Chapter Six: Being A Mistress

I glanced at my wristwatch, it was lunch time, time to see Mr Bernard and to decide whether to be, or not to be. I knew this was going to be a very difficult decision to take. I was clearly going to choose between the devil and the deep blue sea!

I also knew that whatever decision I make, it would definitely define my future. So, I needed to choose wisely. I'm supposed to have made this decision before now. I should be dotting my i's and crossing my t's.

I weighed both sides of it, comparing the implications of each and trying to figure out which would be better, with the few minutes I could help myself with, before Mr Bernard came calling. I wish he wouldn't come so soon, so I could think longer and perhaps, harder.

When I remember my mum in the hospital, it pains my heart deeply. I remember all the sacrifices she had made to bring me up to this level. I remember how much she had done for me in the past, and all that she's still doing for me and dad. Indeed, the importance of a mother can't be overemphasized.

Thinking about it through the other angle, I imagined how much I'd have to pass through, if I decide to be his mistress. He was so arrogant and dominant, everyone knows that. He isn't someone you fiddled with. Not at all. 

I knew his dominance was something I hated so much. His ruthlessness… That's obviously the reason why I have to make this tough decision. I can only wonder what it would be like being his fully fledged possession.

Each time I want to think about something else, my thoughts keep trailing back to my mum in the hospital. I knew, just as I promised, that I could give up anything for mum. I give up the pleasure and endure the pain whatsoever, to make sure that she's in a better condition than she is now. After all, she's done so much for me and she's my mum, my only mum. Without her, I wouldn't have ever existed.

I want to think hard, but I didn't want to think long. Fortunately, the thoughts were coming real quick. I've already made up my mind. I knew intuitively, that saving my mum and being subjected to any form of torture that may come my way, would be the best option. I had nothing much to lose, after all.

As soon as I took my firm stand on the matter, I heard the telephone ring. I pick it up quickly, my heart palpitating.

"Hello, Mr Bernard!" I said.

"Hi, Alice! It's lunchtime. See me in my office!" He replied and hung up.

I wanted to say something, but he had ended the call already. I stood in awe of what he did. I just hope he ain't too angry with me.

I dashed out of my office immediately, and headed to his. I put myself together and pressed on the doorbell. He ordered me in, immediately.

"Alice, you may have a seat," he offered.

"Thanks sir," I replied and sat down.

As I sat down, I could see him struggling with some files on his table. I wondered what he was up to.

He brought out a sheet of paper and passed it to me. 

"Take this and read it. If you accept the terms and conditions, then we're good to go," he said and smiled sheepishly at me.

"Okay sir, I'd do just that." I admitted.

One glance at the paper, I gasped. I couldn't believe my eyes. My heart pounded violently in my chest.

'What's all this?'

The list was too long. I just managed to read through them.

My eyes specifically captured where he stated that I would be his and only his alone…

'What the fuck?!'

I've never been in such a situation before. Even Charles, my ex-boyfriend, didn't really emphasize on this commitment thing. Not that I wasn't committed, but he ain't that possessive. How do I deal with this?

'Why is he this heartless and possessive?'

All the time I read what was in the paper, he kept on staring at me. I stole a glance at him and noticed that his eyes were still on me. I gave him a scornful look and transported my eyes back to the paper.

I read through all the twenty items in the list, none was really going well with me. They were all unimaginable things. Things I wouldn't ever wish to do. Or at least, not with my boss. But I just have to do this, just for my mum.

"I've gone through it all," I told him, trying to put my emotions in place.

"Alright then. Do we have a deal?" He asked, smirking fiendishly.

"Yeah, I'm in!" I answered, confidently.

His smile broadened.

"So, you'll start work next week. Get ready for me!" He hinted.

I didn't really mind the consequences of this one decision, as my mum's life was at stake. Nothing is better to me than that. 

"I have your account details already, I'd send you the money now," he proceeded and grabbed his phone from his large desk.

"Okay sir, I'm waiting," I beamed my approval.

Soon, I got an alert notification on my phone. He sent the money. He sent three million dollars! I was overjoyed. This was more than I expected.

"I sent you three million dollars. One million dollars for your mum's bills and two million dollars to take care of yourself and family," he stated.

"Thank you so much sir. I'm so grateful," I could help but thank him.

"You're welcome, Alice. But remember it's a deal, and I've done my own part of the deal. You'll have to fulfill yours," he emphasized.

"Yeah, I know. I'd perform my own part." 

"And if you don't?"

"I'd lose my job."

"No!"

"I'd return the money?"

"No, you'll be punished!"

I was shocked to hear that. Well, I'd try my very best to avoid whatever punishment it is. I'd do my work well. The best I could.

Mum would soon be out of the hospital,... 

'Thank you, good God!'