(Elira's POV)
The incident with Mr. Wolfe hurt me so much that I wanted to quit working there. But, before that, I needed another job that could provide me with stable income. Only then I could get the chance to quit Hydes.
As usual, after not getting any job, I walked home, devastated. Even the small jobs were out of reach, which started to make me question my fate. It felt like I was born to suffer, and it started to depress me.
When I reached home, I noticed Matthew standing in front of the door, waiting for me. My tiredness and sadness started to be replaced with joy as soon as my gaze fell on him.
"Matt?" I walked to him happily. "What a surprise!"
He simply smiled at me. Unlocking the door, I welcomed him inside.
"Wait! I'll get you coffee."
Standing in front of the kitchen slab, I started to smile widely as Matthew entered my house for the first time. My cheeks flushed as I prepared coffee for him, which felt like the most peaceful thing in my never-ending chaotic life.
"Thanks!" He said, taking it. As his fingers brushed mine, I couldn't help but smile. Even though we both were adults, the little touch made me giggle like a teenager.
I didn't say anything or even question him about his visit. I only looked at him, admiring his face.
"I wanted to see you…" he answered to my unspoken question. It was not difficult for me to notice he was bothered by something.
"Hey! What's wrong?" I asked, worried about him.
"Nothing." He shook his head. "Usual stress."
"Are you sure?" I asked, holding his hand. "You can share anything with me."
He looked into my eyes for a minute and then said, "Nothing much, but… My father seemed to start gambling again. You know how much it affected us earlier."
His father was a gambling addict. He lost their properties in gambling and even got into a fight once that made him get arrested. His family struggled so much to clear his father's debts.
"Again? He stopped it, right?"
"He did. I don't know why, but he started again. Morning, my mom found it out."
He looked so sad that in turn multiplied my sadness. I leaned closer to him, and hesitantly I wrapped my arms around him. Quickly, he pulled me into a tight hug, which stunned me. Even though the situation was not something to feel happy about, the hug brought me joy.
"Nothing will happen. Your mom will teach him another lesson." I said to lift his spirits.
He only laughed at my words and pulled himself out of the hug. "Yeah! She'll take care of him. She loves him, after all."
He said by pressing the word "Love." Even though my feelings for Matthew were not that strong to call it love, something stirred inside me.
He gently held my hand and started to stroke it without avoiding his gaze. My already reddened cheeks turned redder as he moved further closer to me, keeping his gaze on my lips.
My legs trembled as his fingers started to stroke my thigh, but a part of me didn't want to stop him. I only brought my face closer to him to pull him into the kiss, for which I had waited so long, but it was interrupted by the phone call.
It was from Hydes' manager. Immediately, I distanced myself from Matthew and answered the call. He wanted me to work overtime, as one of the staff was on leave. As it was only cleaning duty, I agreed.
"Elira?" I flinched hearing Matthew's voice.
Quickly, I cut the call. I didn't even want him to know that I had any connection with places like nightclubs.
"Yeah?"
"It's getting late. I should go."
I nodded. He then stepped closer to me, asking, "Hey, are you alright? You look worried. Who called you?"
"Nothing like that. It's just…" I bit my lower lip, preparing myself to lie. "My restaurant owner."
He nodded. "How's it going with your other job search? Now, you are only a part-time worker, right?"
"Not going well. I am still trying."
"Don't worry. You are not alone. You have me. I will also help you get one."
Those simple words started to bring tears to my eyes. It had been years since someone told me I was not alone. "Thanks, Matt."
"See you!" He walked away.
In the evening, I didn't even dare go to VIP or strip sections. I was only involved in cleaning the regular section. I had no guts to face any of the maniacs again.
When I got off the work and walked home, I got the message that stunned me.
"Ms. Elira Yung, your application for Elementary Teacher has been selected. Please reach The Orchids tomorrow at 9AM for your interview. All the best."