Chapter 5

Cora’s POV

After leaving California, I found myself in Philadelphia, a city I hadn’t planned to visit. I had simply followed the only available train at the station, without a destination in mind. Now, as I stood in the city, I wondered what to do next with my life.

My stomach growled, and I realized I was hungry. I checked my purse and found only $100. “How am I going to sustain myself without a penny on me?” I thought. But I knew I had to eat something. I decided to trust that the universe, which had already given me a second chance, would provide for me.

I decided to look for a nearby restaurant, hoping to find something affordable to fill my stomach before figuring out my next move.

I finally spotted a restaurant and, despite knowing their food would be expensive, I had no choice but to enter. As I ate, I noticed a handsome, young man rush out, leaving his wallet behind. I quickly grabbed it and ran after him. Just as he was about to drive away, I managed to stop him.

“What’s it?” he asked, his tone urgent, clearly in a hurry.

“You forgot this,” I said, holding up the wallet.

“Oh, thanks a lot!” he exclaimed, relieved, and took the wallet from me. I expected him to rush off, but instead, he handed me $1000. “For your trouble," he said with a smile.

I was taken aback, but instead of accepting the money, I said, “I don’t need this. I need a job. You can give me any job, even if it means being your maid."

He looked at me for a moment, then said, “Get in the car” without asking any further questions.

“Thank you,” I said, rushing to get my bags, leaving my unfinished food behind.

Three months later,

I was in my room when one of my maid colleagues informed me that Mr. Presley wanted to see me in his study. Without hesitation, I walked to his study, and upon entering, he gave me a smile – a rare sight since we met. Although his smile seemed intimidating, at least he managed to crack one.

“Good day, Mr. Presley,” I greeted, and he gestured for me to sit down. I couldn’t help but think back to the day I met him and asked for his help, and how he assisted me without hesitation.

“How are you, Cora?” he asked, his expression softening.

“I’m fine, sir,” I replied, trying to hide my anxiety.

“Well, I won’t waste your time. I’ll get straight to the point,” he said, his tone firm but gentle.

My mind raced with possibilities. Was he going to fire me? Please, no, I thought. I couldn’t afford to lose my job now. I had nothing else to rely on, and the thought of surviving on my own was daunting.

“Please, don’t say I should resign,” I said within myself, closing my eyes.

“Why are you so tense?” he asked, as if trying to read my mind.

“Nothing, sir. I guess I was just tired,” I replied, trying to brush it off.

He scoffed, his expression skeptical. “Well, I need your help,” he said, his words catching me off guard.

I wondered if I had heard him correctly. What kind of help could the powerful Presley Teagan possibly need from someone like me, a mere maid? I felt a surge of curiosity and a hint of trepidation, unsure of what he had in mind.

“Sir, you need my help?” I asked, my eyes widening in surprise.

“Yes, and you’re the only one I trust amongst everyone here. You earned my trust that very first day,” he said, his words filling me with a sense of pride.

“Okay, sir, go on. If it’s something I can help you with, I will do it,” I said, smiling and leaning forward slightly.

The room fell silent for a few minutes, and then he cleared his throat before speaking up. “I need to gain an inheritance, and I need your help with that.”

I wanted to laugh, but I maintained my composure. Why would he need me, a mere maid and an aspiring doctor, to help him with an inheritance? I wasn't a lawyer or an expert in such matters.

“I know you might be thinking how you’re going to help me with that,” he said, as if reading my thoughts. “But don’t worry, I am going to pay you handsomely.”

My curiosity grew, and I found myself wanting to know more about what he had in mind. What could I possibly do to help him gain an inheritance?

“I want us to enter into a contract marriage,” he said, his expression serious. “The inheritance is something I need to secure, and without getting married, I can’t have it.”

I was taken aback, wondering if he was in his right mind. This was absurd, but I couldn’t laugh. I composed myself and spoke up.

“Did you forget who I am? I’m just a maid,” I said, trying to reason with him.

He scoffed, unfazed. “That makes it more interesting. They’ll think it’s real, and that’s exactly what I need. Simple as that.”

I scoffed, incredulous. “Are you for real?” I asked, my voice laced with disbelief.

He nodded, his determination evident on his face. “I’m completely serious, Cora. I need this inheritance, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get it.”

“Can you do that for me?” he asked, his voice laced with desperation. “I’ll do anything to protect you from this world.”

I pondered his words, thinking that life itself isn’t fair. I had lived my previous life in pain and naivety, but now I had a chance to turn things around. I had to seize every opportunity to make a better life for myself.

“I’ll do it on one condition,” I said, my voice firm.

He looked up at me, his eyes filled with anticipation. “What’s that?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.