I launched off the bed, remnants of yesterday’s thoughts swirling in my mind. Something had shifted—my priorities, my perspective. I couldn’t fully grasp it yet, but for the first time in a long while, I knew things had to change.
My laptop sat untouched on the desk, coated in a thin layer of dust. I wiped it with my sleeve, clearing more than just the grime. Today was going to be different.
"Good morning."
Joyce’s cheerful voice broke the silence.
I nodded in response, hoping it would satisfy her curiosity. But her gaze lingered, as if waiting for an explanation.
"Someone’s up with a good spirit," she teased, slinging her bag over her shoulder.
"Have a nice day," I said, managing a small smile.
She hesitated for a moment, then nodded, stepping out and shutting the door behind her.
Hours Later…
I leaned back in my chair, exhaustion sinking into my bones. My eyes burned from hours of staring at the screen, but I felt accomplished. For the first time in forever, my résumé was updated, my job search in full swing.
Then my phone buzzed.
I grabbed it absentmindedly, but the moment I read the message, my stomach twisted.
Unknown Number: We need to talk. Are you free?
I frowned, my fingers hesitating before typing.
Me: Who is this?
The reply came almost instantly.
Unknown Number: Meet me at Grills Inc. 8 AM.
A chill ran down my spine. This wasn’t one of Dickson’s usual games. Something about it felt… off.
I typed again. "Who are you?"
Three dots blinked on the screen. Then—
Unknown Number: When you're here, you'll know.
I stared at the message, my thoughts spinning.
Who the hell was this?
Was it a mistake? Or was someone actually trying to reach me? Either way, I didn’t have much of a choice.
---
That Evening…
It was almost six, and Joyce still wasn’t back.
"Where is this little puppy at?" I muttered, glancing at the door.
Almost immediately, a soft knock broke the silence. I didn’t need to guess who it was.
I swung the door open.
"Where in the world have you been?" Joyce asked, her voice low, her exhaustion evident.
"Hey, how was your day?" I greeted her with a light kiss on the cheek.
"Tiring," she admitted, slipping off her bag. "I might just skip dinner."
"No problem. I’ll bring yours upstairs before bed."
She gave me a small, appreciative smile. That was enough.
---
The Next Morning…
Rrring! Rrring!
The shrill blare of my alarm pierced through my sleep, stabbing at my ears like needles.
I groaned, rolling over, my body protesting with every stiff movement. Squinting at the clock, I froze.
"It can’t be."
YOU ARE READING
STRINGS ATTACHED
RomanceSome deals come with a price........ Bruce Wellington, a business billionaire is in need of a wife to seal his grounds. Love is the last thing on his mind, but a contract marriage could work the trick. When his trusted assistant introduces him to Ag...
