A chance at love

A New Opportunity

Chapter Three: A New Opportunity

Emma's POV

The morning light filtered through the thin curtains of Emma's bedroom, waking her from a restless sleep. Her mind was already buzzing with the day's task: job hunting. With the loss of her diner job weighing heavily on her, she knew she had to find something quickly. The rent wouldn't wait, and neither would the mounting medical bills for her father.

Emma dressed in her best professional outfit—a pair of neatly pressed slacks and a modest blouse. She tied her hair back into a tidy ponytail and glanced at herself in the mirror. Determination etched in her features, she took a deep breath and stepped out of her room.

"Morning, Mom," she greeted as she entered the kitchen.

"Morning, dear. Are you ready for today?" Margaret asked, her voice filled with a mixture of concern and encouragement.

"I am," Emma replied, forcing a smile. "I'll find something. I have to."

After a quick breakfast, Emma kissed her parents goodbye and headed out. The city was already bustling with activity, the streets filled with people hurrying to work. Emma felt a pang of envy for those who had the security of a job to go to, but she quickly pushed it aside. She had no time for self-pity.

Emma spent the morning visiting various businesses, filling out applications, and inquiring about openings. Each rejection stung, but she refused to let it deter her. As the day wore on, her feet ached, and her spirits flagged. She was beginning to feel the weight of despair when she spotted a bulletin board outside a small café.

Pinned among the various flyers and advertisements was a neatly printed notice:

**Wanted: Caretaker for Elderly Woman. Full-time position. Room and board provided. Competitive pay. Contact Tristan Baker for more details.**

Emma's heart skipped a beat. A full-time caretaker job with room and board sounded perfect. It would be hard work, but she was no stranger to that. She quickly jotted down the contact information and made her way to the address listed on the poster.

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Tristan's POV

Tristan Baker sat in his office, staring at the pile of resumes on his desk. He ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in his sharp features. He had gone through dozens of applicants, but none seemed suitable. His grandmother, Eleanor, needed someone who was not only competent but also compassionate and trustworthy.

"Mr. Baker, the next applicant is here," his assistant's voice crackled through the intercom.

Tristan sighed. "Send them in."

The door opened, and Emma Wright stepped into the room. Tristan's first impression was that she seemed out of place in the grandiose surroundings of his mansion. Her clothes were simple but clean, and there was a quiet strength in her eyes that piqued his curiosity, though he quickly masked it with irritation.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Baker," Emma greeted, her voice steady despite the nerves fluttering in her stomach. "I'm here about the caretaker position."

Tristan barely glanced at her as he reviewed her resume. "You've worked in a diner for the past three years. Do you have any experience in caregiving?"

"Not professionally," Emma admitted, "but I've taken care of my father, who is paralyzed, for the past eight years. I know how to manage medications, help with physical therapy, and provide general care."

Tristan looked up, meeting her gaze for the first time. There was a sincerity in her eyes that was hard to ignore. Still, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance. He didn't want to admit that he found her admirable. He preferred to keep his emotions in check, especially around strangers.