind wandering elsewhere, and his concentration faltered.

The announcement that he couldn't progress to the final stage triggered a devastating reaction from Tyler. Consumed by frustration, he seized his water can and stormed out of the arena, abandoning his fervent supporters who had come specifically to witness his triumph. The atmosphere grew heavy with disappointment and sadness, leaving everyone disheartened by his sudden departure.

.......

One day, while lost in her thoughts near a local coffee shop where Tessa had applied for a part time job once again, Tessa's eyes widened in surprise as an unknown, yet strangely familiar woman approached her. She furrowed her brow, desperately trying to recall where she had seen or encountered this woman before. And then, like a spark of recognition, it hit her.

She had glimpsed this woman's facial figure in a massive photograph displayed proudly in her mother's room. Though they had never met in person, Faye, Tessa's mom, appeared to share an intimate bond with this woman, their hands clasped tightly together as they smiled radiantly for the camera.

Torns of questions flooded Tessa's mind. What was this woman doing here? How did she know her mother?

Sensing Tessa's confusion and questioning gaze, Mrs. Maureen struck up a conversation.

Mrs. Maureen, her eyes filled with compassion, said, "Tessa, my dear, I owe your mother, Tasha, a great favor. We faced difficulties together in the past, and she stood by me as a true friend. Her unwavering support meant everything to me."

Tessa listened intently as Mrs. Maureen continued, "Now, circumstances have presented me with an opportunity to repay that debt and help you. Your mother's kindness deserves to be reciprocated, and I believe offering you a position in my mansion is not just an act of gratitude but a chance for you to overcome your hardships."

Mrs. Maureen revealed her plan, saying, "I am in need of dedicated individuals to help maintain my large mansion. The pay is generous - $200,000 per month. If you prove to be efficient and hardworking, I'd be more than happy to increase it."

Tessa's breath caught in her throat, a gasp escaping her lips. It felt surreal, almost as if she had slipped into a dream-like state. The numbers echoed through her mind, resounding with an intensity she couldn't ignore.

$200,000 per month.

The figure loomed larger than life, a financial windfall that held the power to completely clear her father's debt. With laser-like precision, Tessa calculated the timeline. Just 7-8 months of dedicated work, and she could free herself from the oppressive weight of financial burden.

But doubts swirled in her mind, like a heavy storm threatening to destroy her flickering hopes. Such a huge offer seemed too good to be true, raising suspicion and caution. Tessa was not typically one to be swayed by the allure of seemingly miraculous opportunities.

However, something inside her whispered in her ear, urging her to seize this extraordinary chance. It stirred within her, reminding her that opportunities like this came once in a lifetime. Tessa knew that if she turned her back on this unexpected lifeline, she might never have another shot at securing her family's future.

With a mixture of determination, Tessa made her decision. Feeling overwhelmed, Tessa asked, "Is there a catch?"

Mrs. Maureen reassured her, saying, "No catch. I value hard work, and I can see your determination. You would also have a place to stay - you'll live with me in the mansion. What do you think?"

Grateful and speechless, Tessa replied, "I... I don't know what to say. Thank you so much. I'll do my best."

With kindness, Mrs. Maureen said, "That's all I ask. Pack your things, we will be leaving for my house soon."

“Wait, now? But I haven't submitted my retirement letter yet” Tessa spoke softly.

“Don't worry, My Bodyguards would take care of that” Mrs Maureen said with a kind smile as they walked out of the coffee shop.

******

In the next few minutes, Tessa found herself seated in the luxurious interior of the latest Mercedes Benz. As she settled into the plush leather seats, a sense of unease washed over her, fearing that her dirty clothes might leave unwanted marks on the beautiful seatbelts. She felt completely out of place, causing her to unconsciously raise her posterior slightly in the air every few minutes, and occasionally shift her legs.

"Ma'am, I regret to inform you that the Young Master has just returned from school, but he is in quite a foul mood. He has terminated the employment of eight young maids just a few moments ago," Drake, Mrs. Maureen's assistant, relayed in a professional manner.

"I don't even need to ask why. It's likely over something trivial, isn't it?" Mrs. Maureen replied with a sigh, rubbing her temples as if she were experiencing a throbbing headache at the mere thought of it.

“Yes, ma'am. The young maids assigned to cook his lunch accidentally added ginger to his stew. As you know, Tyler despises ginger," Drake explained, adjusting his glasses which sat on the bridge of his nose.

Mrs. Maureen let out another deep sigh, her fatigue evident. "I can feel a headache coming on," she muttered before taking a moment to collect herself.

.

TBC

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