Chapter 4 Earning Her Keep
TANIA’S APARTMENT, NEW YORK.
“Ma’am, you should get up. Don’t forget you are on the early morning shift.” Tania said to Nina as she tapped her gently to wake her.
Nina mumbled incoherent words and turned back to Tania before opening her eyes. She groaned inwardly. Nina had never had a hard time waking up before. But with her pregnancy, she wakes up grumpy or tired in the early hours. Sighing in exhaustion, she sat on the bed, scratching her eyes.
“Good morning, Tania. Can you please stop calling me, ma’am? My name is Nina. And you are the reason I have a roof over my head. I don’t know what would have become of me.”
“Just because you are in this state now doesn’t change that you are a woman of respect. This moment won’t go on forever, and I know you will return on your feet in no time. So, please, let me call you as I please.”
Nina laughed softly. “You are such a sweet person.”
“I owe it to you. You are the first person I worked with who didn’t treat me like someone unworthy of respect. Despite your love for your friend, you always defended me whenever she was rude. Thank you. Just know that you will always have a special place in my heart.” Tania said, placing a hand on her chest.
“Come here.” She spread her arms out for a hug. They chuckled, patting each other’s back.
“I have to head out to work now. I made breakfast and already packed your lunch. I will see you later tonight. Don’t be late to work, and let me know if you need anything.” She said, waving her goodbye.
Nina got up to spread the bed and arranged the room before heading out. She sat down at the kitchen counter to eat her breakfast. It always makes Nina feel better if she eats it before her morning routine. As she chewed on the perfectly made pancake, her mind returned to that fateful Sunday evening two weeks ago when the announcement she had made had her life turned upside down.
As she moved farther from the house, Nina realized the truth had been right before her, but she refused to see it. It dawned on her that Asher was more playful with Andrea than with her. Her innocent mind had thought he accepted Andrea just as she had received the only person she considers a friend.
To think she had been telling the same person causing the ruckus all her troubles. She was sharing her pains with a traitor. Nina couldn’t stop thinking about why Andrea would do something like that. She had always said Nina’s taste in men was sour. How come she coveted the same man she was against from the beginning?
That night, at the five-star hotel she wanted to lodge in, Nina discovered that the card she tendered was inactive. Asher seemed to have done it the minute she stepped out of the house. She and Asher share a joint account, where most of her heavy savings go. Even though it seemed absurd that a man as rich as Asher would demand a joint account with his wife, Nina didn’t mind. If only she had considered the future going sour, she would have saved more in her account.
With just a little money in her account, her only option was a motel. The funds could only pay for a few nights and feed her poorly. Luckily for her, Tania had called to know if she was okay. The lady arrived the next day with food and concern on her face. With Tania’s help, she got a proper roof over her head that didn’t have shabby doors that someone could easily break into and a job as an attendant at a grocery store.
It would have been better to get an actual job in a company, but it will take a while to get called for an interview and also have the hope of getting employed. Not to forget, she is carrying a child. Nina had always been a cheerful child and adult. She never let her situation ruin her hopefulness. However, these circumstances had her in stitches, and she doubted there would be a way out anytime soon.
Tears lingered in the corner of her eyes. It's almost as if crying has become a regular chore of hers. Every night, she dreams of Asher and Andrea hanging down by a rope and bleeding while fighting for their lives. The two of them had been lying to her face for years like cowards.
She would have preferred if they had told her on time instead of letting her waste so much emotion on them. Her heart sank as the thoughts wrapped itself around her. Nina felt pity for her child for having a father like Asher. As for her true feelings towards them, it's nothing short of rage and hate.
Her phone dinged from the room, causing her to gasp. She had forgotten about work. Hastening with her cold meal, she got prepared for the day.
*********************************
Whenever Nina gets to the grocery store, it reminds her how much she misses her job at the company. Not interacting with so many people and focusing on ensuring the food products packaged for people are consumable and satisfying makes her feel purposeful. She even goes as far as working extra hours while Asher and Andrea probably fuck themselves on the same bed she sleeps in.
