Chapter 7

Melissa’s POV 

 

I woke up this morning feeling good about myself. 

I don’t know why, though. Maybe because I finally told Ben off or because I might see Lucy again today. I wasn’t kidding when I said I was already attached to her. I practically skipped to the bathroom. After brushing my teeth and taking a shower, I decided to order pizza. 

I can afford to order pizza now.

I don’t have to calculate how much I could save if I eat cereal instead of pizza. Oh, the joy of knowing I will soon have money. I laugh at the idea of it, and Molly looks at me as if I’ve grown another head.

“I know it is weird for you to see me this happy in the morning, but I just can’t explain what I’m feeling, Moll.” I grin at her.

My pizza arrivedforty minutes after I ordered it. 

I swear, something has to be done about slow pizza delivery. What do you think? I place a slice of pizza in Molly’s bowl.

“Bon appétit, Molly.” In case you are wondering, I don’t speak French, but I do know how to say my name in French and, of course, “Bon appétit,” too.

Don’t blame me. I just don’t have the energy to learn any other thing apart from those two phrases. I might have graduated with straight As in college, but I swear my brain practically shuts down when it comes to languages.  

 

I wasn’t sure what to do again after eating, and I don’t want to call Mr. Hot Stuff yet. I don’t want to look too eager. 

I mean, it was just twelve in the afternoon. 

I decided to start packing my things. I won’t be staying here anymore after today, right? I would have to move immediately because of the Ben situation. 

I started with my clothes. After packing and sealing the boxes of clothes, I packed my books. I don’t have many books, so it occupied just one box. 

How the hell am I going to pack my shoes? Those damn things occupy an entire room in this damn apartment. 

Ben’s apartment isn’t this bad. It has two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom and toilet. And my pretty heels occupy one room. Don’t ask me how many pairs I own. I don’t know myself.  I just can’t stop myself from buying them, and they piled up without me even realizing it.

At precisely one pm, I dial Edwards'snumber, and he answers on the second ring. He must have been waiting for my call.

“Miss Brooks,” he says. 

I will take that as his way of greeting.  “Mr. Edwards.”

“Your call only means that you have made your decision.”

“Yes, sir. I have decided to accept your offer,” I say, cool as a cucumber.

“Good, Miss Brooks. You made the right decision,” he tells me. 

Trying not to sound too eager, I ask him, “So, when do you want me to start?”

“Today, if that is okay with you. In the meantime, I will send some people over to help you pack your things. My driver will pick you up and drive you over here.”

I breathe to remain calm. “That sounds fine.”

“You can use the rest of the day to get settled and start work tomorrow.”

“Great!” There is one thing. I can’t move out of this apartment without settling up with Ben. “The… uh, matter of payment?”

“Forward your account details to me, and you will get your full payment immediately,” he tells me. 

My mouth drops open. I was expecting half at the most, not all of it. 

“Okay, sir. I will do that,” I reply in my most efficient voice. 

“Good. See you later, Miss Brooks.” He hangs up.

What is with him and ending calls with saying goodbye? The last time I checked, I was the one that called him. God, rich people are so rude. 

After sending him my account information as he requested, I changed into something more presentable in case the movers arrived early.

“I guess we are moving now, Molly,” I tell Molly. My eyes widen as I remember the most important thing. I didn’t ask him if it was okay to bring Molly. 

I grab my phone to call him again and notice he has transferred the money already. 

He sent one hundred--onehundredthousand dollars. That is huge. Even after paying my debts, I will still have plenty. 

I transferred Ben’s money to him immediately. I even cleared my mobile and electricity bills. You are a free human being now, Melissa, no more debts.

Just as I’m about to indulge myself in a happy dance, a burst of knocking comes to my door.

“Just a minute,” I call out and rush to open it. You’ll never guess who it is. You have three guesses. Bingo!

You guessed right. Ben.

“How can I help you, Ben?” I can’t help but feel a little smug.

I owe the fat man nothing. I am free from his tyranny and perverted advances.

“You’re all paid up?” He cannot believe what’s happening.

“Shocker, right? But I told you I would. So why did you doubt me, Old Ben?” I mock him.

He eyes me with suspicion. “How did you get the money so fast?” 

I scoff. “That is none of your business, Ben dearest. You should just be happy you got your money.”

His laugh is humorless and hard. “Did you sell your body to the highest bidder? Is that how you made money? I should have known that you were a slut. You always act so righteo…”

“Stop right there, you old fool. I kept quiet all this while because I show respect to my elders. But I’m through with you. I won’t have you insulting me that way.” I flash my teeth at him.

He snorts. “Next time, you won’t be getting any grace period to pay your rent. You’re late, you’re out of here.”

“Don’t worry yourself, Ben dearest, there won’t be a next time. As we speak, my movers are on their way to pack up my stuff so I can finally leave your shitty building.”

I could kiss those movers, as they came just at the right time.

“You will regret this, Melissa. You will regret not giving yourself to me,” he warns.

I roll my eyes. “I am so scared.”

“You should be,” he hissed.

“Oh hush, Ben, and scoot. Let these good people get to work,” I say, stepping aside to allow the movers into my flat.

 He stomped off angrily. 

Wait a minute, I never told Mr. Edwards where I live. Rich people and their creepy resourceful ways…