Chapter Five - The Million Dollar Deal

I was jerked out of my uneasy sleep, by the sound of my alarm. It was 5 am. I got up immediately and dashed into the bathroom.

After a warm bath, I went downstairs to the kitchen to make breakfast. Sandwiches and tea were my favourite option for breakfast. I got dressed up and left for work.

At work, I was gloomy and sad. I didn't bother greeting or talking to anyone. I tried my very best to avoid any conversation, whatsoever. I avoided Becky, as though she was a plague.

Despite how close we were, I didn't want to talk to her. Definitely, she'd always have a listening ear, and probably, help me out.

"Good morning, Alice!" Becky greeted me, as I walked past her. I damned her and continued walking. I've never behaved this way before.

She walked up to me, when I finally settled in my office.

"What's wrong with you? You don't seem alright. Please talk to me!" She sounded quite desperate to know what's wrong.

I ignored her and bowed my head on my desk, tears building up in my eyes. I didn't want her to see me cry. I stared down at the empty floor.

Tears flowed down my eyes, freely. Becky noticed that. I felt her soft hands on my neck, soon after.

"You're crying? What's it? Please stop crying. Talk to me." She was getting quite impatient.

I raised my head. I couldn't believe I was crying. I thought I could hold myself. I wiped away my tears with the back of my hand. She gave me some wipes too.

"Becky…" I began.

"Yes? What's it dear?"

"Mum is critically sick… She needs surgery… It is a million dollars. Where do I get such money?" I cried out, gasping as I talked.

"What?!" She stood in awe of what I just said.

She reached for my shoulders and placed her hand on them, thumping her fingers on them, comfortingly.

"Take it easy, dear. You can still find a way out," she reassured me.

"What way? What way Becky?!" I yelled out, in despair.

I was almost losing it. Becky drew me closer and gave me a hug.

"It's well, dear. We'll find a way. Don't worry, I'll try my best. Anything for you." She smiled at me.

I nestled myself into her comforting arms, finding solace in her words. That was exactly what I needed right now, someone to hold on to.

Luckily, she's here for me and has always been there for me. She was just like a sister to me. I love her so much.

We disengaged from the hug soon after and got back to work.

I felt terrible at work. I made too many mistakes, stupid ones. My mind wasn't at rest. I've been thinking for long time now.

Another thought just occurred to me.

'My boss asked me to see him in the office today.'

I quickly rushed to his office. I pressed the doorbell. Hardly waiting for an answer, I paced to and fro, by the door. I was ill at ease with myself. I couldn't just pull myself together.

Soon, I heard a voice from the inside of the office.

"Come in, Alice!"

I went in immediately.

"Good day, sir! Please I…" I was breathing heavily.

"Sit down, Alice," he offered.

I sat down immediately and continued.

"Sir, please I need your help. Please, my mum is sick. She needs surgery urgently. I don't know if you could be of help. " I said, out of a heavy heart.

Although I'm sure he could solve all my problems, I didn't bother telling him about my other problems. I didn't want him to know much about my family, nor did I want to bother him much.

"Oh! So sad. I'm sorry about that. I could remember you told me about it yesterday. I see," he replied, with a sad expression on his face.

He paused for some minutes and stared at me. I wondered what he was searching for. He then asked,

"How much is the bill?"

"It's a million dollars."

"Oh! Alright then."

He placed his hands on the table, gently and said.

"You know what?"

"What?"

"I'd give you the money."

I was so happy. I almost stood up to hug him.

"Thank you so much, sir. I'm very grateful sir." I bellowed.

"In fact, I'd give you two million dollars." I didn't know he was still talking.

'God! What did I do to deserve all these?' I thought in my mind.

I couldn't hold my joy anymore. The thought of it was exhilarating. I smiled at him and appreciated the gesture, once again.

He smiled back at me and continued.

"But, I'd only do that on one condition," he said, sternly.

My smile disappeared. I looked at him with great contempt.

"What's that, please?" I didn't like the suspense.

I just wish he could notice and talk quicker. I pray it won't be too bad.

He grinned from ear to ear and then looked intently at me.

"You'll be my mistress." He dropped the bombshell.

'Well, not too bad,' I thought.

After all, I knew how to do all a mistress does. I could wash, I could clean, I could… But then, does he really need a mistress?

I blinked my eyes slowly and rested them on him. He was as hot as usual. I didn't want to give it any thought, though.

There were some minutes of silence. I savoured the moment to think.

'How can I be his mistress? What the hell?!'

Well, I'd do anything, anything in my capacity, to keep mum alive. No matter the costs. I love her so dearly. She and dad are the only things I have and I cherish them with all my heart.

"Are you in? Do we have a deal?" He jolted me back to reality.

"No… Yeah,... I… I'm in!" I stammered, unsure of what to say.

"Alright then. I'd send you the money by lunchtime. I'd tell you the details of your job by then too." He replied, with a smile on his face.

I should be happy, but I'm sad.

I saw something underlying in that statement.

'What does he imply by 'details of my job'? Who doesn't know the work of a mistress? Hope it's not what I'm thinking? Why is he so ruthless?' I was lost in my thoughts.

I was waved out of my mini trance by a slight tap on the table.

"If you wish to change your mind, you may do that before lunch. You can leave my office now!" he said, fiercely.

I crept out of his office, slowly and went back to mine.

I sat down on my seat and cried uncontrollably. I don't want to be his mistress for goodness sake! I really need to have a rethink.

The image of my mum in the hospital, loomed over my face. I could remember how pathetic she looked.

I really need to get her out of there!