I feel uneasy

As I continued my journey home, the emotions of the day weighed heavily on my shoulders. The encounter with Xander had left me drained, and all I wanted was to care for Granny and find some semblance of peace.

Back at home, I tended to Granny, gently undressing her and helping her settle into bed. The routine was both comforting and bittersweet—a reminder of my responsibilities and the love that drove me forward.

Days came and went, weeks passed and it was yet, just another day coming back few minutes after my shift as exhaustion began to set in, my phone buzzed with an incoming call. It was Agnes, my best friend and fellow museum guide. Her voice sounded weak as she explained that she was feeling ill and needed someone to cover her shift. I sighed, my own fatigue battling with my sense of duty.

"It's alright" I told her.

After a quick change of clothes, I found myself back at the museum, the familiar halls illuminated by soft overhead lights. I took a deep breath, hoping for a easy and quiet evening.

As I stepped into the main exhibit hall, a sinking feeling washed over me. Xander Sterling stood there, and even after so long, his grey still looked as mischievous, and captive as ever. His eyes locked onto mine and for a while, we looked at each other without saying anything.

Refusing to let my unease show, I approached him with a forced smile. "Good evening, sir. How can I assist you today?"

He returned the smile, his eyes gleaming with a mix of curiosity and something else I couldn't quite decipher. "I'm interested in a tour. Would you be my guide?"

My heart sank. I couldn't refuse a customer, no matter how complicated my history with him was. With a nod, I gestured for him to follow me, leading the way into the depths of the museum.

As I launched into my well-practiced tour, my mind raced. How had I ended up in this situation? I had just wanted to care for Granny and make a simple living as a museum guide. But now, I was entangled with a billionaire who seemed to have a never-ending presence in my life.

Throughout the tour, I fought to maintain my professionalism, suppressing the turmoil within me. As we moved from exhibit to exhibit, I couldn't shake the feeling that Xander was watching me, as if trying to unravel the layers I had worked so hard to protect.

Finally, the tour came to an end, and I led Xander back to the main entrance. "Thank you for visiting your museum," I said, trying to make his visit seem unnecessary even though, I knew that he of cause, needed to check on his museum once in a while, yet still, he was looking at me with a glint of amusement.

"You're quite the guide, Amelia."

I nodded, my smile feeling a touch strained. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."

He then cleared his throat, his expression more serious than before.

"Amelia, before I go, I have a different proposal for you," he began, his voice steady.

This was his third proposal. What was it with businessmen and proposals?

I raised an eyebrow, skepticism lingering in my eyes. "Another proposal? What could you possibly offer this time?"

His lips quirked into a rueful smile. "This time, it's not about getting you into my bed. I promise."

My guard remained up, but I couldn't deny my curiosity. "Alright, I'm listening."

He took a step closer, his gaze unwavering. "I have several ongoing projects that require someone with your skills—research, organisation, and attention to detail. I'm prepared to hire you as a consultant, with a competitive salary and flexible hours. It would be an honest, professional arrangement, no strings attached."

My eyebrows shot up in surprise. This was a far cry from his previous propositions. A genuine business opportunity, one that aligned with my skills and ambitions. My heart wavered, wondering if I should turn this down again.

Xander's gaze remained steady, his sincerity evident. "I know I've given you reasons to doubt me, but I assure you, this is a legitimate opportunity. I want to make amends for my behavior and give you a chance to prove yourself on your own terms."

My mind spun as I considered his words. The thought of working on substantial projects, earning a competitive salary, and possibly securing a better future for Granny—all of it hung within my reach.

Xander turned around, his voice softer. "Think it over. If you're interested, come to my place tomorrow, and we can discuss the details. If not, I understand."

With a nod of farewell, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, a mix of relief and apprehension flooding my veins. As the museum's doors closed behind him, I let out a shaky breath, with that, I returned to my duties, my thoughts clouded as I continued my work, determined to push aside the confusing emotions that threatened to consume me.

At home, I found solace in caring for Granny, her presence a comforting reminder of the love and responsibility that grounded me. The evening hours passed by in a blur as I cooked dinner, the events of the day still replaying in my mind.

As I lay in bed, I couldn't escape the pull of my thoughts. Xander's proposal, his sincerity, the possibilities it could open up—they all tugged at my conscious mind, refusing to be dismissed.

The night passed slowly, sleep eluding me as I wrestled with my thoughts and emotions. I couldn't deny that the prospect of a legitimate business opportunity intrigued me, but the caution that had been instilled in me over the years held me back.

As the first rays of morning light filtered through my window, I made a decision. I would go to Xander's place tomorrow, not with blind trust, but with a determination to explore the possibilities before me. Whatever lay ahead, I knew one thing for certain—my journey was far from over, and I was ready to face it head-on.