Chapter 4 CHAPTER
JULIE'S POINT OF VIEW
A heavy force on my face abruptly woke me from my peaceful rest. The pressure on my face grew stronger until I could barely breathe, so I thought it was a nightmare at first. I woke up suddenly and pushed away the heavy object that covered my face.
"What the hell?" I gasped, pushing myself upright.
Christian stood at the edge of my bed with a mischievous grin while holding the pillow he had just used to suffocate me.
"Are you insane? Who does that?" I snapped, glaring at him.
He laughed. "Oh, come on. The situation was not fatal because you would survive longer than him. Your life expectancy exceeds mine by a significant margin.
I groaned, rubbing my temples. You can leave because your presence only serves to bother me.
He stood at my bedside to inform me that our father had prepared breakfast before crossing his arms.
I froze. "Wait… Dad? Cooking?"
"Yup," Christian confirmed, nodding.
"You’re lying."
He pointed to the exit and said, "You should check it out for yourself."
I pulled myself out of bed while half asleep and put on a hoodie before continuing. My thoughts raced while I descended the stairs. Dad had never stepped into the kitchen to prepare food throughout his entire life. This had to be a prank.
I came to a complete halt when I entered the kitchen. Dad stood at the stove proudly wearing an apron that barely fit his large body. He held a spatula in one hand and a plate in the other while his smile revealed the discovery of a new skill.
"Good morning, my princess!" He brought the plate to the table after his greeting. Your breakfast today consists of two toasted bread slices with bacon and peas.
I stared at the plate. "Peas?"
Dad explained with pride that peas bring color to the plate.
Christian took a seat next to me while he studied his breakfast plate with the same uncertainty I experienced. I gathered my courage before using the fork to eat my first bite.
It was terrible.
The bread had a blackened side, while the other side remained lukewarm. The bacon received excessive cooking, which turned it into a tasteless cardboardlike substance. And the peas? The food made me so uninterested that I refused to discuss it.
Still, I forced a smile. "Thanks, Dad. I never expected you to possess cooking skills.
He winked at me while saying, "Legends are born overnight," with a tone of proud satisfaction.
Christian coughed, struggling to chew. "It’s… unique."
I managed to say, "One of a kind," while forcing down a lump in my throat.
A shared look passed between us as we decided to keep Dad away from the kitchen forever. Watching him happy after all he had endured made the whole experience worthwhile.
Christian took his bag to leave for college after finishing breakfast. Christian studied mathematics at college, and I had always been impressed by his natural intellectual abilities. I spent my time looking at job postings on my laptop while Christian left for college.
The completion of high school marked the beginning of my university gap year since I had no immediate plans to enroll. I chose to pursue employment instead of a university education because I needed to earn money and determine my future direction.
I selected three possible career paths from the available options.
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Waitress at a coffee shop – decent pay, flexible shifts.
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Personal Assistant at Valcrest Corporation – high salary but long hours.
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Kindergarten teacher – peaceful, steady work, and close to home.
I made up my mind to seek Dad's advice about my career path.
I discovered him watching Classic Cartoons on the couch while he relaxed in the living room.
I sat down beside him. "Never gets old, huh?"
He laughed at the screen while answering, "Never."
I presented the job listings to him. Should I choose this job?
He reviewed the papers before letting out a deep breath. You don't need to worry about earning money because I already applied for a job at Valcrest Corporation. I submitted my application to Valcrest Corporation, and I am now waiting for their response. Focus on yourself."
I smiled. "I know, Dad. But I still want to work. Sitting idle throughout the day makes me feel restless.
He looked at me for a few seconds before giving his approval. "Alright. Follow your heart's desires because happiness matters most to me. I’ll support you."
I expressed my gratitude to my dad by hugging him.
I returned to my Elena Dragomir novel reading in my room until Christian arrived home after receiving his permission.
The door of my bedroom exploded open strictly at 3:00 PM.
I jumped, clutching my book. "What the hell, Christian?"
He narrowed his eyes. "What are you up to?"
I blinked. "Uh… reading?"
"Try again."
I paused before taking a deep breath. "Okay, okay. I needed employment, so I asked if you would allow me to work.
He raised a brow. "Say that again, but slower."
I huffed. "I found three job options. Can I work at one of them?"
"Show me."
I presented the papers to him while experiencing a triallike sensation.
He briefly glanced at the papers before giving his initial approval, which turned into a rejection.
"Personal Assistant? Rejected."
"Why?"
Your boss being a creep is a potential concern. You’re too trusting."
I groaned. "That’s a stretch."
He moved to the next job application without hesitation.
"Waitress? Rejected."
"You’re being ridiculous."
According to him, the café environment is filled with male customers. I know how they think. A random stranger might begin stalking you back to your house.
I stared at him. "You seriously need therapy."
"Which leaves one option—Kindergarten teacher. Approved."
I blinked. You seemed to expect that I would reject your suggestion.
He smirked. "Kids can’t flirt. Married parents won’t either. The school has a strict policy of employing female teachers, which eliminates the possibility of male colleagues. Safe choice."
I rolled my eyes. Do you want me to stay single for the rest of my life?
He avoided the pillow I threw at him when he answered, "Pretty much."
I expect you to treat me like an adult instead of dropping me off like a child.
"No deal. I’m driving you every day."
"You’re impossible."
"Love you too, sis."
We started a serious pillow fight in the living room after I attacked him with another pillow.
Laughing, I finally surrendered, breathless.
House arrest? Lifted.
Tomorrow? New job.
The new beginning created an unsettling feeling within me.
That night, I spent my time in bed looking at the ceiling, and a peculiar sensation remained in my chest.
Was it excitement? Anxiety? A transformation seemed imminent.