Married Before Midnight by Sienna Quinn - Chapter 5

[adminnovelsaudio]

Listen Audiobook Version:



Married Before Midnight by Sienna Quinn


Chapter 5: A Twist of Fate


Olivia Carter’s shoes scuffed against the uneven pavement as she walked, her small shoulders weighed down by more than just her schoolbag. At twelve years old, she shouldn’t have had to think about money, but the sight of her mother’s exhausted face and her father’s silent suffering had planted a stubborn determination in her chest. She had to help. The first stop was Mr. Henderson’s Grocery, its faded green awning flapping in the breeze. The bell jingled as she stepped inside, the scent of fresh produce and sawdust filling her nose. Mr. Henderson, a burly man with a perpetual frown, barely glanced up from his ledger. "Excuse me, sir," Olivia began, straightening her spine. "I was wondering if you needed any help—stocking shelves, sweeping, anything." His bushy eyebrows lifted. "How old are you, kid?" "Twelve." He snorted. "Come back in three years." The rejection stung, but Olivia forced a polite nod before slipping back outside. The pattern repeated itself—over and over. The diner on Maple Street needed a dishwasher, but the manager took one look at her slight frame and shook his head. The bookstore owner sighed apologetically, explaining labor laws.


The hardware store, the florist, even the tiny bakery next to Sweet Haven—all turned her away. By the time the sun dipped low, casting long shadows across the sidewalk, Olivia’s feet ached, and her stomach growled. She blinked back frustrated tears, kicking a pebble with the toe of her worn sneaker. Maybe tomorrow, she told herself. Maybe someone will say yes tomorrow. Then—chaos. "Thief! Stop that thief!" A man barreled down the sidewalk, shoving past pedestrians, a woman’s purse clutched in his grip. Olivia’s pulse spiked. Without thinking, she sidestepped—then stuck out her foot. The thief yelped as he tripped, crashing hard onto the pavement. He scrambled to his knees, but Olivia lunged, wrapping her arms around his leg like a vice. "Let go, brat!" he snarled, trying to shake her off. Olivia gritted her teeth and held on tighter. A moment later, a pair of polished heels clicked into view. "Oh, thank heavens!" The woman—elegant in a tailored dress, her dark hair swept into a neat chignon—scooped up her purse, then stared at Olivia in astonishment. "You—you stopped him!" Panting, Olivia finally released the thief’s leg just as a passing police officer grabbed him. The woman knelt, her gloved hands brushing Olivia’s shoulders. "Are you all right?" Olivia nodded, suddenly self-conscious of her messy braid and scuffed knees. "What’s your name, dear?" "Olivia Carter." The woman’s eyes softened. "You’re very brave, Olivia. Why were you out here alone?" Olivia hesitated, then sighed. "I was looking for a job. My family… we need the money." The woman studied her for a long moment, then reached into her purse, pulling out a crisp business card. "My name is Victoria Langley. I could use someone responsible to help with small tasks—organizing, light cleaning, perhaps some errands. Would you be interested?" Olivia’s breath caught. "Really?" Victoria smiled. "Really. Come by my home tomorrow after school. We’ll discuss the details." For the first time that day, hope bloomed warm in Olivia’s chest.