I Signed for Housework, Not His Retirement

Having said that, I turned and went back to my bedroom.

As I walked away, I could still hear Paul grumbling, "Youngsters these days are so hot-tempered. They can't stand losing and have no compassion."

I wanted to argue, but the words caught in my throat. It didn't matter. I'd be leaving town in a couple of days.

…

To my surprise, Paul showed up again at lunchtime the very next day.

"Paul, didn't I tell you not to come today?" I asked with a frown.

Yet, he grinned from ear to ear. "You haven't left yet, have you? So, you might as well let me come by a few more times to make a little extra money. And look what I bought for you! Lobsters, of all things! I barely ever eat these myself. You're in for a treat today!"

I sneered inwardly. The way he said it made it sound like I was getting some huge favor when I'd obviously be the one paying in the end.

Sure enough, before I could respond, Paul pulled out his phone and held it out to me. "Elijah, just send me 400 dollars."

But I didn't reach for my phone right away. Instead, I looked him over and asked slowly, "Are you sure it's 400 dollars?"

I had never doubted Paul before. After all, he had always done his work properly. However, yesterday's conversation made me see him in a different light.

Paul glanced at me, then asked, "You don't trust me, huh? I've been working for you for years. Do you seriously think I'd rip you off? Why are you so suspicious?"

I didn't like the way he said that. I had only asked one question, and yet, he had a whole tirade ready.

I crossed my arms and stepped back.

"Show me the payment record," I said in a low voice. "I just need to take a look. I'm the one paying, after all. Besides, I'm the only one eating. Why did you get two lobsters?"

A glint flickered in Paul's eyes, and he retorted, "So what if I bought two? Can't I have one? I work hard cooking for you every day, you know. What's the harm in eating one of your lobsters? Fine! If it bothers you that much, I won't eat it next time."

The nerve of him, thinking he was right. But I wasn't about to put up with his temper.

"I pay you for your work, so don't act like I'm taking advantage of you," I shot back. "We have a strictly professional arrangement. Don't get carried away and start acting like you own the place."

After a brief pause, I urged him again, "Hurry up and show me the payment record. If it really is 400 dollars, I'll pay every penny."

Paul hesitated for a long while before reluctantly pulling out his phone.

When I saw the payment record showing just 80 dollars, my vision went dark, and my expression hardened.

"Wasn't it supposed to be 400 dollars? What's this 80 dollars about? Paul, that's a bit too much, don't you think?"

Guilt clouded his features as he gripped his phone tightly. It took him a long moment before he finally found his words.

"Maybe I misread it. Fine. Just send me 80 dollars then. It's not a big deal. You haven't paid me yet anyway."

I shot him a mocking look. "Good eye, Paul. You're off by 300 dollars. My money doesn't grow on trees, you know."

Paul quickly waved his hand, clearly eager to end the conversation. "Alright. That's enough. I'll start cooking. Just remember to send me the money later."

With that, he hurried into the kitchen.

A beat later, I followed him. Then, I took one of the lobsters right in front of him and said, "I'm the only one eating, so just cook one."