Chapter 2

Audrey's Point of View

I ducked my head down, fast. Earlier, only my cheeks were burning. Now, I could feel the heat crawling all the way to my ears, my forehead, probably my whole face.

Why?! Out of all the people I could embarrass myself in front of… why my boss? Is he even still my boss? He’s probably thinking of firing me right now.

Idiot, Audrey. You complete idiot.

I peeked up for a second. His eyes were still locked on me. I quickly looked down again, wishing I could disappear.

How was I supposed to know? I thought I met a handsome guy in the elevator. A coworker, maybe. Someone harmless to flirt with for five minutes, not my freaking CEO! Stupid hangover… stupid tequila… stupid me!

I couldn’t read his expression now. His face was unreadable, cool, serious. Was he thinking of kicking me out? Please, no.

I need this job.

My family… they’re counting on me. If I go home jobless again, what will I tell them? That I impressed my boss by lying in my interview? That I sabotaged my only chance because of nerves?

Jazper’s voice snapped me back to reality.

“I’ve received news,” he began, his tone ice-cold, “that someone here lied during their interview.”

The air shifted. Whispers rippled around me. My stomach flipped.

Lord, if you love me even a little, please, just let me sink into the floor right now. I could be a sweet potato. I wouldn’t complain.

I stayed frozen in my seat, praying my body wouldn't betray me. Maybe if I stayed perfectly still, I’d blend in…

Jazper’s voice filled the room again.

“We’ll be rechecking all interview results. A strict background check will be conducted.”

My heart skipped a beat. My ears buzzed. I could barely hear anything but his voice.

“You are all here for one reason,” Jazper continued, scanning the room. His gaze landed on me briefly, sharp enough to cut glass. “We are entrusting our company to you. Each of you is now part of it. I expect honesty. Integrity is not optional here.”

I gave a stiff, awkward smile and nodded like some malfunctioning bobblehead.

“I don’t want the opportunities we offer to be wasted,” Jazper added. “This company invests in its people. I expect you to work hard, exceed expectations, and think outside the box.”

Someone behind me spoke up. “Sir?”

Jazper turned slightly. Romeo and a woman exchanged nervous looks before glancing at him.

He nodded once, still serious. “Go ahead.”

The woman asked, “How will we know… if we still passed?”

Jazper’s expression didn’t soften. “My assistant, Mira, will recheck all your information. You’ll wait for the final call. That’s all. Good day.”

Silence.

And then, clap clap clap.

My hands. I was clapping like an idiot.

Everyone stared at me like I’d lost my mind. I froze mid-clap, horrified. Sometimes when I’m nervous… I do things without thinking.

I looked at Romeo for help, but even he looked terrified. Thanks for nothing, best friend.

Jazper’s eyes narrowed at me. “Anything to say?” His voice was calm, but dangerously sharp.

I swallowed hard. “I… I have a question.”

“A question,” he repeated slowly, almost amused. “Say it.”

I bit my lip, glancing nervously around. “Uh… can I ask it outside?” My voice shook. “Just the two of us?”

Romeo coughed behind me. “Audrey, you can ask your question here. Mr.Gibson’s time is important. Let’s not waste it.”

“Just a minute… I promise.”

The bodyguards moved, ready to stop me, but Jazper raised his hand. “Let her speak,” he said calmly. “I’d like to hear what’s bothering her… shall we?”

I stood up, my legs barely cooperating. Romeo’s eyes widened. If looks could kill, I’d be dead twice by now. The whole room stared, jaws hanging open.

I followed Jazper outside, my steps shaky. When we were far enough from the others, he stopped and turned to face me.

I froze. My knees wobbled.

“I’m sorry, Mr.Gibson.” The words tumbled out before I could stop them. “Really, I didn’t mean it. I lied earlier, but that’s all I said. Please… believe me.”

He raised a brow, eyes unreadable. “Lying is a foul to me. I’ve got trust issues, Ms. Watson.”

Ms. Watson… His voice wrapped around my last name, and my heart pounded even harder.

“I’ll do anything to prove myself,” I begged, voice cracking. “Please… I won’t waste this opportunity. I only did it because I was desperate. I really, really need this job.”

For a moment, he just stared at me, his eyes flickering with… amusement? But it vanished as quickly as it came.

“Mr.Gibson… please…” I tried again.

