Chapter 35

Vida chuckled softly. "I studied nursing, but my degree wasn't exactly from a top-tier school. Couldn't snag a job at a big hospital.and I wasn't keen on heading back to my small town. So. I hustled to stay in Pearl Peak City, hoping to make a name for myself. When nursing gigs didn't pan out. I switched to real estate."

Emily felt a sense of camaraderie. Neither of them were natives of Pearl Peak City, and they had both worked hard to establish themselves in the big city. "Some people are born in Rome, while others spend their lives striving to get there. Without a doubt. Vida and I are the latter."

Emily felt a growing sense of closeness to Vida.

Pointing to the house. Emily asked, "Are there any hospitals nearby?"

Vida quickly grabbed a laser pointer and indicated a building. "This is Sunrise General Hospital, a nationally recognized facility. The medical equipment and staff are top-notch, but... it's a bit pricey."

She smiled sweetly, and Emily nodded in satisfaction before asking."Is it close to any train stations, subway stations, or airports?"

Vida looked a bit regretful. "I wish I could say it'sconveniently located, but the nearest bus stop is 25 minutes away. The airport and train station are even farther, at least 40 to 50 minutes by car.I'm afraid the transportation might not meet your needs."

Emily shook her head. "You're mistaken. I'm not looking for convenience; I want a safe environment. High-traffic areas aren't safe

for kids."

Vida's eyes lit up. "Exactly! If you have children, a quiet and serene house is much better!"

Emily nodded. lost in thought.

She remembered her childhood. moving to Pearl Peak City with her mother for work. They lived in cramped1. noisy.old shared housing.a haunting memory. After her mother remarried. her stepfather. a steelworker. still lived in a rundown. cluttered apartment.

"As a child. I dreamed of owning a house. but homes in the big city are so expensive." Emily sighed.

If it weren't for Lisa's addiction and Gordon's illness, she would have saved enough money to buy a house by now. Patrick's departure made her reassess her life. especially since she was pregnant. Buying a house had become even more important; she had to plan for herself and her child.

Emily was clearly interested. Vida. the sales agent, pulled out a calculator and enthusiastically explained. "Ms. Thompson. don't worry. While the house isn't cheap. we offer installment plans for the down payment, making the total cost more manageable. This 1.000-square-foot.three-bedroom. one-living room house even comes with a study. It's priced at 546.000 per square foot, totaling S4.6 million."

Vida continued. "If you go with the installment plan. you can pay 30% upfront and the rest in monthly payments. You can move in right away since it's not an off-plan property; it's already built and fully

furnished. You'd only need to buy a bed, mattress, and bedding.Given that you're pregnant. buying an unfurnished house would mean waiting for renovations to finish before moving in, so this is perfect for you."

Emily did some quick mental math. She had enough for the down payment. but the thought of a monthly mortgage over $10.000 made her uneasy, especially since she no longer worked at the Rivera Group. Emily thought. 'Can I really afford this? How will I manage in the future?' Anxiety crept in.

Vida noticed her hesitation and knelt down, speaking softly. "Ms.Thompson, if you have any concerns, feel free to share them. It's okay if you don't buy today. I'm an intern, so I don't earn much commission. Consider this practice for me. By the way. I've enjoyed our conversation. You can just call me Vida if you don't mind."

Emily felt warmth in her heart, seeing the sincerity in Vida's eyes.She felta surge of courage and strength. She thought, 'I can't be weak anymore. I have a degree and skills. I won't starve. Am I going to live off Patrick's $3 million and scrape by in Pearl Peak City? Even without Patrick, there are many big companies where I can interview for jobs. There's no rule against pregnant women working. Worst case.I can do part-time jobs to support myself.'

With newfound determination, Emily declared, "Bring me the contract. I'll sign it!"

Vida's eyes widened in surprise, as if she were frozen.

She had been with the company for over ten days, facing cold stares

and setbacks without making a single sale.

Her boss's harsh words still echoed in her ears, "If you don't make a sale this month, you're out."

Initially. she didn't expect Emily to buy a house. She just wanted to practice her social and sales skills. thinking it wouldn't matter if she lost this job. Experience is built through challenges.

Now, hearing Emily's decision to buy. Vida felt a wave of joy. Her cheeks flushed. and her eyes sparkled with excitement. She beamed."Ms. Thompson. remember my name is Vida. Ill handle all the paperwork for you. If the contract looks good. just sign it."

Her voice trembled with excitement as she quickly organized the contract, afraid Emily might change her mind.