Page 2 of The Billionaire's Off Chance

I enter the house, searching for Mom. “Mom!” I call out, taking off my jacket and heels. Mom comes down the stairs, a book in her hand. She loves reading in her spare time. She sets the book down, taking my hands.

“How was it? Are you fine? If you’re hungry, I’ve prepared stir fried pasta from a recipe I learnt online from an Italian chef.” She tries to hide her worry and comfort me in case I have brought bad news.

“I’m fine, Mom. I’m now a full-time employee at the company. See for yourself.” I bring out the letter and show it to her. She reads it and laughs. She pulls me into a crushing hug that I love.

“I’m so proud of you. This is a huge announcement, and we must celebrate. Your father is not around now…”

“Stepfather, Mom.”

She ignores my comment and continues, “He should be back home soon. Then we can all celebrate as a family. He’ll be so proud of you.” I purse my lips but refrain from speaking in order not to break her heart.

Mom steps closer to me, cupping my face. “This is such an opportunity for you to achieve everything you’ve dreamt of.”

“It’s not complete without you in it, Mom.” I hug her. “I’ll always need you, Mom.”

We share a heartwarming moment together and ate without Paul again. It’s dark outside, ten minutes before nine pm, and I’m in the living room working. I concentrate on typing on my computer. The door opens and Paul, a tall, bulky man, enters. He has a few grays, deep set eyes, and a scrutinizing look. He walks toward me.

“Chasmin, how are you? I heard from your mom that you just got promoted at work. That’s amazing. I see my efforts in your life have paid off.” He pats my shoulder, then caresses it, making me uncomfortable.

I shrug his hand away, rising to my feet. I can’t stand another moment with him. “Yes, Paul, whatever you say. I have work to do. We’ll talk later. Excuse me.” I leave before he can reply.

I shut the door behind me, breathing in relief. I hear footsteps as he goes upstairs, and I breathe out.He’s gone.I go to my desk in my room and get to work. It’s late, so I turn off the light, change into my nightgown, and go to sleep. I’m halfway between sleep and being awake. I hear the dim clicking of a lock, but don’t keep it in mind as I’m feeling sleepy. I feel the left side of my bed compress as a foreign weight lies upon it. I furrow my brow in annoyance; my eyes are still shut.

I feel his breath on my face, the stink choking me. My eyes flash open. There he is, bowing over me, leaning in close with a fervent expression on his face. My skin crawls, and my chest tightens. “Paul...” I croak, incredulously.

“Hmm, beautiful. I came to celebrate with you tonight.” His wayward hand tries to touch my chest. I bat it away, anger coloring my cheeks. Disgust is plain on my face, and he scowls.

I push him away. I’m lucky the bed is bouncy, which makes him wobble away from me. I roll off the bed, tightening my robe around me. I glare at him, seeing no remorse or shame. “Get out, Paul. Mom will hear of this. Now, leave.” My tone is hard and unyielding. I feel like screaming but keep a hold on my anger.

“Is this how you repay me? After all I’ve done for you and Anna? Come on, baby, this will be beneficial to both of us. It won’t hurt Anna.” He leers at me, walking slowly to me on the other side of the bed.

“And this is how you seek repayment? I hate you. Leave, now!” I scream, throwing a pillow at him. He flinches, looking at the door. I expect Mom to come in any minute now. I wish she could see this. How dare he?

He looks at me with dark promise in his eyes, then leaves the room. When the door shuts behind me, I sit on the bed, sighing with relief. However, going back to sleep is hard. I lock my door, placing a chair against the door, pacing the room.What if he finds another way in?That thought lingers as I fall asleep on the blanket I had laid out by the door.

The next morning, I get up, dressing for work while thinking how to confront Paul and tell the truth to my mom. Leaving my room, I find Mom and Paul in the dining room. They are talking, with smiles on their faces, looking happy. Paul sees me, and I stop in my tracks, my mind flashing back to last night.

“Good morning, Chasmin darling. Hope yournightwas peaceful?” His intention is clear. Keep shut about last night to keep the peace. I clench my hands into fists, gritting my teeth.

“Chasmin, what’s wrong?” Mom asks in concern, rising from her seat.

I avert my gaze from Paul, looking at my mom’s concerned face. “Can I speak with you in private before I leave?”

“No. We’re family. Say what you want in front of both of us, Chasmin.” Paul’s voice is cold, and his eyes are even colder.

“That sounds good. We can both help you with whatever it is.” Mom holds his hand in support. I see this and feel helpless.

“Mom, Paul got into my room last night…and…got into my bed. He wanted to have his way with me.” I ground out my words, while holding back from lashing out at Paul. His face is placid, as if what I said isn’t about him.

Mom’s smile falls; she takes her hand from Paul, looking at him in horror. “Paul…” She can’t say more.

“Chasmin, you must have been having a nightmare. I was with Anna all through the night in bed. Anna, do you recall me leaving the room? No. I was with you. I’d never make any untoward advances. In fact, it’s a shame that Chasmin is bringing such damaging accusations. Chasmin, I know you don’t like me, but this is too much.” His tone holds a touch of anger. He rises, banging his hand on the table.

I gape at how he’s trying to make himself the victim here. “Mom, believe me, I’m telling the truth.” I say, panicking.

Mom stares from me to Paul, looking conflicted. “Baby, maybe it’s as he said, you might have imagined it. Paul was with me, and he wouldn’t do that. Not to you.” Her voice wavers as if she’s trying to convince herself.

I feel cold and lost. I turn to leave. “Chasmin, you need to learn a lesson for lying. You’re now fully employed, which means you are able to take care of yourself. You have till the end of today to move out,” Paul says ruthlessly. I stop, waiting for Mom to say something, anything. She doesn’t.

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