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4 – Job Offer (1)
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2025-01-15 00:10:55"You said you’d do any kind of work?" The question came from Callie, Alethea’s best friend, whose mother owned a staffing agency.
"Yes. Did you get the latest update from your mom?" Alethea asked eagerly. They were deliberately talking in the kitchen in hushed voices because Alethea’s mother and younger sibling were watching TV in the living room. "I did," Callie replied, equally enthusiastic. "It’s a job with a very tempting offer, and you wouldn’t have to go abroad because the job is in the capital city. Plus, you don’t need to spend a dime on documents like work visas or anything." Callie’s tone was filled with excitement. "What kind of job?" Alethea asked, eyeing Callie suspiciously as she washed vegetables at the sink. Despite feeling exhausted after just getting home from work, cooking dinner for her family wasn’t something she could skip. If she refused, something would surely be thrown at her, and the pain from that would outweigh her fatigue. "My mom said it’s a caregiving job for someone who’s ill," Callie said as she helped Alethea slice tomatoes. "But the conditions they’ve set are a bit... unusual." "What do you mean?" "They’re looking for someone who can work 24/7 for an entire week. No days off. No cell phone. No family visits." "Are you sure this isn’t a prison?" Alethea shot Callie a sarcastic look. "No. My mom said the person who contacted her is someone she trusts," Callie replied firmly. However, Alethea frowned, her mind racing as she tried to process the peculiar conditions her friend had just shared. "Are you sure this job isn’t dangerous for me?" Alethea asked, still suspicious. "Are they good employers? And think about it—how can someone work without rest? That’s completely unreasonable, Callie. I’m human, not a robot. Even robots need downtime, let alone me." Alethea vented her frustration. "I can tolerate the no-family-visits rule because, honestly, I wouldn’t want my mom coming to my workplace. You know how she is; I’m not sure she wouldn’t make things worse for me. And I’m not a phone addict, so I wouldn’t mind not using one during work hours. But what if I need help? Or what if my family—my grandmother—needs to reach me? Those two conditions you mentioned earlier just don’t make sense." "Let me explain first," Callie said with a smile, reacting calmly to her friend’s fiery outburst. "My mom and I already discussed this with the employer. The 24/7 work condition is just a figure of speech. They’re not actually forbidding days off or banning phone usage completely. It’s more of a metaphor. You won’t be working around the clock because they’re not that crazy. What they mean is that they want you to always be available to meet the employer’s needs whenever they arise. So, you might have to wake up and do your job even in the middle of the night. They said your work would be similar to caring for a baby, except this is an adult baby." "What exactly is wrong with the employer?" "I don’t know, and my mom didn’t dare to ask," Callie replied, leaving Alethea in thoughtful silence. "As for your personal needs, they said they’d handle everything. You won’t even need to worry about washing or ironing your own clothes because they have other staff for that. And for food and healthcare, they’ll fully cover those expenses, meaning you’ll get a clean salary every month. And here’s the best part, in my opinion." "What is it? How much are they going to pay me?" Alethea asked eagerly. This was what she had been dying to know from the start. "They’re going to pay you forty thousand dollars a month," Callie said, trying to contain her excitement as she revealed the staggering number. "Just imagine, Thea, how much that is! With that kind of money, you could finally shut your mom up." She whispered this last part while shaking Alethea, who stood frozen in place. "Y-you’re serious?" Alethea stammered in disbelief, her eyes staring at Callie in confusion. Callie grinned widely and nodded enthusiastically. "That’s impossible," Alethea replied, still skeptical. "What’s impossible? Remember, your working hours are twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week for an entire month. That’s why the pay is so high. They also said the rest of it is basically a weekend bonus," Callie explained. "Have you ever heard of a more incredible offer than this? Even my mom said she’d take the job herself if her health allowed it. And me? I’d do it too, but my mom said I’m not as gentle or patient as you, so hiring me would only ruin her agency’s reputation." Callie sighed, feigning frustration. "I’m not sure, Callie," Alethea said