Page 13 of Mafia Pregnancy

5

Danielle

The call comes while I’m sitting in my car outside Leo’s preschool after dropping him off, waving to him through his schoolroom window before planning to leave. The number on my phone belongs to the admissions office, and my stomach drops before I even answer.

“Ms. Arden? This is Jennifer from Little Scholars Academy. I’m calling about Leo’s tuition payment.”

I close my eyes and grip the steering wheel. “I know it’s late. I’ve been waiting for my new employer to process my first paycheck.”

She sounds genuinely regretful. “I understand these things happen, but our policy is pretty strict about overdue accounts. We need payment by the end of today, or we’ll have to discuss Leo’s enrollment status.”

The words make me flinch. Leo loves this school, his teacher, his friends, and the art projects he brings home every day. Thethought of having to pull him out, of disrupting the stability I’ve worked so hard to provide, makes my chest ache.

“Please, can you give me twenty-four hours? I can have the money tomorrow morning, I promise.” Somehow.

There’s a pause, and I hold my breath. “I can extend the deadline until tomorrow at noon, but that’s the absolute limit. After that, we’ll have no choice but to remove Leo from the program.”

I exhale sharply. “Thank you. I’ll have it to you first thing tomorrow.”

I end the call and rest my forehead against the steering wheel. The new job pays well, but I won’t see my first paycheck for another week. Even then, it will barely cover Leo’s tuition and our basic expenses. I need more income, and I need it fast.

At the estate, I find Carmen restocking the linen closet in the guest wing. She takes one look at my face and immediately sets down the towels she’s folding. “What’s wrong?”

I glance around to make sure we’re alone, then lower my voice. “Leo’s school called about tuition. I have until tomorrow at noon to pay, or they’re kicking him out.”

Carmen’s expression softens with sympathy. “How much do you need?”

“Eight hundred dollars.” The number sounds impossible when I say it out loud. “I was hoping my first paycheck would cover it, but the timing doesn’t work.”

She shakes her head. “I wish I could help, but my savings account is basically empty after my car repairs last month.”

I nod, trying not to let disappointment show on my face. Carmen is a good friend, but she’s in the same financial situation I am. Neither of us has eight hundred dollars lying around for emergencies. “Maybe I can pick up extra shifts somewhere. Or find a weekend cleaning job.” I give a broken laugh. “There’s a club near my house hiring for dancers.” I’m just kidding, but it comes out with a desperate edge.

“What about asking for an advance on your paycheck?”

The suggestion makes my stomach twist. Asking Radmir for money feels dangerous in ways I can’t fully articulate. It would mean acknowledging my desperate circumstances, revealing vulnerability that I’ve worked hard to keep hidden. God forbid he ask why I need that money. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

“Why not? The worst he can say is no.”

Before I can explain why asking Radmir for anything feels like stepping into quicksand, footsteps echo down the hallway. We both turn to see him approaching, dressed in an expensive charcoal suit.

“Ms. Castillo, Ms. Arden.” His voice is carefully neutral, but I catch the way his gaze lingers on my face, noting the stress I’m trying to hide. “Is there a problem?”

Carmen glances at me, clearly expecting me to speak up, but I can’t form the words. The thought of revealing my financial struggles to the man who unknowingly fathered my son makes my throat close up. If he finds out how dire are my straits, he might try to take Leo.

“Just discussing the schedule for tonight’s dinner preparation,” she says smoothly. “Everything’s under control.”

Radmir’s attention shifts to me, and I feel exposed under his scrutiny. “Ms. Arden, I have an additional task that requires attention before this evening. The formal dining room needs to be prepared for tonight’s business dinner. It requires deep cleaning, proper table setting, and attention to every detail. Dinner is at six, so I’ll need it all done by five. Double your usual rate.”

My pulse accelerates. Double pay means I’ll earn enough to make a dent in what I owe the school. It will cover the cost of a payday loan, which seems like my only option right now for making tuition by tomorrow. “Of course, Mr. Vetrov. What time should I start?”

“Right now. The task will likely take several hours.”

I nod quickly. “I’ll be right there.”

Radmir inclines his head. “Excellent. Mrs. Yranda can provide you with the specific requirements.”

He disappears down the hallway, leaving Carmen and me staring after him. She turns to me with raised eyebrows. “That was convenient timing.”

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