Katharine stared down at her phone, thumbs numb from the string of texts that kept coming. She messaged her father, letting him know she was on her way, the engine humming beneath her, the city blurring past. It was a heavy message with finality—a silent vow that after today, she would never again bail him out, never enable his spiral into gambling and desperation.

Just as she set her phone aside, Mark’s name flashed on the screen—a number she thought she’d left behind when she changed it after the breakup. The ache of memory pulsed inside her; she let the call ring through to voicemail, refusing to answer. She guessed—correctly—that it was her father who had passed her new number along, desperate for someone to fix what he’d broken.

A moment later, a new message arrived from Mark. She opened it, lips pressed tight, reading the words that left her colder than before.

“Marry me or paid me back for the money I loan your father,”

“I will never marry you and the money that my father got from you I will pay it, just give me some time,”

“You got until the end of the month to pay it back,”

Katharine just turns off her cellphone, just looks out of the window to see that they are going into the original town where this place that her father is at. Once she repays Mr. Miller and returns the money to her ex-boyfriend, who cheated on her with a co-worker. Katharine was certain that Mark had been cheating on her with a number of women. Every time she walked, people would laugh at her. Like two years ago, women would point at Katherine, then whisper.

“She didn’t see that her boyfriend has been cheating on her with every female he sees,” said by standard

“I know, right? I wouldn’t show my face around town. She thinks he was faithful to her, come on now with these gifts, he just using her,”

She doesn’t want to keep remembering that breakup, just wants to go on with her life, so she just sits back. They pulled up to the back of the building as the driver opens the door for her. The bodyguard opened the back door as she entered and didn’t know where to go. The man who was in the passenger seat walked upstairs as, waiting for Katharine to follow him, the guard closed the door.

“Miss this way, follow me,”

Katharine just nodded, there are cameras in every corner so anything goes wrong, guards will come running. Why does she feel this weird sense coming from this place? The man opens the door into an office to see her father on his knee begging again for more money. She went up to her father to get him up from the ground just to look at Mr. Miller.

“Dad, I told you many times to stop this act. Do you really want to end up dead somewhere? I can’t always save you,”

“I know sweety I had it in my hand, but I got too greedy,”

Mr. Miller has this look on his face as he watches Katharine talking to her father, it brings a small smile to the corner of his mouth. Mr. Miller just stared at Katharine with long brown hair, for a small woman she knows how to take a single gambling and alcoholic parent. However, she must take care of her father with all his troubles.

Mr. Miller, please accept my apologies for the trouble my father has caused you. How much money does he owe you?” asked Katharine.

“He owes me 20,000 dollars. Thomas, tell your daughter what you told me that you were going to be sell her to me to clear any debt you have,” smile Mr. Miller.

Katharine’s eyes widened, a storm of disbelief flickering across her face as Mr. Miller uttered words she never imagined hearing. She turned toward her father, whose gaze avoided hers, heavy with shame and regret. For a moment, she simply stared, searching for something in him that could explain the unthinkable suggestion. With a slow, steady breath, she shook her head—once, decisive—and reached down to unzip her faded backpack.

Inside, neatly stacked and counted, was every dollar she’d scraped together over months of tireless work. Without hesitation, she pulled out the entire sum—twenty thousand dollars, crisp bills and worn notes all the same—and placed them on Mr. Miller’s desk with a quiet finality. Her hand lingered for a fraction of a second atop the money, as if imprinting her determination into the transaction.

She straightened, her voice unwavering, “This is everything you asked for. My father’s debt is paid, and I will not be sold off like property.” For the first time in the cramped office, Katharine’s presence seemed to fill the space, her resolve radiating outward, silencing the moment with dignity.

Mr. Miller regarded her, intrigued and perhaps a touch amused, while her father finally managed to look up at his daughter, respect mingling with remorse in his eyes. She turned to him, silent but firm, ready to lead him out from the shadow of his mistakes.

