Her words stung my heart as it skipped a beat. My legs lingered, but this was it. I shouldn't waste any more time.
I entered the room, scanning the seated interviewers. Their gazes fixed on me as I walked in. I let out a slow sigh.
"My name is..." I was saying
But my words were slashed by a woman raising her hand.
She stood up from her desk, approaching me as I tried to smile. I couldn't grasp what was happening.
"I'm sorry, but you arrived late. The interview is over. Perhaps next time, you'll learn to be punctual."
Her simple words pierced me like thorns, my dreams sinking as our eyes met.
How could this happen? I worked so hard for this job. So close, only to have it end.
Tears welled up in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall.
"Please, ma'am... I promise this was a mistake. Something came up... please..." My plea fell on deaf ears.
"Kensington Global Innovation is a famous company worth billions. Candidates like you seek employment here. Knowing the competitive environment, I wouldn't have come late. I'm sorry, time's up. Maybe next time."
My words couldn't change the outcome. I nodded, my gaze dropping as I left the office. I walked away, my feet lingering with each step.
How could I have slept off? It's all gone.
If that animal hadn't snatched me from the streets, this wouldn't have happened.
I must make him pay...
But involving the police? Dad would surely cause a scene.
"She's just a disgrace..." I hated that. He always looked down on me.
With anger erupting within me, I saw no other choice.
Confronting that stranger would be a whole scene I wanted to avoid.
So it's over. My dream job, everything, gone in a blink.
Sent out of the interview...
I shouldn't have gotten so drunk last night.
But how am I to blame?
It was all because of that cheater, Aiden.
I made my way back home, avoiding the eyes upon me. I wanted to retreat to my room, calm my mind.
But peace was hard to find in this house...
As I struggled to go upstairs, a faint voice called out.
"Where are you coming from?"
His gaze locked on mine. "Where were you last night?"
Why didn't he ask his daughter what she was up to?
I felt like screaming, confronting him.
"You're just a plague, trying to destroy my reputation..."
His words stung my heart like glass.
After all, I had been through...
I wanted to escape this...
I made my way upstairs, leaving his tone unanswered.
Getting upstairs, I could see Evelyn’s mocking expression on her face. I nearly lynched that witch you know she relished in inflicting pain on me, but I denied her my time.
I returned to my room panting before I tossed my pause on the other side of my bed.
No one cared about my interview, but why must I hope they will? Of course, they never did give a damn in the first place.
Really, I just wanted to be alone..
I could barely comprehend how all seemed to crash in just a sight ....
The whole day, I remained all by myself, listening to some songs for my disturbed mind.
Nevertheless, the music deepened my depression. A constant tug of war and flood of memories kept pulling me back to thoughts of Aiden and me.
Everything just seems to be getting over day by day
I felt my heart fading away with the rhymes of the music
With every inch landing a sinister blow on me
Listening to the song all day, with a dying mind
My day was spent in actual lone , and a reminder of Aiden betrayal
I never knew when the evening met me on my bed, still downed in the rhymes of the music
I didn't wanna leave my room, but I guess I couldn't deny my rumbling tommy
As I walked down the stairs
I caught on them planning to have dinner with the foods served
Walking down, I could sense the flickering gaze from My Dad and Mom
As I sat down on one of the dining chairs, my hands reached for the food, just hoping for them to skip their words for today
I could sense Dad had more to say
But what more would that be than...
'Disgrace and all'
I couldn't remember the last time we had a lovely discussion together
But it seemed I was lucky today to be spared from his continuous irritating words.
Done eating. I left the dining table with no words, as I returned to my room.
Relaxing back on my bed, I released a heavy sigh. Grabbing my half-charged phone.
I began mindlessly swiping through old videos, only to stumble upon videos of Aiden and me.
Why were these still on my phone? Our relationship had been just a mere illusion, a dream that could never become a reality.
Without hesitation, I deleted the videos and pictures, desperate to erase any trace of our past. But no matter how hard I tried to forget, the memories continued to haunt me.
Deciding to redraw my gaze on my phone, I received an anonymous message on my phone.
"Come to the coffee store close by; let's talk."
Who the heck was this, and how did they get my number?
The café was steps away from the house. I received another message.
"I can help you get your dream job and life back."
How did they know about the Kensington interview?
Intrigued, I walked down the alley towards the café, my gaze scanning the area.
"Turn to your right," another message instructed.
I complied, spotting a man in a black coat, his fingers tapping the table.
I hurried to confront him, but as my gaze rose, shock silenced my lips. It was him, the stranger I had slept with last night.
..........................
