Chapter 6
"Make a choice, Kimberley. Another five years of misery. But this time, in between prison walls. Or you work for me as my PA."
I heaved a sigh as his words repeated in my head. Tears rolled down my eyes and I sniffled.
I looked towards my kids who are sound asleep on the bed. It is past ten pm and the night is cool and refreshing. I am glad I opened the windows. I believe the refreshing wind is contributing to their beauty sleep.
They get cranky and sweaty if it is a stuffy night with no wind even though the windows are open.
Ryan would find it hard to sleep.
Emma doesn't mind. She could sleep soundly under any condition. Sweating or not.
God, my kids.
They are too innocent.
I can't even imagine my life in jail and without them.
God, what am I going to do?
I can't work for Ernest. No!
And as his personal assistant? Seriously?
What is he planning to do to me? Why would he suggest that?
I can't work for him.
I can't go to jail either.
Sighing, I rested my head on the sofa as more tears flowed.
Ernest has changed. The things he said to me were awful.
He mocked me.
I couldn't stand it.
Tell me how I am supposed to cope being his personal assistant.
He used be sweet and loving.
He was a very good husband. So calm and peaceful.
Today, he looked different to me.
He looked mean.
He still hates me.
God, I wish I never went to that club. All these wouldn't be happening to me.
I would still be with my husband.
I would still be in my beautiful marriage.
Ernest was a blessing to me.
He made me feel like the happiest woman in the world even though he had nothing. He treated me very well. He is a blessing any woman would ask for.
I still can't forget our first night together. His touch was very tender.
He gave me the type of pleasure I have never felt before.
I felt like an egg in his arms.
He would come back home from his long truck job trips with a rose for me.
He would tell me how much he misses me. He would tell how bad he hates his job and dreams of a bigger, and creative one.
I guess he has gotten his dream. He owns Ocean White. A very big advertising company.
God, I missed all those days. Those awesome days with him.
I ruined it myself.
I ruined it with my old lifestyle. My drinking habit.
I ruined my own happiness!
Kim! How could you do this to yourself?!
Ernest has turned cold and different. He wants me to work for him.
I feel he just wants to humiliate and punish me.
I can't work there.
I just can't.
My phone vibrated, making me jump a little.
I heaved a sigh as I took out my phone from my purse. It was Nikki calling.
I got on my feet and walked into the kitchen so I wouldn't wake my kids.
I took the call.
"Kim, hey. I knew you would be awake. Insomnia patient" She said, chuckling.
But I am far from making jokes right now.
I heaved a sigh.
"What's wrong? You were telling me something earlier but I wasn't understanding and I was helping my mum with something." She said.
I nodded. "Yes, Nikki."
"What is it?" She asked.
"He wants me to work for him as his personal assistant or spend five years in jail." I said.
"Yeah, you are definitely working for him." She said nonchalantly.
I scoffed in disbelief. "Seriously, Nikki,"
"What? You want to go to jail and spend another miserable five years?" She asked.
I placed my hand on my temples.
"I thought not. We are not even going to think of that. You are taking the job." She said.
"No. I am not taking any job, Nikki. Are even listening to yourself?" I asked.
"Of course I am. Any sane person would tell you the same thing." She said.
"I doubt that. I can't be a personal assistant to my ex husband. That's absurd, Nikki. Totally absurd."
"Then go to jail." She said.
I scoffed in disbelief.
"That's the next option. I heard they make fitted orange uniforms for inmates these days. I think you will look good in them." She said.
"This is not funny, Nikki."
"Yeah, I know." She said.
"You are the reason I am in this mess, remember?"
"I know and I am sorry but this is also a good thing for you. Think about it like this, you are the the personal assistant to the billionaire CEO of Ocean White advertising company. Whoo!" She squealed, making me roll my eyes in frustration.
"The sound of it alone feels good." She said.
"Nikki, I can't do this."
"Why not?"
I heaved a sigh. "It is Ernest we are talking about here. My ex husband."
"And so what, Kim? Did he say he wouldn't pay you?" She asked.
"No. He didn't mention the payment part." I said.
"He will definitely pay you. Just think about the money. Enormous salary. It would change your life and that of the kids." She said convincingly.
"I don't know, Nikki. It feels weird working for him."
"That's because you are still in love with him." She said, making me drop my gaze.
"If you weren't, you wouldn't mind. It is just work. Do it for the kids. They need this. Forget the part that I said I would help but they wouldn't be able to cope with you in jail" She said.
I heaved a sigh.
"Just go to bed. When are you resuming?" She asked.
"Tomorrow. Can you imagine? So soon." I said.
"Yes. As soon as possible. I heard the government are coming next week to take the building you are currently living in as well." She said.
"What?"
"My sister told me earlier today." She said.
Oh God.
"See why you have to take the job?"
I rubbed my temples tiredly.
"Go to bed okay? Tomorrow, I will come and take the kids. Remember I said you all will be staying with my mum and I, so it will be easier for you to go to work." She said.
"Nikki..."
"Stop worrying, Kim. I got you. You can do this."
I nodded. "Thank you. I don't know how to repay you."
"Nah, it's okay. What are friends for, huh?"
I heaved a sigh.
"I will see you tomorrow. Get them ready on time. You don't want to be late for work tomorrow. Bye." She sang and hung up.
I took down my phone.
"Mum," Ryan's familiar voice took my attention. He is standing at the kitchen door and rubbing his eyes.
"Honey, you are awake."
He nodded. "I am thirsty. I want water." He said.
"Okay. Mummy will get you some." I turned to the counter and picked up a cup. I took some water from the tap and walked towards my son.
I handed the cup to him. He took it and drank all. He handed back the cup.
