Chapter 3 - The Awakening
Emma woke up with a gasp.
Her eyes darted frantically around the massive, dimly lit bedroom.
She realized she was lying on thousand-dollar silk sheets.
And she realized I was sitting in my wheelchair, right beside the bed, watching her.
"I... I fell asleep," she stammered, scrambling backward.
"You passed out," I corrected, my voice flat.
"I'm sorry. Please don't fire me. I just felt dizzy for a second while dusting the headboard, and I sat down to catch my breath..."
Her panic was palpable.
She was terrified. Not of me, but of losing the money.
"The doctor said your blood pressure is dangerously low," I told her.
"I'm fine. I just need to get back to work."
She tried to stand up, but her legs buckled.
Before she could hit the hardwood floor, I reached out.
My upper body strength was immense after two years in the chair.
I caught her arm and pulled her back onto the bed.
"You're not working tonight," I ordered.
"Mr. Romano, you don't understand," she pleaded, tears welling in her tired eyes. "I need this shift."
"You'll get paid for the whole night."
She stopped struggling and stared at me.
"Why?" she whispered.
"Because having a dead maid in my bedroom is bad for morale."
It was a cruel joke, but it was the only way I knew how to show mercy without looking weak.
"Go to sleep, Emma."
May you like
She hesitated, then slowly pulled the blanket up to her chin.
For the first time in two years, I didn't feel like a monster.
