The Email [Yandere Boss x Reader]

Chapter 9 - Money

After that unsettling call with Sarah, I trudged home in silence, too stunned to even process what had just happened. 

What was that encounter with Hayes? 

I couldn't shake off the feeling of disbelief and unease. 

Part of me almost wanted to punch Jake for being right all along, and another part wanted to kick myself for being so clueless about the situation.

For a week, I remained holed up in my house, too much of a coward to face the outside world. Finally, I mustered the courage to check my savings, curious about how long I could survive without a job before facing homelessness. 

A sigh escaped my lips as I realized it was only enough to sustain me for a year. While it seemed like a decent amount of time, the thought of Hayes showing up at my interview sent shivers down my spine. 

How far would he go to ensure I remained unemployed in the city?

The mere thought sent a chill of fear down my spine, contemplating the lengths he might go to.

Glancing down at my phone, I scrolled through my contacts until I came across my mother's number. With a heavy heart, I pressed the call button, silently pleading that she wouldn't pick up.

Please don't pick up.

Please don't pick up.

"Hello?" her voice came through the line, tinged with the smell of alcohol.

"Hey, Mom," I replied, attempting to sound cheerful despite the sinking feeling in my chest.

"How's it going in the big city? Found yourself a man yet?" she asked, her words slightly slurred.

"No, Mom. Listen, I've got a problem," I confessed, feeling my pride crumble with each word.

"You must be in some deep shit to call me," she giggled on the other end of the line.

"Yeah, what would you do if your boss is starting to be creepy and practically stalks you?" I asked, hoping for some sage advice.

"I would run his pockets dry, hon. I mean, that or act mentally insane—oh, there goes the bar, they're letting me back in. Call me later, hun," she chimed before abruptly hanging up.

Well, would it really be that bad of a backup plan?

Shrugging off the conversation, I got up and stretched, figuring I might as well do something productive. 

Heading to the store to buy some groceries, I couldn't help but notice how expensive things were getting.

"Wow, things are getting expensive," I muttered to myself, carefully placing some cereal into my basket and mentally calculating how much I could spend on food each week and if my calculations were accurate.

"Money problems?" a voice interrupted my thoughts, causing me to jump out of my skin in surprise. I turned around to see Hayes standing there.

"What do you want?" I grumbled, my annoyance palpable.

"I just want to talk," he said nonchalantly, as if nothing had happened. I glanced around the dimly lit grocery store, considering walking away. "I'll pay for your food, but please just... talk to me for a moment," he pleaded, desperation lacing his tone.

I hesitated, weighing my options. What harm could it do?

"Fine," I mumbled, grabbing a few more items before heading to the checkout line. As the cashier scanned my items, Hayes pulled out a black card.

"So cute to see couples these days," the cashier commented, prompting Hayes to laugh while I shot her a glare, tempted to make a snide remark.

Grabbing my groceries, I began walking back to my place with Hayes beside me.

"So, what did you want to talk about?" I asked, eager to get the conversation over with.

"I'm offering you your job back," he replied, his tone matter-of-fact.

"And what makes you think I'll take it?" I retorted, feeling a pang of hurt at his blunt assessment of my financial situation.

"Because you're poor," he stated bluntly, as if discussing the weather.

Ouch. 

That actually stung.

"And I know you need the money. I'm offering to double your pay," he added.

I fell silent, contemplating his offer. It wasn't just a choice between returning to this psycho or facing homelessness—it was about choosing to tough it out or return home and deal with my mother, or the woman who claimed to be.

"Hmm, I'll think about it," I mumbled, knowing deep down that I would have accepted if he hadn't shown up at my interview.

"Take your time," he replied calmly.