Finding A New Job

"Eva, we need to talk," Greene said, still holding me close. I nodded, and he released me. We sat down facing each other.

"I'm sorry for what my parents did to you and for the trouble I've caused," Greene began.

"Why didn't you tell me about your true identity and your family's status?" I asked.

Greene took a deep breath. "When I agreed to the blind date, I wanted to keep my identity hidden. If you recognized me as GT, I planned to pretend to be his cousin. If you didn't know me, I'd wait until I was sure about you. I wanted a genuine relationship, not one driven by my wealth."

"Our three months together have been exactly what I wanted – a connection beyond my money. I'm sorry things have turned out this way," Greene concluded.

"I understand why you hid your identity, Greene," I said, attempting to keep my emotions under control. "But the reality is that your family, especially your parents, do not approve of our relationship. Without their blessing, there is no chance for us to be together."

"I'll fight for us, if you let me," Greene replied, reaching out to hold my hand, but I pulled it away, still reeling from the harsh reality of the situation.

"Your parents said they have already chosen someone for you to marry, then why are you still pursuing me?" I questioned, my voice shaky with some sort of hurt.

"They've proposed an arranged marriage with the daughter of one of their rich friends, but I don't want that. That's why they treated you so badly. I should have told you beforehand, but I was too afraid of losing you," Greene replied, his face filled with pain and regret.

"Greene, this can't work, no matter how much you may love me," I said, my frustration mounting as he continued to plead his case. "You're a billionaire, and I'm just a girl struggling to make ends meet. Our worlds are too different, and your parents have made it clear that they don't want me in your life. I respect their wishes and you need to do the same."

Greene's face fell, his expression a heartbreaking mix of sadness and determination. "I don't want to lose you, Eva.

"You've already lost me, Greene," I said, my voice filled with determination as I turned away from him. "Your parents have shown me what they really think of me, and I don't want to be a part of that kind of family. Please just leave so I can focus on finding another job."

"I'll make sure you get a new job, Eva," he replied, his expression set with a mixture of regret and resolve. "It's the least I can do since I was the reason you lost your last one. Just tell me what I can do to help."

"I don't need your help," I stated firmly, waving a dismissive hand toward the exit. "I will find another job on my own. All you have to do is leave my room now."

Greene's pleading fell on deaf ears. "Please, Eva, don't do this. We can find a way," he begged, his voice filled with desperation.

I strode to the door, my face set in a hard line as I opened it wide, gesturing for him to leave. "Your parents have insulted and humiliated me enough. I won't be their scapegoat any longer."

The decision to send Greene away was the best course of action, I thought to myself, needing to avoid the drama and confusion his presence brought into my life.

With a heavy heart, Greene stood up and joined me at the door. Our eyes met, and I saw the pain in his. He slowly walked out, and I shut the door behind him. I retreated to my bed, collapsing onto the mattress with an audible thump.

"Why is my life such a mess?" I howled into my pillow, letting out a cathartic scream as I processed the mess that my life had become.

Just as I was caught in the whirlwind of my own thoughts, my dear friend Pearl and her sister Sunshine burst into the room, breaking through the shroud of my introspection.

"Eva," Pearl called out. "Was that Greene I saw leaving?" Pearl asked, joining me on the bed.

I straightened up on my bed, shifting my attention to her. "Yes, I've put an end to it. It was the only sensible choice."

"Miss Eva!" Sunshine exclaimed, bounding over to me with a beaming smile.

"Hello, Sunshine!" I greeted her warmly, my heart lightening at the sight of her cheerful face.

Pearl gave me a knowing look, then directed her sister away from our conversation. "Sunshine, go play with the teddy bears for now. Eva and I need to talk."

Sunshine obediently skipped off to the corner of the room, surrounded by my teddy bear collection.

"I thought we agreed to give him a chance, Eva," Pearl pointed out with a hint of disapproval.

"That was your decision," I clarified. "And now, I've lost my job."

Pearl's eyes widened in shock. "You lost your job? How?"

"His parents got me fired from the orphanage. I've been job hunting all day, but nothing's come up. All he's bringing me is more trouble."

