Nothing in life is certain. Nobody can guarantee you sunshine, rainbows, and happiness. Nobody said life would be simple. When life becomes difficult, you learn to survive. Emily Jane Lockett is no stranger to the working world. Dreaming of a brighter future and a better life for herself and her brother is what motivates her every day. Daniel Steven Rhiner has it all. He never had to labor for anything. When Daniel's father's firm wants to combine with a competing company, the only way for that to happen without a contract is for Daniel to marry the daughter. Daniel has no interest in this; he wants a lady who would love him for himself, not for his money or social standing, or for a business transaction. The only way out is to marry within the next six months before the competitor company's father returns to consummate the deal. This makes him sign a marriage contract with Emily Lockett, who is in desperate need of cash. Will Emily regret this decision, or will Daniel fall in love in the process?
Chapter 1 Emily's POV PT 1
"Shit! I'm going to be late!" I muttered as I dashed to the bus stop.
When I eventually arrived at the bus station. The bus travel was lengthy and monotonous. This gave me time to reflect and be concerned about everything.
"So, I dropped Collin off at school. I completed the bills and checks for half of the ones due this month. The restaurant will pay me next week, so that will cover some of the other expenditures." I told myself, trying not to stress out more than I was.
Since our parents died in a car accident five years ago, I have taken the responsibility of caring for Collin. Collin was only 10 years old and I was just 19 years old. The horn jolted me back from my thoughts.
As soon as I alighted, I dashed over to the nearby restaurant.
I've worked at the restaurant since I was a senior in high school and am now 24 years old.
When I walked in, Mrs. Ranker my boss emerged from the rear with a grin on her face. She is a chubby old lady who always maintains a lovely smile on her face.
"Oh, Emily, I'm delighted you made it to work today. You are aware that you are five minutes late."
"Sorry for the delay, Mrs. Ranker. Today's bus ride took a bit longer."
"Child, what happened to your car?" she said, looking at me.
I was not the one who shied away from the way I lived. I worked hard for all I owned and everything I could offer to my brother. Since my parents died and left me in the care of my brother, I've accepted the label "poor" or "lower-middle class." But, for some reason, selling my vehicle to generate money and my smartphone to obtain a cheap flip phone makes it seem more genuine rather than simply a misunderstanding categorization.
"I had to sell the automobile, Mrs. Ranker. Collin and I were in desperate need of money." I tell her, my head bowed. I felt humiliated and ashamed.
I could see her adoring eyes as I raised my head. "It's unfortunate to hear that, honey. If you need me to move your time back, I can do it."
"I'd love to, but I won't be able to since I won't have enough time to go to my other work. But thank you once more." As she pulls me out of her embrace, I tell her.
"You work too hard, sweetheart. You must re-enter society and return to school to complete the degree you were working on."
I needed to weep. I wanted to complete school; it was never my plan to drop out, but I had to in order to take over the expenses and assist my brother. I wanted to give him a better shot in life. I wanted him to go to a good institution and be successful in life.
"Perhaps after Collin finishes college, I'll return," I tell her without allowing my tears to fall. I move away before I begin to weep.
Mrs. Ranker allowed me to serve tables so that I might earn more tips. I was quite fortunate to have such a boss. She became my second mother.
When I glance up, I find that my shift has finished, so I run to the rear and change into my other clothing. I hurriedly board the bus and go to the movies.
I worked at the restaurant and I also work at the theatre in the evenings to make extra cash.
I check in and take a seat behind the ticket counter.
I'm halfway through my third hour of work when the manager summons me to his office.
As I walked, all I could think was, "Oh sh*t, what have I done?"
When I knock on the door, I hear a voice say, "Come in."
When I opened the door, there he was, my biggest nightmare. No, he wasn't a bad boss; only that being here meant I might be fired.
"You summoned me, Mr. Fintch."
Mr. Fintch is my supervisor at the theatre. He is in charge of the staffs and he has been really kind to me. He helped to increase my work hours at the theatre so I could make extra bucks.
"Yes, I wanted to speak with you about your working hours. I'm sorry to inform you that I cannot work the hours you requested. I would have to reduce it beginning next week. I have too many workers who accuse me of favoritism by giving you additional hours each week."
"Mr. Fintch, I need all of these hours! I'm not trying to be self-centered; I simply need to support my brother and myself. This is my second job, yet we're still struggling to make ends meet! Please don't reduce my hours; I need all your help!" I'm bawling at this point. I couldn't care whether he saw me. I was so unhappy that I couldn't handle it any longer.
He arose from his sit. "I'm very sorry, Emily. I realize you need the hours, and I wish I could help, but my supervisor has told me to reduce your hours, and everyone else's so everyone has the same number. However, you will be paid as if your hours had not been reduced for this paycheck. That's all I can do for you."
"I gazed up at this kind and compassionate guy. Thank you, and please accept my apologies for my breakdown in your office."
"Apologies are unnecessary. If you and your brother ever need a home-cooked supper, my wife, myself, and our two children would be delighted to have you join us."
I embraced him. "I really appreciate it."
"Please come by at seven o'clock tomorrow night." As he handed me his address and phone number, he added. "I'm sorry to spoil this moment, but you're done for the day."
I gathered my belongings and proceeded to the bus station. As I sat there, I pondered how I would inform Collin that my hours had been reduced. I was concerned about how we would get by next month.
Chapter 1 Emily's POV PT 1
11/07/2022
Chapter 2 Emily's POV PT 2
11/07/2022
Chapter 3 Daniel POV
11/07/2022
Chapter 4 Emily POV
11/07/2022
Chapter 5 Daniel POV PT 1
11/07/2022
Chapter 6 Daniel POV PT 2
11/07/2022
Chapter 7 Emily POV
11/07/2022
Chapter 8 Daniel POV PT 1
11/07/2022
Other books by Louise Hosman
More