“If my father indeed said that I would never work for you, here’s your money. I’ll ensure he never finds himself in a situation like this again. I’ve been shouldering my father’s debt for years to prevent him from getting into trouble. I realize I should have let him be and moved on with my life, such as getting married and having children by now.”

Katharine doesn’t look worried, showing off her crystal blue eyes.

As she zips up her backpack, then helps her father out of the office until Mr. Miller says something that catches her attention.

“If I catch your father at any of my casinos, he will be throw out,”

Katharine said nothing just left his office once the door closed behind them. Mr. Miller closed his eyes to breathe in her mint chocolate that makes his mouth water. His right-hand man, Lucas, passed him a file about Katharine and her father; he opened it at once. Mr. Miller was surprised by her youth; she looked even younger than her 21 years. Forgoing her education, she's been working since she was fifteen to help her parents pay the bills. Katharine's excellent grades, combined with her restaurant job and extra credit, allowed her to graduate early and attend college. It shows that her mother ran off with another man, that when Thomas lost his job because of his drinking, which it led into gambling all the money that his daughter has been saving. She was getting her father out of trouble like paying for his bail, tapping at bars all over the town.

“Sir, are you alright?”

“My mate is going to be a handful, I want you to have one of the men watch over her when she works late,”

“Yes, sir. Do you want to mate with a human?”

“Don’t question me. She is special. Just do what I say,”

Lucas did as he was told and bowed to leave. Katharine and her father stand outside in the rain, thinking to herself it’s going to be expensive to get home if they catch a cab. Katherine was about to call a cab, holding her father's hand to keep him from wandering off. The familiar car approached, and the driver wound down the window.

“Mr. Miller told me to take you two homes,”

“Thank you, come on father,”

Thomas and Katharine got into the car, the driver closed the door with him getting wet in the rain; he got into the driver’s seat, closed the door to take them home. In the backseat, Thomas couldn't help but stare at her backpack. Thomas was curious about how his daughter came to possess such a large sum of money. Katharine hears her father’s stomach growling; she knows that he didn’t eat anything just drink liquor all day. You could smell alcohol coming out of Thomas’ pores that fulling up the car, because she also didn’t eat anything while working at the restaurant.

“Dad, why did you give Mark my number, which I told you not to?”

“I borrowed money from him, baby girl. I acknowledge my obligation to reimburse him. I asked him to give me a little while; I play a couple of card games.”

“Stop borrowed money from him, I don’t want to see or talk to him,”

When Katharine glanced at her father, she could tell he had no response to her question. She must convince him to stay home and install a security system. She pulled out her phone it’s 2:00 am. Lucky her boss gives her a week off so she can rest away from that place. The coworker will resent the identical workload. The driver pulled up to their place, but she didn’t give the driver the address. How did this driver know where they lived? Maybe her father wrote down his personal information related to the games he played. The rain drumming on the car is the only sound, then silence fills the car.

The driver arrived at their apartment building. As Katherine assists her father from the car, she nearly falls while shutting the door. As she approaches the building, she retrieves her keys and unlocks the door. She knows that her only goal is to bring her father inside and feed him. As they ascended to the second floor of the apartment, Thomas headed straight for the couch and lay down. Once the door was closed, Katherine shook her head, went to her bedroom to put her things away, and then took a shower. In their half kitchen, Katherine took out some ingredients to make Hangover Helper Ramen for her father that she finds online for his hangover. She grabbed a cutting board to chop green onions, started boiling water in a pot, added beef broth tablets, and then mixed in the ingredients. Like an obedient daughter, Katherine went over to her father, who was asleep. She shook him awake to ensure he ate, showered, and returned to bed.

She knelt beside him and spoke softly, "Dad, you should get up, shower, have something to eat, and then you can go back to bed." Katherine's tone was gentle but firm, hoping he would listen to her this time.

