Mia's POV“Miss Jones. We kindly request that you make the full payment of 1.530U$$ by October 27th, which is Seven days from the date of this letter. Failure to pay the outstanding balance by the given deadline will result in further legal action being taken.”I read out loud the letter one more time before wrinkling it and throwing it to the trash can. That was the letter that changed everything for me. I had to accept that my “dream job” was not making me enough earnings for me to keep my independence.My parents did not object last week when I asked if I could go back to live with them, my sisters did not oppose either. So why was I bitter about this? Ah, yes, my aspirations of becoming an independent woman.I believe reading unlocks the soul. If I could, I’d read every day. I’d remain in my own little world, filling my thoughts with new stories and adventures. Yes, that’d be something. Sadly, I have to make a living. But as the old saying goes, do what you love and you’ll never
Mia’s POVAnother notification letter, this one from the university. I already mentioned that I was not going to continue my post-grade, so why do they even bother? I can’t afford it for now. I need to focus on my work and my family.I throw the notification letter and clock out, ready to get back home. Whatever happens, mom’s meals will save the day. And after the mess I made today with the visitor from Mayor Pippins, I really need comfort food. Maybe tomorrow I won’t have a job anymore, so I pick up the newspaper on my way out, decided to search for anything that is around for me to apply for.I swipe a tear away from my eyes; I can’t believe I might have screwed up the best job I have had in my entire life, and all of this because of my big mouth and my temperament.But I take a deep breath and straighten myself, I can’t let this pull me down. I am going to make it, for me and my family. This, I promise myself.-Ethan's POVI had a dreaded call with my board of directors tonight
Mia's POVToday’s lack of a call from Mayor Pippins is a good sign. A sign that I still have a job, and that I still can make things work here. I pray the heavens I can stay away from trouble from now on.There was a book missing. Samuel Richardson’s famous Pamela was nowhere to be found. I checked the library’s log online to see who had last checked it out, but to my surprise, it said the book had been returned two weeks ago. So where was it? I scoured the classical novels section, hoping it was just out of place.Nothing. I felt surprised. I didn’t lose books. I had managed to keep every book in its place for the last five years and I was not about to break my record today.I heard the library doors open but I didn’t bother to leave the classical novels section to greet whomever had entered. I had already retrieved my step stool and was practically hanging off the top shelf trying to find the missing book when I heard an unfamiliar voice say my name. “Mia?” The voice said. It s
Mia's POVEthan and I sat in a trance while I tried to process what he was asking me. Time seemed to be moving in slow motion and I was paralyzed by his words. He sat back in his chair smirking while he waited for me to respond.He looked at me a bit amused. “The ball’s in your court.” He chuckled to himself.“I-I don’t really know what to say.” I was still lost in thought. “This has never really happened to me before.”“What do you mean?” Ethan laughed, sitting forward in his seat.“What kind of person offers a complete stranger a million dollars?” I said, still in shock. “That’s completely outrageous! What are you, some kind of billionaire?”“Well.” Ethan grinned proudly. I couldn’t believe it.“So you thought you could manipulate me with your money?” I started feeling a little cheap. “I wasn’t really looking at it that way,” Ethan said with a confident smirk. “Think of it as more of a payment for services rendered.”“So, like an escort?” I asked, still feeling offended. “
Ethan's POVMayor Pippins asked if we could meet at his office this morning. I reluctantly obliged, and we agreed to meet at ten. I was hoping to have some alone time to rest, but he was insistent that we meet.Hector, my driver, was waiting for me just outside the hotel. He opened my door for me and gave me a polite nod as I approached the car. Hector was more of the silent type. I never quite knew what he was thinking, but to be honest, I wasn’t sure I wanted to know. I liked our quiet relationship of respectful nods and hushed car rides. It was like we were completely comfortable with each other.On our way, I managed to secure another property across the ocean, this time in England. I will need to pay a visit to the location sometime soon to ensure all is in order, but the property was worth it.Another email from the hospital showed the extensive list of expenses for Lily’s treatment. I clicked and authorized all the payments; everything I do is for her. I was about to close
Mia's POVSundays were my lazy days. The library was closed and I got to stay home and focus on my other hobbies. I was feeling creative this morning so I took a blank canvas and set it up on the front patio of my house. I put my headphones on and played a motivation playlist that a friend had recommended me and began painting. I wasn’t a good painter by any means, but it didn’t keep me from attempting. I normally just painted what I saw. Today, that was Greenbrooke. My family’s house sat on a main street on the edge of town and there were always people and cars bustling by.Greenbrooke and my family. The two things I am focusing and fighting for, and the two things why I was considering this ridiculously wonderful and scary proposal from Ethan Black.My mom was inside cooking a beautiful concoction of bacon, eggs, potatoes, and biscuits just as my dad was getting home from a house call. My dad was the town handyman. He knew everything there was to know about home improvement and b
Mia's POVEthan and I had a plan to meet at the library to discuss my choice. I paced back and forth in front of the building while I waited for him to arrive. I hoped I was making the right decision. My stomach churned while I waited, and I wondered what the hell was taking him so long. Finally, after what felt like several eternities, I saw his black SUV approaching in the distance. I let out a sigh of relief as the truck pulled up to the curb. Ethan’s driver gave me a polite smile as he came around to get his door for him, and I smiled back. Ethan stepped out and straightened his suit while another man stepped out behind him. The pair walked over to me, and Ethan extended his hand toward me to shake.“Hello, Mia.” Ethan started with a charming smile. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.”“You too.” I smiled, looking over to the strange man that accompanied him.“I’d like you to meet Ryan Parker.” Ethan said, politely. “Ryan is my business partner and long time friend. He’ll be a
Mia's POV“Don’t come any closer.” Ethan’s driver said to Jake in a firm tone as he approached us. I noticed the driver reaching for something on his belt and I realized he was carrying a gun. My heart pounded in my chest as I feared the worst. It was clear that this man served as more than a driver to Ethan.“That’s alright, Hector.” Ethan said, putting a hand up to him. “I think Mia knows this man.”Hector gave Ethan a short nod and took on an eased posture. “Sorry.” Jake apologized as he approached us on the sidewalk. “I didn’t mean to startle anyone.”“That’s alright.” Ethan behaved like a gentleman, extending a hand toward Jake. “I’m Ethan Black.”“Jake Carter.” Jake said, as they shook hands.“What are you doing here?” I asked, feeling vulnerable. “How did you even know I was here?”“I tried to call you but you didn’t answer, so I called your house. Your mom told me you were here.”“Oh.” I said, still not understanding why he would come looking for me. “Well, what’s up