“You look familiar,” he said, searching his memory.
Angela swallowed nervously. “Sir, I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to overhear your call. I only heard a little because you were outside.”
Jeff nodded. “It’s okay.”
Angela gathered courage like it was cloth she had to stitch quickly before it tore.
“Sir,” she said, “I heard you say you need someone to take care of your father. I… I can do the job.”
Jeff blinked. “You mean it?”
“Yes, sir,” Angela said. “I take care of my mother alone. She is sick. I know how to give medicine, help with feeding, and watch carefully. I’m not afraid of work.”
Jeff studied her face. Calm. Honest. Clean eyes. The kind that didn’t know how to fake sincerity.
“Can you start today?” he asked, urgent. “Right now?”
Angela shook her head gently. “Not now, sir. I need to go home first. I bought medicine for my mother. I must give it to her and tell her where I’m going.”
Jeff sighed, disappointed but understanding. “Okay.”
Then he said, thinking fast, “Give me your address. My driver will pick you up tomorrow morning.”
Angela’s eyes widened. “Really, sir?”
“Yes,” Jeff said. “Be ready. I need someone urgently. You may be the answer I’ve been praying for.”
Angela wrote her address on paper with shaking hands.
As Jeff drove away, Angela stood for a moment, looking up at the sky like it might finally be opening.
“Mama,” she whispered, “maybe our miracle has finally come.”
The next morning, Angela arrived at Jeff’s mansion wearing her cleanest gown.
She was nervous but hopeful.
Mabel opened the door before Angela even reached the house.
The moment she saw Angela, her face twisted. “You again? What are you doing here?”
Angela froze.
Jeff walked into the living room at that moment, suitcase near his feet, travel clothes on.
“Mabel,” he asked, “what’s going on?”
Mabel pointed at Angela like she had found a rat in silk.
“Baby, don’t you know this girl? She came for an interview before. She was late. She’s not good for the job.”
Jeff’s eyes narrowed. “You chased her away?”
Mabel lifted her chin. “Yes.”
Jeff’s voice turned firm. “Enough. I already employed her.”
Mabel gasped. “What?”
“She’s qualified,” Jeff said, “and we need someone immediately. I travel tomorrow.”
“But—” Mabel began.
Jeff cut her off with calm finality. “She won’t live here. She’ll come in the morning and go home in the evening. That’s the arrangement.”
Angela stood quietly, heart racing.
Jeff looked at her. “Welcome. Come inside.”
Angela stepped forward, aware that her life was turning a page, even if someone in the house wanted to tear the book.
Jeff led her down a hallway to a quiet room.
“Angela,” he said softly, “this is my father.”
The old man sat on the bed, looking small under a blanket, eyes wandering like they were searching for lost time.
Angela’s breath caught.
Papa James.
The same man she had fed with her last bus fare.
She swallowed her shock, keeping her face neutral to avoid embarrassing him.
Papa James looked at her, puzzled. He did not recognize her.
Jeff continued, “Your salary will be five hundred thousand naira every month.”
Angela nearly choked. “Sir… that’s too much. I’ve never seen that kind of money before.”
Jeff smiled faintly. “Normally I pay less. But you told me about your sick mother. Use it to take care of her.”
Angela’s eyes filled with tears she tried to hide.
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