softly. "Even if the pay is tempting, the job feels suspicious." "I get it. I thought the same thing at first," Callie admitted. "That’s why I asked my mom to secure some guarantees. They said they’d draw up a contract that protects you completely. They’re even willing to pay you the full month’s salary upfront." Alethea bit her lower lip hesitantly. "You’re sure this isn’t a dangerous job?" she asked, still worried. "I’m sure, Thea. Absolutely sure. Do you want me to contact the person offering the job? My mom gave me their contact info, and the woman said I could call her if you had any doubts." Alethea thought for a moment before nodding. Callie pulled out her phone and dialed the number. "Helen Bishop," said the voice on the other end of the line, answering on the first ring. "I’m Callie Osborn, the daughter of Imelda Osborn, owner of the staffing agency," Callie responded confidently. "Ah, yes. What’s the matter? Have you found a candidate that meets our requirements?" the woman asked bluntly, skipping any pleasantries. "We have one candidate who we think is a good fit for you," Callie said, glancing at Alethea. "I’ve explained all your terms and conditions, but she still needs some reassurance. Honestly, the offer you’re making is very tempting, and the salary you’re offering is fantastic. That’s why she’s a bit hesitant—it feels almost too good to be true." A soft chuckle came from the other end of the line. "Is she with you now? I’d like to see her face," Helen said. Callie immediately switched the call to video mode.Related chapters
Bound By Duty, Captivated By Love 5 - Job Offer (2)
"Her name is Alethea Zorba. She’s twenty-two years old. She’s hardworking and patient," Callie explained, letting the phone’s camera capture Alethea from head to toe. "I’m confident she’d be perfect for taking care of someone who’s ill, just like you need."Alethea stayed silent as Helen switched the call back to voice mode."Does she have any actual experience caring for the sick?" the voice asked. Alethea shook her head in response."Not formally," Callie interjected. "But she’s very patient and has experience taking care of ill family members.""That’s fine. Even if she doesn’t know anything, I can train her," Helen said firmly. "Our terms may sound unreasonable, but as you know, we’re offering a fantastic salary." Her tone grew more direct. "And in addition to what your friend mentioned, we have a few extra requirements: we need someone meticulous, patient, and not overly talkative. We want someone obedient, someone who doesn’t ask too many questions or make too many demands. Rest
Last Updated : 2025-01-22Bound By Duty, Captivated By Love 6 - Down Payment (1)
Alethea nervously wrung her fingers. She glanced at the old black suitcase sitting in one corner of Callie’s living room. As already decided—albeit reluctantly—Alethea would finally work for Helen Bishop.After her conversation in the kitchen with Callie and her mother, Alethea had been unable to sleep all night, preoccupied with countless possibilities regarding her new job. By morning, she was forced to pack while her mother kept a watchful eye, endlessly lecturing her not to cause trouble and to ensure her employer was pleased with her. Deep down, Alethea hoped that whoever her employer would be, they would be kind and refrain from any physical or verbal abuse. At the very least, she wished to move from her mother’s dictatorship to a place that felt more comfortable—mentally, if nothing else.Alethea anxiously waited in the living room, which doubled as the office of Imelda Osborn—Callie’s mother. Meanwhile, Hera paced back and forth near the doorway, visibly uneasy. It seemed the
Last Updated : 2025-01-22Bound By Duty, Captivated By Love 7 - Job Offer (2)
Helen had mentioned Imelda, which likely meant Callie knew nothing about Hera’s sudden request. Asking her mother for clarification here would only create a scene, and Alethea couldn’t risk starting an argument in someone else’s home.And yes, hadn’t her mother already hinted at this yesterday? A new vehicle for Alethea’s father and Teon. New furniture to fill their home. And countless other items that Alethea was certain now lined her mother’s ever-growing shopping list. Yet even with all that money—money Hera would receive if Alethea signed this contract—Alethea herself wouldn’t see a single cent.“You won’t need that money because you’re not going anywhere. Remember, you’ll be working every single day without any breaks. And you’re not allowed to have a phone, which means no online shopping. As for food and other necessities, didn’t Callie mention that your employer would cover all of that?” her mother had explained with a tone of sheer delight.But was any of this fair to Alethea?
