Evelyn's POV
I watched the lobby fill with people coming and going. It was unusual to see such a crowd in the morning; official work hours hadn't even started, yet everyone already looked busy, staring at their smartphones or touching up their makeup.
After a moment, I went back to pushing my cleaning cart toward the top floor. I had to finish cleaning there before 8 o'clock, which gave me exactly one hour.
I started sweeping every corner. The floor was still empty, which made it easier to work quickly.
This was my life now. With only a junior high school diploma, this job at least provided a standard salary to help me raise my child. This office had been my source of income for the past two years. I was lucky they were hiring just as my son and I moved to the city.
After my father kicked me out, my mother had secretly followed me and given me $50,000, which allowed me to survive. She was also the one who brought me all my documents, making it easier to find a job. With that money, I decided to leave the capital to save on living costs and start saving for my child's future. But I could only manage that until my son was about two years old. Keenan Carter was born when I was 17. He was born prematurely, which later affected his development.
The doctor advised me to move for Keenan's treatment, which required better facilities. That was my reason for returning to this city, a place filled with so many painful memories. Besides working as cleaning staff at this company, I also worked nights as a waitress at a restaurant.
I had to do this to secure a decent life for Keenan. He was my savior, the only thing keeping me going in this cruel world. A single smile from him could make all my sorrow and fatigue disappear. It made me willing to do anything for him.
I had intentionally rented an apartment with good facilities. It was small, and the rent cost half my salary, but I was determined for my son to grow up in a positive environment.
Time flew by, and I finished my work 10 minutes early. I immediately dragged my cart back to the cleaning supply room.
Once inside, I washed my hands and sat down on an available chair. I took out my water bottle and drank, then unwrapped the sandwich I had made and started eating. I stopped halfway, saving the rest for my lunch. I had to be frugal this month because my savings were running low.
"Evelyn."
The voice of Anna, the head of cleaning, made me turn around as I was wiping my mouth.
"Yes?" I quickly put my lunch box and bottle back into my backpack and zipped it up.
"Clean the first-floor emergency stairs. After that, do the lobby," she said coldly. I just nodded obediently.
I put my bag back in my locker and started dragging the cleaning cart toward the emergency stairs.
"I can't wait to see our new boss."
"Same! I heard he's still young, 23 if I'm not mistaken."
"23 years old? That's insane. How can he be a CEO at that age?"
"Are his parents the owners of this company?"
"Maybe, I'm not sure, but I'm sure he's definitely from the upper class."
"Ahh, I wish I could date someone like that."
I stayed quiet, passing by the girls who were touching up their makeup, all dressed in branded clothes. Reaching the emergency stairs, I took out the broom and dustpan, ready to clean the floor.
But my hand froze when I heard the sound of loud applause coming from the lobby. Curiosity got the better of me, and I peeked toward the lobby through the crack in the door.
My eyes scanned the people lined up neatly. I tried to see who this so-called new boss was. I opened the door a little wider after realizing the small crack wasn't helping at all.
Leaning half my body out, that did the trick. I could clearly see the boss's face.
In that moment, I pulled my body back in and shut the door as fast as I could. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up, and I found it hard to control my movements.
I fell, landing on the floor, my legs feeling like jelly. My heart was pounding so hard it became difficult to breathe.
How is this possible? That was the only question in my mind after seeing my new boss's face.
Kendrick. Why is Kendrick here?
My throat went dry just remembering that man's face.
Didn't he move abroad years ago? Why suddenly— Does Kendrick know about Keenan?
Does he want to take him away from me?
For some reason, that was the first thought that came to me.
My body trembled violently. Fear seized me, leaving no room to breathe. My mind replayed those unforgettable memories from the past on a loop.
What will happen to me now?
What if Kendrick sees me?