Chapter 48: Weird Gig

Chapter 48: Chapter 48: Weird Gig Employers wanted degrees, and experience—things she didn’t have. Every rejection email chipped away at her fragile hope. From the other room, Margaret’s sharp voice cut through the silence. "Are you seriously still on that computer? Wasting time while my son comes home to an untidy house? You think jobs just fall into your lap?" Emily clenched her jaw and took a deep breath. "I’m trying, Margaret. I want to contribute. I just—" "Oh, spare me your excuses," Margaret scoffed, stepping into the living room with a disgusted look. "You expect a job to suit your little preferences? You should be grateful George takes care of you at all." Emily bit her lip, stopping herself from lashing out. "Takes care of me? He does nothing! He won’t even wash his own plate." Before Margaret could respond, George stomped into the room, the controller still in hand, his expression bored. "What’s all the yelling about? Can’t a guy enjoy his game in peace?" "Your wife is still jobless and ungrateful," Margaret said, shaking her head. "She expects a perfect job to magically appear instead of pulling her weight." George rolled his eyes and plopped onto the couch. "Honestly, Emily, it’s pathetic. Just get a waitress job or something. What’s the big deal?" Emily’s stomach twisted. She had tried applying to local restaurants, but the managers always wanted someone with experience, and her growing belly made them hesitant to hire her. "I don’t have the energy to be on my feet all day, George. I need something stable, something I can manage," Emily said softly, exhaustion laced in her voice. George scoffed, tossing a pillow at her. "Oh please. You sit around all day anyway. What’s the difference?" Margaret smirked. "Exactly. If you’re so picky, maybe you should start charging rent for sitting around doing nothing." Tears burned in Emily’s eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She turned back to her screen, forcing herself to focus. Remote work. Online tutoring. Virtual assistance. Something—anything to escape this house and its suffocating walls. The next few days blurred together in a haze of insults and exhaustion. Margaret’s comments grew crueler. "Did you even try to clean today, or are you waiting for a maid to magically show up?" George’s demands became unbearable. "Emily, get me a snack. And don’t take forever like last time." Every night, Emily lay awake, staring at the ceiling, wondering how much more she could take. She needed to find a way out. And fast. Emily sat on the couch, absentmindedly scrolling through job listings when her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and felt a small relief wash over her—it was her best friend, Mia. "Hey, Em! Long time no talk!" Mia’s cheerful voice rang through the receiver. Emily forced a smile, trying to keep her voice steady. "Hey, Mia. Yeah, it’s been a while. How’s life treating you?" Mia sighed dramatically. "Oh, you know, the usual. Auditions, rejections, and a few minor roles. Nothing major yet. But hey, at least I finished my degree, right?" she added with a teasing laugh. Emily chuckled, though the reminder of her unfinished studies stung. "Yeah, yeah. You’re doing great, though." "It’s wild you know. Hey, life is truly something...just a few years ago you were the topper of our batch and now...sigh. Well, how are you now?" Mia reminisced. "I am doing...good," Emily said with a bitter smile. She could understand that Mia was taunting her. Though they had been best friend since childhood, Mia always felt overshadowed by Emily. Friendships aren’t always as beautiful as they seem. Mia had broken their friendship when Emily had topped the class, saying Emily was secretly studying behind Mia’s back. Emily won’t say she was a saint either. She had learned the hard way that Mia doesn’t consider as her true best friend. So she had indeed studied and practiced more behind Mia’s back, after all, Mia did the same. But once she dropped out, Mia rekindled their friendship and apologized to Emily. Emily too accepted her apology after considering it for a few days. After all, they weren’t in the same majors anymore. Mia succeeded in her acting career to some point, while she, who was the topper of their batch...became a pregnant married woman with an irresponsible husband. Mia already knew Emily’s situation, yet she asked the question. Emily’s grip on her phone tightened, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Yeah, I’m doing okay," she lied, her voice light. Mia hummed, clearly unconvinced. "Are you really, though? I mean, I know things must be tough with... well, everything." Emily sighed, leaning back against the couch. "It is what it is. I’m trying to find a job, but it’s not easy. No one wants to hire a college dropout with no experience." Mia clicked her tongue. "Ugh, that sucks. I swear, these companies expect people to have ten years of experience for an entry-level job. It’s ridiculous." Emily let out a small laugh. "Exactly. But what about you? Any exciting roles coming up?" "Eh, just the usual. A few minor roles, but nothing big. Though, funny thing—someone called my manager a few days ago with this weird offer." Emily’s interest was piqued. "Weird how?" "They wanted me to pretend to be a rich businesswoman for three years. Can you believe that? Three whole years! Who even comes up with this stuff?" Emily sat up straighter. "Wait... three years? What was the pay?" Mia frowned. "Huh. I didn’t even ask. I mean, I wasn’t interested, so I didn’t bother." Emily bit her lip. "Do you still have the number?" "Uh, yeah, probably. Why?" "Can you send it to me?" Emily asked, trying to keep her voice casual. Mia was silent for a moment before answering. "Em, you’re not seriously considering this, are you? It sounds super sketchy." Emily swallowed hard. "I just... I want to see what it’s about. It might be my chance." Mia sighed but didn’t argue. "Fine, I’ll send it to you. But be careful, okay? If something feels off, don’t do it."