A DANGEROUS ENTICEMENT

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imagine the scene, the doctor standing there, arms crossed, refusing to help my mother because she owed them money. It was hard to imagine someone being so heartle

touch through the fabric of my shirt. The scent of his aftershave filled the room, a familiar and comforting smell. His words and gestures helped to calm

nd, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Mira was always there for me, no matter what. I knew I could count on her to listen a

he's going to fire you! What's going on?" Her words hit me like a ton of bricks, and I could feel the tears welling up

please tell me. I can come over if you need me." Her voice was full of concern, and I could tell that she was genuine

get there, but for now, I just need to be alone. I'm on my way." I ended the call, even though I knew Mira would be w

headed out the door, I took a deep breath and looked around at the familiar neighborhood. The street was bustling with people, cars, and noise.

uld I go inside, or wait outside? I wasn't sure what to do next. I started to wonder what I would say to my boss. Should I just apologize for not showing up to work, or should I try to explain the situation? But how would I even b

a sneer. "So, you think you can just skip work whenever you feel like it, huh?" he growled. I could feel my heart racing, my palms swea

, my eyes fixed on the floor. My voice was barely above a whisper, but I forced myself to continue. "But... I didn't know how to

ays done my best. But he was right, I had given him trouble recently. I had missed work several times, and I knew he was getting fed up with me. But I

it was a lie, but I didn't care. My life had been devoted to this job, and now it was gone. I felt like a part of me had died, and

e stranger from the café. What was he doing here? I remembered how rude he had been to me yesterday, but I couldn't help but be dr

t?" I asked, my voice coming out harsher than I'd intended. "And why should I believe you, anyway? You were rude to me yesterday." I couldn't beli

haven't you?" he asked. It wasn't a question, it was a statement. I felt my knees go weak, and I had to steady myself against the wall. "How... how

wn? It didn't make sense. "How did you know?" I asked, my eyes narrowing as I stared at him. He was still sitting on the hood of his car, lo

mirk on his lips. I felt like the world had stopped turning, and I could barely breathe. How did he know about

ieve he knew something so personal, something that I had only ever shared with a fe

ssue is that you need help. You need money for your mother's treatment, and you need to pay your bills. I know you can't do that without a job, so

have to admit, I'm a little concerned. First you know about my mom's sickness, and now you know my name. What else do you know about me? A

? Do you think I don't have better things to do?" He sounded indignant, and

're just projecting because you don't have anything better to do with your time." I could feel my temper rising, and I was barely able

accept it." My blood boiled. I knew he was trying to bait me, but I couldn't help myself. I couldn't stand the t

rked hard for everything I have, and I'm not about

back, and it will be too late." I could feel the anger rising up in me again, threatening to boil over. But I knew I could

shove it. I don't want anything to do with you." I could feel my face burning, and my hands were trembling. I hated this

took a step about walking out, I looked back at him, seething. "Get your a

full of confidence. I stopped in my t

was calm, almost serene. "I'm dead serious," he said, his voice steady. "This could change your life. You just have to trust me." I was

ream of making. But could I really trust this man? I'd never met him before yesterday, and now he was offering me a life-c

u take the deal, or not?" I felt the pressure mounting, my mind spinning. What should I do? If I

y doing this. It seemed too good to be true. But what did I have to lose? I'd been struggling for so long,

n down my spine. What was the condition? I braced myself for the worst. "What's the