Chapter Eleven: First day

Cassandra's gaze lingered on the clutch.

"You said you dropped it at a thrift store?" she asked.

Mildred's response flowed smoothly.

"Yes, Cass, but I felt the need to pick it up when coming here since you called and asked about it. Thankfully, it hadn't been sold yet, and the store was still open."

"Ouh, I see." Cassandra replied.

Mildred swiftly changed the subject.

"Food?" she asked, opening the bag.

Cassandra declined.

"No, thank you. I've lost my appetite."

Mildred's departure brought relief and Cassandra's eyes closed, quickly sleep claimed her.

The next morning, Cassandra rose and said a quick prayer.

"Hoping I won't mess up this job opportunity."

Determined, she dressed quickly. She wore a pencil knee-length red dress adorned with little blue flower prints.

Her feet were clad in a black stiletto with minimal height for comfort, styled her hair in a messy yet cute bun and dapped a light red lipstick, exuding understated elegance.

She looked herself in the mirror and smiled, with confidence boosted,she grabbed her bag and headed out.

New beginnings awaited.

Meanwhile at the Cafe, Phoebe's eyes narrowed.

"Who's this new man you're secretly seeing?" she asked Mildred.

Mildred's demeanor remained casual.

"Just someone new, mother."

Phoebe's brow raised.

"I shouldn't know him?"

Mildred's smile hinted at secrets.

"We're getting to know each other."

Phoebe's gaze turned calculating.

"Make sure he's capable, you know what I mean." She patted Mildred's pocket.

Mildred nodded with a chuckle but Phoebe's tone turned cold.

"And don't spoil a good thing like Cassandra did."

Mildred's concern surfaced.

"Mother, you haven't even asked after her."

Phoebe's expression hardened.

"I'm only letting her face the consequences of her actions."

Just then, Jim walked in and Mildred's face brightened.

Phoebe noticed but remained silent.

"What's available?" Jim asked and nodded with a smile at the mother.

Mildred's seductive smile sparked.

"The usual."

Jim's reply was a look for a while but Phoebe observed, a knowing glint in her eye.

At work, Cassandra focused intently as she listened to Mr. Gad's explanations on her duties and responsibilities.

Her mind absorbed every detail. She was assigned to her office where piles of documents waited, she dove in.

Hours passed and her stomach growled loudly. She realized she had no dinner the previous day and was too excited to have breakfast.

She checked the time and gasped, 4:47 PM.

Just then a voice interrupted.

"Hungry?" Mr. Gad asked.

Cassandra looked up to see him standing at her half-opened door.

Concern etched on his face.

"Come on, you've worked hard enough."

He entered and surveyed her workspace.

Neatly arranged documents, "Impressive" he thought and "fast too."

He scanned them briefly.

"Seems you're good with data," he exclaimed."I knew we made the right decision hiring you."

Cassandra smiled.

"Graduated top of my class," she replied. "What do you expect?"

Mr. Gad chuckled.

"Modest, too."

He approached her.

"Let's get you fed." and offered his arm.

"Dinner's on me."

Cassandra's eyes sparkled with gratitude and relief.

"For a job well done. You can go home from there, work hours is almost over."He added with a smile showing off his perfect set of teeth.

She scanned him briefly and tagged him "handsome."

"Thank you, sir."

She accepted his offer, outside, the evening sun dipped.

The SUV glided smoothly through the evening streets and Cassandra settled into the plush leather seat.

Mr. Gad's gentlemanly gesture, the door opened and he assisted her out.

He led her to Bites 'n' Bliss. A fancy restaurant with an elegant façade, soft lighting, and well manicured lawn. Inside was sophisticated ambiance, grey walls, rich woods and Crystal chandeliers.

Cassandra's eyes widened.

"Thank you," she mouthed.

Mr. Gad pulled out her chair and sat beside her.

"Awesome burgers here," he said.

"I'd like to try," Cassandra replied.

He nodded to the waiter and ordered. As they waited. Mr. Gad's gaze surveyed her with Intense interest and a Spark that ignited during the interview.

She was an Effortless beauty. The Red dress she had on Stirred vivid images.

Cassandra's blush deepened.

"Red," he whispered.

"And?" she asked, smiling.

"Red is amazing," he said."Looks great on you."

Cassandra's cheeks flamed.

She savored each bite when the burger arrived but Mr. Gad's eyes never left hers.

At the end of dinner, Cassandra's cheeks burned red as the tomato.

Unaware, Mr. Gad's thoughts wandered, beyond professionalism.

As they strolled back to his car, Mr. Gad inquired,

"You didn't call for office help. Were you able to move into the apartment by yourself?"

"What apartment?" she asked confused.

Mr. Gad's look depicted surprise.

"Don't tell me you didn't go through the information in your email?"

Cassandra suddenly recollected.

"Oh!" she exclaimed.

There was indeed an attached document she overlooked.

"I didn't pay much attention," she admitted.

Mr. Gad reassured.

"No worries, I'll explain briefly."

He began.

"The office offers accommodation for staff far from work. There's an assigned apartment for you. Not too fancy but convenient. Rooms are large and comfortable, but you might share the apartment with another employee when the need comes."

"Thank God!" She sighed in relief.

Mr. Gad's asked curiously.

"What's the story?"

"Guest house increased payment and my funds are dwindling."

Cassandra replied,head low.

"Guest house?" Mr. Gad exclaimed.

"But you gave a home address."

Cassandra's explained.

"That's my home address, but I currently live in a guest house."

Mr. Gad's became intrigued.

"Why?"

Cassandra's reluctantly replied.

"Long story."

But Mr. Gad's persisted.

"Care to make it short?"

He said and opened the car door.

Cassandra slid in and Mr. Gad joined her with an expectant gaze.

Awaiting her response....