"Thank you, mum." He said.
"You are welcome, baby." I placed the cup back.
"Let's get you back to bed." I said as i led him back to the room. He climbed the bed and I joined as well.
He stirred on the bed and placed his hand on my neck. I placed my hand on his body and kissed his temples.
"Good night, sweetie." I said.
"Goodnight, mum." He said.
I moved my hand to Emma and caressed her hair.
"Do it for your kid, Kim."
Nikki's words repeated in my head.
I heaved a sigh.
"Where are we going to, mum?" Emma asked as I helped her with her pink dress.
"Yes mum, why aren't we wearing our uniforms?" Ryan asked. He is already in his blue t-shirt and black shorts.
"That's because you both are going to aunt Nikki's house." I said.
"Yay!!!" They squealed in unison.
The door opened, revealing Nikki.
Speak of the Devil.
"Aunt Nikki!" The kids squealed happily and ran towards her.
"Aw, my little treasures. How are you both doing this morning?" Nikki asked as I got on my feet and walked towards their bags.
I actually packed them last night.
"We are good." Ryan said.
"Mum said we are going to your place." Emma said.
"Yes, are you excited?" Nikki asked.
"Yes!" They answered in unison.
Nikki chuckled. "Well, you both and your mum will be staying with us from now on." Nikki said.
"Yay!!!!" They squealed and jumped happily.
I walked towards them with their bags in their hands.
"Okay, okay, go and put on your shoes." I said as I dropped their bags on the ground. They ran towards the spot where their shoes are kept.
I looked at Nikki.
"I am proud of you." She said.
"Yeah, right." I muttered, walking towards the mirror to check my outfit. I am in a black knee length skirt and a peach colored silk shirt. My hair is packed in a pony and I have just a little lipgloss on. I matched my skirt with my old black shoes.
"You look great." Nikki complimented.
I heaved a sigh.
"You know what, just go. I will do every other thing." She said.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Trust me. You can't afford to be late." She said.
"Nikki," I called, tilting my head in frustration.
"I insist. Go." She said.
I nodded. "Kids, I will meet you at Nikki's place, okay?"
"Where are you going to, mum?" Emma asked.
"I got a new job." I answered.
"What job?" Ryan asked.
"A big job. Mummy has to go, say bye." Nikki said.
"Bye, mum." They said in unison.
"Bye," i said, picking up my purse and headed out.
I walked down the stairs, out of the building and out of the gate. I boarded a tricycle and we hit the road.
Half an hour later, I got to the company. I quickly paid the driver and hurried into the company.
I stood a bit far from the door, looking around. People are already here, moving to and fro and minding their business.
I thought about Ernest office. I think I have forgotten where it is. God, Kim, what is wrong with you?
"Move," a female voice said, pushing me out of her way with her hand.
I whimpered, holding my balance. I looked at who just pushed me and I saw a girl with long straight brunet hair and in a black and red design short dress and black heels, walking ahead and has two girls are following her.
I farrowed my brows as I continue staring at her.
"Darlyn!" Some people called as they approached her with a book and a pen. Like they want an autograph. Some are taking pictures of her.
Is she a celebrity or what?
Why did she push me like that? That's rude.
One of the the girls following her turned to me and clasped her hands together, mouthing sorry to me.
I heaved a sigh.
I took the direction I recalled to be the way to Ernest office.
I got to a familiar place and I saw Bernie seated in the front desk. He looked at me.
I opened my mouth to speak but he raised his finger at me, shutting me up.
He gave me a fake smile, making me farrow my brows.
"Perfect timing. He is waiting for you." He said, moving his hand to Ernest's office door.
I nodded slightly as I walked towards the door.
I inhaled and exhaled before knocking.
"Enter," his voice sent shivers down my spine.
I opened the door and walked in.
He is in an ash-colored suit, seated on his desk and writing on a file.
I walked closer to him.
"Good morning..."
"Why are you late?" He retorted without looking at me.
"I was....i...."
"I hate stammers, miss Anderson." He said and looked at me.
"I don't work with stammers." He said.
I nodded slightly and gulped a little. "I am sorry."
His eyes moved to my attire. He relaxed on his seat, still staring at my attire.
I clenched my purse nervously.
"What the hell are you wearing?" He asked.
I looked at my dress and looked at him.
He raised his brows.
"Clothes." I answered.
He scoffed. "You call that, clothes?" He asked mockingly.
My heart clenched.
"Your lover couldn't afford to buy you good clothes?" He asked.
"Ernest, please...."
"It's SIR to you, miss Anderson. Don't you dare call me by my name." He shunned, glaring at me.
My heart clenched. I nodded regardless.
"I am sorry, sir." I said.
He nodded. "That's more like it."
"This is the only best attire I have. And I don't have a lover. I never did" I said boldly, suppressing my tears.
He scoffed mockingly. "Really now? Women and lies. Pathetic."
My heart tightened.
God, I don't recognize him anymore. He is being mean to me and it hurts.
"Take these files to Bernie and wait for him to go through all of them." He ordered, pointing at the hip of files on his desk.
I walked closer to his desk and picked up the files.
"None is to drop on the floor or else you pay for it." He warned.
I ignored the pain in my heart as I walked towards the door.
The door opened before I got to it and a woman in the same attire as the person that pushed me earlier walked in with her girls.
"Hey, baby." She said, smiling at Ernest and walked towards him.
I watched as Ernest got on his feet, smiling as well as she walked towards him. She wrapped her hands around his neck and crashed her lips on his.
My heart dropped.
Ernest wrapped his hands around her waist, kissing her back.
I stood there, watching them.
Ernest's eyes rested on me as he kept on kissing her.
I felt a pain in my heart i have never felt before.