Chapter 4- almost lost the job

Emily POV

Was the universe playing some games with my life? If so, it better stop because this aren’t funny no more.

I can't lose this job. I can't afford to go for another unsuccessful job hunting. This is the only way I can be able to raise money for my dad's surgery.

Of all the people in this world, why?

Why?

The study was big, with walls lined with bookshelves and the rich scent of cinnamon and wood filling the air. Not too far stood a tall figure gazing out the big French window.

 “Sir,” Ryan announced politely, “Miss Emily Carter is here for the nanny position.”

I bit my lower lips praying he doesn't remember me from last night or else everything will be over before it even started. He moved closer and I immediately bent my head gripping my already clamped hands, hoping he wouldn't recognize me.

Maybe men like him wouldn't remember people like me, right? I mean men like him seem to have a lot going on in their lives to keep a clumsy waitress in their head.

From the corner of my eyes, I could see his well-built structured face with no expression as usual staring deeply at me and something tells me I was already discovered. My heart pounded, my lips felt chapped and my palm felt sweaty.

He just took one look at me and then just one word “no” echoed through the room.

That one word was enough to break me into pieces. Ryan blinked, caught off guard. “But sir your mom…” He shot Ryan a death glare before he could finish whatever he had to say in my favor.

“Escort her out and tell my mom should find another one,” he said, turning his back, clearly done.

“Wait,” I blurted out before Ryan could even move. My voice trembled, but I forced myself to meet his. “Please, just hear me out, sir.”

He stopped but didn’t turn. His silence was intimidating, but I took it as a chance. “I know I messed up yesterday,” I began, my voice barely steady. “And I know I’m probably the last person you’d want in your home right now, but please, I really need this job. I’m not asking for pity or a favor, just… a chance to prove myself.”

He finally turned, his eyes cold, piercing through me like ice. “A chance?” he repeated, his tone sharp and mocking. “You think I should trust my son around someone who works at a club”

I flinched at his words, but kept my head high. “That was temporary, sir. I wasn't…”

“I don’t care,” he cut in flatly, his voice deep and harsh. “You’re clumsy, careless, and clearly…desperate. The last thing my son needs is someone like that around him.” His words hit harder than I expected.

My lips parted slightly, but no words came out. Desperate? Of course, I was desperate. Anyone in my situation would be desperate. “Sir please,” I managed to say, though my voice cracked. “I just need this work. I have someone depending on me, and I promise I can handle whatever responsibility you give me if you just—”

“Enough.” His tone snapped like a whip. He ran a hand through his hair, visibly irritated. “I don’t have time for sob stories. You’re not what I’m looking for. Ryan, show her out before I lose patience.”

I froze, my throat burning. The humiliation washed over me in waves, and before I could even blink, the tears I had been holding back blurred my vision. “Sir, maybe you should reconsider,” Ryan tried again softly. “Ethan—”

“I said no, Ryan,” he snapped. “My son will not be around someone like her.”

Someone like her.

Those three words hit me like a slap and the much disgust it carried made my heart clenched so tightly it hurt to breathe. I swallowed the lump in my throat, forcing a weak smile even though my eyes stung.

“Thank you… for your time,” I whispered. He didn’t reply. He didn’t even look at me. Ryan sighed, gesturing toward the door. I turned slowly, my legs heavy like lead, as I began walking out of the study.

My vision wavered with every step, but I refused to let the tears fall until I was out of sight. Just as I reached the door, I heard a faint thud behind me. Ethan’s Wonder Woman toy had slipped from my pocket, clattering softly to the floor.

I bent to pick it up, hesitating for a moment. Then I looked back, maybe a part of me was still wishing he'd call me back to offer me the job but who was I kidding.

I wanted to say something. I wanted to ask why he hated me so much for one stupid mistake. But all that came out was a shaky breath. Without another word, I turned and walked out but was stopped midway.

“wait”

I heard some call me from behind. I turned to see Ryan running towards me.

“What is it? Did something happen.” I asked as he approached.

“Master wants to see you” he reported.

I raised a confused eyebrow. Master? “wait, you mean he asked you to call me back?”

“Yes”

Although over joyed that maybe I got another chance but I couldn’t help but be suspicious. Nevertheless, I still followed him.

And now, I was back facing him again only this time, Ethan was there on his lap. Guess he might be the one who actually gave me an actual chance.

“You start first thing tomorrow morning. Don’t be late. But before that,” Ryan paused bringing out a white sheet of paper from his desk wardrobe. “You have to sign this and you’ll be staying here 24/7.”

I went through the document and as I read it carefully, I couldn’t help but notice his burning gaze boring deep into me like he was trying to tear me open.

“If you’re through, you can sign here”

Wait.

“I can’t fall in love with you?”