CHAPTER 06: The Offer

CLAIRE’s P.O.V

        After my class, I went to the teacher’s lounge to meet Teacher Elijah. I thought I was late but when I saw him standing there, flashing a nervous smile, I instantly know that something was up.

“Hey. Why are you smiling like that?” I suspiciously asked.

“Nothing. Maybe we should go. My friend was already waiting for you.”

        I nodded before motioning him to start walking. I can’t help but to think that Elijah was hiding something from me. What’s the deal with this guy?

“Are you really sure about this, Claire?” he asked, for several times I guess.

“Yeah. But if you’re hesitating like that, there’s a higher chance that I will cancel this meeting.”

“I’m sorry for being uneasy. I’m just nervous. Anyways, let’s go.”

       We got inside of his car. He started driving into a different direction, far from our school. As the time passed by, I noticed that we entered a highly maintenance village near Cavite. I was about to ask him what are we doing here but he quickly started a conversation diverting my attention from that question.

“I know what you’re thinking.”

“What?” I asked as I raised my brows.

“Don’t worry, Teacher Claire. I won’t do anything that will harm you.” He winked at me.

        I faked puking as if I was disgusted to his action and response.

“Why wouldn’t you tell where are we going?”

“We’re almost there.”

        Annoyed, I sighed as I looked out of the window. I waited for almost three to five minutes more before Elijah’s car came to stop.

“We’re here.”

        I hopped down from the car. I was amazed by the gigantic gate that separates us from the biggest house I’ve ever seen in my whole life. I didn’t even know that a mansion like this exist here, in Cavite.

“Welcome to Herrera residence, Teacher Claire.”

“Whoah... Wait... What?!” I turned my gazed back to Elijah. 

        Herrera. That’s the surname of his bestfriend. That arrogant man yesterday. I can’t believe that Elijah brought me here right after I told him that I will never talk to that guy ever again.

“Sorry, Claire. It’s just that, I knew you needed a job.”

“Well thank you! But not in here!”

“I thought you say that you’ll do anything for your family? This is it, Claire. I’m helping you out. Just please give it a try. Darren needs your help. And he’s a nice person too.”

        I sighed before answering him.

“Fine. I’ll try.”

        He smiled at me before we entered inside of their residence. I think amusement was all over my face right now. There was a beautiful garden and large swimming pool inside. And as we reached the mansion, I suddenly smiled for no reason.

“Let’s go.” Elijah opened the wide wooden door as I nodded in response. 

        From our current position, I could see a man standing in front of us, facing the counter on the different direction.

“Darren, we’re here.”

        He turned around, and as our eyes met, I could see that surprise invaded his system.

“W-what...”

“Bro, don’t be nervous. She’s here to apply for the job.”

“What the hell, Elijah?!” I could see the disbelief in his eyes. “Why her?”

“She needed a job, bro. I’ll leave you two so that you can talk alone,” he stated before he left, not saying another word.

“Elijah!” He rubbed his temples, while looking at me doubtfully.

“I’ll leave if you want,” I stated.

       I was about to do what I just said when he suddenly grabbed my left arm to stopped me.

“Wait...”

“What?” I removed his hand from my arm as I turn around.

“So, you’re really here for that job?” he asked seriously.

“Yeah. Elijah told me that you badly needed my help. What job it is?”

“I want to hire you as my wife.”

        It took me a while to processed what he just said. Before he can say another word, I was fully aware the true meaning behind of his words.

“Excuse me?!”

“I said, I wanted you to be my wife.”

        I was amused at how he said it to me straightforwardly. But still, I wouldn’t do it. If he thought that I’m some kind of a whore, I’m not. Sorry to burst his bubbles, but I’m not a girl for rent.

“And what kind of job is that?!” I laughed at him mockingly.

“A job that you couldn’t resist.”

        Again, I just laughed bitterly at his arrogance. Poor man. He doesn’t even reach the minimum of my standard.

“Stop being so full of yourself, Mr. Herrera. I’m not for rent. And most of all, I don’t wanna be your wife.”

        I was about to leave when he opened his big mouth, again. I was so tired of hearing his nonsense statement yet what he’d just said caught my full attention.

“Five hundred million dollars. You can already have the half after signing the contract and another fifty percent when my Dad finally made me the CEO of Herrera Corp. So... Do we have a deal or what?”

        I stopped for a while to think. I can finally buy anything with that amount of money. It was like my brain is fighting over money or my pride. My Dad raised me to be a decent woman. Our life wasn’t that much but... Dignity and education are all we have left. And I wouldn’t let this man take it away from me.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Herrera. You can’t buy me with your money.”

        I stepped a few meters away from him before sighing. I can see the disappointment in his eyes yet it was mixed with amusement. I continued walking outside of his mansion until I reached the gates. Elijah was still there, waiting patiently while nervously biting his nails.

“Hi–” I slapped him before he can say anything.

“Did you know about this job?!”

        He rubbed his right cheek. It was bright red because of the impact of my hands to his face. I can’t deny the fact that I also hurt myself after doing that.

“S-sorry, Claire. Darren really needs your help. His father was forcing him to married a woman he barely even know. I just wanted to help my friend.”

“Then why didn’t you say so? And he could’ve asked sincerely and nicely for my help. I’m willing to do anything I can. But did you know what he did to me? He tried to buy me with his money. You know I’m not that kind of woman, Elijah...”

“I’m really sorry, Claire. Let me take you home.”  He looks apologetic.

“Never mind. I can walk all by myself.”

        I turned my back on him before I started walking towards the high way. I was only few steps away when my phone rings and I immediately picked it up.

“Hello?”

“Claire! Please go home! I need your help! Dad just fainted and he lost his consciousness!” It was Alexa.

“What?! Okay, okay. I’ll be right there. Just stay calm or call someone for help.”

        Tears started to fall from my eyes as I ran back to Elijah’s car. He looked at me confused, however, worried expression is visible in his eyes.

“What happened?”

“Dad lost his consciousness. I need your help, Elijah. Please take me home as soon as possible.” I nearly beg to him.

        And without any words or hesitation, Elijah and I got inside of his car then he started the engine. I was crying all the way from Herrera residence until we reached our house.

        As soon as I stepped outside of the car, I dashed through the small gate of our house before opening the door.

“Claire... Please help us...”

        There, I saw my sister weeping while holding my unconscious father lying on the cold cement.