Pearl gasped, outraged. "That's unacceptable! They crossed a line."

"Exactly," I said, standing up and walking over to my laptop.

"What's your next move?" Pearl asked.

"I'm going to keep searching until I find a job, whatever it takes," I replied, my tone determined and resolute.

"Have you considered home tutoring?" Pearl suggested. "It might be a good option, especially since they're less likely to ask for your credentials and they can pay better than a school position."

I considered this, nodding in agreement. "That could work. It hadn't crossed my mind before, but it might be just what I need."

"There are actually a couple of home tutoring opportunities I came across online," Pearl continued, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "I think you should apply for them! I'll send you the links now."

"That's fantastic," I said, grateful for her help. "Thank you, Pearl. You've given me some great ideas."

With a grateful smile, I received the links from Pearl, her assistance giving me a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos. "I'll take a look at these later," I assured her.

Pearl sighed, her expression a mixture of disappointment and understanding. "It's hard to believe that you're willing to let love go so easily."

I nodded, my shoulders drooping with the weight of my decision. "Better safe than sorry."

Pearl and her sister Sunshine were the only children of Mr. and Mrs. North, owners of a thriving restaurant. Pearl, my age and a nurse by profession, often lent a helping hand to her parents when she could find a break in her busy schedule. She had been a pillar of support for me since the moment I moved to this neighborhood, and I cherished her friendship. In contrast to my own experience, Pearl enjoyed a loving and committed relationship with her boyfriend.

"If you ever decide to reconsider your decision about Greene, you know I'll be here to support you," Pearl offered with genuine concern.

I playfully rolled my eyes. "Only in your dreams, darling. Enough about me, how's your family and boyfriend?"

"They're all doing great," Pearl replied, beaming.

"Of course, you're glowing!" I teased, and we both burst into laughter.

Pearl and her sister stayed until dusk, before bidding me farewell. Once they left, I sat alone in my room and opened the links Pearl had sent.

The first tutoring opportunity was not far from my home, but the pay was meager. The second, however, was further away, but came with a more generous compensation, even covering transportation costs.

After weighing the options, I decided to apply for the second position, the better pay and long-term benefits making it a more attractive choice. I sent in my application and received a response almost immediately, inviting me for an interview the following day.

"I hope this goes well," I murmured to myself, closing my laptop and turning off the lights. I knew that the interview was a crucial step in securing the tutoring job and changing some aspects of my life, and I silently prayed for success.

Rising early the following morning, I stepped out of my room fully dressed and ready to face the job interview with as much poise as I could muster. With my purse in hand, I made my way to the dining room, only to find my parents seated at the table.

"Good morning," I greeted them coolly, bypassing the breakfast spread and heading out the door without a second glance. My mother called after me, inquiring about my lack of appetite, but I ignored her, my thoughts still echoing with their hurtful words.

After boarding a taxi, I managed to grab a quick bite on the go, eager to arrive at the mansion listed as the location of the interview. As we arrived at the mansion, I was stunned. The exterior alone exuded beauty, reminiscent of a celebrity's residence.

I stepped onto the marble entrance and rang the doorbell, my heart racing as I waited for someone to greet me and a maid in uniform opened the door.

"Good morning, my name is Eva. I'm here for the 8 a.m. job interview," I stated, unable to tear my gaze from the grandeur of the surrounding.

"Oh, come in," the maid gestured, leading me into the extravagant living room. Every element was a work of art, from the plush sofas to the intricate paintings adorning the walls. The luxurious decor spoke of unimaginable wealth, leaving me in awe.

"Please make yourself comfortable. I'll let my employer know that you're here," the maid instructed, leaving me to take in the beauty of the living room.

I settled onto one of the luxurious sofas, trying to compose myself and push away the sense of intimidation that came with such extravagance.

Before long, I heard the sound of footsteps approaching. My eyes instinctively drifted downward, tracing the flawless gleam of a pair of expensive shoes. As I followed the shoes up to the immaculate suit and, finally, the face of their owner, I found myself gasping in shock at the familiar features.

"Greene?" I whispered, my voice barely a breath as I stared into the eyes of the man I thought I had left behind.