CHAPTER 9

Lisa's POV

As I pace our little living room in anticipation of my boss's arrival, I clench my eyes tight. Grandma won't stop asking me why my employer chose to assist me suddenly after I've always complained about how challenging he can be.

I recognize her dread. She believes that guys don't do things for free and doesn't want me to choose the incorrect path.

They are always seeking compensation.

I made the decision to do something, which was to invite my boss over, in order to avoid any more concerns now that she is finally back home after a successful operation.

First of all, I am unable to keep our impending marriage from my grandmother. He's eager for us to be married as soon as possible. Second, I can no longer pretend to have the money to cover our expenses.

I have taken care of other costs, such as filling the home with necessary supplies, as well as the rent and utility bills for the house. I have also purchased new clothing for myself and Granny.

Because I haven't gone to work since I signed the contract with Damien, I can no longer conceal this from Granny.

Although we have been back home for two days and spent the first couple of days at Grandma's hospital bedside, I am still choosing not to go to work.

She's going to ask me why I quit working all of a sudden, and I know that will be her next question.

My employer won't allow me to keep my position. He wants me to be a full-time housewife for a year, following which I can start looking for work again.

However, I have a different strategy; after a year, I will start saving as much money as I can in order to launch my own company.

I'm still unsure of what kind of company to start, but I suppose when I'm ready, ideas will start to flow. But for the time being, I must address the issues at hand, including how to persuade Granny and how to save money for my future.

I'm abruptly startled out of my thoughts by the doorbell, which forces me to run to it.

I open it to see my attractive boss inside wearing casual clothing and a face hat. His white shirt is exposing his biceps, which draws attention to his masculinity and keeps me from being able to look away.

I've never seen him in casual clothing. He usually wears suits, so seeing him in this sort of attire for the first time makes me dizzy with delight and eager to accept his offer.

My subconscious tells me that this union is one of convenience.

This marriage is not founded on love. Keep in mind that you will separate after a year. Get a handle on yourself, it continues, and I sigh piteously.

"Can I enter? It's raining," I blink as his rich, silky voice pierces my ears, forcing me to refocus on the present.

I squeal "Yes, yes" apprehensively as I prop open the door for him. "Sir, yes. I tell him again that he is still my superior and that he is allowed to enter.

"Didn't I say to call me by my name?" He starts talking to me gently as I close the door. To make it a reality, we must act. Please call me by my name, and I'll do the same for you.

Because of the large knot in my throat, I can only nod. With this, it's impossible for me to find my voice.

"Good," he says before walking away. The question, "Where is she?"

I force a hard swallow in order to speak. I had to speak up before he realizes how anxious and tense I am and cancels the meeting.

I'm not going to let it happen. This is something I've previously agreed to and will continue to do. I am eager to see this through to the conclusion since he has already given me a taste of what it will be like.

I grew raised in a low-income household. It's overwhelming to taste prosperity in a matter of days without having to work my tail off for it.

I've had to put in work my whole life to support myself. I have to work and earn money before I can eat or buy new clothing.

But right now, I have a fantastic opportunity. It wasn't until I asked my buddy for guidance that I realized it was a chance. I'm pleased I asked her for advice and that I was able to swallow my pride and take her up on her offer.

I answer calmly, "In her bedroom", and then I go past him to show him to Grandma's room.

I am instantly ashamed of our little house, which is furnished just with two sets of chairs and a television in the living room. Our rooms are nearly completely vacant, and the hallway is empty.

Grandma's room comprises her bed, wardrobe, and a cane chair that she used to sit on before she lost her legs, with the exception of my room, which contains a little closet.

I hope it won't irritate my supervisor. That's why I didn't consider it before asking him over.

I lightly tap on the door as we approach it.

I answer the door after she calls, "Lisa."

My boss casually follows me behind him. Grandma looks at me as soon as we both walk in, then she looks at him. He makes a courteous bow.

She looks at me with a skeptical brow.

My grandmother doesn't really know my employer, and I've never introduced her to a male. I also neglected to inform her that I would be hosting a visitor.

I say, tying my trembling fingers together, "He is my boss, granny."

"Oh!" A grin gradually appears on her face as she murmurs.

She must be delighted to have met him. Her curiosity would be piqued in this manner.

How are you feeling? She aggressively nods in response to the boss's requests.

"I appreciate your assistance. She smiles broadly and then turns to face me, saying, "God bless you in mighty ways.

My head is down.

She tells me to bring the cane chair so that he can sit, but before I may do so, his voice stops me.

He says, "I just came to check on your health; I have an appointment coming up," and she nods, her grin fading.

Alright, but before you go, I have a few questions for you," she says firmly, her expression becoming grave.

My hands are clasped behind my back as I stand up straight with my heart skipping a beat.

He smiles at her and replies, "All right." "All ears," I say.

"Lisa said you helped her with the hospital bills and..."

He cuts her off with, "That's true," and I stifle a few silent prayers in my head as I shut my eyes.

I really don't know what my grandmother will think of my marriage to my employer, but I'm hoping we can persuade her enough.

That's it. Now that we are at the bridge, it seems hard to cross. I still can't believe I really brought my boss over so he could tell her about our engagement.

I should be the one to do this, but I lack the courage to.

If I may ask, why? Grandma breaks the tenseness while closely observing him.

He removes his face cap and says, "Well." He rubs his hands together. "Lisa and I have been dating for more than a year. We've been dating for a long, and she's intelligent and diligent.

"Dating?" She abruptly ends him with a loud gasp.

He gives a solid "yes" nod. "Considering that she is my girlfriend, I don't see any reason why I shouldn't assist."

My heart rate quickens.

The news has finally been out, and I am glad and relieved. But then, I'm concerned.

I'm alarmed by my grandmother's muteness. He killed it, therefore he is content.

Although I didn't direct him what to say, I had high expectations of him and they were met. He really is a knowledgeable guy.

When Grandma looks in my way, my smile vanishes. "Dating?"

She gives me a hopeful expression as though to contradict what my employer is saying. I never mentioned finding someone to date or dating anybody to her.

She hadn't anticipated this. Grandma was getting ready to give him a protracted speech about how important I am to her and how she won't be pleased if he demands anything ridiculous in return.

She worries about me losing my virginity more than I do.

Given the expression on her face, I am terrified that if I don't respond right now, she would shortly pass out.

I cannot refute it. We are not a couple. He is not my boyfriend, and I am not his girlfriend. But I must complete this.

I must put up a show. to myself. for grandmother. for our shared future. I must complete this. And I pray that whatever happens, she will stand with me.

"Yes, Grandma," I say after clearing my throat of yet another lump that seems to be lodged there continually these days. "I've been dating Damien for two months, and we want to get married,"

There is a pause followed by silence.

He gives me a look, and I turn to look at Grandmother, who has her mouth open in disbelief and her eyes wide open.

It's "What the hell!"