But it is different here; she has to constantly converse with the customers politely, not forgetting to hold up a smile, too, whether she is in the mood or not. As frustrating as it is, it will pay her bills at the end of the day and save her from being a total liability to Tania. If it were up to Tania, she wouldn’t let Nina work in the store. She says it’s belittling. It has never been Nina’s way to be idle, and Nina loves to earn her keep. She insisted on doing something regardless of how low anyone considered it.
Her eyes lingered on the clock. It was almost lunch break, and Nina couldn’t seem to wait. The customers will have to understand. Thankfully, there were only a few of them around. With her head bowed and phone in hand, she checked her mail for the jobs she had applied for.
“Hello, miss.” A male customer with a deep-rooted tone called her attention.
Nina raised her head, and her eyes rounded like a saucer. Recognition dawned on the man, too.
“What are you doing here?” They inquired at the same time.
Chapter 5 The EXSIMS GROCERY STORE, NEW YORK.Xander kept staring like a thunderstorm had hit him. He would never have imagined in a lifetime that Nina would be checking goods at a grocery store. She had bags under her eyes even though she had make-up on. Nonetheless, Nina looked as beautiful as ever. It would have been shocking if she had lost her beauty. And his heart seems to be doing a victory dance at the sight of her.“How have you been?” He asked, finally breaking the almost consuming silence.Nina cleared her throat, shifting in the chair awkwardly. “Good. I guess.” It appears the universe has a thing or two against her. She would have preferred Andrea to meet her at the store instead of Xander.“I’ll check your items in now.” She was grateful for a while that he saw her on duty and wouldn’t have the excuse to talk to her.But to her shock, he was waiting right outside the store after her shift was over. Which meant that he would have waited longer if she had to stay until la
Chapter 6 Blocked OffXANDER’S HOME, NEW YORK.“Did you get home safe?” Xander said into the receiver while tapping lightly on the car wheel. Nina made incoherent sounds in the background before making her voice clear again. “Yes, thank you.” “I mean what I said, Nina. We should meet to talk again. I don’t know why you wouldn’t let me drop you off at home, especially in that state you are in.” “I am pregnant, not handicapped, Xander. And I have been doing fine by myself, and I don’t need a knight in shining armor to do so.” Her words sliced through his chest like a knife, but he chose to ignore it. “I just wanted to be of help.” She exhaled, “I understand what happened in the past was a misunderstanding. But I need you to know that times have changed, and I am no longer the Nina you used to know. I would like this to be the end of us seeing one another again. I only gave you my contact to avoid coming off as rude. It's okay if you choose to delete it. Have a good night, Xander.”
Chapter 7 The Interview DDFOODS COMPANY, NEW YORK.Nina stared anxiously at the file in her hand. She was determined not to let herself be pushed to the ground by her supposed fate. Nina applied to all of the job posts in her field. When she got a call to come in for an interview, she was over the moon.DDFoods is also a counterpart of M&M Foods. Even though they arrived later, they have done immensely in the market. Nina has no doubt she will get the job. Her experience is more than enough to get her the head researcher position.“Miss Ruiz?” The secretary called out.“Yes, ma’am,” Nina replied and jumped up too quickly, causing her belly to ache. She winced inwardly, still holding up a warm smile.“Come with me.” She urged, and Nina followed closely.“Ah, Miss Nina. It's quite a delight to see you. Come sit, please; I am Donald Davis, the CEO.”She had expected to have the interview with the Human Resources Department, but then coming directly to the CEO might mean she has the job.
