There is no one here to yell at me over using all the hot water. I’m not sure how that works in an apartment, if it affects anyone else, but honestly? I don’t care. They aren’t going to yell at me for this. They won’t even know it’s me.
I’m not happy my father is dead, in fact, it’s really going to mess me up once it all hits—I know that. But the relief of knowing I can do whatever I want, when I want, without repercussion, has me feeling fifty pounds lighter. I should feel guilty for being relieved, but... my father’s cruelty is gone with him, and for that, I’m grateful.
I’m free. Finally, I’mfree.
This is my apartment, everything in it is mine, and I can do what I want.
Or can I?
When I get out of the shower, I go to the living room, turn the light on dim, close the curtains, and put on the TV forbackground noise. The living room is decorated in dark oak and cream colors. The TV is mounted to the wall, and one of the biggest I’ve ever seen in a residential setting.
I pick up the small box and open it. The phone screen lights up when I tip it toward my face. It’s already set up. There is no lock on it, so I set that up first. Then I go through the phone, just to see what’s here. My accounts aren’t logged in, which I appreciate. I’d be freaked out if he managed to get all my info, though it would be convenient.
I open the contacts and find only one.
Elliot Caldwell.
I think of my old phone that’s still sitting on the countertop in the kitchen and wonder if I’m supposed to get rid of that one. Is this a work phone only, or can I use it for everything? Will I get to keep it when I leave this job? Is everything he’s offering conditional? Of course it is. That’s how jobs work. You get the company phone and laptop while employed, and when you leave, you give it all back. Meaning I shouldn’t get used to all this. It’s only temporary.
I press his contact and hover over the phone button for just a second before tapping it and bringing the phone to my ear.
“Seraphine, are you okay?”
“That’s a loaded question,” I say, my voice raspy, throat burning.
When’s the last time I spoke out loud?
“I suppose it is. Do you need something?” He isn’t accusatory, more caring. Worried.
Why I chose to call him over Harrison, I don’t know. Less likely to be forced into something? I don’t want to give Harrison the wrong idea. It’s possible I already did.
“I just wanted to thank you for everything you did for me today.” I have no idea how he managed to get all of this done in a matter of a couple of hours, but he made it happen. “And I think we should discuss the terms of me working for you.”
“That can wait.”
“No, it can’t. You’ve already given me all this stuff. I can’t accept the benefits of a job without doing the job.”
“You’ve just lost your father, Seraphine. Give it time. We can discuss this next week. Or the week after, or the week after that. There is no rush.”
“I can’t do that.” The words come out a croak, and I don’t know why I’m getting emotional. I’ve been fine for hours; I’m going to break down and cry now that I’m on the phone with my new boss?
New boss… how insane is that? I’m going to work for Elliot Caldwell, one of the richest men in the city.
I’ve heard so many things about this man over the years, nothing ever good—other than the amazing work he does—but nothing overtly bad either. Now here I am, working for him after his son cheated on me with his stepsister.
What even is my life?
“Seraphine…” He sighs heavily, and I can imagine the look on his handsome face. Concern. Worry.
Why does he look at me with those emotions when he doesn’t even know me? He’s so intense, and not at all the cold-hearted man people make him out to be. Even Harrison…
The man I know him as isn’t anything like the media makes him out to be or how Harrison made him out to be. Is he playing games with me, wanting me to see something else, or am I—
No. No, I can’t do that. This has nothing to do with me. Maybe I’m wrong, and when I spend more time with him, I’ll see what other people see.
“Mr. Caldwell,” I respond when he says nothing else.
Another sigh. “If it will make you feel better, I’ll have a contract drafted up and sent over to you. But for the record, I wish you would take more time to deal with everything you’re going through and not worry about work. Take care of yourself.”
