Chapter 8 MEETING HIM AGAIN

FLORENCE'S POINT OF VIEW

The warmth coming from the sun kisses my skin as I crossed the Celestine Avenue. I'm on my way to Stag Nite Bar. However, this time, I won't go there for work purposes.

I breathed deep before opening the door. Harper, who's busy wiping the tables, greeted me.

"Florence!"

I smiled at her. "Hey. Is Ms. Aria here?"

Her brows snapped together. "She's in her office right now. Why are you so early, by the way."

I pat her shoulders. "I will tell you later," I said and walk through my manager's office.

I knock on the door. "This is Florence, Ms. Aria."

There was a fleeting silence before she answered. "Come in, my dear."

I enter her office.

She looks at me. "Is there any problem, Florence?"

I breathed deep before handing her an envelope. "I'm resigning, Ms. Aria."

Her forehead creased as she reads my resignation letter. "Why? Are you not satisfied with your salary? I can increase it if you want."

I shook my head fervently. "N-No! That is not the case. That's not my reason for leaving. I-I just can't take it anymore."

She look at me with a furrowed eyebrows. "What do you mean, Florence?"

I swallowed a lump. "My reasons are too personal, Ma'am. I do hope that you'll understand."

I can't tell her that I just forced myself to be in this job for the sake of my brother. I can't tell her that the lustful eyes of the people who watch me every Friday reminds me of the person who ruined me. I can't tell her that I every time that I'm in the stage, those disgusting memories keep on playing on my mind.

She breathed deep. "To be honest with you, I don't want to approve your resignation because you're not giving me any valid reasons to do so. We treated you well. We gave you the endowment that you rightfully deserve and protected your identity."

My breathing hitched as my fingers keep on playing with the hem of my shirt. The room is air-conditioned and yet I'm sweating profusely because of extreme nervousness.

"However, I can see it in your eyes that you have a huge reason behind your sudden decision. And I will respect it. You have done more than enough for us. If ever that your mind changes, please remember that my door is always open for you," she said those words with a subtle beam plastered on her lips.

I smiled back and bow my head. "Thank you, Ms. Aria. I will keep that on mind."

She handed me the letter. "Good luck on your journey, Florence."

When I went out of the room, Harper's face greeted me. She obviously eavesdrop on our conversation.

She smiled at me, but it didn't reach her eyes. "You're leaving."

I nod somberly. "This is for my own sake, Harp."

I honestly feel bad. In the span of two months that I work here, I got attached to some of my colleagues, specially to Harper. That's why I feel quite sad.

She pats my shoulders. "You don't need to tell me your reasons why, but I trust your decisions."

Without any preamble, I hug her. "Don't worry, I will just quit my job but that doesn't mean we won't meet again. We can hangout during my free time if you want."

"Promise me that."

I chuckled. "Of course."

After we bade our farewell, I went out of the place right away.

My conversation with Dane few days ago really cleared my mind. His words pierced right through my heart. I was too busy condemning my life that I forgot the real purpose of it. I was too afraid to disappoint myself that I almost forgot how I managed to weather the storm that almost destroyed me years ago. That alone should be enough for me not to wallow in self-pity.

I also realized one thing. Accepting help from people who genuinely care for you doesn't mean you're weak and dependent. It doesn't always mean giving up control. Sometimes it's hard to open your hand, but you need to.

This time, I will choose to forget about my pride that almost crushed me. I was strong enough to stand alone, and now, I will be smart enough to acknowledge that I really need help.

Acceptance makes an incredible fertile soil for the seeds of change.

When I went home, I immediately call the number indicated on the card. Ali told me that she fixed everything already regarding my job and I only need to accept it.

After several rings, someone answered my call. "Hello?"

I bite the skin of my lips, a habit that I always does along with fidgeting with the hem of my shirt whenever I'm nervous. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Athena. This is Florence Sylvia."

I heard a rustle from the other line. "Oh! You're the one that Ali referred to me!"

I honestly don't have any idea what job she would offer. But I trust Ali, so I guess I don't have to worry about it that much.

"Y-Yes. That's me. Can I know when we can meet to talk about the job?" I asked.

"I'm on my way to a business meeting right now. But I'm available on Saturday. I think we can arrange a meeting on that specific date."