Chapter 8 Family ProblemsJACKSON FAMILY HOME, NEW YORK.Xander walked into the space, feeling exhausted already. The dining had enough food for a feast. Reasons like this are what keeps him away from the house. His mother can be pretty extravagant in whatever it is she does. There was no reason for her to cook this much, but it’s obvious she B really can’t help it.“Finally, you are here. Dad was just about to throw a fit.” Jace whispered to him as he stretched out his arm for a shake. Xander walked past him like he didn’t notice the gesture. “Rude much.” He snickered.“I am only here because Mum was overly dramatic about what she would do.”“You still could have remained adamant. I would have loved to see what trick Mom has up her sleeve and ready to toss towards you.”Xander gave his brother a side-eye. “I can’t wait to round up with the dinner and leave.”Jace furrowed his brows. “Errr, do you have somewhere to go?”“What does it matter? Of course, I have a house to go.”“Oh, my g
Chapter 9 A chanceXANDER’S HOME, NEW YORK.“I am coming,” Xander responded to the person by the door. Hurrying into his shorts, he ran downstairs to get the door. Carla has gone grocery shopping and won’t be back in a while.Checking the intercom, he was surprised to see his brother and mother. He would have expected Jace to press the code in since it is his usual way of dropping by without prior notice.“What’s with the pretense? Why didn’t you let yourself in?” Xander questioned Jace while hugging his mother lightly.Jace made a gesture towards their mother while flaring his nose.“Welcome, mum. Come in.” He invited them.Venus didn’t say much as she entered the house. Carla is indeed doing an excellent job at keeping the house intact. Sometimes, she would prefer to see his home in disarray from a long night party. But Xander’s life is too straightforward, and it worries her.“Do you not have anyone upstairs?” She asked, hoping the answer would be positive.“You want to check?” Xan
Chapter 10 Finding NiaTANIA’S APARTMENT, NEW YORK.“You did what?” Tania bickered, spitting shards of the ice cream in her mouth.Nina sighed in exhaustion. “I just thought it was the best thing to do. The last thing I want right now is any burden.”She swallowed the rest of the content before sharing her opinion. “You shouldn’t have done that. From your description, Xander is not a bad guy and never was actually. So why would you go as far as blocking him when he can help greatly.”Nina stared down at her pale palm, feeling tears in her eyes. “I am just so tired of thinking I can’t do without a man, or a man has to be in place for me to get my life together. It was the same mistake I made with Asher. I don’t want history repeating itself.”“But you never can tell who the good one will be unless you test the waters. How long has it been since you blocked him?”“About two weeks.”“What? Two weeks? Why didn’t you tell me anything?” Tania questioned.She pulled at the tail of her hair.
Chapter 11 Seeing Nina AgainTANIA’S APARTMENT, NEW YORK.Tania was beginning to regret her hasty decision. Nina didn’t look at all pleased that she brought Xander to the house without giving her a fair warning. She looked deflated.“You could have at least texted me,” Nina groaned nervously.“I am sorry, Nina. I thought you might want to see him after feeling bad for how you treated him.”Nina sighed heavily, turning her face away. “I don’t think I am ready to see him yet.”“I can ask him to leave.” She said, making her way to the door.“No! No! I will go to him. Thanks.”“Forgive my nosiness, please,” Tania mumbled.Nina hummed in response, excusing herself. Xander was pacing the hallway when she stepped out. He paused abruptly, staring at her like she was some angel that made his heart melt. The minute he opened his mouth to speak, Xander didn’t take a pause.“It's okay if you don’t want to see me. I will leave. I couldn’t reach you for a few days and thought to check you at the st
Chapter 12 Hating NinaTAYLOR’S HOME, NEW YORK.Andrea stared intensely at her phone as she refreshed the page repeatedly. But nothing seems to change. She cursed under her breath, suddenly anxious even though there was no need to. Nina is gone and will never get to live lavishly again. She made sure of it.A devilish smirk settled as she looked around the main bedroom. The next day, they had succeeded in chasing Nina away; she had the walls repainted and changed the entire design Nina had put in place. It is all hers now, as it should be. As an orphan, Andrea is quite curious about where she ended up. She had advised Asher to block Nina’s account and ensure she had no access to anything that would make her life any easier.They even blocked her to keep Nina from getting a job in any reputable food company. Andrea had the money to do whatever she wanted, and it was easy to convince everyone necessary. With all of this, she had expected to see Nina back at the door, begging for them to