She analyzed the information concerning everything. It turned out that whoever the employers were, they needed a care assistant for a sick person.
“Hmm, seems….pretty legit” Ava assured herself. Taking care of sick people was literally her job, plus the amount being offered a month was bigger than her salary at the hospital.
Ava waved her hand and snorted, regardless of the price, she'll keep working at the hospital as a doctor. She was, after all, passionate about medicine.
Without wasting any time, she dialed the number. “Good day,” Ava spoke first as soon as the line connected.
“I see you've discovered our job ad, thank you for reaching out. Text your email to this number and a form will be sent. Sign at the bottom. You can start from Monday” the woman spoke.
Ava paced back and forth in her room. It was a habit of hers to move about whenever she was on the phone. She blinked a few times at the woman's words, was that it?
“Um, what about the address?” She asked
There was a short silence before the woman answered, “Drop by at 104 King's Street; a car will come to pick you up from there. Be sure to be early on Monday”.
Before Ava could speak, the call ended. She stared down at the number, her face etched with doubt. She sent her email address to the number and waited.
Her phone beeped. Ava sat and carefully ran her eyes through the form. Other than her age, full name, and marital status, nothing else was asked, not even her home address.
She was even more surprised to see that the amount was still $800,000 as her payment per month.
Ava was stuck, should I accept this? She asked herself over and over again. If it turns out to be real, then she gets to be paid handsomely, but if it isn't real, then she'll be in big trouble.
She dialed her friend, Carl, a mechanic.
“What's up, Ava?” He answered almost immediately
“I was suspended from work yesterday” she replied
“What did you do?”, He sounded unsurprised
“I punched Brandon, my superior, in the face,” she said nonchalantly.
“..... seriously? You did that?” Carl asked
“Yeah, I even broke his nose. Anyways, I'm applying for a new job as a personal care assistant for now” Ava's pace took her to the kitchen where she leaned against the sink
“Ah, already? I was going to suggest we see a movie tonight or something. Where's the place?” He asked
“I found the advert online, I called and they said I can start on Monday”
“How much is your pay?”
Ava hesitated, “eight hundred thousand dollars”
“What!? For how many months?” He asked
“The payment is monthly” she responded with a sigh
“Don't do it, Ava, it sounds very suspicious” he advised
Ava whined “I know, I know, but—”
He cut in “Don't tell me you're already considering it, maybe you've forgotten but human trafficking is still a thing in the 21st century”
“I've got it sorted out already; why'd you think I called you? If it's real, then it's real, but if it isn't, and I'm unable to punch my way out, I'll send you the plate number of the car that'll pick me up”.
Carl was completely against it but later on, agreed to it since Ava was relentless. She signed the contract, filled out the form, and sent it back.
On Monday morning, dressed in a dandelion-imprinted gown, Ava stood at the bus stop at 104 King's Street.
Her hair was tied in a ponytail, and her hazel eyes sparkled while reflecting the radiant sun.
As expected, from a distance, she saw a black car heading her way.
She cunningly pulled out her phone, using the zoom camera, she captured the photo of the car's front plate and sent it to Carl.
The car stopped in front of her, and a man stepped out from the driver's seat. He was the only one. “Are you Miss Patel?” He asked politely and she nodded.
“And you are?”
“Call me James, Miss Patel.” he opened the door for her, and she sat comfortably after thanking him.
It was just her and James, no other person present. Her mind raced at the thought of the job being genuine.
James didn't even have the face of a duper or an abductor; he looked rather peaceful, and his voice was kind.
Occasionally, Ava would look at him through the rearview mirror. His concentration was keenly on the road.
It was a painfully long journey that Ava couldn't keep up with the landmarks she created, even the excitement she felt earlier had faded with time.
“I see you're tired, Miss Patel; we're almost at the mansion,” he broke the silence with his reassuring words.
Ava smiled, he was genuinely kind and considerate. Wait! Did he say mansion!?
Just when she was about to brush off the thought, the car halted at the front of a large gate adorned with intricate golden and black designs.
