Emma

It’s a Saturday morning, and the relentless beeping of my phone pulls me out of sleep. I groan audible, still with groggy eyes. And stretch one arm over the mattress until my fingers meet with the device.

As soon as I look at the screen, I spring up, eyes wide.

I blink a few times, to be sure I’m not asleep.

A credit alert stares back at me, my first paycheck. I scroll down quickly, heart thudding.

No, I didn’t ask anyone for money. This is real. One month as Knox’s executive assistant and the money has finally landed.

A long breath escapes me. Relief washes over my chest...