Chapter 2

2 hours before the accident…

CLAIRE CHECKED herself in the mirror, she is not used to putting make-up on her face. Just a light powder and a light pink lipstick that’s it. But today, she put light make-up on her face because she needs to look more presentable to give a good impression.

An hour ago she received a call from a possible client who is willing to pay her $30,000 instantly in exchange for writing blogs on their 2 websites for the whole year. She really needs to convince the client that she is the perfect person for this job. Especially now that she needs money for her grandma Celest’s medication. 

Her grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. And she really needs money to sustain her medication. She is a freelance writer and aside from that she does not have any other source of income. If she will get this client then she will not worry anymore about her grandmother’s treatment for at least a year. 

2 weeks ago, one doctor advised her to put her grandmother in an homecare who specializes in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.  She is a little bit hesitant at first because she doesn't want to be separated from her grandmother.  She’s been living with her all her life. Her mother passed away when she was 10 years old. 

She does not have much information about her father. She just  knew that her parents got separated when she was young. She never asked because for her the love that she got from her mother when she was still alive and the love from her grandma Celest is already enough. 

Surprisingly her grandmother wants to stay in the homecare. It was a week ago when they visited the place and she can say that they have the best facilities and she knows that her grandmother is in good hands. Maybe it is the beautiful garden at the homecare, the reason why she chose to stay there. She loves plants and flowers ever since. But she promised to visit her often. She is the only family that she has. And everything that she is doing is for her. 

“You can do it Claire! This is for grandma Celest! Aja!” She said in her reflection with a bright smile. 

She was able to get in the location easily. She ordered a frappe while she was waiting. She received a message from Ms. Fuentes - her possible client, that she needs more 20 minutes before she can get there. Which she replied no problem at all.

After 20 minutes, a woman in business attire approached her.

“Are you Ms. Ramirez?” The woman asked, a little bit surprised.

“Yes, are you Ms. Fuentes? She asked even though she already got a hint that she is. 

The woman nodded and took the seat in front of her.

“Nice meeting you.” She said and flashed a beautiful smile. Strange but it seems that the woman is being amazed by her every move. 

“Nice meeting you too.” She beamed at her. “Okay, so let’s go straight to the point. As I’ve discussed to you over the phone, we will be needing blogs on our 2 websites. Let say twice or thrice per week will be perfect. My boss is willing to pay $30,000 dollars on your account right now just make sure that you can start  after two weeks maybe? And this is for a year. I’ve sent you the topics on the email you’ve provided me a while back.” She explained.

“This means, you just need my answer right and I’ll have the job? She tried to keep her excitement, anyhow this is 30,000 dollars! Not everybody can offer a huge amount like this instantly for an annual job! 

“Yes, here is the contract. It is just a simple contract. We don't need to put in much, anyway you are a freelancer. Sign this today and we will transfer you the money right away.”

Claire literally dropped her jaws. Are they for real? She checked the 2 pages contract and mostly what is written there are the things that Ms. Fuentes discussed over the phone and some of the things she discussed a while back. 

But the thought that this company can easily give a huge amount of money like this made her feel a little bit hesitant. She is not getting into any trouble with this right? She checked the contract again and even flipped the 2 pages just to make sure that she was able to read everything.

“Don’t worry Ms. Ramirez,  you will not be in trouble with this. Money is not a problem with my boss.” Ms. Fuentes said, maybe she saw her hesitating about this.

When she thought of her grandmother, she took the pen and signed the contract. There were two sets. 1 copy for her and 1 copy for them. After she signed the contract, Ms. Fuentes asked for her bank account number which she gave right away. 

A few moments later, Ms. Fuentes is already talking to someone on the phone and provided her account number. Few minutes later, she received a notification that the $30,000 was credited to her account! You can’t imagine how shocked she was and still can’t believe that she has 30,000 dollars on her account right now!

“Okay Ms. Ramirez, that’s it for now. Kindly call me if you have some more questions. I just need to attend another meeting. It was a busy day indeed.” 

Claire was still mesmerized when she heard Ms. Fuentes said that. 

“Oh! Yeah, thank you so much Ms. Fuentes. And please extend my gratitude to your boss.” Claire said, still can’t believe how smoothly she got this job. 

“I will Ms. Ramirez and I expect you to start in the next 2 weeks.” Ms. Fuentes reminded her of her start date.

Claire nodded and smiled at her. Ms. Fuentes did the same and went outside the cafe. 

According to Ms. Fuentes, her boss, is a very private person. Maybe for the whole year she will not be able to get the chance of meeting him or her. She doesn't even know if her boss is a male or a female. But that’s okay, all she can think of is her grandma Celest’s medication. A big part of this money is for her treatment. 

She decided to stay a little bit more however she was taken aback when a handsome man with his shades on suddenly sat in front of her. 

“Excuse me?” Claire said when she was able to get into her senses.

“Yeah, excuse you. Where have you been this time huh?” The man said arrogantly. 

“What? And who are you?” She furrowed her forehead and replied curiously.  

“What? Is this one of your games again?” The man said mockingly. 

“I don’t know what you are talking about Mr.” Claire said and she decided to leave the man. But before she moved further the man grabbed her wrist. She can’t explain the burning sensation. It seemed like a little spark flowed through her veins. 

“You are not running away from me again.” The man said, it's almost like a whisper but he put some emphasis on every word sending some chill on her spine. 

Claire became alert. She might be in danger with this man. Anyway, looks can be deceiving, he might look handsome but what if he is planning something? Does this man know that she just received 30,000 dollars today? Oh! No! 

She immediately thinks of a way she can escape from this man. 

“Mister, obviously, I don’t know what you are talking about! I don’t know you and please leave me alone!” She said shouting at the man to get the attention of some people there and the security as well. 

She grabbed her wrist and walked towards the security guard. “I don’t know this man, please let me leave first, he might follow me.” She said to the security guard. And ran as fast as she could on the cafe’s exit. 

“What are you talking about Claire?” 

Did she just hear him calling her name? Ah! Whatever. The fact is she does not know him. The man could be stalking her since she was talking to Ms. Fuentes and maybe a thief for all she knows. Fearing that the man will catch her, she immediately rides in the taxi waiting outside the cafe.