His Obsession

Tomorrow's hope

《♡°♡°♡°☆°♡°♡°♡》

Lucian

“Coming.” It’s not what you think, I swear. I can explain.

I’m Lucy, and today, it’s a beautiful Sunday morning. At least, it’s supposed to be.

My landlord is at the door, yelling my name, demanding the rent that’s long overdue. The man knows my mother passed away just last week, yet here he is, standing there, knocking like it’s just another day. And like it’s any of his business.

“Hello,” I greet the asshole, trying to mask the frustration rising within me. “About time, you bless me with your fucking presence, Lucian.”

He glares at me. “Where’s the rent?”

The rent. Of course. I’m so broke, it’s beyond embarrassing. I can hardly afford food, let alone rent.

“I’ll pay you next week, John. I swear,” I manage, though I don’t know if I believe it myself. I’ve applied to as many jobs as I can, and I’m holding onto the hope that something will come through soon. I’m a talented architect—if only someone would give me a chance.

He eyes me, a suggestive grin spreading across his face. “You can always pay me in other ways, you know.”

I immediately feel sick. “I’ll pay you the money by next week, I promise,” I say, barely able to keep the disgust from my voice. “Just… please leave me alone.”

He gives me a final, leering look. “You better pay, or else.” His words hang in the air, like a threat I can’t escape.

I want to slap him, but I bite my tongue. I need this place, even if it’s falling apart. I nod quickly and shut the door in his face, just to get away from him.
.

I’ve been living in this tiny studio apartment for two years now. It’s not much—small, barely functional, but it’s mine. The neighbors are decent, so I can’t complain too much about that.

But right now, I feel utterly hopeless. And I’ve never felt this hopeless before—not even when my crush rejected me and called me “ugly” or when my father tried to sell me to some wealthy old man for a few bucks. That was when I was a child, and I’ve blocked that memory out.

Now, it’s all about money. I’m in dire need of it. My mom’s death last week only added to the mountain of debt she left behind—debts I’m now being harassed about. Apparently, she’d racked up a fortune buying drugs and never paid a cent. Now, I’m the one receiving the threats and calls demanding payment. It’s all too much.

She was an addict, never present for me. I grew up alone, raising myself as best I could. It was tough. Seeing families out on the street, laughing and enjoying their lives, always stings. I never had that. As a kid, I never heard the words “I love you” from my parents. I was the unwanted child, the one left to fend for herself.

It took years of therapy—years of fighting my own brain—to start believing I deserved better. I’ve come a long way, but it’s still hard.

---

I need a job. Desperately. And today, something unexpected happened. I got selected for an interview at Moreno Enterprise. It’s a big company—there’s no doubt I’ll be competing against a lot of talented people, but maybe… just maybe, I’ll stand out. I’ll give it my best shot. Hope. That’s all I have right now.

I don’t have nice clothes for an interview. I barely have enough money to buy food, let alone office attire. But I have one thing on my side—Char.

Charlotte—Char, for short—is my best friend. She’s the one who’s always there for me. The one person who’s never judged me, who helped me put myself back together after everything I’ve been through. We’ve been inseparable since my sophomore year in college.

I grab my phone and text her, hoping she can help me.

---

Me: Char, I need your help.

Bae: I’m here, sup’?

Me: I need office clothes, like, today.

Bae: What for? Got the job already? 😳

Me: I hope so. The interview’s tomorrow.

Bae: Don’t worry, babe, I’m sending my driver with some fits. Wear whatever works, k? 😎 You got this!

Me: Thanks! I’m hoping. Take care! ♡

Bae: Best of luck, babe. You got this. <3

---

Two hours later, I’m staring at a mountain of clothes Char sent. Ten outfits. I lay them all on the bed, carefully sorting through each one, picking out what feels right. I brush my teeth, lay my documents out neatly on top of the clothes, and check my alarm. It’s going to be a long night, but I’ve got this.

The clothes are a bit more fitted than I’m used to, but they’re perfect. Char’s got curves I could only dream of, so these clothes look different on me, but they’ll do. They’ll make me look professional, I hope.

I have a night shift tonight at the library, not exactly the most glamorous job, but it pays the rent, and it gives me time to read. Mrs. Ombre, the owner, treats me like family.

She’s the mother I never had. I’m the closest thing she has to a daughter, and she spoils me with lunches, crocheted gifts, and kind words. She’s aware of my struggles and always makes sure I’m okay. I don’t know what I’d do without her.

Tomorrow is Mrs. Ombre’s birthday, and I still need to get her a present. She’s always raved about her love for flowers, so I’m going to buy her some orchids—the ones she always talks about. I’m also framing a picture of the two of us together, something she’ll cherish forever. I hope she likes it.

As I get ready for bed, I check my alarm one last time. I can’t afford to mess this up. The interview at Moreno Enterprise is my chance to get out of this hole, to finally make a better life for myself.

I drift off to sleep, praying that tomorrow will be different. I don’t know if I’ll make it through the interview, but I can’t let myself think like that. I have to believe in myself, even if it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

Tomorrow is the big day.

---

《♡°♡°♡°☆°♡°♡°♡》

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words: 2000
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This is my first chapter, and I don't know how to feel about it. This book gets better, as the chapters go on, I promise.

QOTD: What is your fav movie?

What are your thoughts on this chapter so far? Don't forget to vote <3. Ehehe.

Love,
A.