Maybe it's true that most joy doesn't last.

Maybe for a while.

But not for long. Or is it just my case?

There's a loud banging on the door, my eyes flutter open, the sun is already out, my eyes open swiftly searching for my alarm. OH NO!

It was already 8:00am, I am so doom with the school Cafe shop where I work on morning shift, my heart doesn't stop trumping on how I'll shower, dress up and start running to the bus station in two minutes because madam Beatrice will set hell loose for me if I get to the shop by 8:10am, she will definitely reduce my salary, the same salary which if deducted nothing will be left.

My head is clouded with thoughts when the banging on the door wouldn't stop.

I rush to see who it is. One of my guesses suggested Sir Ricky, I already had a prepared answer "my dad is not around, we will get the rent to you by weekend.

Opening our wooden door to a face I did not expect, I closed the door. Maybe my eyes were playing sleep tricks on me, right?

I didn't just see Mike standing outside with a black suit and jaw clenched. Like he wants to devour me.

What would make him follow me all the way from the bar to my house.

"Little slut, I don't have all the time in the world, I have cases to win in court" he said.

Wait a minute, he is a lawyer but why is he still calling me those demeaning names like 'little slut'

The urge to grab a kitchen knife and slit his tongue out of his throat but for the sake of my father and sister, let me just attend to him.

Breathe in. Breathe out. Steady voice. Staunch face. I opened the door.

"What are you doing here?” I ask politely.

"Oh the slut doesn't have manners, no greetings huh?" he turned to face two men standing behind him. That's even when I noticed he wasn't alone he came with company.

I scoff "Don't let me repeat myself and don't even think of going out of character, your in my domain "

"Oh please save me that, I own every domain”

"But not this one" I snapped.

He backed off seeing that I wasn't giving empty threats but trust Mike, the gloating and never giving up maniac.

"So should I be afraid of the slut" he dramatically started shaking and the two men behind him started laughing.

"But I'm more scared of what she'll do to me in bed right?”

"Yes" the two men chorused.

The disgust plastered on my face annoyed Mike as his countenance changed immediately.

"I will so tame every string of pride left in you to my pleasure and show you why I'm the first born of the Lorenzo's and owner of every domain.

"I'm sure that's not what you came all the way from your house to tell me this early morning, Mike don't you think”.

"That name rolled out of your tongue too easily, the next time you'll say it your mouth will be too heavy" he smirked.

My hands shivered as I put it behind me, I didn't want this grump to know that his words were getting to me.

The man in the grey suit handed me a file which I reluctantly collected and the other in blue gave me a pen.

I opened the paper and my mouth fell open.

A contract why?

---

EMPLOYMENT & REPAYMENT AGREEMENT CONTRACT

This agreement is made on [Date] between Michael Lorenzo Employer and Amber Jordan employee.

1. Alleged Debt: The Employer claims the Employee owes $5,000 due to financial misconduct.

2. Employment Terms: The Employee agrees to work under the Employer’s direction for 12 months beginning [Start Date 11 of this month].

3. Repayment: 40%of monthly salary will be deducted until the full amount is repaid.

4. Confidentiality: The Employee agrees not to discuss this contract or the claim with any third party.

5. Termination: Breach of any term may lead to immediate punishment and legal action.

Signed,

Michael Lorenzo– Employer

Amber Jordan– Employee

(Signature & Date)

"Little slut don't waste my time with the signing," he scowled at me.

"Are you in any way accusing me of stealing? Stealing anything from you is one thing I can never do" I almost yelled.

"Who is going out of character now, that's you, you stole a few belongings costing you and this entire house put together, but you must pay.

"What if I want to just pay you back in cash"

"Drop the act, you and I know that you don't have money and your debt list is long"

"Why are you doing this, why? " I said, trying very hard not to let my voice quiver. This was too much for me.

"Because you have refused to give me what I want, but I've done enough chasing, I want you to do the chasing now because this 12 months I'm promising you nothing but hell"

"Do your worst but I'm not going to work for you, asshole."

I slam the door very hard, but instead I could hear his laughter with the two men he is with, maybe they are his friends and are nothing less than him because how could they support his vile attitude.

I stared at the paper in my hand and pen, hot tears streamed down from my eyes

Is my life a joke to everyone?

I didn't take a piece of clothing away from that room, I only left with my dignity untouched.

But do I have a say in this city where the screams of the poor are like rags before wealthy homes.

I may not know much about the Lorenzo's but for sure they are the most wealthy family in the city, they own their own court where top cases are handled not only that, all the family members are lawyers or judges. Unlike in my family where my father is still on a job hunt while my sister is in school.

I on the other hand have to juggle multiple jobs just to keep up Mr Ricky harassment or from bosses at work now it's Mike added to the list.