She gaped, watching the large gate open automatically. Upon entering the Mansion’s threshold, she noticed two able-bodied men wielding guns at both sides of the gate.
The car moved further in. She looked out through the car window at the gigantic house her eyes beheld. Her jaw dropped, where…. exactly am I? She asked herself.
“Miss Patel?” James called out to her, she was busy gawking. She hadn't noticed that he was out of the car already.
Hastily, she alighted the vehicle.
“Right this way Miss Patel, welcome to the Blackwood Mansion”
“Excuse me, did you say Blackwood?” Ava asked, her eyes widened. James nodded. “You mean THE Blackwood?” The renowned wealthy family that has been in the upper-ups for generations? She asked again, to confirmJames nodded with an acknowledging smile “Yes Miss Patel”This is unbelievable! She thought to herself. In all her life, she never believed she would step feet in a place others considered sacred…..but who was sick and in need of a PCA?The majestic doors opened wide, and as though waiting for her arrival, Ava was greeted by three people.She knew two out of the three. Standing right before her was the mistress of Blackwood, Thelma Blackwood, wife of the late Lucas Blackwood.On her left was her second son, Kain, the second young master of the Blackwood family.These two, Ava knew them, but the woman on Mrs Thelma's right was unfamiliar.Of all of them, the blonde busty woman had on a mocking smile with her arms folded across her chest.There she was, Ava Patel, standing like an
“Mr Liam! What is the meaning of this?” Ava jerked up. Under his bed was a pile of sour meals. They were very slimy, and some had grown molds over them. No wonder the room smelt, under his bed were all his spoiled foods.Liam's ears tingled listening to her quickened steps. Mr Liam….how interesting.“Are you deliberately dumping all your food under your bed? Do you know how unhygienic that is? No wonder your room stinks so much; you're doing this on purpose, aren't you?..”She scolded him but he kept calm and replied “I am crippled and I am blind, it is because I cannot do anything that's why you can speak to me in the manner you like”Ava pinched her temples, her raged tone faltering. “Even if you weren't of prestige status, I'll still scold you. This is really bad for you. Do you wanna die in the dirt? Cause I don't want to..”“If it's bothering you, use the door,” he said rudely. Ava clenched her jaw, suppressing the sudden urge to strangle him. She stomped back to his bed. “I'm n
Was it a mistake? ‘what is the meaning of this?’ She asked herself. On the plate was a combination of different spoiled food; the vegetables on it were soggy, and the fish had maggots coming in and out of it. Maybe it's a mistake; maybe they meant to throw it away and not serve it to their eldest son, or maybe they accidentally put this in a well-covered plate accompanied by fancy cutleries and a silver tray. Ava blinked; the food already had an odor. This can't even be a leftover meal; more like they picked it out of the trash. It was nothing compared to the sumptuous meal served on the table. Ava gulped, she was confused. She looked at Thelma who had gone back to eating. Sensing her stare, Thelma looked up and locked eyes with Ava. “Why are you still here? Is something the matter?” She askedHer question caused the blonde woman and the second son to look at her. Ava averted her eyes and answered, “No.”Her mind was flooded with questions while heading back to Liam's room. She c
Liam's face contorted in anger, but Ava ignored, lifting her hand to feed him. Liam grasped her wrist tightly and twisted it, causing the spoon to fall off. Ava winced in pain “Hey! That hurts!” Liam's grip tightened, his voice in a low growl, he said “I told you, I'm not hungry”Liam left Ava's wrist and rode himself back to the window. Ava stared at the red marks on her wrist and sighed quietly “A tough one huh,”Ava ate the meal herself while shrugging with the thought ‘You can't stay stubborn forever Mr Liam, sooner or later, your stomach will grumble’After eating, Ava stood up. “Mr Liam,” she called out and got no response. She continued “If you're feeling sleepy, I can help you lie down” Liam said nothing. Ava sighed deeply, even though he looked like he was putting up a fight because he was violent; in reality, he was just frustrated. This time, Ava didn't force him, she left in search of James. James explained that he was the one who usually helped Liam lie on the bed and