Last Updated : 2025-01-22Bound By Duty, Captivated By Love 8 – Forgotten Information
Alethea stood in her new room—a space measuring five by four meters located at the back of the villa. The room was noticeably much larger compared to the one Hera had provided her at their house.Besides the en-suite bathroom, there was also a small kitchenette where Alethea could prepare simple meals like instant noodles or coffee.After the long journey, Helen gave Alethea some time to rest. Without bothering to unpack her modest belongings, Alethea chose to freshen up and change into more comfortable clothes before lying down on a bed that felt far more luxurious than the one at her own home.When Alethea woke up, she felt much more refreshed. The sun had yet to rise, and according to the schedule Helen had given her, she needed to meet Helen in the kitchen, fully dressed in her uniform.Alethea quickly freshened up. Per Helen's rules, she was allowed to use basic skincare products like facial moisturizer and body lotion, but anything with a strong scent, including perfume and make
Last Updated : 2025-01-23Bound By Duty, Captivated By Love Prologue
“Sir, don't. Please...” Thea sobbed in fear as she pushed Sebastian's sturdy body again. Yet again, her efforts were completely fruitless.“They want me to touch you.” Said Sebastian, who had managed to unbutton Alethea's uniform and pull it open until Alethea's stomach was exposed. “They want me to ravish you.” Sebastian continued in Alethea's left ear while the man's right hand rubbed Alethea's belly and continued upward under her bra until the man's big hand reached Alethea's round and firm breasts and squeezed them.“S-Sir... please... don't...” Alethea pleaded with tears in her eyes. But again Sebastian ignored her request, the man deliberately rubbed and squeezed Alethea's breasts until Alethea could only shake her head in fear and kept trying to push Sebastian's body away.“They think I've gone numb.” Sebastian whispered this time in the hollow of Alethea's neck. The man kissed and licked the neck with the tip of his tongue which overwhelmed Alethea and made her feel even more
Last Updated : 2025-01-07Bound By Duty, Captivated By Love 1. Alethea (1)
"Whatever the job is, I’ll take it. The important thing is that I can get out of this place and earn a good salary," Alethea pleaded to her childhood friend, Callie. “It’s not that easy, Alethea. I can’t just give you a job, especially one that takes you abroad,” Callie replied with a sad expression. “I have to make sure you get a good job and a decent employer. I don’t want you ending up with someone cruel or abusive. You have no idea how ruthless some rich people out there can be. Someone as naive as you would be easy prey for them,” Callie said, trying to calm her down. It wasn’t the first time Alethea had begged Callie—her schoolmate and the daughter of the owner of a labor placement agency—to help her find a job abroad or at least one far away from the small village where they lived. Alethea was desperate. She wanted to get away from her family—not because she didn’t love them, but because she was exhausted by her mother’s constant demands. She was tired of being both the scap
Last Updated : 2025-01-07Bound By Duty, Captivated By Love 2 – Alethea (2)
Alethea wasn’t a money-printing machine. She was just an ordinary girl in her early twenties. Compared to her peers, she had already sacrificed so much. She refrained from buying things she wanted, eating food she liked, purchasing clothes she desired, or even hanging out with her friends—all so she could fulfill her parents’ needs.It wasn’t that Alethea was stingy, nor that she didn’t want to be dutiful. She simply couldn’t keep up with her parents’ constant demands, especially those of her mother.She wasn’t exceptionally smart academically, though she was diligent in her studies. Her parents’ hope for her to pursue education through scholarships didn’t align with reality. In the end, she didn’t earn scholarships for academic excellence but instead became a student receiving aid because of her family’s financial struggles.Ashamed? No. Alethea understood her parents’ situation and accepted it, even though she was often looked down upon. She knew she couldn’t attend extracurricular c
Last Updated : 2025-01-07Bound By Duty, Captivated By Love 3 – Sebastian
"I haven’t been able to sleep lately," Sebastian said to Aaron Smith, his psychiatrist. "Can you increase the dosage of my sleeping pills?"Sebastian couldn’t see the expression on the man’s face—the man who had been his confidant for the past five years. Instead, he furrowed his brow impatiently and turned his head toward where he assumed Aaron was sitting."I can’t increase your dosage, Mr. Tarcisio," Aaron replied. His voice sounded tired to Sebastian. "You know the side effects of sleeping pills aren’t just limited to overdose. There are other risks that could endanger your health.""But I can’t sleep, and that’s enough to put me at risk. And just because I’m blind doesn’t mean I don’t need to distinguish between day and night, right?" he snapped."I know," Aaron said, his tone slightly louder, as if trying to calm himself. "You don’t need to keep bringing up your blindness because it’s not going to cure your insomnia," Aaron retorted sharply."Then what am I supposed to do? The me
