Kaelynnee carefully removed the contents from her backpack and settled onto the plush, opulent bed. Observing the elegant vintage room adorned with lavish decorations and paintings, she gazed at the photo frame capturing a joyful moment with her brother, beaming brightly. Placing the picture on the nightstand beside her family photo, she felt a sense of warmth and contentment.

I can bring my family together once again! We will never need to suffer anymore

She neatly stored her clothes in the closet, including her gas station uniform, two budget-friendly outfits, a dress, and another with pants and a shirt. While gazing at herself in the mirror, she noticed that her current attire was quite dirty. It had been some time since she had tended to her personal hygiene, and now she found herself staying in a stranger's apartment whom she had only interacted with online. Feeling embarrassed, she hesitated to mention anything as she lifted her arm and detected a musty odor.

"Miss Kaelynnee Anderson, the bath is ready for you. Please come out when you're ready; it’s on the right side of the hall. I wasn't sure about your preferences, so feel free to choose whatever you like," he said politely after knocking on the door.

After hearing his footsteps fade away from the door, she cautiously opened it and silently tip-toed to the bathroom, unaware of the surprise that awaited her. The bathroom was stunning, adorned with exquisite decorations and an air of elegance. Stepping into the tub, the warm water was soothing against her skin, enhanced by the fizzy bath bomb. Excitement pulsed through her as she had never experienced anything like this before. Observing the array of shampoos, she realized she couldn't remember the last time she washed her hair.

I can’t believe that the guy I met online is an actual person!

She immersed her head underwater, shutting her eyes to find a moment of tranquility. After some time, she raised her head, gasping for air. In that instant, everything stood still, and her concerns faded away. Her demeanor shifted as memories of her absent mother and distant father flooded her thoughts. Placing both hands on her cheeks, she shook her head, attempting to break free from her somber mood and focus only on optimistic thoughts.

I can probably ask him to find my parents, I wonder would that make me too much of a burden? I mean,

She gently dried her hair with a towel, then slipped into the silky pajamas that had been given to her, as she had never worn anything so soft to bed. Looking at herself in the mirror with a profound gaze, she was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Miss Kaelynnee Anderson, dinner is ready, and I look forward to your company."

She gently turned the doorknob, her hair still a bit damp as she padded down the hallway in her slippers. A sense of awkwardness washed over her as she noticed him sitting alone at the opulent table, untouched food in front of him. She realized he was patiently waiting for her. As she approached, the enticing aroma of the meal captivated her senses. The extravagant decorations faded into the background, overshadowed by her rumbling stomach. Flushing with embarrassment, she quickly took a seat and clasped her hands together.

“ LET’S EAT!” She exclaimed.

I hope he didn’t hear that.

"I notice that my soon-to-be wife has quite an appetite," he remarked with a grin, letting out a charming chuckle.

Overwhelmed with embarrassment, she couldn't bear the sound of laughter around her. Frustrated, she allowed her emotions to take control, rising abruptly from her chair and pushing it aside as she slammed her hands on the table. "WOULD YOU JUST SHUT IT, ALREADY?" she yelled. In that instant, silence enveloped the room as she locked eyes with him, his handsome gaze making her feel flustered.

No woman has ever spoken to me with such disrespect.

His demeaner changed, he stopped laughing with stare at her with a cold expression seconds from kicking her out of the apartment but then he thought about the contract that the two of them just made but he can always find a better candidate.

It's not too late to terminate the contract.

As he was lost in his thoughts, she grabbed both of his hands without warning which caught him by surprise.

“I sincerely apologize if I made you feel uncomfortable. Can you please forgive me? It was disrespectful of me to raise my voice, and I am genuinely sorry from the depths of my heart.”

He gazed into her gentle hazel eyes, which reflected both innocence and the weight of hardships. Her vulnerable expression radiated a sense of fragility that captivated him.

“Miss Kaelynnee Anderson, it's rather late. Why don't you go ahead and retire for the evening?” he suggested.

She glanced at the digital clock behind him, slowly releasing her hands from his grasp as she realized it was midnight. She watched him rise from his seat and walk down the hallway. Afterward, she gathered the dishes from the table and washed them in the sink. Once she was done, she headed to her bedroom, where she lay down on the soft, silky comforters. Throughout the night, she tossed and turned, unable to find peaceful sleep in this new environment, leaving her wide awake. Her mind was consumed with thoughts of her family and the challenging living situation she faced.