After what seemed like hours of waiting, Ava decided to exit her room to Liam's. She assumed he must've calmed down by now.She opened the door and to her surprise, he was lying on the bed with his face up. Ava drew closer; his eyes were open, but she couldn't tell if he was awake or not.Ava's eyes wandered around his face, his defined jawline, the dark circles underneath his eyes, his bedhead hair, and thin lips —He truly was good-looking—Unknowingly, Ava leaned in, her face minutes away from his. Liam could feel her subtle breaths on his face and get calm stare but he remained quiet and still.In that moment, something happened. There was a sudden flash in Liam's eyes. His heart raced as the image quickly ran through his eyes. For a moment there, he could see!It was in an instant but he felt like he saw something magical. Maybe it was a dream? The image played over and over causing his heart to beat in a scattered rhythm.Her face was just above his, her loose silver hair cascadi
“The director would like to see you, Dr. Patel,” the small woman announced, dressed in a formal nurse outfit, and left.Ava groaned, what did he want now?After knocking, she was invited in. The name tag on his desk read Director Mark Bryson. A strict African American who attained his height as the director through nepotism.Ava heaved a painful sigh and cursed inwardly at the sight of her superior, Dr. Luke standing next to director Bryson with a plaster on his nose bridge.With a hand gesture, director Bryson offered her a seat.Ava decided to apologize first “Director Bry—”“Ava” he cut in, using her first name instead of her designation and last name. “Who are you to Dr. Luke?” He askedAva held her tongue, what kind of question is this? She asked inwardly. Men here in the hospital were infamous for always belittling women and that's what the director was trying to do now.“I am his subordinate, Sir,” she answered brilliantly.“Inferior,” Director Bryson corrected, “Ava you're inf
After what seemed like hours of waiting, Ava decided to exit her room to Liam's. She assumed he must've calmed down by now.She opened the door and to her surprise, he was lying on the bed with his face up. Ava drew closer; his eyes were open, but she couldn't tell if he was awake or not.Ava's eyes wandered around his face, his defined jawline, the dark circles underneath his eyes, his bedhead hair, and thin lips —He truly was good-looking—Unknowingly, Ava leaned in, her face minutes away from his. Liam could feel her subtle breaths on his face and get calm stare but he remained quiet and still.In that moment, something happened. There was a sudden flash in Liam's eyes. His heart raced as the image quickly ran through his eyes. For a moment there, he could see!It was in an instant but he felt like he saw something magical. Maybe it was a dream? The image played over and over causing his heart to beat in a scattered rhythm.Her face was just above his, her loose silver hair cascadi
Liam's face contorted in anger, but Ava ignored, lifting her hand to feed him. Liam grasped her wrist tightly and twisted it, causing the spoon to fall off. Ava winced in pain “Hey! That hurts!” Liam's grip tightened, his voice in a low growl, he said “I told you, I'm not hungry”Liam left Ava's wrist and rode himself back to the window. Ava stared at the red marks on her wrist and sighed quietly “A tough one huh,”Ava ate the meal herself while shrugging with the thought ‘You can't stay stubborn forever Mr Liam, sooner or later, your stomach will grumble’After eating, Ava stood up. “Mr Liam,” she called out and got no response. She continued “If you're feeling sleepy, I can help you lie down” Liam said nothing. Ava sighed deeply, even though he looked like he was putting up a fight because he was violent; in reality, he was just frustrated. This time, Ava didn't force him, she left in search of James. James explained that he was the one who usually helped Liam lie on the bed and
