Chapter 8

They had just stepped out of the male boutique where Joana spared no expense in getting him any clothes she thought would be good for him.

Damien did not try to make a choice. He was not planning on having a choice when someone was helping him. Though at the back of his mind, he wondered what he was going to do with the clothes since he had nowhere to stay.

Surely, Joana was not going to give him a place to stay because he coaxed her when she was down. He could not be walking down the road with nice clothes but empty pockets.

But Joana had other plans and she asked the question after they had placed the bags in the back seat. Damien froze because he was not expecting it.

“I'll pay you a thousand a month, plus a room in my house and meals every day" she added to her question

That was an offer of a lifetime for him right now. He did not have a job anyway so he accepted. “I accept," he said

In his head, he was taking a billion somersaults because now he did not have to worry about a roof over his head or being jobless. He had both in one go.

He got in front of the wheels with Joana in the passenger side as he drove off back to the house. Finally, he was settled in. Though at the back of his mind, he prayed it lasted for him.

That week, Damien was content with what he had now. It was more than enough for him. Most of what he did was follow her everywhere she went.

Most times,  he was not even the one to drive her to places. She most times hired someone to do that while she sat in the back seat and he sat in the passenger seat.

When she went shopping for groceries and other things she needed, he joined her. He helped with pushing the cart as they moved. He helped her by carrying the bags to the car and arranging them in the right places when they got back to the house.

What made it even better was that it was the last week of the month and Joana paid him in full without minding that he had only worked for just a week.

She did not cut down any amount. When she ate, he ate. When she slept, he did too. The job was very much flexible as he did not really do much.

Though he noticed that, Joana did not seem like a normal lady. Joana was rich. She was surrounded by riches. One time she went shopping and bought a dress that cost more than a million dollars.

The dress was meant for the birthday party of one of her friends who came to the city recently. As always, Damien joined her at this party.

He had on his very expensive tuxedo and maintained some distance away from her. From the look of it, the room was filled with people of high standing.

They were not people that he had personally rolled with while he was still with his family but he heard about most of the people here.

Luckily, none of them recognize him as the son or now disowned son of the Alfredo family. He rarely appeared in public settings and even on television.

His father had wanted to introduce him to everyone after college as he would be taking on a huge part of the company once he was done with college. But with his marriage to Rebecca, all went south and that plan could no longer fly.

In a way he was happy no one knew him at the party or it would have been embarrassing. Damien did his job as Joana's bodyguard.

Anyone who approached or looked at her funny was always cautious of all that. He noticed the respect people gave to her. Most of them looked exactly the ones Damien wanted to avoid by not telling his college mates who he was back then.

It was all fake and nothing of closeness. Only a few had that genuine smile on their faces, one of them included the celebrant of the day.

They hugged themselves and spoke about a few things. The lady did not acknowledge him and he was happy about that. After a little usual convo, Joana's friend asked, “What about Gabe? I thought you would have come with him" she said

“I've broken up with him. I am tired of his over possessiveness"

“And his beatings" her friend added and Joana nodded

So she knew of the beatings too. After other brief talks, her friend left to speak with other people. A man walked up to Joana and Damien blocked his path.

“Let him pass," Joana said

Reluctantly, Damien left the way. The man hugged her with that stupid smile of his. “You've grown so big. I heard about your failed marriage" he said

Joana said nothing. “My bad" he placed his hand on his chest

“How is your dad? I planned to see him sometime soon. We have some business to discuss" he said

“I believe you have his number, Mr Lawrance" and Joana walked away

All these men and their pride. Joana spoke to her friend and placed her gift before they left the party. Today, Joana did not hire a driver so Damien took the wheels.

“Can I ask a question?" he said

Joana nodded with a hum. “Can you tell me who you are? I do not really know much about you"

She smiled. This was the fifth time he was asking but unfortunately, he would be getting the same answer. “Forget about it, Damien. It's not important" she said