Thomas just turned over and went back to sleep. Katherine knows this is going to happen. Therefore, she went into the kitchen to grab a bag of ice from the freezer. She smashed the ice with a hammer, added some to a bowl of water, and then surprised her father with an ice bath, which startled him awake.

"I won't argue with you. Can you please take a shower? I can smell the alcohol, I'm tired of looking after you. Ever since mom left us, all you do is drink and gamble. I can't always take care of you, dad. I'm doing my best to provide for us, but it seems like you're neglecting yourself,"

He got up from the couch once Katherine walked away, going back to the kitchen to check the water and add the noodles to the pot. She didn't have to look over her shoulder, but she heard the bathroom door was closed. She put the bag of ice back into the freezer, just turned down the fire as she grabbed the towel from the closet to try off the wet spot on the couch. Katherine went to check on the food and add the green onions into the soup, grab bowls from the cabinet and forks out of the drawer. Katherine placed the meal on the table and patiently waited for her father to join her. Just as she saw the bathroom door open, her father stepped out, clad in fresh pajamas and drying his gray hair. He made his way over to the table and took a seat, ready to share the meal with his daughter.

As Thomas sat down at the table, Katherine looked at him with searching eyes, her voice tense with a mix of hurt and curiosity. "Dad, explain to me. Why did you tell Mr. Miller you are going to use me to get rid of your debt? How long has this been going on?" she asked, her words barely above a whisper but heavy with accusation.

Thomas hesitated, running a hand through his damp hair, unsure of how to meet her gaze. "Katherine, I - I never wanted to involve you, but things got out of hand. I was desperate, and Miller offered me an out. I thought maybe, just maybe, if you got close to him, he might help us. But I swear, I never meant for you to get hurt." His voice trembled as he tried to explain, guilt and shame etched into his features. For the past two months, I have been going to his VIP poker game, and I recently requested a $20,000 loan from him.

"If I didn't come and cover the payment. Where would you source the funds? Allow me to make a guess. Is it about robbing small stores or perhaps even banks?"

"I was thinking about it,"

"You still don't get it. People around this town talked about us, father. You don't see that every time I go to the store, I have people to follow me around the store thinking that I am going to steal or something. Do you know who how times we had to move because of what you do?"

"Since your mother's divorce, I've been feeling disoriented and uncertain about what steps to take. We are used to being happy,"

Dad, I'm aware it has been three years. I believe it's time for you to focus on your recovery or you will end up in jail. "You know I can't handle everything on my own," she said, her voice filled with frustration.

Katherine and her father sat in silence, both consumed by their own thoughts as they ate their dinner. She poured her father some juice instead of beer, hoping to create a more peaceful atmosphere. Now, while she enjoyed her somewhat vacation, she also had to keep a watchful eye on her father. Thomas pushed his empty bowl away, satisfied with his meal. He walked over to the other chair, sinking into its plush cushions, ready to watch some TV and possibly doze off again. Katherine took out her cellphone and quickly researched Christopher Miller. She discovered he is a tall, 6'5 single male with a captivating presence. His honey skin, electric blue eyes, and black hair with red highlights make him irresistible to both men and women. With a net worth of 34 trillion dollars, he not only owns four companies but also lives in a penthouse alongside his single friend, Lucas Young. For years, those two have been inseparable, sharing countless memories and experiences. Katherine diligently reads more about Mr. Miller and thoroughly researches his company to determine if there are any job openings.

Something caught her eye Mr. Miller was looking for a private secretary for a food company, hear her father was snoring on the couch and might go back into her room to fill out the application on her phone. She rose from her chair and gathered all the soiled dishes, carrying them to the kitchen sink to be washed and placed on the drying rack. Now that the sink was empty. After grabbing her cellphone, Katherine quietly made her way over to the couch where her father was sleeping, determined to get him into his bed.

"Dad, I'm worried that if you sleep on the couch all night, you'll wake up with aches and pains in the morning."

Thomas sluggishly rose from the couch and made his way into his room, while Katherine switched off the TV, approached his door, and gently shut it before entering her own. Settling her phone on the charger, she retrieved a book to read until she fell asleep.