Was it a mistake? ‘what is the meaning of this?’ She asked herself. On the plate was a combination of different spoiled food; the vegetables on it were soggy, and the fish had maggots coming in and out of it. Maybe it's a mistake; maybe they meant to throw it away and not serve it to their eldest son, or maybe they accidentally put this in a well-covered plate accompanied by fancy cutleries and a silver tray. Ava blinked; the food already had an odor. This can't even be a leftover meal; more like they picked it out of the trash. It was nothing compared to the sumptuous meal served on the table. Ava gulped, she was confused. She looked at Thelma who had gone back to eating. Sensing her stare, Thelma looked up and locked eyes with Ava. “Why are you still here? Is something the matter?” She askedHer question caused the blonde woman and the second son to look at her. Ava averted her eyes and answered, “No.”Her mind was flooded with questions while heading back to Liam's room. She c
“Mr Liam! What is the meaning of this?” Ava jerked up. Under his bed was a pile of sour meals. They were very slimy, and some had grown molds over them. No wonder the room smelt, under his bed were all his spoiled foods.Liam's ears tingled listening to her quickened steps. Mr Liam….how interesting.“Are you deliberately dumping all your food under your bed? Do you know how unhygienic that is? No wonder your room stinks so much; you're doing this on purpose, aren't you?..”She scolded him but he kept calm and replied “I am crippled and I am blind, it is because I cannot do anything that's why you can speak to me in the manner you like”Ava pinched her temples, her raged tone faltering. “Even if you weren't of prestige status, I'll still scold you. This is really bad for you. Do you wanna die in the dirt? Cause I don't want to..”“If it's bothering you, use the door,” he said rudely. Ava clenched her jaw, suppressing the sudden urge to strangle him. She stomped back to his bed. “I'm n
“Excuse me, did you say Blackwood?” Ava asked, her eyes widened. James nodded. “You mean THE Blackwood?” The renowned wealthy family that has been in the upper-ups for generations? She asked again, to confirmJames nodded with an acknowledging smile “Yes Miss Patel”This is unbelievable! She thought to herself. In all her life, she never believed she would step feet in a place others considered sacred…..but who was sick and in need of a PCA?The majestic doors opened wide, and as though waiting for her arrival, Ava was greeted by three people.She knew two out of the three. Standing right before her was the mistress of Blackwood, Thelma Blackwood, wife of the late Lucas Blackwood.On her left was her second son, Kain, the second young master of the Blackwood family.These two, Ava knew them, but the woman on Mrs Thelma's right was unfamiliar.Of all of them, the blonde busty woman had on a mocking smile with her arms folded across her chest.There she was, Ava Patel, standing like an
She analyzed the information concerning everything. It turned out that whoever the employers were, they needed a care assistant for a sick person.“Hmm, seems….pretty legit” Ava assured herself. Taking care of sick people was literally her job, plus the amount being offered a month was bigger than her salary at the hospital.Ava waved her hand and snorted, regardless of the price, she'll keep working at the hospital as a doctor. She was, after all, passionate about medicine.Without wasting any time, she dialed the number. “Good day,” Ava spoke first as soon as the line connected.“I see you've discovered our job ad, thank you for reaching out. Text your email to this number and a form will be sent. Sign at the bottom. You can start from Monday” the woman spoke.Ava paced back and forth in her room. It was a habit of hers to move about whenever she was on the phone. She blinked a few times at the woman's words, was that it?“Um, what about the address?” She askedThere was a short sil
“The director would like to see you, Dr. Patel,” the small woman announced, dressed in a formal nurse outfit, and left.Ava groaned, what did he want now?After knocking, she was invited in. The name tag on his desk read Director Mark Bryson. A strict African American who attained his height as the director through nepotism.Ava heaved a painful sigh and cursed inwardly at the sight of her superior, Dr. Luke standing next to director Bryson with a plaster on his nose bridge.With a hand gesture, director Bryson offered her a seat.Ava decided to apologize first “Director Bry—”“Ava” he cut in, using her first name instead of her designation and last name. “Who are you to Dr. Luke?” He askedAva held her tongue, what kind of question is this? She asked inwardly. Men here in the hospital were infamous for always belittling women and that's what the director was trying to do now.“I am his subordinate, Sir,” she answered brilliantly.“Inferior,” Director Bryson corrected, “Ava you're inf