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?

One month—she could handle that. Six months—perhaps she could endure, even if her prospective employer made her life miserable. But a full year? Could Alethea really survive a year under the roof of an employer whose temperament she didn’t even know?

And was this arrangement just for her? She would work hard, earn the money, and yet receive absolutely nothing in return.

It wasn’t about the money going to her mother. That didn’t matter much. But couldn’t her mother have at least included her in the plan? Alethea would have been content with something as simple as a new dress or a pair of shoes written into the shopping list. Yet Alethea knew that would never happen. She knew all too well how selfish Hera Zorba was and how little the woman cared for her.

“So, what’s it going to be? Are you signing this contract or not? I can’t waste my time,” Helen Bishop’s cold voice broke through Alethea’s thoughts. “If you’re not going to—”

“I’ll do it, ma’am,” Alethea interrupted, her voice steady despite the turmoil in her chest. If this would appease her mother, if this would free her from Hera’s oppressive grip, then Alethea would do it.

“You’re prepared to accept all the consequences?” Helen asked again, her sharp gaze boring into Alethea.

Alethea nodded firmly. Whatever the consequences, I’ll endure them. Even if I must walk across burning coals, I’ll bear it, she vowed silently.

“You can think it over or perhaps discuss it with your mother again since it seems you weren’t aware of her last-minute request,” Helen said.

“That won’t change anything,” Alethea replied softly. “If that’s what my mother wants, then that’s what will happen,” she added coldly. Deep down, Alethea was certain that if she wasted this opportunity by refusing to sign Helen’s contract, her life would become even more unbearable. The grim possibility of being married off to some wealthy old man of Hera’s choosing loomed over her like a dark cloud.

“Very well. We’ll call Mrs. Osborn and your mother in to witness the signing of this contract,” Helen said, nodding toward Wendy.

The lawyer rose, opened the door to Imelda’s office, and invited Imelda, Hera, and Callie to join them.

“You didn’t cause any trouble, did you?” Hera snapped at Alethea.

Alethea remained silent, choosing not to respond to her mother’s sharp tone.

“Your daughter has accepted all the terms we proposed. And we’ll pay as per your last request,” Helen stated, her gaze fixed on Hera.

“That’s good. I’m sure my daughter won’t disappoint you,” Hera replied, her enthusiasm almost exaggerated.

“Your daughter does meet the qualifications we’re looking for,” Helen responded flatly. “But let me remind you, as per our agreement, if she decides to give up or run away before her one-year contract ends, the consequences won’t fall on her alone—they’ll fall on your entire family.”

“You don’t need to worry about that. That will never happen. Alethea loves us dearly, so I’m confident she wouldn’t do anything foolish that would make her family pay for her mistakes,” Hera said with a tone of certainty that cut Alethea deeply.

Her chest tightened, and her eyes began to sting, but Alethea fought hard to hold back tears.

“What about the money?” Hera asked eagerly.

“As per your request, one year’s salary will be paid upfront and transferred to your account once this contract is signed by all parties involved,” Helen said, her tone icy and her expression indifferent.

Alethea could see Hera’s barely contained excitement, her mother almost trembling with the effort to suppress a joyful squeal. The sight made Alethea’s heart ache even more.

Hera snatched the folder containing the documents and quickly signed them before handing them to Alethea. When Alethea hesitated, a sharp pinch on her thigh jolted her into action. She glanced at Helen, who gave Wendy a subtle nod and smile. Wendy reached into his suit pocket, pulled out his phone, and made a call. Moments later, Hera’s phone pinged with a notification.

“It’s a pleasure doing business with you, Mrs. Bishop,” Hera said enthusiastically, shaking Helen’s hand. “I’m entrusting my daughter to you. You don’t have to worry about her running away. And you won’t have to deal with us interfering either. I’m a law-abiding citizen, so I’ll uphold everything written in the contract,” she added, her words rapid and unrelenting as she clung to Helen’s hand.

Turning to Alethea, Hera pulled her aside, lowering her voice to a harsh whisper. “Work diligently with Mrs. Bishop. Don’t embarrass me. Don’t be careless, and don’t make mistakes that could get you fired. Remember, if you mess this up, it’s not just you who’ll face the consequences. If you love us, you’ll think carefully before doing anything foolish,” she said, her words laced with threats.

Though spoken softly, her warning seemed to reach Helen, whose piercing gaze remained fixed on them.

Was this really the kind of farewell she deserved from the woman who gave her life? Shouldn’t her mother be wishing her safety and well-being instead? Shouldn’t a good mother say she could return at any time if things got too dangerous, promising to stand by her and bear the burden together?

But that was the kind of mother others had—not Hera. Hera only cared about herself, never others. And the only child Hera truly loved was Teon.

Unnoticed, a single tear slipped down Alethea’s cheek. So, this is what it feels like to be discarded?

No, discarded wasn’t the right word. Pawned. Hera had pawned Alethea to Mrs. Bishop for a year, during which she could be used however Mrs. Bishop pleased.

But there was one thing Hera didn’t know—after that year, Alethea wouldn’t be coming back. No. After that year, Alethea would seek her happiness, a happiness that didn’t include Hera, Teon, or Darius Zorba.