I nod my head. "That's fine with me, Mrs. Athena. Thank you."

"Don't sweat about it. Anyway, I need to hang up now. Bye, Florence!" she said before hanging up.

I stared at my phone for quite some time and sighed heavily. I just hope that everything will be alright.

•••••

"Are you sure about this?"

I glance at Ali who's sitting next to me on the table. "Sure about what?"

She sighed and look outside. "I hope you're not mad at me for meddling with your life. I hope you understand that I'm doing this for your own sake. I have witnessed your fair share of pain, Florence. And I'm proud that you were able to overcame that painful moment of your life."

She looks at me. "You're one of the bravest person I know. And the help that I offered doesn't mean-"

I chuckled that made her pause. "Stop worrying, Ali. I'm not mad at you. Trust me, I perfectly understand your reasons, and I deeply appreciate it. The truth is-" I breathed deep. "I was mad at myself because your sincerity made me feel like I was vulnerable. Later on, I realized that I was too dumb to felt those."

Silence reigned between us. She chuckled out of the sudden that made my forehead furrowed.

"Damn, we're so dramatic. This is so not us."

The corner of my lips rise up. "Can't argue with that."

Athena messaged me an hour ago and said to just meet her in their house that is already indicated on the calling card Ali gave me. And the time has come.

My knees are literally shaking while I stand in front of the huge white gate. Even from outside, the mansion exudes elegance.

I pressed the door bell. It didn't take that long when someone sprinted towards my direction. Base from her uniform, she is a maid.

"Good afternoon." I bow my head as a sign of respect. "I came here to meet Mrs. Athena. I'm Florence."

She smiled at me. "Mrs. Elizalde is already waiting for you outside. You can call me Aunt Carol, by the way," she said and beckoned me to follow her.

We walk through the long aisle. I look at the left side and saw a fountain. There is a woman holding a jar where all the water is coming from. There are also several trees surrounding us. I can't help but to get astonished by the huge mansion looming ahead of us.

Aunt Carol opened the door and leads me on the living room. Sitting on the black leather couch is a woman who's reading a magazine. The way she dresses and sits exudes with utter elegance.

She averted her gaze on the magazine and looks at us. A smile made its way on her lips. "Florence?"

I nod my head timidly and forced a smile. "G-Good morning, Mrs. Athena."

She motioned me to sit. "I'm glad to finally meet you." I just smiled as a response. "Anyway, let's go straight to the business."

I suited myself.

"To be honest with you, I was quite hesitant at first to accept someone that I have no background of. But since I trust Ali, I'll trust you too."

Remind me to thank Ali later.

"Your job is quite simple. You just need to be my daughter's personal maid. I will introduce you to him later. Since I and my husband are often out of town because of our business, we really need someone who can take care of our child when we are not around. I hope you won't fail me, Florence."

I nod my head. "I will do my best, Ma'am."

I've been taking care of my brother since he was a child. This should be a cinch for me.

She smiled. "Good. Your work includes keeping her room neat and tidy and accompanying her to school and other activities. You will also supervise her meals and assist her with home works. You get the idea."

"Regarding your salary, your monthly wage is 25, 000$."

I would probably choke if I'm drinking something right now. That amount is no joke. Ali was right when she told me that I don't need to worry about the salary.

We were interrupted by someone's heavy footsteps. Ms. Athena averted her gaze from me and looks at the person.

"Zyair! You didn't tell me that you're going to come."

I was stunned on my seat. That name sounds so damn familiar.

"That's not him, right? Maybe they just have the same name," I tried to convince myself.

"I tried callinv you earlier but you're not picking up my calls. Anyway, who is she?"

That familiar deep, baritone voice veiled my entire system with uneasiness.

My blood run cold. I pinched the skin of my arms to calm myself down, but it was fucking useless.

"Oh, it's Florence. She'll be Arhes' personal maid soon," Athena said.

I close my eyes for a moment to gather my resolve. I can't show him how affected I am with his mere presence. That would just confirm his hunch.

I stood up and smiled at him. "Good afternoon."

I saw his cold, dark eyes once again. Those pair of eyes that hunted me for couple of weeks. He's standing in front of me with a stern expression.

The corner of his lips tugged upward. "Nice to meet you, Florence "

Damn it. Destiny has really its own way to play with me.