Door slam
"What are you doing in my room? Get out. You're fired!" James shouted, his back still turned while sitting on his wheel chair, voice sharp and cold.
"I came to tell you… I resigned."
A bitter laugh escaped him. "Are you deaf? I said you're fired. When you're fired, you don't get to resign.
"Oh…"
The house help hesitated for a second, then quietly walked out, the silence heavier than before.
"James!" his mother's voice cut through the tension as she stepped in. "You can't heal if you keep pushing everyone away," she said firmly before turning and leaving just as quickly.
The door clicked shut again.
Door creaks open.
"When will you pay me my money?" The landlord's voice was harsh, impatient. "You've owed me for too long."
"I… I… we…" Juliet's voice trembled, her words breaking apart as panic gripped her chest.
Juliet was all Amanda had. Since losing their parents, she had carried the weight of being both sister and guardian. She had given up everything—her dreams, her education—so Amanda could stay in school.
Now Amanda was in the university, studying Mechanical Engineering… and Juliet was drowning.
"Sir, please," Juliet pleaded, her voice barely steady. "I know I've delayed you. You've been patient… just give me five more days. I'll get the money. I promise."
The landlord stared at her for a moment, then exhaled sharply. "Five days. Not a day more."
He turned and walked away.
Juliet sank into herself, burying her face in her palms. "Where am I going to get two hundred and fifty thousand?" she whispered, her voice breaking.
"Big sis…" Amanda moved closer, her voice soft but determined. "Don't worry. We'll find a way. We always do."
Juliet slowly stood up, forcing strength into her shaking legs. Without another word, she grabbed her bag and stepped out.
She had no plan.
Only five days.
"Manager!" Juliet's voice trembled, louder this time. "Manager, please… I need a favor."
He looked up slowly, a shadow crossing his face. "What is it, Juliet?"
"Please… borrow me five hundred dollars," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "You can deduct it from my salary."
"Ehhh!" he barked, leaning back like he couldn't believe her. "You want me to borrow you five hundred dollars? Juliet… how much is your salary again?"
"Fifty dollars," she whispered, the words tasting bitter.
He leaned forward, his eyes cold. "Can you hear yourself? Fifty dollars… and you want me to lend you ten times that?"
"I didn't say you should give it to me!" she snapped. "I just need a loan! I'll pay you back!"
A slow, predatory smile spread across his face.
"You know… I could help you. But maybe… only if you agree to… stay with me tonight. You're… very beautiful."
Juliet's stomach lurched. Panic and fury collided, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Take your filthy hands off me! You disgusting man! I asked for a favor, and you're trying to take advantage of me. My job here… is over. I quit!"
He moved faster than she expected, his hand shooting toward her arm. Her reflexes kicked in.
She swung, a sharp slap connecting with his face. He stumbled back, crashing to the floor with a grunt.
Juliet didn't wait. Her heart pounded as she darted toward the door. Behind her, he scrambled to his feet, his voice a low growl. "You won't get away that easily…"
She yanked the door open, slamming it hard. The sound echoed through the office, but she didn't stop. Footsteps thundered behind her, fast and heavy, but she pushed forward, racing down the hallway. Every corner, every shadow seemed to hide danger—but she couldn't let fear stop her. Not now.