5 Quit Your Job.

"Uh, Jeremy?" Jake called out abruptly. "I need to have a word with you now, come with me." He was leaving when he turned back again. "You too, Emily."

Some people muttered but neither of their gossip was loud enough for Emily to hear. She did hear one asking if it was normal that Jake called her casually by her first name.

They were alone in Jake's office now. He first placed his hands on the table, then he stood straight again to meet Jeremy's gaze.

"Jeremy, right? I heard that when you introduced yourself to me today, about fifteen times."

"I know about your secret!" Jeremy blurted out, grinning from ear to ear. He was amazed for some reason.

Emily straightened her posture, then her eyes met with Jake's. He was staring too.

"Well, if you could keep that to yourself? It would be nice." She ended her request with a smile, more like a glinting grin exposing her teeth.

"Of course, of course. I won't say a word. My mouth is sealed!" He drew a thin line in the air close to his lips. Then before either of them could say anything again, he disappeared.

A chilly air tingled Emily's skin and she took in a breath of relief. She and Jake had ended their marriage and it would be completely embarrassing if she were to become the gossip of the town.

She turned to face Jake and saw he had been staring at her. Her stomach churned. "Hey, thanks for earlier. I was really scared--"

"Fetch me a cup of coffee." The orders were pretty simple but Emily didn't hear him well.

"I'm sorry?" She might as well even have laughed. "Are you teasing me now? Fetch you a cup of Coffee? Ha!"

He was not smiling.

Emily's face brightened. "Wait, are you serious?"

Jake tilted his head and glared at her from head to toe. "Black coffee. You must still remember your husband's favorite." The words played on his lips.

Emily could have bursted out of rage. "You're unbelievable!" She said and stormed off angrily.

Jake did not even flinch at the heavy slam of the door on her way. Instead, a smile rested on his face.

Emily was ...different. He had been stealing glances at her all morning. Firstly, her confidence was something he took notice of and she commanded authority quite well. Then there was the way her dainty figure boasted of pure beauty. 

He would occasionally laugh when she made her lips curve into a forced smile. He couldn't remember the last time he'd seen her dressed so formal and sexy with her minidress flaunting fair slim legs, and wavy brown hair that danced whenever she turned... 

The door forced open, and now he flinched.

"Here's your coffee, boss." Emily said through gritted teeth. 

"Well don't just stand there. Table."

She frowned. "Table?" It took her a moment to realize what he'd meant. She stormed forward and dropped it on the table. "Still need me for anything else..."

Jake had been grinning, laughing even. Emily's eyes widened as she watched him getting all excited. 

His laughter was contagious.

"You look like a real waitress now." He said, roaring again into laughter. His eyes crinkled and dimples pierced.

"Shut up." With a smile on her face, Emily said.

She could pretty much trap herself in that moment forever. Why did they ever have to divorce? 

Why did she ever have to be so rash in making decisions?

***

Her whole body was sore as she arrived home. It took her a moment because her dear cousin had left her stuck at work. If it hadn't been Jeremy, she might have well slept at work.

"So, is it true?" Barbara asked as she opened up the door.

Emily frowned. "Is what true?"

"That you're suddenly proud and arrogant because you got a job at the same company as Verona?"

She was not ready for their drama. Barbara stopped her on her way in with her curvy body so Emily looked tiny beside her.

"I'm tired ma'am. Please, can't I come in?"

"Or is it because you've found some men around there, you think you can start using your body for money?"

Was she calling her a prostitute? 

"I'm sorry ma'am, I didn't mean to upset you." Emily said instead of other menacing words she could have used. Her legs itched as some invisible bugs bit her.

Barbara eyed her with disdain. "I have big news to share with you. You won't be working there anymore, because I have--"

"--what? I'm sorry but you're making a mistake!"

"Quiet, girl! Don't interrupt me." Snarled Barbara with wicked eyes glowing.

Suddenly, the itchiness in her leg disappeared. She could as well be crying now.

"You have gotten a new job from me. We will be leaving for a cooking service, I see that you might be a pretty decent cook."

"Please, ma'am. This job is everything to me!"

"Do I look like I care? As long as you live under my roof, you obey my rules! And you need to support us and share your contribution to the family."

"And I am. I am really supporting, I have the intentions to. Please, give me a chance!"

"It is final!" She made no eye contact and just walked away.

Emily felt like she could crumble to dust. Suddenly, every muscle in her bones dulled down to an ache.

She couldn't quit just yet! Her legs managed a step forward, then another.

Verona was seated on the dining table, enjoying a slice of pie.

"Verona, you can't do this! I am contributing, aren't I?" 

Her cousin lifted her head to meet Emily's gaze. "Did I do anything wrong? Who am I to object to what my mother says?"

"Please." Emily's shoulders sank. She grabbed a seat and sat down, facing Verona. "Help me speak to her. I need that job. Honestly, I am happy there." She pleaded, but her words might have just slipped through her ears.

Verona sipped her wine, her red lips stretching to a smile.

Emily had to be smart about her next choice of words. She needed to strike a bargain. Anything at all that would save her from their rage!

"What if I told you that I can arrange a date with you," she smacked her lips in regret. "With you, and Jake Hilton, the CEO."