(FREYA'S POV).
I sighed heavily as I looked at the amount of savings I had. It's not enough to rent a new building. I need more money to pay the salaries of my boutique employees. I couldn't possibly sacrifice their salaries to protect my boutique.
"What should I do," I whispered as I massaged my temples. My head felt so dizzy that it wanted to burst. I didn't know what to do anymore.
I had tried to find a building at a cheap price, but my efforts were to no avail.
I took another deep breath and Becca caught me in a state of stress.
"Oh, Becca," I said, looking at her as she came into my room. Carrying a summary book of workers' salaries.
"Are you okay?" Becca asked with a worried look.
"Yes, I'm fine. Just thinking," I said with a bitter smile.
"Miss, I've worked with you for a long time. And I'm always grateful to be working with you, so you can use my salary this month to add to the building costs. It's not much, but I hope it can help you out."
I shook my head, rejecting her idea. "No, Becca. You need the money. I can't possibly take my employees' paychecks for my use."
"That's okay. Besides, I still have other income from my side job.”
"No, still. I don't want to. I'll think of a solution to this problem. But, really, I'm very grateful that you care about me, Becca." I smiled gently at her. Very grateful to have Becca.
"Then, I'll get back to work. This is the employees' salary recap for this month. If you need anything, you can call me," she said as she handed me the book she was carrying.
I nodded my head. "Um, thank you."
As Becca walked out of my room, I let out a long sigh. This payroll recap book was so hard for me to look at when it usually didn't feel this depressing.
"Should I borrow money from the bank? With next month's sales, I can pay it off little by little."
But, borrowing money from the bank is quite risky. What if I can't pay on time and they come to our house? If Devan knew, he'd be furious. With just a small problem his temper would explode, what about the debt at the bank?
"No, I have to find a safer way."
Just as I was puzzling over how to solve my problem, my phone vibrated and I saw an incoming message from Jason.
[How's your leg? Is it better?].
I was surprised when Jason questioned the condition of my leg. And unexpectedly, I had a thought that had never entered my head before.
I quickly pressed the call button on his name contact. And just as quickly, he received my call.
"Hello, Jason. It's me, Freya," I said in a low voice. For some reason, I feel so nervous talking to him.
"I know. I just sent you a message. How's your leg?"
"Oh, um, it's getting better. I can walk smoothly again."
"That's good news."
I paused. I didn't know where to start. We weren't that close, though we met often just because he was Devan's best friend. But for as long as I've known him, he's been a nice guy and polite too.
At least, I should try to know the outcome.
"Freya, are you still there?"
I gasped in surprise when I heard Jason's heavy voice from the other side of the phone. His voice sounded worried.
"Yes, I'm still here. Um, Jason. Can we meet today? I have something to tell you. I need a little help from you," I told him honestly.
"Sure. What time do you want us to meet? Should I pick you up at your boutique?"
"Oh, no need. This lunchtime, can I go to your office?"
"Lunch? Sure. No problem." I heard her chuckle. "Can you bring some good food for me when you come here? We can chat over lunch."
I chuckled. "Okay. I'll bring you a nice lunch. Thank you, Jason!"
I hung up the phone immediately. I felt a little relieved even though I didn't know if Jason would lend me money. At least, I had another option besides borrowing from the bank. Whether or not he could help me, I could think about it later after I got an answer from him.
As lunchtime approached, I hurried to Jason's office and told Becca to look after the boutique while I was gone. I stopped at a sushi restaurant, bought a few items off the menu, and brought them specially to his office. I often saw him eating this when he was hanging out with Devan, so I thought he would like it.
Arriving at the lobby, I told the receptionist that I was there to see Jason. She said that I just needed to go upstairs and wait in his room.
I knocked hesitantly and as I opened the door, I saw Jason get up from his chair to greet me.
"Freya, you should have told me that you had arrived. I can pick you up in the lobby...."
"No, it's much better than I came without bothering you." I smiled awkwardly at him as he continued to look at me. As if he was making sure I was in good condition, especially my legs.
"Did you bring food for me?" he asked with a smile.
"Yes, sushi. I hope you like it." I lifted the wrapper in my right hand into the air to show him.
"Perfect! I like sushi." He smiled happily.
And for some reason, I caught her smile too.
"So, what did you want to talk to me about? Is it about Devan? Oh, let me guess. Did you guys have a fight? So you're asking me for advice because I'm his best friend?" he asked enthusiastically. Just a few minutes ago he was busy chewing his food like a child.
I took a deep breath. Feeling a little nervous to say it directly like this. "No, Jason. It's not about Devan," I said in a quiet voice.
"Then?"
"Uh, sorry if this seems sudden. But, right now I really need money. So, I intend to borrow some money from you. Would you be able to help me?" my lips immediately felt weak. I looked at her nervously and worriedly. Especially when he looked at me expressionlessly. I couldn't tell if he was angry or sympathizing with me.
My nervousness only increased when he remained silent. My heart was beating very fast when he put back the chopsticks he had been holding and looked back at me.
"Why are you asking me for help?"
"W-What?"
"You have Devan. He's much richer than me. You should be asking for his help and not mine. You're his wife."
My chest felt tight when I heard his words. It felt so bad to be honest with him that Devan didn't care about me at all. But I couldn't do it.
"I... I just don't want to worry about him." I looked down helplessly my voice sounding so low. It felt so embarrassing and painful.
"Alright."
I immediately raised my head, looking at him with a look of surprise and pleasure when I heard his answer.
"Y-You're really going to help me?!" I asked incredulously.
"Yes. You don't have to put on such a surprised look. I'll lend you whatever amount of money you need."