the offer

I was crying as I walked through the hallway, feeling like the big mansion was closing in on me. I needed to leave, away from their blame and judgment.

My hand shook as I turned the doorknob, the metal cold against my warm skin. The door opened with a loud creak, and fresh air rushed in, feeling so different from the stuffy room I had just left. The cool air hit me hard, waking me up.

I paused, trying to understand what had just happened. It felt like a dramatic TV show, but it was my real life, and everything was falling apart.

Ignoring the rain pouring outside, I stepped into it, letting it drench my uniform. The cold drops stung my cheeks as I ran away from the mansion. The rain was painful, but it was a relief from my embarrassment.

My mind raced as I ran. How did it come to this? I had always felt unwanted in my family. My dad was never happy with me, and when he remarried and had three daughters, I felt even more like a failure. My stepmother didn't want me around either, and she kicked me out when she could.

I stumbled down the long driveway, rain mixing with my tears. I had hoped to find happiness in my job, but instead, I got caught in a messy situation.

The wind picked up, but I barely noticed. I couldn't stop thinking about Alex's look when he fired me, filled with doubt and anger. He never really cared for me; I was just something he could use. And Victoria... she was always good at getting what she wanted.

I realized I had been foolish to think I could find peace there. I had been lonely and wanted affection, and Alex had made me feel special, even if it was all a lie.

Standing in the rain, I understood that I had been tricked. Victoria had always known about me and waited for the right time to act.

I wiped my tears and took a deep breath. I couldn't go back to the mansion, not with Victoria's lies hanging over me. I needed to escape.

As I reached the end of the driveway, I saw headlights. I waved down the car, desperate for help. The rain had soaked me, making my clothes cling to me.

A man in a wrinkled suit opened the car door, surprised to see me. He offered his hand, and I took it, grateful. The warmth inside the car felt good against the cold rain outside.

"How much for the night?" he asked, sounding serious.

His words shocked me. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't realize he was a stranger and a customer.

Then I remembered I couldn't go back to the mansion after what happened. So I decided to play along. "Depends on what you're looking for," I said, my voice shaky.

He studied me, his hand near the cash on the dashboard. "What's your best offer?"

I felt nervous. I couldn't tell him the truth. "I... I can do anything," I said, trying to sound confident.

He seemed pleased and nodded. "Good. You'll need to if you want to earn your keep."

As he started the car, I wondered how I ended up in this situation. Why did I let Victoria's accusations push me so far? I had no money or place to go, and Alex's look made it clear I couldn't return.

We drove through the dark, rainy streets. The silence was heavy, and my heart raced. The car's interior was warm and dry, so different from the cold outside.

I kept glancing at him, unsure of what he wanted. Was he really expecting me to do what Victoria accused me of? That thought made me feel sick, but I was desperate. I had nowhere to go.

As we drove, the rain got heavier, and the drops blurred the windows. The wipers moved back and forth, the only sound in the quiet car.

Finally, the car stopped, and I looked up to see a large building in front of us, lit by street lamps. It looked like a mansion, reminding me of the one I had just left. The man stepped out into the rain without offering his hand, and I followed, my heart racing as I took in the sight of the place.