Christopher exits out of his office to head home for the day; Lucas locks the door for them to follow his boss out of the building to his waiting car that was outside for him. The guards bow to him as he was leaving; The driver opens the door for Christopher as Lucas got in on the other side of the car. Christopher crosses his leg and folds his arm to be surprised that his mate came to his office to save her father. He could still scent of mint chocolate, which brought a smile to his face.

"Lucas, I need you to find me a private secretary who can look over things for me while I am away from the office, and please do a complete background check, women and men must dress professionally if they want to work in my company. I will not tolerate bullies is my workplace and if anyone has a problem, they will get fired on the spot. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, sir,"

Before Lucas looked at his tablet, which he brings with him everywhere he goes, he paused to make sure the device was fully charged. He unlocked his tablet to check any new applications, seeing that there were over ten people who wanted to work for him. Scanning through the list, he noted a few interesting candidates, but it was Katherine's application that caught his eye. Lucas handed his boss the tablet, pointing out her profile for Christopher's review, curious to see his reaction.

Lucas smiles, a hint of amusement in his voice. "It seems that your mate has applied to your food company," he said, watching Christopher scrolling on the tablet. The comment lingered between them, adding an unexpected layer to the day's routine.

Christopher took the tablet from his friend's hand and looked through the profile, pressing the approval of the application. He handed back the tablet to Lucas, his gaze drifting out of the window. The sight of his condo coming into view, instead of his cold and empty mansion, reminded him of missing something. Christopher only used the penthouse only for business. However, his parents, Anthony and Melody Miller, eagerly awaited their son's arrival, hoping he would bring his new mate home for them to meet her. The driver pulled up at the main door. Christopher and Lucas exited out of the car, heading inside of the building to take the elevator to his private floor. Sometimes Lucas would cook or order takeout. Then suddenly it started raining again as Christopher went into his bedroom to get out of work suit and take a quick shower. As he walked past his balcony to see the rain hitting the door, just look at the view of the sun going down with the rain coming down. Just enter the bathroom, turn on water just thinking about his mate that woken up his dragon Blaze.

"Our mate is exquisite indeed. She will make a wonderful queen. We must bring her home,"

"I don't think if she knows what we are. I don't want to scare her away,"

"Just what these humans do, take her out on a date and get to know her first and when she is more comfortable, than we I mean you, tell her what we are even better, just show her,"

Christopher pondered Blaze's words, realizing that becoming her private secretary would provide closer proximity and allow him to better understand her preferences. After finishing his shower, he wrapped a towel around his waist to reveal his six-pack abs, dried his hair, and then went to his closet to change into boxers and sweats. The delicious aroma of cooking drew him to the kitchen, where he found Lucas setting the table, awaiting his boss's arrival for dinner.

"What are you making this time?"

"Baked Lemon Dijon Salmon with rice, you will love it. Question I want to ask you,"

"Go ahead, let me hear it,"

"If Katherine works at your company, the other female employees may become jealous of her because you favor her the most. It would be wise to maintain a professional distance from her for now."

"That is why I am going to give her projects that will keep her busy, but I keep my eye on her. Plus, I would keep busy with meeting,"

Lucas pours the wine into their glass with their dinner until Christopher's cellphone rings. As he went to answer it, he already knew who it was.

"Hello Mother," said Christopher

"Son, when are you planning to return home?" Your father and I have a magnificent female dragon, and we believe she would be the perfect choice for you as your queen. Since we are not getting any younger and are eager for grandchildren, it would be best if you hurry. Your father and I are ready to step down from the throne,"

"Mother, I told you I will wait for my mate. If she is too young or deceased, then I would take a choose wife,"

"We will be waiting,"

"Talk to you later mother,"

Christopher hangs up the phone and looks at Lucas cooking dinner, his friend had yet to.

