Chapter three

The next day, I got a call.

“Hello Ms. Emily, we would like to offer you the position,” women from the interview panel said. “ Lilliana has taken a liking to you and that is the most important factor for us, for you to be accepted for the position. Congratulations Ms. Emily”

“Y-yes, thank you”

I hug up the phone with tears in my eyes. For the first time in what feels like forever. I was n--not rejected … or overlooked this time. This time I can finally restart everything in my life. This time I am wanted and needed.

I don’t know what might happen in the future, but I know for sure it's going to be challenging. But for the first time in a long time, I felt like I had something to look forward to. I can’t help but smile at my thoughts. Maybe this is the start of something better than I’ve ever imagined.

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I sat across from Ms. Harper, the person who is in charge of Lilliana’s education and overall well-being. She is a sharp, middle-aged woman, dresses in a sleek black suit, and radiates with authority. Her eyes scan through the folder in front of her containing all my information and my new position. I shifted nervously in my seat trying to stay relaxed and composed.

“First of all, I would like to congratulate you, Ms. Emily. You have been selected for this position because Ms. Lilliana liked you” Ms. Harper said. Her voice is very calm but firm. “But there are a few things we need to discuss before you start your job”

“Of course” I nodded.

Ms. Harper leaned back slightly in her chair and looked at me, her gaze steady on me.

“Your main responsibility will be Lilliana’s total well-being that includes her emotional development-- she has been through a lot so it's crucial….. You will be expected to create your daily lesson plans custom-made for her interest and her needs to keep things flexible and structured. She loves art, and princess stories, so you can incorporate that into her lessons.

I listened to her carefully while taking mental notes. I already felt the weight of my job, not because it’s a difficult job, but because I feel the importance of this job…

“By the way…. about the estate…” Ms. Harper continued “This is a stay-in job”

“S-stay-in?” I asked confused.

“Yes, which means you will be staying on the estate full-time, Monday to Sunday. We have a separate wing for all the staff of the estate so we already prepare your own space. Saturday and Sunday are your free time so you can relax on that days but just be prepared if Ms. Lilliana asks for you”

That is something… stay-in job huh? Living in this massive, luxurious home felt overwhelming.

“I see,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “I just didn’t expect that but I understand.”

“Is that going to be a problem?” she asked.

“No, it's not a problem at all, it's just….surprising” I said while shaking my head.

She gave me a small nod.

“Good, the estate can be really quiet and feel isolating but you will have the privilege to access the garden, the gym, the library, and other amenities of the estate. And as I said you will have the weekends for yourself”

I just nodded my head, letting all the information sink in. It is kinda overwhelming thinking about living in this house, but this is a chance to build a new life for myself so I can't afford to be so picky. Plus, working with Lilliana felt like more than just a job.

Ms. Harper leaned on her back slightly in her chair and looked at me.

“Before we move on…. let's discuss your compensation.”

Okay…. I haven't even thought about the salary yet. But I knew tutoring a billionaires daughter have to come with a substantial paycheck.

“You will be receiving a base salary of $150,000 annually,” she stated like it was nothing. “This will cover your full time role as Lilliana’s tutor slash personal assistant of little miss. In addition to that, you also receive housing on the estate as we discussed earlier. Meals and utilities are also provided and you will have access to all the estate’s amenities. We also include your health insurance along with a yearly performance bonus based on Ms. Lilliana’s progress, so you better do your best”

I blinked….barely processing the numbers of my salary, $150,000? That is more than triple of what I had been making at my previous job. No wonder a lot of people applied for this job, and a lot of people there who applied seem very competent and have very good teaching experience.

“Do you have any questions about your salary?” Ms. Harper asked, noticing my pause.

“No, no question at alll,” I said while shaking my head.

After that, Ms. Harper discusses some more details and hand me over a LOT of documents for Lilliana's learning objectives for this year. Which is thankfully laid out specific goals for her education, even her reading level, mathematical skills and etc. She also hands me over our schedule for next week. Well, I do have the whole week to prepare before our final tutor session.

“You have the whole week to review everything before starting in a week. Take your time to familiarize yourself with all the materials. If you have any information you can contact me anytime.” Ms. Harper added.

“Thank you,” I said.

As I stood up to leave, Ms. Harper also rose from her seat and looked at me.

“Before you go, there is one last thing you need to do.”

“What is it?” I asked.

“You need to meet Mr. Sterling before everything is finalized. He wants to personally approve anyone who works with her daughter.”

I froze….meeting with Mr. Sterling? The thought of meeting someone like him made my heart race more than anything. What if he is a  grumpy, and difficult man?

“When will I be meeting him?” I asked trying to sound calm.

“Now actually..” while checking her watch “ … he’s expecting you in his office”

WHAT NOW!? Really NOW?

“Come with me”

*gulp*

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