Chapter Two

Amelia followed Ethan silently into his office, entering just as he opened the door for her.

Ethan indicated one of the armchairs for Amelia to sit in; she still felt tense from her first, bad impression of Alexander.

As soon as she sat down, Amelia opened her mouth.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Alderidge. But I don't think I'm the best person for this job. " She spoke as she stared at him, but Ethan quickly held up his hand for her to hear him.

"I know my brother is a very difficult person, Amelia. "Ethan replied, he could see the exhaustion in her expression. "But before I give up, I want you to listen to me, okay?

Amelia nodded.

" Alexander wasn't always like this. He was an active man, he raised the company by himself since our parents died. A year ago he was in a car accident with his late fiancée. Unfortunately Morgan was pregnant and she and the baby died in the accident. "Ethan began to tell.

" He was in a coma for three months and we even thought he wasn't coming back, but when he did, my brother was devastated by Morgan's death and has since isolated himself from the world here. " He said, reaching for a picture frame in the desk drawer and showing it to Amelia. In it were Ethan, Alexander completely different than he was these days, and a blonde woman with a gentle smile. Amelia soon deduced that it was Morgan.

" He broke both legs and had a lower back injury, but I believe Amelia, that the problem is bigger, that his psychological is destroyed. And that's why the shareholders removed him from the presidency and I took over," Ethan concluded.

Amelia could tell that that accident had not only shaken Alexander, but the whole family. She looked thoughtfully at Ethan, and after a few quiet seconds, Amelia spoke again.

"And why me? He himself said I don't have the profile to take care of him. " She asked, still confused by the whole thing.

"Because Alexander doesn't need a nurse to come here and do his job. He needs a friend. And so do you. "Ethan replied. "You were recommended by Benjamin Jones, your brother, weren't you? 

"Yes," she nodded.

"Ben told me that you needed a job and a motivation. And I have that motivation, Amelia. "Ethan pulled a folder from his drawer, placing it on the table afterwards.

"The Alderidge Foundation has some projects that provide financial aid to young students in the technology field. "Ethan began to explain, and Amelia couldn't understand what he was getting at. "But we also have other projects, including ones with ties to the Ivy League and universities in Europe. Benjamin told me that you have a dream of studying literature in Europe, but you didn't get it. 

Amelia watched as he opened the folder and revealed what she noticed were contracts.

"I propose Amelia, with the company, to pay for your studies. We will close a contract for one year of service, until Alexander regains his movements and becomes fit again to take over the management of the company. "Ethan concluded.

"How do you know that? "She asked him, feeling a little dizzy and thankful to be sitting down.

"Your brother and I are good friends, Amelia. Benjamin told me of your desire to try for a place at NYU, so I am proposing you something better. All expenses paid for you to have a new life. You will get a bonus so that you can support yourself for a while and graduate. That's a great offer, Amelia. "Ethan commented as he smiled.

"It's actually an offer you can't refuse. " She replied.

"Yes, and I want to help a friend's sister," Ethan replied, smiling at her gently.

Amelia tried to think it all through, she had been feeling tense and aimless for so long that maybe this time, just this once she could really have a future of her own, beyond what had always been guided and planned by others.

"Okay, I accept. " She answered after a few minutes and Ethan soon handed her a pen to sign the contract.

Soon she was led to her room by the housekeeper where her suitcase had been placed. Fetching her cell phone, she immediately called Benjamin who answered on the second ring.

"How did it go, Amy? Did you get the job?" Benjamin asked on the other end of the line.

"What did you tell him, Benjamin? What did you tell him?" she asked, clearly concerned.

"Only what's necessary, Amy. Don't worry," he replied, trying to calm her down.

Amy took a deep breath on the other end of the line. She didn't want anyone to know her reasons for leaving Charleston and ending up in New York. She wanted the desire for a new life, the hope.

After a few seconds, Amelia spoke again.

"Ben, thank you for everything. I really don't know what I would have done without you. "She soon replied, clearly grateful. 

"You are my sister, Amy. I will always help you, even when you reject that help, you proud girl," Benjamin scolded her.

Amelia smiled across the line.

"I have to go. I want to take a shower and see the house. "She said.

"Okay, anything at all, give me a call, okay? I love you, little bee. "She heard him speak in that affectionate tone so characteristic of an older brother.

"I love you too, Ben," whispered Amelia, then hung up and left the cell phone on the bed.

The woman reached for her suitcase, placing it on the bed and then opening it. As she started to put her clothes in the closet, she heard the cell phone ring once again. Amelia went to the bed, answering the call.

"What is it, Ben?

But when she heard the voice on the other end of the line, she shuddered from head to toe, feeling as if a hole was opening in front of her feet.

"Hello, Amy. "She listened to the thick, dangerous voice. "How long did you think you were going to hide for?

Amelia fiddled with her cell phone, trying to turn it off, but soon heard the voice on the other end.

"I will find you, Amelia. You can be sure of that, and when I do, I will finish you off.

The call was interrupted and Amelia threw the cell phone against the wall, completely stunned by what she had just heard.