CHAPTER SEVEN

SCARLETT

I ran my hands through my hair, frustration building. I had nothing to wear—my clothes were all soaked from the rain. Pacing back and forth, I debated my options. Asking Jenny for clothes seemed out of line, but what choice did I have? My thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.

When I opened it, Jenny stood there, holding fresh clothes.

"I figured you might need these," she said simply. "Your clothes are drenched."

"Thanks," I replied, taking them from her. "I'll be out in a minute."

I quickly got dressed and used the hairdryer I found in the bathroom to dry my hair. By the time I stepped out, Jenny had already set the table. I sat down, and for a minute, the room was quiet except for the sound of us dishing up food.

"So, what's your story?" she finally asked.

I put my fork down, hesitating briefly before launching into my tale. I told her about growing up as an orphan, with few opportunities to build a future. I explained how I came to work for the Chase family and about Jason—how I met him two years into the job when he returned from one of his business trips. At the time, I thought it was love at first sight. It was exciting, secret, and forbidden. He promised we'd marry when the time was right. I believed him, loved him, trusted him. And now? Here I was—pregnant and abandoned.

When I finished, Jenny was silent, staring at the table as if she was processing everything. Finally, she muttered, "Men aren't good people."

I chuckled, picking up my fork again. "They really aren't."

"I'm sorry you went through that. No one deserves to be left like that."

"I guess it's my fault for being naive. I really thought it could work out. I forgot this isn't some Disney fairy tale."

"Well," she said firmly, "you can stay here as long as you need to."

I shook my head. "I can't impose on you like this, Jenny."

"Don't be ridiculous. We could be roommates. I've got a spare room, and honestly, I wouldn't mind the company. It gets lonely sometimes."

"Okay," I agreed hesitantly, "but I'll get a job and contribute to the rent and other expenses. There's no way I'm staying for free."

"If that's what will make you stay, fine by me."

"Thanks, Jenny," I said, standing to clear the table.

Later that evening, we settled in the living room with glasses of wine.

"So," she asked, "what kind of work are you planning to look for?"

"Anything, really. I've picked up a lot of skills over the years, and I'm pretty good with computers. No college degree, but I've taught myself a lot."

"That's great! Tomorrow, we can look at some job listings. But for now, you should get some sleep. You've had a rough day."

She gave me a quick hug before I headed to bed.

The smell of pancakes woke me the next morning. For a moment, I sat on the bed, letting the events of the previous day wash over me. But I refused to cry. Not for Jason.

After freshening up, I walked into the kitchen, where Jenny was flipping pancakes.

"It smells amazing in here," I said, pouring myself a cup of coffee.

"How's our little mommy doing today?" she teased with a grin.

"Better," I admitted.

After breakfast, we made a list of potential job opportunities for me to explore the next day. I spent the rest of the day doing laundry while Jenny worked on some office tasks. I knew I'd need new clothes soon, but with the little money I had left, that would have to wait until I found a job.

By Monday morning, I was ready. Jenny had lent me some of her corporate attire, and though I was nervous, I tried to channel her confidence. Out of the job listings, three seemed like realistic options, even with my situation. I just hoped one of them would take a chance on me.

"Just be brave," Jenny advised as she dropped me off at my first interview. "Answer their questions clearly, and don't let them see your nerves. They'll pounce on it."

I smiled weakly. "I'll try not to mess this up."

"You've got this. Call me when you're done, and we'll grab lunch."

The first interview was nerve-wracking. As I handed over my file, I noticed the interviewer's frown.

"Miss Jones," he said, "this isn't a resume."

"No," I admitted. "I've never worked in an office before, but I've picked up a lot of skills on my own. I'm confident I can do the job."

He exchanged a glance with his colleagues and scribbled something down.

"Do you have any personal circumstances that might disrupt your work?" he asked. "We prefer employees who won't suddenly need extended leave."

I hesitated, knowing honesty was my best option. "Yes, I'm pregnant. But I'm in the early stages, and I promise it won't interfere with my work. I'll keep going right up until my due date."

His expression was judgmental, his eyes dropping to my bare ring finger. "We'll get back to you."

By lunchtime, I felt utterly defeated. The other interviews had gone the same way. I called Jenny, who told me to meet her at a nearby restaurant.

As I waited, sipping a drink and scrolling through my phone, the restaurant door chimed. I glanced up, expecting to see Jenny, but my breath caught instead. A tall, imposing man strode in, exuding power and wealth. His sharp features and confident stride commanded attention, and the entire room seemed to notice him. Oblivious to—or perhaps used to—the stares, he made his way to the VIP section.

I found myself watching him, unable to look away. His scowl, the subtle quirks of his expression as he studied the menu, the way his hand swept through his hair—all of it was magnetic.

"What are you staring at?" Jenny's familiar voice jolted me out of my thoughts. She slid into the booth across from me, a knowing smirk on her face.

"Nothing," I mumbled, quickly averting my gaze.

"How'd it go?" she asked, flagging down a waiter.

I recounted the interviews, and her expression turned stormy.

"They rejected you because you're pregnant? As if that's some kind of disease. The nerve!"

I sighed, the taste of my food suddenly dull.

Jenny glanced toward the VIP section and froze. "Oh, no way," she muttered.

"What?"

"That's my boss," she said, nodding toward the man I'd been staring at earlier.

My jaw dropped. "That's your boss? Wow."

"Wait a second," Jenny said, her face lighting up. "Why didn't I think of this before? We're hiring a secretary at my company! I've been stuck covering two jobs since he demoted the last one."

"No way," I protested. "You've done so much for me already."

"Listen," she insisted. "We need the help, and you need a job. You'll get it based on your skills, not because of me. Trust me on this."

"I don't know—"

"Oh, crap, he's coming this way," I hissed.