I moved into my new residence yesterday.

To my surprise, just as Samuel had said, it’s close to Twen’s school. That was a relief. No more long commutes, dropping him off and heading to work will be much simpler now.

The shifting itself, though, was chaotic. I haven’t even unpacked all the boxes yet. I’m taking it slow; it’s exhausting. Tanya said she’d help on her day off. Bless her, I was close to losing my mind trying to figure out how to get everything arranged.

Tomorrow, I start my new job at Resort Elegance. What a name! I hope it’s as elegant as it claims to be. Apparently, the Chairman, Mr. Walker, handed over a billion-dollar project to his son. I don’t know his name yet, but I heard he plans to personally meet all employees tomorrow. A strategy to motivate, maybe.

From what I’ve gathered, he’s 25, my age. Already a CEO. I wonder if he’s really prepared for such responsibility. Then again, like his father, he’s an Alpha. People say Alphas are born leaders, naturally brilliant. Maybe he’ll do just fine. It’s none of my business anyway, as long as my salary arrives on time, I’m happy.

The accommodation provided by Exquisite Hotel and Resort Pvt. Ltd. exceeded all expectations. A fully furnished two-bedroom flat with a hall, balcony, modular kitchen, and two bathrooms, complete with hot showers. I wasn’t expecting this level of luxury, so it was a pleasant surprise. Probably another strategy to motivate employees.

On the first day, I couldn’t stop admiring the place. Even Twen, who had whined nonstop about leaving our old apartment, was instantly won over. He’s happy again, which is all that matters.

The only downside is that I don’t have the budget to decorate the house. And I’ve never been the home-decor type anyway. Still, I might get a few things for Twen’s room, make it feel like his space.

Starting this new job has me a little anxious. New environments always make me uneasy. And the name Walker, I hate that it still makes my stomach churn. It brings back memories I’d rather forget, but I’ll be fine.

I started opening a few boxes, at least to get our clothes in order. Tanya and I can take care of the rest later.

“Mommy, I’m starving!” Twen said, tugging on my sleeve.

“You just ate an hour ago, Twen. You’ll get a tummy ache if you eat too much. I’ll make dinner in an hour, okay?”

He looked at me with those big, watery eyes. My biggest weakness.

“Alright, alright. Get a cookie from the kitchen, and I’ll have dinner ready soon.”

He nodded with a pout and wandered off, disappearing into the kitchen before heading into the room he was currently sharing with me. His own room had turned into a makeshift storage space during the move.

I’ve noticed he’s been eating more lately. Maybe it’s a growth spurt. He’s gotten taller and thinner, and his skin's a little more tanned now. He’s only seven, but already reaching my waist. In a few more years, he’ll tower over me.

I hurried to fold the clothes and get them into the cupboard. I needed to clear the boxes from his room so he could start enjoying his own space, though he insisted on sleeping beside me. What a clingy little brat… not that I mind.

***

Morning arrived too fast.

I got Twen ready for school and dropped him off, then headed to Resort Elegance. It was 12 km from our place, and thanks to traffic, the trip took more than forty minutes.

As I neared the resort, it rose in front of me like the light at the end of a tunnel.

Extravagant.

That’s the only word that fits.

I had to enter through the employee gate at the back, but I still stole a glance at the place, and it was breathtaking. The resort wasn’t just a single building with rooms stacked on top of each other. It was a spread of individual one-story villas, each with a small private garden, all facing the beach.

Like a little luxury home by the sea.

There were two coffee shops and a restaurant named Garnish. Honestly, for such a classy place, I thought the name was a bit underwhelming.

Beyond that, there were spa centers, a massage parlor, a gym, game areas, three banquet halls, a full-sized pool, and two bars, one beside the swimming pool and one near the entertainment zone.

I was so captivated that I completely lost track of time. It was only five minutes before my reporting time that I realized I had to run to Garnish. I made it just in time.

Quickly changing into my uniform—apron, gloves, headcover, shoes—I rushed into the briefing room and bowed as soon as I entered.

“You’re on time, so there’s no need to apologize,” came a deep voice.

It sounded oddly familiar.

I raised my head and began, “Thank you so much, sir. I promise to work with—”

But my words stopped mid-sentence.

I froze.

Standing in front of me was a face I never wanted to see again.

And in that moment, all I could think was:

If there was ever a day I truly wanted to run away, it was today.