Last Updated : 2025-01-07
Latest chapter
Bound By Duty, Captivated By Love 8 – Forgotten Information
Alethea stood in her new room—a space measuring five by four meters located at the back of the villa. The room was noticeably much larger compared to the one Hera had provided her at their house.Besides the en-suite bathroom, there was also a small kitchenette where Alethea could prepare simple meals like instant noodles or coffee.After the long journey, Helen gave Alethea some time to rest. Without bothering to unpack her modest belongings, Alethea chose to freshen up and change into more comfortable clothes before lying down on a bed that felt far more luxurious than the one at her own home.When Alethea woke up, she felt much more refreshed. The sun had yet to rise, and according to the schedule Helen had given her, she needed to meet Helen in the kitchen, fully dressed in her uniform.Alethea quickly freshened up. Per Helen's rules, she was allowed to use basic skincare products like facial moisturizer and body lotion, but anything with a strong scent, including perfume and make
Bound By Duty, Captivated By Love 7 - Job Offer (2)
Helen had mentioned Imelda, which likely meant Callie knew nothing about Hera’s sudden request. Asking her mother for clarification here would only create a scene, and Alethea couldn’t risk starting an argument in someone else’s home.And yes, hadn’t her mother already hinted at this yesterday? A new vehicle for Alethea’s father and Teon. New furniture to fill their home. And countless other items that Alethea was certain now lined her mother’s ever-growing shopping list. Yet even with all that money—money Hera would receive if Alethea signed this contract—Alethea herself wouldn’t see a single cent.“You won’t need that money because you’re not going anywhere. Remember, you’ll be working every single day without any breaks. And you’re not allowed to have a phone, which means no online shopping. As for food and other necessities, didn’t Callie mention that your employer would cover all of that?” her mother had explained with a tone of sheer delight.But was any of this fair to Alethea?
Bound By Duty, Captivated By Love 6 - Down Payment (1)
Alethea nervously wrung her fingers. She glanced at the old black suitcase sitting in one corner of Callie’s living room. As already decided—albeit reluctantly—Alethea would finally work for Helen Bishop.After her conversation in the kitchen with Callie and her mother, Alethea had been unable to sleep all night, preoccupied with countless possibilities regarding her new job. By morning, she was forced to pack while her mother kept a watchful eye, endlessly lecturing her not to cause trouble and to ensure her employer was pleased with her. Deep down, Alethea hoped that whoever her employer would be, they would be kind and refrain from any physical or verbal abuse. At the very least, she wished to move from her mother’s dictatorship to a place that felt more comfortable—mentally, if nothing else.Alethea anxiously waited in the living room, which doubled as the office of Imelda Osborn—Callie’s mother. Meanwhile, Hera paced back and forth near the doorway, visibly uneasy. It seemed the
Bound By Duty, Captivated By Love 5 - Job Offer (2)
"Her name is Alethea Zorba. She’s twenty-two years old. She’s hardworking and patient," Callie explained, letting the phone’s camera capture Alethea from head to toe. "I’m confident she’d be perfect for taking care of someone who’s ill, just like you need."Alethea stayed silent as Helen switched the call back to voice mode."Does she have any actual experience caring for the sick?" the voice asked. Alethea shook her head in response."Not formally," Callie interjected. "But she’s very patient and has experience taking care of ill family members.""That’s fine. Even if she doesn’t know anything, I can train her," Helen said firmly. "Our terms may sound unreasonable, but as you know, we’re offering a fantastic salary." Her tone grew more direct. "And in addition to what your friend mentioned, we have a few extra requirements: we need someone meticulous, patient, and not overly talkative. We want someone obedient, someone who doesn’t ask too many questions or make too many demands. Rest
Bound By Duty, Captivated By Love 4 – Job Offer (1)
