Tanya?”—Jane Wasn’t Expecting to See Her Ex-Husband’s Sister Drenched on Her Doorstep, Rain Pouring from Her Long Hair.

Emily? Charlotte didnt expect to see her ex-husbands sister standing on her doorstep. The girl was drenched, rainwater dripping from her long hair.

It started bucketing down on my way here. My things are soakedI need to dry them off Can I come in?

Well come in. Charlotte realised Emily had come a long way: her house was in a gated estate, tucked away on a quiet street, a good fifteen-minute walk from the main entrance. How Emily had found the placelet alone gotten past securitywas a mystery.

Could I have some tea? Emily wiped mascara streaks from under her eyes and flicked water off her cheek.

First, dry yourself off. Charlotte handed her a roll of kitchen towels. The hardwood floors couldnt handle moisture, and Emilys soaked trainers were a threat to the new renovation.

Thanks.

Now, why are you here?

I really need money.

And whats that got to do with me? I dont lend money.

I know, Im not asking. I need help finding a job. Any job! As long as it pays I know your new husband owns a hotel chain. Could you ask him to take me on?

Do you have any experience?

Yes! Emily nodded eagerly. I worked in a café.

Doing what?

As a manager Well, I was supposed to be one, but they started me as a waitress! I was nearly promoted.

How long did you work there?

About two months. Two weeks at one place, a week at another and I left the third yesterday. The manager and I didnt get along.

Charlotte stared at Emily in disbelief.

You do realise that with a CV like that, no one will hire you?

What do you mean? Three different cafés! Ive got loads of experience!

Job-hopping doesnt make you look goodquite the opposite.

Then what am I supposed to do? I need money Emilys eyes welled up.

Why do you need it so badly? And why here?

Where else can I earn it? In our little village with three houses?

Londons expensiverent, bills Where are you staying?

First, I crashed with a friend, then my brother let me stay, but he kicked me out Hes got a new girlfriend, and she wouldnt have me there.

Really? Charlotte frowned. The mention of her ex-husband stirred up old resentment.

Hes turned mean since he met her! I wanted to stay, but that harpy threw me out! Charlotte, please, youre the only one I can ask

I cant promise anything. I dont work myself, so I cant just get you a job.

But youre his wife! You must have some swayjust ask him to pull some strings for me

No promises. It depends on whats available. Hes away on business until the weekend.

Thank you! I knew you were decent, not like that witch Charlotte, love, can I stay the night? Please? Emily clasped her hands together. Look how heavy its raining! Itll be dark soon, and Ive got no money for the train back.

How did you even get here?

Hitchhiked

Blimey Charlotte knew sending her out alone at night was risky. Though Emily was practically a stranger, she took pity and showed her to the guest room. Fine. But you leave first thing tomorrow. No freeloading.

Got it. Emily brightened, stretching out on the bed and admiring the stylish chandelier, posh wallpaper, and expensive curtains.

“In our village, no ones got anything like this Charlottes lucky she bagged a rich husband I need to find someone like that! Then all my problems would be solved!” Emily daydreamed.

She imagined landing a glamorous job, meeting a wealthy bachelor, and marrying well, like in those romance novels. What she didnt understand was that successful men wouldnt look twice at a girl like herand a 19-year-old with no real experience wouldnt be handed a top job.

Thats exactly what Charlottes husband, James, said when he got back.

Ive only got one job for her.

What is it?

One she wont like.

She said shed take anything, Charlotte reminded him.

Really? Then tell her to come in tomorrow at half six. If shes that desperate, shes hired.

Emily found the sleek hotel office easilythough she arrived at nine, not six-thirty. She had an excuse: the bus broke down.

The building dazzled her.

Climbing the stairs, she fantasisedimagining herself strutting in as the directors wife, or at least his personal assistant.

For the occasion, shed dressed up: sky-high heels, a skirt far too short, and a top so sheer it might as well have been netting.

Walking was a struggleher heels kept catching, and she nearly toppled twice. Luckily, it wasnt far.

Emily barged through the doorstraight into a security guard.

Where do you think youre going? He eyed her up and down.

Here for work!

Got a pass?

No.

Wrong entrance, then. Staff only.

People like me dont need passes. Emily tossed her hair. And you youll be sacked tomorrow. You dont recognise important people!

The guard laughed. He almost told her she looked more suited to roadside soliciting than office workbut didnt get the chance.

Good morning, Mr. Whitmore, he snapped to attention.

Morning, Paul. James glanced at Emily and grimaced. He was about to have her removed when she cut in.

Im here for the job. She beamed. Im Emily. Your wifes friend.

James flushed. He hadnt expected this spectacle, and he certainly didnt want her associating herself with Charlotte.

Youre three hours late! Fine, come with me. He grabbed her elbow. And dont mention my wife. Youre not friends. And never dress like this again.

Too posh, is it?

No! You look like anever mind. He hissed, steering her away from colleagues.

Keeping it hush-hush, eh? Dont want rumours about me getting special treatment Emily grinned. James nearly choked.

Who said anything about a good job?

Charlotte did Any chance of a company flat? Just temporarily?

Dont lie! You werent promised a flat! Best youll get is a bunk in staff housing.

But youre the boss

What? You think Ill make you my deputy?

Or your assistant?

My assistant has three degrees and speaks five languages. What do you speak besides English?

Emily thought.

Gibberish.

What?

You know, adding ibb before every vowel. Like Hibbello instead of Hello.

Youre joking, right? Well, youll need a sense of humour for this job.

When do I start?

Now. Go to the ground floor and ask for Margaret. Shell show you the ropes and give you your uniform.

Brilliant! Emily pictured a power suit, straight out of a film.

Youll be paid weekly. Commission-based.

How much?

Depends on performance. Do well, theres a bonus. James scribbled a number on a notepad. Emilys face fellit was barely minimum wage. But she swallowed her pride. Now she had access to wealthy men. All she needed was to snag one, and shed never work again.

With that thought, she headed downstairswhere a woman in a white apron waited.

Emily?

Thats me

Follow me.

There must be some mistake Emily froze at the sight of mops and buckets. I didnt sign up to be a cleaner!

To be a cleaner, youd need training. For now, youre a junior assistant. Change into these. Margaret handed her a robe, rubber clogs, and a mop.

But I

Today, youll scrub floors from here to the fifth floor. And the stairs.

Emily opened her mouth to protest, but Margaret was already on the phone.

No way. Not doing this.

She dropped the mop and stormed off to find Jamesbut he was gone, busy with meetings.

Fuming, she called Charlotte.

Are you taking the mickey?!

Whats wrong?

Your husband stuck me with cleaning!

You said any job.

Not this! Im not scrubbing loos!

Suit yourself. Charlotte