Meeting the Owner

Melody thought about renting a studio apartment because it was a cheaper option and would allow her to have the freedom she wanted. Unfortunately, many apartment buildings in the area demanded a considerable amount of money in advance, including a security deposit, a cleaning fee, and the first month's rent. She knew that she didn't have enough money to cover these expenses, and even if she did, her present job might not provide her with enough income to pay the rent. Consequently, she felt disheartened and stuck, uncertain about her next move.

"What type of security deposit is required?" She asked, sceptical and doubtful.

The woman waved her hand again. "That's nothing to fret over. Just let me know if anything breaks, and I'll have the workers over to fix it. There's no need a deposit for security."

What? No security deposit? It... never happened before!

The woman's words put Melody at ease. It was a relief to know that she wouldn't have to worry about coming up with a large sum of money for a security deposit. The fact that the woman was so nonchalant about it made her wonder if there was a catch, but she pushed those thoughts aside.

"That's very generous of you," Melody said, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you so much. I really appreciate it."

The woman smiled warmly. "Of course, dear. We're happy to have you as a tenant. Now, please take a look at the rest of the apartment," she suggested. "I'll wait outside if you have any questions; feel free to ask me anything."

The woman pushed open the door and then walked out, closing it behind her.

Melody roamed around the apartment, inspecting her surroundings. The apartment had two bedrooms, one larger with an en-suite bathroom and a queen-sized platform bed, and the other slightly smaller with a shared bathroom and the same furnishings. Both bedrooms had large windows with curtains, nightstands, dressers, and two wall lamps.

"How is it?" Sarah whispered to Melody.

"I know. It's unbelievable," Melody replied while folding her arms across her chest. "It's so fantastic that it seems unlikely to be real."

"Yeah, it's too fancy. It's really strange."

Melody agreed, scanning the quaint modest apartment. It was tastefully decorated and even had high quality furnitures. "We should leave now. There's something off about this place."

They both agreed with a nod and quickly headed down the stairs. As they approached the front door, they were almost sprinting to make their way out of the building.

As they exited the building, however, they abruptly stopped upon seeing a man in his mid-age obstructing their path.

Melody tried to protect Sarah by gently pushing her back, but Sarah quickly moved in front of her. If they weren't so frightened in the moment, the situation may have been comical.

"I'm Jasper Wilson," the older man explained, extending his hand to Melody. "And you're Melody Brynleigh."

He shook Melody's hand, then turned to Sarah and shook her hand. "And you must be Sarah Kaisley, Morgan's girlfriend."

Melody and Sarah both nodded in bewilderment.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, ladies," he said with a gentlemanly voice. Then he waved to the older woman standing behind him and said, "It's my housekeeper, Elaine."

Melody smiled politely and replied, "Sir, thank you for the offer, but I'll have to refuse it."

"Please, don't reject my offer, ladies," Jasper whispered softly, his voice laced with sincerity. "My apartment is vacant and it's an absurd waste, considering my wealth. I promise you, I have no evil intentions. The only thing on my mind is offering help."

He let out a sigh as he observed Melody's stubbornness. "Ms. Brynleigh, you're working for Morgan Blodwyn, right?" he asked.

"Yes, but…?"

"He's a good man," Jasper interrupted in a gentle tone. "And he mentioned that you needed a place to live." He gestured towards the vacant apartment. "This place has been vacant for quite some time now. Please, consider my offer and move in today, if possible. Morgan recommended you to me," he continued, smiling as if he had just uncovered a secret. "I think I know why."

There was a long pause, and Melody could feel the wavering hesitance between her and Sarah. The air was thick with tension as they debated whether or not to take up Jasper on his offer.

Melody was waiting for Sarah's reaction with eager anticipation, unsure of what Sarah might say. She was burdened by the knowledge that this choice would determine the course of their lives going forward.

"Why do you think so?" Melody finally voiced the question that had been on everyone's mind.

Jasper shifted his position, straightening up a bit and stifling his amusement. "You could say that I have a sixth sense about people," he replied. "It's one of the reasons for my success, but let's just leave it at that, shall we?" He added with a smile.

"I don't think…"

The man's voice softened as he looked at them with a hint of kindness. "I know times are tough, and it's hard to find a decent place to live. The rent for this apartment is only $600, and I promise to take good care of you. I want to help you get back on your feet and start fresh."

He gave them a warm smile, his eyes shining with empathy. The man then said with a serious expression, "I've been looking for someone to occupy this apartment for a long time. And when I saw you, I knew you were the one. I have a feeling that you're going to be great tenants and take care of this place." Without waiting for an answer, he called out over his shoulder.

Elaine gave them a polite wave and then silently went after the older man as they walked away.

Melody watched them go, feeling a sense of unease settling over her. She wondered who these people were and what they wanted from them. She glanced over at Sarah, who looked just as confused and apprehensive as she did. They stood there for a moment, uncertain about what to do next.

Sarah rubbed her forehead in frustration, unsure of what to do next. "What do you think?" She asked, hoping to get her opinion.

Melody pondered the situation with her arms folded over her stomach, lost in thought. Eventually, she nodded with conviction and turned towards her. "I trust him," she said firmly.

Sarah's expression shifted to one of surprise as she looked at Melody. She leaned in and whispered in awe, "You never trust easily." A slow smile crept across her face as she watched Melody with admiration, her blue eyes sparkling.

Melody made a firm decision with a nod. "It's settled then. I'll live here until we figure out what's next," she declared. Turning to face Sarah, she added, "But I try to save as much money as possible and live a frugal lifestyle. I won't let myself run out of cash again!" Her determination was palpable in her tone.

Sarah nodded in agreement and assured her, "You have a good career, make as much money as you can."

Melody walked around holding her sibling's arm. "I think I could get some freelance jobs around here," she replied confidently, her positive attitudes coming back to give her a small glimmer of hope. Then they walked over to the car and each lugged their box of clothes out of the trunk and started taking their wardrobe boxes out of the trunk and up the winding stairs.