Chapter 3

The alarm blared loudly, jolting me awake.

“Bebe, you have an interview. Time to get up,” my mom called gently.

“Mom, please… I need my beauty sleep,” I mumbled, eyes still closed.

“Alright, I won’t bother you anymore,” she said with a sigh.

Fifteen minutes later, Briar burst into my room.

“Reina! Wake up, we have an appointment with Mr. Ian!” she shouted.

“Oh yeah, Ian… so dreamy, sexy, and absolutely irresistible,” I muttered half-asleep.

“Girl, what the hell?!” Briar rolled her eyes. “Remember his warning? ‘Don’t be late,’ Mr. Arrogant said.”

I snapped open my eyes. “Right! Oh my God!”

I sprang out of bed, knowing I had just fifteen minutes to get ready. A quick wash, a hurried breakfast—thankfully, Mom wouldn’t let me leave hungry—and I rushed out the door.

Arriving just a minute late, I stared in awe at the towering building. The office was massive. Inside, a tall blonde woman asked a few questions—probably the receptionist—and then directed us to Ian’s office.

A firm knock on the door, and his deep voice invited us in.

“Good day, ladies. Please have a seat.” His presence made me shiver slightly.

“You’re probably wondering what kind of job I’m offering,” he began. “Work as the caretaker of my home. The salary is $50,000 a month, but there are conditions. I’ll choose one of you for the caretaker position; the other will work in my office.”

I immediately thought, Not this psycho again.

He cleared his throat, commanding attention.

“Here are the rules: you cannot leave the house without my permission. You must be up by 6:00 a.m. to prepare breakfast and in bed by 7:00 p.m. The house must be spotless at all times. No wandering around unnecessarily. We will relocate to my main residence in California since I’ll be working from home. And you’ll wear the clothes I select for you.”

I hoped against hope I wouldn’t be chosen.

He pointed to Briar. “You, the blonde, will be the caretaker. The redhead will work in the office.”

Have you ever wanted to kill someone? I thought, furious. “I have an objection. Why am I not working in the office? And why such ridiculous conditions? Why can’t I leave without permission, and why must you pick my clothes?”

He smirked. “First, I’ve already made my choice. If you don’t like the terms, you’re free to leave.”

I stood up, ready to walk out, but Briar grabbed my arm.

“Reina, come on. Don’t throw away this chance over silly rules. Think about Mom and Rex. You’ve got this.”

It was easy for her to say—she wasn’t the one moving in with a stranger who felt borderline insane.

“Alright… for my family, I’ll do it.”

We went back inside. “I accept your conditions… I mean, your dumb conditions,” I blurted out before correcting myself.

“Good. We leave in thirty minutes. Miss Briar, the receptionist will show you to your office.”

A heavy silence fell after Briar left.

“I need to call my mom,” I said, excusing myself.

He chuckled. “She looks upset.”

“Yeah…” I replied, voice trembling as I dialed.

“Hey, Mom,” I whispered, holding back tears.

“What’s wrong, Bebe? How did the interview go?”

“I got the job.”

“Thank God! You should be happy. What’s wrong?”

“I have to leave New York for California. I’ll be the caretaker, and Briar will work in the office. It pays well—$50,000—but I’m worried about you and Rex. Will you manage without me?”

“We’ll be fine, sweetheart. Focus on your job. We love you.”

“I love you both. I’ll get Rex lots of toys once I’m paid. Please take care of Mom.” I could hear the tears in her voice.

“Goodbye, Bebe. Call me when you arrive.”

I hung up.

Ian was waiting.

“We need to leave now,” he said, noticing my red, puffy eyes.

“I’m ready,” I said. Briar and I shared a brief cry session before I promised to call her as soon as possible.

Walking to the garage, I was stunned.

“Oh Lord,” I breathed. A sleek 2021 Cadillac Escalade gleamed before me. Definitely a man with unique taste.

“You like what you see, baby girl? Hop in,” Ian said with a grin.

I rolled my eyes but climbed in.

“Feel free to say anything, baby girl.”

“Can you stop with the pet names? So annoying.”

“Okay… darling,” he teased, smirking. Clearly, I was already getting on his nerves.

“I’m serious, sir. I don’t know how I’ll last a day with this guy.”

“Alright, alright, Reina. You can call me Ian.”

His voice sending shivers down my spine when he said my name—it was unnerving.

We rode in silence.

“We’ve arrived,” he said.

“Isn’t it strange for someone so young to be this wealthy? Are you involved in something illegal?” I couldn’t help but ask.

He smiled softly. “My dad owned the company.”

“Was?”

“He passed away.”

“I’m sorry. Your house is beautiful, though.”

“Thank you. Follow me—I’ll show you your room.”

“Here’s your room, right next to mine,” he added with a sly grin. “If you need anything, I’m close by. Change, then come down when you’re ready. I’ll make dinner.”

“Okay, Ian.” The bedroom was twice the size of my living room—white walls framed by dark red window trims, a dark blue sofa, a coffee table, a floor lamp, light gray curtains, a large flat-screen TV, and a wool rug. The big window offered a stunning view.

After a quick shower, I slipped into a short nightdress and began making dinner—pancakes, which he complimented with a rare smile.

I felt his eyes on me the entire time. My dress was undeniably seductive.

After washing the dishes, I headed to bed.

“Goodnight, Ian.”

“Goodnight, baby girl.”

I pretended not to hear the pet name, though I blushed. Maybe he wasn’t so bad after all.

Slowly, I drifted off to sleep.

⸻

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