"Is that Queen Rossie?" asked Lucas

"Yes, she and my father want to choose a queen so they can stand down, my parents are going to have to wait longer until they meet her," said Christopher

The men are eating their dinner to see the storm is being mean today until Christopher felt pain in his chest, pretend not to feel it. He entered her dream to see what was wrong with his mate. Why did he feel this pain?

"I am going to head to bed,"

"Do not worry, I clean up,"

Christopher took his half-glass of wine with him into the bedroom and sat it on the nightstand. By opening a portal to her place, he felt that connection he was surprised that it shows her room. As he stood though it, he could see his mate sleeping, step closer to her to see tears run down her cheek.

He used his finger to wipe her tears. He sits on the bed. The storm got louder; He just want to lie next to her. Then he sees more tears coming down.

"Mom, please don't leave me," Katherine cried, tears streaming down her sleeping face.

"She's probably having a nightmare with her mother," Erik said.

Christopher slowly lay down next to her and pulled her close to him so she could sleep peacefully without waking her up. But he knows that he can't stay too long before he goes Christopher placed something delicately around her neck. He closes his eyes while rubbing her back until she calms down and sleeps.

Hearing footsteps in the hall, Christopher quickly slipped out of Katherine's bed, reopened the portal to his room, glanced at his mate, and stepped through before the portal closed. As he reluctantly departed, he left her a precious family heirloom. Slowly, Thomas entered his daughter's room in search of the backpack filled with money. Quietly, so as not to wake his daughter, he entered the closet and began to search for something. He checks every corner of the closet, and it was nothing, just clothes, and more bags. Thomas began to suspect she'd hidden the bag elsewhere, somewhere he couldn't find it. Back in his room Christopher left the unfinished wine on his nightstand, not wanting to drink any more of it. He walked back into the kitchen and placed it in the sink before returning to his room for another shower. With a smile on his face, he tried to get some sleep, entering the realm of dreams. Turning around, Katherine saw that her closet light was on; she didn't remember switching it on. She rose from her bed, approached the closet slowly, and turned to find her father examining her belongings.

"Dad, I don't appreciate you rummaging through my belongings."

"The reason I'm in here is that I spotted a little mouse darting into a hole; I need to check for other openings in your wall."

"If I see anything, I'll tell the landlord. Now go back to your room and sleep."

Katherine followed her father from her room, closing the door behind her. She knew he'd been in her room looking for the backpack containing cash. A secret closet exists, unknown to her father. Returning to bed, she felt warmth on the other side, as if someone were sleeping there. She was likely dreaming of her mother beside her. Morning would arrive before she knew it.

The next morning, Katherine hears the phone alarm went off, but she slept through it and woke up after eight o'clock. She got out of bed, grabbed her robe, and headed to the bathroom for a quick shower, planning to make breakfast before her father woke up. Katherine made breakfast in the kitchen with the hope that her father would come out of his room to eat.

"Dad, get up. Breakfast is almost ready, Dad!"

The bedroom opening and her father came out of his room to see his daughter cooking, running his hand through his hair was still half-sleep.

"Why are you yelling?" asked Thomas

"I wanted to check if you were awake, as you claimed to have seen a mouse run into my room and were searching for it last night."

"Yeah, and to be honest, my back pain meant a sleepless night, so I'm running on fumes."

"Seriously, you've been sleeping on that lumpy, uncomfortable couch again."

She made her father breakfast until her cellphone rang. She picked it up and saw that it was the Local Nutritious company calling, so she answered.

"Greetings." "May I speak with Katherine Smith?" the woman asked.

"Yes, this is her."

"Hello, I saw your application, and HR approved it. I would like if you can come in for an interview this afternoon around two?"

"Yes, two o'clock. Thank you so much,"

Katherine ends the call. She hopes to secure the private secretary job she applied for yesterday. She knows that her father is up to something, but she doesn't know what. Katherine loves her father, but sometimes wishes for a break from him, though she knows that's impossible.