E

I hadn't found a pl

thinking of where best to

kind old man said, handing me

l I had ever eaten in three years,

lives in a moderate home. Not too l

ether. He treated me just like a father would a daughter,

never I needed his help, and thank God,

?" Mrs. Marilyn, Kingsley's wife,

happened to me and how

e to go and no one to turn to," I foug

ence before K

lthough he will be visiting home in a week. He plans to open a business branch here in the United States. But before all t

pital again. And I know a lot of people would have seen the news, heard the rumors, and even sided with m

Marilyn speak, and I felt

ut. I don't want to be a liability to a

about it," He said to his wife before turning to

*

ore alive than I had felt three days ago when

gh some hours of the day... But every night, when I am alone, the real torment returns... How I

ecretary sounded really friendly, but it did nothing to calm my ner

nothing I had ever seen in my li

ley had bought for me, wiping my sweaty palms discre

ew. Just breathe.' I tried to encourag

him? I've never worked in a place like this before. I'm on

he right,' I reminded myself as

rld altogether. The door led to a different rece

to see Mr. Ryan. I have an appointment," I managed to say, m

en smiled back at me. "Mr. Ryan i

trying to take every detail in without looking too awestruck

the lady knocked before twisting

rate in

sheer beauty of the space before me. The office was spacious, drenched in soft, natural lig

from the furniture to the minimal de

d by a transparent glass partition with

s perfect! Almost to

ntment is here," I he

ond too long until the secretary gently nudged me. Embarrassment flushed through me as I stamm

an interview, not to admire

y gather myself, my gaze fel

Arc

The man who held my future in his hands. And that

then came roaring back to life, pounding agains

. It c