Then one morning, he said, "It's time to start this project."
He handed me the contract with a smile. "Just sign here. I'll sign it, too." It's from the rightful owner."
I smiled at him, full of confidence, and signed.
But when I lifted my pen from the paper, I noticed something.
His smile changed.
It turned into something unfamiliar—too wide, too sharp. Then he started laughing. Loud. Raging. Demented.
My hands began to shake.
"What... what's going on?" I asked, my voice trembling, his eyes searching for answers.
He placed his hand on my shoulder, stiff and cold. In a sickeningly sweet voice, he whispered,
"It was easier than I thought. I didn't expect you to be so naive. I've known you for two months, and you... you just walked right in." You signed without reading it."
My heart sank.
"What are you talking about?" I laughed nervously, hiding my panic. "I don't understand."
He sat down on the chair across from the table, placed his hand on it, and began tapping the table lightly, which only increased my fear of him. He brought his head closer to mine and said in a frightening voice, "Now you will work for me. Or rather... for the real owner. And that is me. You will do what I say, or you will owe a million dollars. How about a fresh start?" I'll let you know properly... I am Jack... and you are my working machine... I will command you to do everything, and you will do everything, without any financial compensation. And if you want to terminate this contract you signed, pay a million dollars.
I froze.
My mind shut down.
I couldn't think. I couldn't move.
What had I done to myself?
Was I really that desperate? So blind that I didn't even stop to think?
He seemed kind at first...
I never imagined a smile could hide such cruelty.
What should I do now?
The world seems unforgiving to someone like me.
All I wanted was to live—just like everyone else.
Was that too much to ask?