Chapter 4

A Fresh Start

I packed a small suitcase with only the essentials, my hands shaking with fear and anger. I couldn't believe Vincent had tried to rape me, and I knew I had to escape before he tried again. I grabbed Mackenzie's hand, her eyes wide with confusion.

"Mommy, where are we going?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"We're going to Rachel's, sweetie," I replied, trying to sound calm. "We'll be safe there."

Mackenzie looked on the verge of tears, but she simply nodded, not asking any more questions. I breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that Vincent wasn't home. I couldn't imagine how he would react if I tried to leave while he was here.

As we left the house, I felt a mix of emotions: relief, fear, and anxiety. I had no idea how I would provide for Mackenzie, but I knew I couldn't stay with Vincent any longer.

"But Mummy," Mackenzie pulled my hand, "Aren't we taking Brownies?"

I forced a smile, "Not now Mackenzie, we'll come back for her later okay?"

She nodded, her expression looking forlorn. I knew she loved our cat, but Rachel was allergic, and I couldn't take the risk.

As we arrived at Rachel's house, I broke down in tears, finally allowing myself to process the trauma I had endured. Rachel listened, her eyes filled with compassion.

"I'm so sorry, Chloe," she said, hugging me tight. "You're safe now. You and Mackenzie can stay here as long as you need."

I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Rachel. "I'll get a job Rachel, I'll get a job and I'll start afresh. I have to take care of Mackenzie," I said, dabbing my eyes to clean stray tears.

We pulled up to the eatery, and Rachel parked the car. "This is the place," she said, her voice hesitant. "I heard they're looking for a waitress." She glanced at me apologetically. "I guess you could start and still find something better later on."

I smiled reassuringly. "It's fine, Rachel. Let's take a look first."

We entered the eatery, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped us. The atmosphere was cozy, with soft music playing in the background. A few customers sat at tables, sipping their drinks or browsing their menus.

Rachel approached the counter, and I followed closely behind. A waitress with a friendly smile greeted us. "Hello! Can I help you?"

Rachel explained that we were there about the job vacancy, and the waitress nodded enthusiastically. "That's right! We do have a vacancy. You want to apply?"

I opened my mouth to respond, but a cold voice cut in, making my heart skip a beat.

"Hmph! Who could've known I'd bump into you here!"

I turned to face the speaker, my eyes locking onto Jacinta's icy gaze. Her expression was disdainful, and her voice sent shivers down my spine.

The waitress stuttered, "Uh...ye–yes ma'am, she was just asking about how to apply, I'd told her my boss – you weren't around."

My heart sank as the waitress's words sank in. Jacinta was the boss? Rachel's face mirrored mine, both of us dumbstruck.

Jacinta's voice dripped with venom as she sneered. "Don't bother applying for the job vacancy, I have no use for such useless people like yourself, hmph!"

Her words were loud, attracting the attention of the customers in the eatery. My face flushed under the stare of so many eyes. Rachel whispered beside me, "Let's leave, Chloe." I nodded, and we beat a hasty retreat, fleeing the eatery and Jacinta's toxic presence.

"I advise you'd better agree to Vincent's terms, no one in this town's going to employ you under his watch. Mark my words." Jacinta's words made me pause in my tracks, a chill ran down my spine.

He couldn't do that could he? My eyes widened, how could he?

"Don't believe everything she says, Chloe. We'll definitely find a job for you." Rachel consoled me after We'd left the eatery.

I nodded but I had a bad premonition about all this. And so it was, everywhere we went, no one was willing to employ me. One business owner was kind enough to tell me, "Vincent's sent word out that he'd deal severely with anyone that dared take you in, we're just trying to avoid trouble."

I was near tears, what could I do now? I had to fend for Mackenzie, I couldn't continue like this. I pored over the newspaper, searching for any job opening that might be available. But every door seemed to be closed to me, thanks to Vincent's threats.

I felt like I was being suffocated by his grip on the town. Rachel tried to be optimistic, but even she couldn't hide her concern.

"We'll find something, Chloe. Don't give up." But I could see the doubt in her eyes. I was starting to lose hope.

And then, I saw it - a small ad for a secretary position at Mark's company.

My heart skipped a beat as I remembered our past encounters. Could he be my only hope? I circled the ad, my mind racing with possibilities. Mark and I had been very good friends but everything had changed when I and Vincent started dating, my eyes clouded over at the thought.

Maybe, just maybe, Mark would be willing to take a chance on me. I folded the newspaper, determination burning within me.

I would apply for that job, no matter what.

The next day I headed to the company, my heart raced. I'd called the number and the interview had been booked today.

"Hello, I have an appointment here for an interview, the vacancy for a secretary…" I explained to the receptionist. She stared at me with a condescending gaze, my face flushed. My body hasn't changed much even after giving birth to Mackenzie, I still had my curves.

"Are you sure that's what you're here for?" The receptionist raised an eyebrow, her words hinting at a hidden agenda.

"Yes, I called yesterday about the vacancy, I spoke to Mr Clement." I explained, trying to remember the details.

"Hmph!" The receptionist looked at me, "What it looks like to me is that you're trying to secure this job through devious means, coming here dressed like that."

My face changed "Excuse me?" The receptionist's words dawned on me, she thought I was some hook up girl. The thought filled me with shame.

"What's going on here?" A voice suddenly interrupted, I turned and my eyes met those of Mark.

My heart raced as I stumbled over my words, "I...she–"

"Don't bother, I heard everything!" Mark interrupted, he stared murderously at the receptionist, "I'll deal with you in due time." He uttered coldly.

"Sir...sir.." The receptionist's face warped in shock. But Mark ignored her. He turned to me, his eyes moved over my body, leaving a warm sensation in their wake.

My face flushed, I felt embarrassed.

"Follow me, I'll interview you myself." Mark said, he turned around to go.

This is it, I took a deep breath, my heart was racing before following him