CHAPTER 3

ANNA'S POV

As I strolled down the deserted Mainzer street, I felt overwhelmed by my troubles. Everything seemed to be going wrong, and I couldn't help but wonder if the universe was conspiring against me.

My emotions boiled over, and I broke down in tears. Just then, my phone rang, interrupting my sorrow. It was Johnny, my boyfriend, calling to check in.

I tried to compose myself, but he could tell something was wrong. "How are you doing, my love?" he asked, his voice cool and calm.

I hesitated, unsure of how to share my struggles with him. "I'm not fine," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

Johnny's tone turned concerned. "What's the matter? You don't sound well," he said.

He suggested we meet at the hotel he was lounge in, to talk things through. I agreed, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension about opening up to him.

Johnny and I have been together since graduating from college four years ago. Despite his struggles to find a well-paying job, which has caused tension in our relationship, I'm deeply in love with him.

My recent job loss weighed heavily on my mind. I hadn't informed my mother, knowing she'd be outraged if she found out I was visiting Johnny instead of being at work. Her disapproval of our relationship stemmed from Johnny's financial status, which she believed made him unworthy of me.

I let out a deep sigh as I closed the taxi door and provided the driver with the address of the hotel where Johnny wanted to meet. A few minutes later, I arrived at the hotel, feeling uncertain and unprepared to face him.

As I made my way through the hotel, searching for Johnny's room, my emotions swirled with anxiety and doubt.

I finally found the room and knocked gently on the door. "Yes, come in, the door is not locked," Johnny's soft voice invited.

I stepped inside, feeling a bit out of place. We rarely met in a hotel room; our usual meeting spots were my house or his. Johnny's eyes narrowed with concern as he took in my appearance.

"You don't look okay, what's been going on with you lately?" he asked, his brow furrowed with worry. "Why aren't you at work?"

Tears began to fall as I entered the room, trying to compose myself before answering. Johnny's eyes never left mine, filled with empathy and understanding.

"Come on, Anna, say something," he coaxed, sitting down on the bed. "Is it your mom? Or that annoying boss at work? Is she still giving you a hard time?"

I took a deep breath, trying to put on a brave face, but my voice cracked as I replied, "I just got fired."

Johnny's expression changed from concern to shock, and he immediately got up from the bed to wrap his arms around me. "Oh, Anna, I'm so sorry," he whispered, holding me close.

As Johnny held me, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I had been carrying the weight of my job loss alone, afraid to tell my mother or anyone else. But Johnny's warm embrace and gentle words of comfort made me feel like I wasn't alone anymore.

I pulled back from him, wiping away my tears with the back of my hand. "I'm sorry," I said, feeling a little embarrassed about breaking down in front of him.

Johnny smiled and took my hand, leading me to the bed. "Don't apologize," he said, his eyes filled with kindness. "You've been through a tough time. You deserve to cry."

So how about we change the subject, and you tell me about your trip?I gathered courage trying to change the atmosphere.

"Well, it went well, but from the looks of things, I don't think I'll be getting the job," Johnny expressed his disappointment.

I stood up and came closer to Johnny, who was sitting on the bed, saying, "Don't say that, let's try to be optimistic about this one." I grabbed his hands, encouraging him, even though I knew they would never call him again.

Johnny has applied for jobs at various companies and regularly travels outside of the country, but he remains unemployed. Some organizations may encourage him by summoning him to the office only to notify him that the position has already been filled or is no longer needed.

"Thanks, Babe," Johnny said as he got himself together

"How is your mom doing? Hope she's ok. He asked, clearly worried.

I inhaled trying to steady my nerves. "Well I wish she was fine, she's going through a lot right now"

Johnny's eyes widened. "What do you mean by that"

"We just got an eviction notice from my dad's business partner, they want us to pay the sum of 50 million pounds my dad borrowed before his death, or we leave the mansion," I said as I couldn't control my emotions. tears fell down my cheek.

"Is that an eviction notice?" What is the reason behind this? "How could they do something like that?" He inquired, his tone mild and kind.

"Calm down, take it easy on yourself". He grasped my head and placed it on his chest.

"Well, according to the notice, we have until the end of this month to make the payment." The situation has utterly overwhelmed me. "It all just seems like everything is crumbling"

Johnny reassuringly squeezed my hand. "Don't be concerned; we'll figure it out together." "Perhaps we can talk to them and see if they have any time."It's vital to keep your calm in this situation."

"You're right," I said, feeling a little more hopeful, even though I know he can't assist monetarily.

"Thanks for listening, Johnny."

"I'm always here for you," Johnny said, smiling. "We'll figure this out together and come out stronger in the end." He kissed me reassuringly, his lips soft and pleasant.

The situation was overwhelming, but his kiss was a nice respite. His hand rested on my waist as his kisses traveled to my neck, delicate yet intense. As he bit on my skin, I couldn't help but sigh quietly. I placed my arms around his neck, signaling that I wanted him to keep going. His lips moved gently and purposefully.

As his tongue drew a line on my neck and he softly sucked on my flesh, I gasped. I was in a trance, every nerve in my body on fire, and the heat was growing between my legs.

There was a knock at the door just as things were heating up. "Room service," a voice on the other end said.

Johnny went to answer the door, which left me disappointed. My phone suddenly rang, and I realized it was my mother calling. My displeasure faded as I answered the phone.

"Anna, where are you?" Madam Angelica said, franker than usual. "Come home right now, it's urgent!"

I wasn't sure what the rush was about, but the desperation in her voice made me want to go. All of the joy and eagerness I'd had moments before had vanished. I grabbed my belongings, worried and interested in what was going on.

Moments later, Johnny came back into the room with a tray holding two glasses and a pitcher of drinks. With a playful grin on his face, he offered me a glass.

"Who was on the phone?" he asked. "You don't look as happy as you did before. What's going on?" He set the tray down on the table, a worried look on his face.

"I'm sorry, but I have to go now," I remarked, sipping my drink. "I'll call you as soon as I get home." I kissed him on the cheek and dashed out the door.

I was so frightened that I didn't consider how my abrupt departure might hurt him.