“I’ll call,” he cut me off.

“C-call?”

“Yes. From me.” His tone was serious. “I need time to think. I’ll set the terms once I’ve decided. Until then… pray harder.”

And just like that, he walked away, leaving me speechless.

Two Weeks Later

All my life, I hated waiting. That’s why I’m always the last to show up when meeting friends. I can’t stand waiting for them, especially when they’re on Filipino time.

But this? Is this waiting for Jazper’s call? It was like living inside a suspense movie, stuck on pause.

Every day, I prayed harder. Every day, no message. No call.

Even Romeo couldn’t believe it. He scolded me a dozen times. His own job was on the line because of me. Jazper’s assistant had grilled him about me repeatedly. Thankfully, they didn’t fire him. Yet.

And as if that wasn’t enough… my family was falling apart.

“If it weren’t for your gambling, Romy, we wouldn’t have lost the business!” I heard Mom shout.

I took a shaky breath, listening to them fight again. Dad’s gambling. The store is going bankrupt. The debts are piling up.

“I told you, Romy! I told you we couldn’t survive like this!”

“I’m sorry… You don’t need to remind me every second…”

“I’ll remind you every day!”

Dad’s voice broke mid-sentence. I clenched my fists, biting back tears. I wanted to cover my ears, disappear, escape. I’m the eldest. I’m supposed to help… but I can’t. I can’t even secure a job for myself.

I never realized how important money was. All I knew before was how to spend it. Now… all I knew was how empty our wallets were.

Someone tossed my phone onto the bed.

“Someone’s calling you, Audrey,” Anya said.

I wiped my eyes. “Who is it, Ate Anya?” I asked weakly.

She rolled her eyes. “That’s your phone. Why are you asking me?”

“You’re really good.”

Anya’s voice pulled me back to reality. I grabbed my phone and slipped into the bathroom, locking the door so no one could hear. Sitting on the toilet lid, I stared at the screen. Unknown number.

“Hello?” I answered cautiously.

“Hi.”

My heart skipped. “Audreyian Marie Watson speaking.”

“Wow. Full name. Relax. I’m not from Shopee.”

A soft chuckle came through the line.

“You’re hired.”

My eyes widened. “Hired? Who is this? Don’t prank me right now.”

“I’m not joking,” the voice replied firmly.

The nerves in my chest tightened. “Is this…”

“Your boss,” he confirmed. “Jazper.”

My hand shot over my mouth to muffle the scream. I literally bounced on the toilet seat. Shit. I have a job! Finally! This is it! Thank you, Lord!

I quickly pressed the phone back to my ear. “Mr.Gibson, thank you! Thank you so much!”

“You start Monday.”

And just like that, he hung up.

I didn’t care. I bolted out of the bathroom and grabbed Anya, hugging her tight even as she tried to push me away.

“I got the job! Girl, I got it!”

She groaned. “What do you want me to do? Cook lechon? Calm down.”

I giggled, lightly hitting her shoulder, but my chest felt lighter. Hopeful. I needed to tell Mom and Dad. Maybe this would lift the heaviness in the house… even just a little.

I walked to their room and knocked, but didn’t wait for an answer. Mom was sewing clothes on the bed. Dad was sorting papers on the table, a worried crease between his brows.

“Yes, son?” Dad tried to smile.

I smiled back, stepping closer. “I got a job.”

Dad’s hands froze mid-motion. He and Mom exchanged a look, something flickering in their tired eyes… hope.

“Congratulations, my son!” Dad kissed my head, pride breaking through the stress on his face.

“Should we celebrate?” Mom asked softly, though the sadness never really left her voice.

I shook my head and moved to her side, hugging her tightly. Her eyes were red. She’d been crying again.

“No need, Mama. I know we’re struggling… but hold on, okay? I can help now. I’ll get us out of this mess.”

Mom took a shaky breath, wrapping her arms around me. For a second, I thought everything would be okay.

But then she whispered, “Audrey… we have something to tell you…”

I pulled back, my heart uneasy. “What is it?”

Dad cleared his throat. “We’ve decided… we’re selling the house. We’re moving to my province.”

My world stopped.

What?

Just when I thought I had finally gotten a grip on life… it slipped away again.

“You need to learn to live on your own first,” Mom added gently. “We… we have to leave you here.”

I stared at them, unable to speak.

What now?