"You said you’d do any kind of work?" The question came from Callie, Alethea’s best friend, whose mother owned a staffing agency. "Yes. Did you get the latest update from your mom?" Alethea asked eagerly. They were deliberately talking in the kitchen in hushed voices because Alethea’s mother and younger sibling were watching TV in the living room. "I did," Callie replied, equally enthusiastic. "It’s a job with a very tempting offer, and you wouldn’t have to go abroad because the job is in the capital city. Plus, you don’t need to spend a dime on documents like work visas or anything." Callie’s tone was filled with excitement. "What kind of job?" Alethea asked, eyeing Callie suspiciously as she washed vegetables at the sink. Despite feeling exhausted after just getting home from work, cooking dinner for her family wasn’t something she could skip. If she refused, something would surely be thrown at her, and the pain from that would outweigh her fatigue. "My mom said it’s a caregiving
Bound By Duty, Captivated By Love 3 – Sebastian
"I haven’t been able to sleep lately," Sebastian said to Aaron Smith, his psychiatrist. "Can you increase the dosage of my sleeping pills?"Sebastian couldn’t see the expression on the man’s face—the man who had been his confidant for the past five years. Instead, he furrowed his brow impatiently and turned his head toward where he assumed Aaron was sitting."I can’t increase your dosage, Mr. Tarcisio," Aaron replied. His voice sounded tired to Sebastian. "You know the side effects of sleeping pills aren’t just limited to overdose. There are other risks that could endanger your health.""But I can’t sleep, and that’s enough to put me at risk. And just because I’m blind doesn’t mean I don’t need to distinguish between day and night, right?" he snapped."I know," Aaron said, his tone slightly louder, as if trying to calm himself. "You don’t need to keep bringing up your blindness because it’s not going to cure your insomnia," Aaron retorted sharply."Then what am I supposed to do? The me
Bound By Duty, Captivated By Love 2 – Alethea (2)
Alethea wasn’t a money-printing machine. She was just an ordinary girl in her early twenties. Compared to her peers, she had already sacrificed so much. She refrained from buying things she wanted, eating food she liked, purchasing clothes she desired, or even hanging out with her friends—all so she could fulfill her parents’ needs.It wasn’t that Alethea was stingy, nor that she didn’t want to be dutiful. She simply couldn’t keep up with her parents’ constant demands, especially those of her mother.She wasn’t exceptionally smart academically, though she was diligent in her studies. Her parents’ hope for her to pursue education through scholarships didn’t align with reality. In the end, she didn’t earn scholarships for academic excellence but instead became a student receiving aid because of her family’s financial struggles.Ashamed? No. Alethea understood her parents’ situation and accepted it, even though she was often looked down upon. She knew she couldn’t attend extracurricular c
Bound By Duty, Captivated By Love 1. Alethea (1)
"Whatever the job is, I’ll take it. The important thing is that I can get out of this place and earn a good salary," Alethea pleaded to her childhood friend, Callie. “It’s not that easy, Alethea. I can’t just give you a job, especially one that takes you abroad,” Callie replied with a sad expression. “I have to make sure you get a good job and a decent employer. I don’t want you ending up with someone cruel or abusive. You have no idea how ruthless some rich people out there can be. Someone as naive as you would be easy prey for them,” Callie said, trying to calm her down. It wasn’t the first time Alethea had begged Callie—her schoolmate and the daughter of the owner of a labor placement agency—to help her find a job abroad or at least one far away from the small village where they lived. Alethea was desperate. She wanted to get away from her family—not because she didn’t love them, but because she was exhausted by her mother’s constant demands. She was tired of being both the scap
Bound By Duty, Captivated By Love Prologue
“Sir, don't. Please...” Thea sobbed in fear as she pushed Sebastian's sturdy body again. Yet again, her efforts were completely fruitless.“They want me to touch you.” Said Sebastian, who had managed to unbutton Alethea's uniform and pull it open until Alethea's stomach was exposed. “They want me to ravish you.” Sebastian continued in Alethea's left ear while the man's right hand rubbed Alethea's belly and continued upward under her bra until the man's big hand reached Alethea's round and firm breasts and squeezed them.“S-Sir... please... don't...” Alethea pleaded with tears in her eyes. But again Sebastian ignored her request, the man deliberately rubbed and squeezed Alethea's breasts until Alethea could only shake her head in fear and kept trying to push Sebastian's body away.“They think I've gone numb.” Sebastian whispered this time in the hollow of Alethea's neck. The man kissed and licked the neck with the tip of his tongue which overwhelmed Alethea and made her feel even more
