Chapter 182 I need a job

Chapter 182 I need a job
Cora's POV

While I was playing with Ellie, I couldn't shake Spencer from my mind. My feelings were so mixed, and I didn't quite understand them. Ever since he started coming around, I felt annoyed by the connection between him and Ellie. Yet, that connection also brought back many memories, making it clear that I was still deeply in love with him.
I often tried to calm myself by recalling how he had treated me, but I always remembered that Ray and Carla had manipulated him. I had to admit they were masters at manipulation.
"Cora, lunch is ready," I heard my mum's voice as she peeked into the living room. Ellie looked in that direction, holding her tummy. She walked over to me, took my hand, and tried to form the word "hungry." My heart melted at her sweetness. I picked her up, and together we walked to the dining room. I helped my mum serve, and we enjoyed our meal together.
Even after our earlier conversation, where my mum reassured me that she would be fine, my heart ached for her, and I still felt a sense of remorse. I knew Ray wasn't a good person, but I had to admit that I hadn't heard my parents argue during my childhood. There was only one instance, and that was also because of me.
Mum looked sad, and I could sense that she felt something similar to what I was going through with Spencer. We ate in silence, the only sound being Ellie’s laughter. She adored her Nana's cooking, and she showed her round tummy, nodding when I asked if she was full.
After lunch, I encouraged Mum to take Ellie to the living room while I tidied up the kitchen. Mum planned to hire a housekeeper so we could focus more on Ellie, but that idea made it even harder for me. 
Living with Mum was pleasant and easy—maybe too easy. After Ray forced me to live in Manhattan, I had to work hard and always had something to do. Now that I was back to this laid-back life, I felt a sense of uselessness creep in. Whenever I expressed this to my mum, she would say she didn’t want me to do too much since I had nearly died in the hospital. While I appreciated her concern, it only made me feel more inadequate.
My mum loved me, and I could tell that my presence brought her comfort during this difficult time, especially with her husband facing a lengthy prison sentence for his wrongdoings. As an adult and a single parent, I felt it wasn’t right to rely on her care and protection. 
However, moving out felt like a distant goal, particularly because I had no income. Before I was incarcerated, Ethan had planned for us to work together at his new company, but now Spencer had joined him. I understood that they were twins with a special bond, and I was genuinely happy that they had finally reconciled. Yet, that also meant I would have to work alongside Spencer if I wanted to help Ethan.
I sighed, grasping the harsh reality: I had no other choice. Regaining my certificates seemed nearly impossible because Ray possessed the legal document of my name change. Furthermore, Ethan and my mum wouldn’t allow me to work in a hotel or any job that required physical labour. I tried to explain that those jobs were fine since they would provide me with legal income, but they refused even to entertain the idea. I sensed that they would feel embarrassed if I returned to work as I had before. They continually reminded me of my physical capabilities, often reflecting on the condition in which Ethan found me.
I knew they would only feel at ease if I joined Ethan and Spencer. I had an idea, and while I tidied up, I made my decision.
I walked over to Mum, who was covering Ellie with a blanket as she fell asleep.
"Mum, would you mind taking care of Ellie for me for a little while?" 
She looked at me in surprise. "Where do you want to go?"
"I just want to see Ethan."
"What for?"
I shrugged. "Because of work. I want to see if they could use some help."
She sighed. "Cora, you should focus on your recovery."
"Mum, I am fine. I have recovered."
The way I spoke made it clear how much I wanted to do something, and she sighed again.
"Well, I still feel better if Ethan and Spencer are with you."
I pursed my lips, which made her sigh once more. 
"Cora, Spencer will be good for you. You don’t need to worry about that."
I nodded, kissed her cheek, and went to my room. I chose a beige dress to wear and put my hair into a ponytail. When I was ready, Mum called a taxi and made sure the driver would take me to the gate.
When I arrived, I entered the code and walked to the small office that Ethan had previously shown me. As I approached the door, I heard a voice I dreaded: Carla’s. My heart raced; I worried that Carla might not be able to accept Spencer leaving her and would do anything to manipulate him back into a relationship. However, what I heard next shocked me.
Spencer declared that he was still in love with me and that he would do anything for Ellie. Even when Carla tried to convince him that his decision would lead to public disapproval, he stood firm, insisting he wasn’t concerned about what others would think. He also made it clear that he wouldn’t help Ray escape the consequences of what he had done to me.
Once the conversation ended, I quickly found a corner to hide in just as Carla stormed out of the office. 
I finally stepped inside. Spencer looked frustrated when he saw me, and all I wanted was to go to him, embrace him, and thank him for standing up for us. Knowing that he still loved me made my heart race, but I reminded myself not to give in. I could still hear his earlier comments about my appearance, how he suspected that I had gotten pregnant on the streets by a customer, how he called me names, and I still felt his hand on my neck.
"Cora? What’s wrong?" he asked, concern etched on his face, just like it used to be when we shared a special bond.