An Unpleasant Surprise

Rayna's POV.

For someone like Maggie, she didn't need any interview. All she needed was payback, and I would do so with every of her payslip. In the meantime, a look of shock seemed to mask Sera's face as she stared at me. She knew I wasn't the type who would hire someone without having an interview with them or better still, a physical meeting with them, so I could understand the shock on her face.

However, there was no point trying to understand a decision which was birthed from an experience from years back. But then, I thought that was all. Expecting her to leave, instead she remained in front of me. 

“Is there something else?” I asked, with a tinge of curiosity in my voice. “Or do you have something to say.” 

“One more thing, ma'am.” she said, indicating with a raised finger. “You need someone who will clean the house, and I've got two options here.” 

“Good and fine.” I said, with a shrug of my shoulder. “There is no point going back and forth on this, the first one is hired.” 

“Huh?” — the word leapt out of her lips on their own accord as she crinkled her face in confusion.

For one, I was trying to help her get a break. I can only imagine how long she'd been working for me. But, it doesn't seem like she knows that she needs the break. However, even if she doesn't know that, I would allow her to do so. Basically, she's handled every issue concerning my return to New York. Sometimes, she'd to stay up all night trying to get a few other things done. I see all her efforts but the last thing I would want would be to see her break down as a result of fatigue. Besides, she also gave me two options the first time, and I picked the second. So, now I'm deciding to make a different decision by picking the first.

“You heard me, Sera.” I said, righting from the couch as I gave her shoulder an encouraging squeeze. “The first one is hired. And don't worry, there is no need for me to go through their details. For them to have made it into your list means that they are good enough for the job.” 

“You flatter me ma'am.” she said, revealing a dimple in her left cheek. “But, we can't be so sure ma'am. I know you've made a decision, but I would like for you to reconsider. Have a meeting with them.” 

“There is nothing to worry about, Sera.” I said, flashing a smile across her worried face. “I know what I'm doing. Besides, you need to get some rest too.”

“If this is about me getting some rest, then you needn't bother because I am doing just fine.” she said, with a meaningful look in her eyes. “I can handle myself. However, we need to be sure that everything is in order before I leave here.” 

“Oh, come on, Sera.” I said, stroking her cheeks. “You should get some rest; you look more exhausted than you sound. We can continue with all the work tomorrow, but I'm not joking with your health, alright? So be a good girl and listen to me.” 

“Alright ma'am.” she said, her shoulders dropping. “However, if you need…” 

“Don't worry, I won't be needing anything more.” I said, dropping my hand. “All you have to do is get some rest.” 

“Thank you ma'am.” she said, forcing a smile through her lips as she dropped the device on the center table. “Stay safe and healthy, ma'am.” 

“And you too.” I said, keeping her in my gaze as she turned and ambled towards the door. 

Before long, the door latch clicked, indicating that she'd stepped out. Heaving a rather depressing sigh, I swept my eyes all over the room once more as I slowly reclined on the couch with both hands on my pant legs. Tilting my head to the side, I watched the curtain dance to the rhythm of the gentle breeze for a while before righting myself from the couch. I shuffled some steps towards the door, moved the curtain to the side with a hand as I stepped into the balcony. Although, it was across the street, but I could see my uncle's building from the balcony where I stood. Suddenly, the sound of my phone ringing cut through my thoughts like a whip.

Glancing at the screen of my device, it flashed with Sera's name. It hadn't even been up to ten minutes that she left my house, and she was already calling. Nonetheless, I answered.

“Don't tell me you've called to discuss something relating to work, or have you?” I asked, brushing a finger on the rails on the balcony as I walked to the other side. “If that's the case, then it can wait till tomorrow.” 

“Not really ma'am.” — her voice came from the other end of the line. “I just wanted to inform you that I've contacted the people you picked, and I've mailed them their letter of employment which also includes their day of resumption.”

“And when would that be?” I asked, narrowing my gaze at the words. “Don't tell me…” 

“I want to believe that Maggie has just arrived at your place.” she said, sounding as if she was right behind me. “While Onyx should arrive much later.” 

If my calculation is right, then she mailed Maggie while she was still with me. Or, the moment she stepped out of my house. However, since she didn't go with the device, then I'm guessing she did so while she was still with me.

“I am guessing Onyx is the cleaner, right?” I asked, trying to confirm just to be on the safer side. “And, a female too, right?” 

“Yes, ma'am.” she said. “However, I've got to go now. Do stay safe and healthy ma'am.” 

“And you too.” I said, disconnecting the line. 

I'd barely dropped my arm when I heard the doorbell ring. Just as Sera had mentioned, I figured it was Maggie. With a few steps, I returned to the sitting room, and then proceeded to get the door. Holding the doorknob, I turned it open. As I did that, the figure standing in front of me whose head was hung low, lifted her face to me. However, as our gazes met, a look of shock fell upon her face.

“I believe you're Maggie, right?” I asked, even though I knew the answer in my heart. 

However, she didn't say a thing to me. Instead, she kept silent, staring at me as though she'd seen a ghost. I guess Karma is always right.

“Is there something wrong you look like you have just seen a ghost?”