I felt trapped, like I was living in a prison. I was sure that if I had the courage to run away, I could find a rich man who would be willing to pay for my college tuition. I believed that my attractiveness would add advantage in my job search. But, why should I settle for someone who didn't value girls like us, who didn't have any family or history? On the other hand, I felt attached to the kids at the orphanage, as if they were my own siblings. I wanted to be there for them, to guide them and share my knowledge as much as I could. When I was summoned by the orphanage manager, I was curious. "You asked to see me, ma'am?" I asked, uneasy from her serious tone. She asked me to sit, her eyes filled with concern. "Is everything alright?" I asked her. "Did something bad happen?" She shook her head and sighed, telling me, "You're 18 now Carla, and as per the orphanage rules, you either have to leave and find a home and a job or you can stay here and work." Her words left me breathless. I had believed my agreement to stay and work in the orphanage was understood.
Chapter 1 1
Carla
I felt trapped, like I was living in a prison. I was sure that if I had the courage to run away, I could find a rich man who would be willing to pay for my college tuition. I believed that my attractiveness would add advantage in my job search. But, why should I settle for someone who didn't value girls like us, who didn't have any family or history?
On the other hand, I felt attached to the kids at the orphanage, as if they were my own siblings. I wanted to be there for them, to guide them and share my knowledge as much as I could.
When I was summoned by the orphanage manager, I was curious. "You asked to see me, ma'am?" I asked, uneasy from her serious tone. She asked me to sit, her eyes filled with concern. "Is everything alright?" I asked her. "Did something bad happen?"
She shook her head and sighed, telling me, "You're 18 now Carla, and as per the orphanage rules, you either have to leave and find a home and a job or you can stay here and work." Her words left me breathless. I had believed my agreement to stay and work in the orphanage was understood.
"But we cannot offer you a fancy job or a high salary," she further explained, "Given you haven't graduated college, I can't offer you a position as a teacher. My hands are tied." She paused, a strange shift in her tone, before stating, "Thus, I am offering you a job as a nanny instead."
Shock took over me. "A nanny!?" I exclaimed, "You want me to clean, do laundry, and care for the children?"
"Yes, but remember Carla, you always have the choice to decline and look for another job," she reminded me. Suddenly, I felt lost and helpless.
Out of despair, I asked, "Why?" I thought she saw me as her own daughter. "You promised me a good job!"
She sighed, "I am helpless, Carla. I thought you loved the kids, and wanted to help them."
I tried to gather my thoughts as the harsh reality of the situation dawned on me. She broke the silence by stating, "I do want to help, Carla. I have a plan, but you'll have to follow my instructions strictly."
Intrigued by her confidence, I agreed to comply with her instructions. "Of course, I will. What is the plan?" I asked.
She came closer, placing her hand on my shoulder and said, "Tomorrow, the billionaire alpha king Thunder is visiting the orphanage. I thought it would be a good opportunity to celebrate the children's birthdays together. I would like you to sing at the party, and take care of the children throughout. I will make sure to show the alpha king Thunder your dedication, and I will request him to pay your college tuition or at least, offer a good job at his mansion. What do you think?"
Even though I hated the man, I couldn't pass this opportunity if he was my ticket out of the orphanage and my path to a normal life.
I confidently stood up and nodded. Despite of everything, I agreed, "Sure. I promise to do my best."
I was feeling trapped, as though I was living in a prison. I was certain that if I could muster the courage to run away, I could find a rich man willing to pay for my college tuition. I had faith that my good looks would help me in securing a job. But why should I settle for someone who didn't value girls like us, girls with no family or history?
On the other hand, I felt a strong connection to the children at the orphanage. I saw them as my own siblings and wanted to be there for them, to guide them, and share the knowledge I had with them.
When I was called by the orphanage manager, curiosity washed over me. "Did you ask for me, ma'am?" I questioned, feeling a bit anxious at her stern tone. She signalled for me to sit, her eyes expressing worry. "Is everything alright, ma'am?" I asked. "Has something gone wrong?"
Shaking her head and releasing a sigh, she said, "You've turned 18 now, Carla. As per the rules of the orphanage, you either have to leave and find a home and work, or you can stay and work here." Her words hit me with a surprise. I thought it was understood that I'd stay and work at the orphanage.
"But we cannot offer you a prestigious job or a high salary," she continued, "Considering you haven't graduated college, I can't offer you a position as a teacher. My hands are tied." She paused, a noticeable shift in her voice before stating, "So, I'm proposing a job as a nanny for you instead."
I was taken aback. "A nanny!?" I exclaimed, "You want me to clean, do laundry, and take care of the children?"
"Yes, but remember, Carla, you always have the option to decline and find another job," she reminded me. Suddenly, I felt lost and helpless.
Out of desperation, I asked, "Why?" I thought she saw me as her own daughter. "You promised me a good job!"
She sighed, "I'm being cornered, Carla. I thought you loved the kids and wanted to help them."
I tried to gather my thoughts as the stark reality of the situation unveiled itself. Breaking the silence she mentioned, "I want to help you, Carla. I've a plan, but you have to follow my instructions strictly."
Her confidence intrigued me and I agreed to comply with her instructions. "Of course, I will. What is the plan?" I asked.
Coming closer, she put her hand on my shoulder and said, "Tomorrow, the billionaire, Thunder, is visiting the orphanage. I thought it would be a good opportunity to celebrate the children's birthdays together. I want you to sing at the party and take care of the children throughout. I will make sure to show Thunder how devoted you are, and I will request him to pay your college tuition or at least, offer you a good job at his mansion. What do you think?"
Even though I disliked the man, I couldn't pass this opportunity if he was my ticket out of the orphanage and a chance at a normal life.
I confidently stood up and nodded. Despite of everything, I agreed, "Sure. I promise to do my best."
But just when I was about to excuse myself and go back to the kids, she stopped me by the door and said, "Wait. You need to wear this dress tomorrow if you want to make a good impression on the billionaire and his team."
When I turned around, I saw a large box; she handed it to me with a wide smile and said "Open the box."
I was pleasantly surprised to see a fitted, short red dress, black heels, and even a small box of make-up.
Doubtful, I asked, "Really?" Wondering if it was for me.
She responded with a nod and a motherly touch to my cheeks, saying, "Yes. In all honesty, I had another plan in mind for you. If the billionaire isn't interested in helping you, perhaps one of his team members or investors may become enamored by your charm and decide to support you."
I was caught off guard and teared up; I never thought she would go to such lengths for my sake. I hugged her tightly and said, "Thank you so much. I appreciate everything you've done for me."
"Now, take a break for the rest of the day. Make sure you're prepared and primed for tomorrow. It needs to be a day as bright and beautiful as the sun," she added.
Little did I know, she was using me as a pawn in a tactical game plan. Sadly, her objective was to exploit my beauty for her professional gain.
But it was too late to understand what was going on. I was an innocent and naive young woman who had always thought of her as part of my family, my surrogate mother.
?
Chapter 1 1
24/10/2023
Other books by Bosy Elselhdar 2
More