A Force Love Contract With GANG LEADER

Early the next morning, Ed sent Kate a new cell phone, packed in a fancy paper bag. Without looking inside, Kate could already tell what class of product it was. Ed said that there was a SIM card in it but that Kate could use her original SIM card if she preferred.

After Ed left, Kate was still standing in a corner behind the supermarket. This kind of thing did not go with her social status. But what social status was she in now? The words echoed ghastly in her ears, “Whatever I give you, you can only accept.”

She sighed and picked up a black plastic bag from the nearby garbage bin, put the whole paper bag in, and then went back to the supermarket.

She knew that she had to take the phone, but deep down in her heart, she resisted it with disgust. She put the black plastic bag into her locker without giving it another look.

That afternoon when she was working, Jenny called her and said someone wanted to see her outside.

She went out and saw Jimmy.

Jimmy said, “I called you but couldn’t get through. So I knew you hadn’t bought a new phone yet. I happened to have an extra one. I haven’t used it yet.”

He felt his explanation was overdone when he met her blank eyes. The fact was that he bought the phone on his lunch break.

Jimmy had weighed over the models while he was picking. Kate would never accept an expensive model; an updated model would not do either. Finally, he picked a simple and low profile phone with sufficient features; the model launched last year.

Seeing Kate’s lack of reaction, he shoved the box into her hands and said, “I don’t know if you like it, but just make do with it.”

Kate took it hastily to avoid dropping it on the floor, but she pushed it back to him and said, “Thank you very much. It is too much, and too expensive. I cannot take it.”

“Hey,” Jimmy scratched his head. “It is not much in size or price. Really.”

He was a little helpless at her persistence and a little lost too. He found an excuse. “I have a case to attend to. I have to go now.” Then he jumped in his car and fled away.

She waited until his Pajero disappeared in the traffic. Kate held the box tightly on her chest and as if she wanted to push it into her body. She felt bitter inside and said to herself, “Don’t be so nice to me now. I don’t deserve it.”

The phone Jimmy sent her was a white Nokia, simple and smart. Frankly, Kate liked it. She looked at it for a while and put the little SIM card in.

She took a close look at the place where the battery was located to compare it with her previous cell phone. She knew she didn’t have to worry about this cell phone; on the contrary, the one in her locker might be dangerous.

She made a call to Max. Max was smart and sensitive. She knew he would feel guilty judging from what he saw that day. She knew what it felt like to be guilty, so she was worried about him.

It was very quiet on the other line, and Max explained that he was in the library preparing for a contest. They exchanged a few words simply and intentionally avoiding a subject they both did not want to address.

After hanging up, Kate thought, whatever it was, it was enough if her family were all safe.

At this stage of life, safe and peaceful life was luxurious for her. This recent, radical change in her life hasn’t allowed her any time for a break.Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

It was not time to get off work yet, and Ed called. “When do you get off? I am outside your supermarket. Come out now.”

“I haven’t finished my shift yet.”

“Then, I will come inside.”

“Don’t.” Kate sighed and walked out. She told Adda she would leave early.

She was in poor shape and looked pale these past two days, and Adda thought she was under the weather. Adda asked her to take good care of herself and to get some rest.