Sebastian POVI was driving when I spotted a lady on the street, who was drunk and walked unsteadily. Being a gentleman, I had to approach her.I tried to communicate by asking her some questions, but because of the effects of alcohol on her, it was obvious that she could not understand me.She did not show many signs of being in a bad condition. Quite the contrary, she was quite sexy.I could not help but check her out from head to toe."Hey, you wanna come home with me?I asked, to which she just landed her head on my shoulder, intoxicated.I could not resist being flattered by the seductiveness of her flawless-looking skin, which emitted a subtle attraction.Thus, I got to bring her to my car and start my journey. All the time, she was muttering"I hate him! I hate them all."I was completely clueless as to who she actually meant, and I really didn't care, either. Maybe she was struck by the loss of love.It is a funny thing that people still fall in love in this century.In my opi
As the evening approached, I was worn out from the day's exhausting meetings.Those people were arguing and standing side by side, which was frustrating and tiresome.I made a mental note to address the situation later, as I needed time to regroup and recharge.In my tired and angry state, I felt stressed. Suddenly, my gave a phone buzz, causing my gaze to drop slowly.It was Rafe Montoya.I had been expecting feedback from him for a while now.I grabbed my phone, answering the call. "So what's the update?". "I've gathered information on her, boss," he began."Who is she?" I asked, my curiosity piqued."Her name is Scarlet Everston. She had an interview at Kensington Global Innovation today. I know you had your eyes on that company, so I thought this might be important."Intrigued, I leaned forward. "How did you find all this out?". "I have my methods. I'm good at what I do, boss. I even managed to get her phone number. She lives with her parents, and I have all the details of her e
Scarlet POV stood, my gaze fixed on him as he drove off in his car. My mind fell into silence. This was surely my chance, but he was a complete stranger. One part of me dared to confront him for stalking me and thinking he had a chance with me, all because of a one-night stand that I hated myself for having. The other part saw this as an opportunity to accomplish my dreams and attain what I couldn't. I wanted revenge for Aiden's betrayal. Our engagement was just weeks away, and now he was hooking up with my stepsister. I hated him. This was my chance, but why had he come here all of a sudden after proving not to care last night? And now he was offering me a marriage contract? I wanted more answers, but getting them wouldn't be easy. First, I needed to know his name and everything about him. "The Knightbridge Global Enterprises?" I whispered to myself. I hurriedly left the café and returned home, my legs swiftly carrying me to my room. With a quick lock of the door
Sebastian POVMy gaze caught her going through the letter...I approached her, snatching the letter from her grip.I could sense she was stunned.She seemed the curious type, but this was a close call; I wouldn't want her to find out about my underground dealings.The packages were arriving today, and Nikolai Petrov had informed me.I had to be present to ensure safe transport.Those men may prove greedy and cheat, but surely, they won't take the risk of messing with me.I sat on the chair, my gaze fixed on her."So, have you signed the contract?" I asked.Her stammering was enough to show she hadn't yet."I haven't signed it. I—I need a pe
"Wait..." Nikolai uttered, silencing my footsteps.What does he want this time? I hope he's not planning on doing anything foolish now, is he?If he thinks he can outsmart me, it would surely be a mistake on his part.I turned my gaze to him. "What, Nikolai?" I asked."As I said, the goods were delivered safely thanks to me, but there were some errors that almost occurred. Don't worry, I took care of it already.""What errors?""Why don't you follow me, Mr. Hawthorne? I will show you."A second thought I would think of was that, but what could be the sudden issue?I nodded, following Nikolai, ready for any sudden change from him, for I trusted him not, and if I were to trust either, it wouldn't be a mafia lord like him.A man who also understands tactics and logic, just like me.
Scarlet POVAfter I had left his office, his driver dropped me off at my house, claiming it was his boss's order. Weird, but alright.I got out of the vehicle, my legs slowly approaching the door with a creak. I opened it slowly. My gaze caught sight of Mom, Dad, and Evelyn seated, just like they were expecting my arrival. I chose to ignore them, walking up to my room, only to be drawn back by his call."I have some announcements to make, Scarlet..." My Dad said.What else does he want to say this time, and why wait for my arrival to do so? Curious, I approached him, my eyes fixed as I sat on the couch."I have come to a conclusion about who should attain ownership of the restaurant..." he said.My Dad owned a popular restaurant. He and Mom had managed to take care of it. Back when I was young, Mom always told me I would be the next to take it to great heights. I guess the time was finally here.Though I wanted to work at the Kensington Global Innovation as the Chief Technology Officer
Three weeks After. "You're mine... There's no escaping from that," he uttered, tightening his grip on me. His scent reeked of alcohol; precisely, he was drunk. His eyes darkened with desire as he shoved me onto the bed, pinning me down. I tried resisting, but it was of no use; his brute strength was too much for me to resist. He callously took what he wanted, leaving my body aching as he fell to the other side of the bed, asleep. It had only been three weeks since we had traveled, following his plan not to draw too much attention. But these three weeks had been a hard time for me; I was just his tool, a tool of desire meant to entice him, nothing else. Still, the truth lies; I knew what I was getting myself into when I signed the contract. I had it all, so why? Why do I feel like I've just been used? I mean, this was a gain-gain for both of us. He had managed to secure a job for me at Kensington Global Innovation within a blink during the weeks—a job I had been pushing throug
As his voice faded, I left the wall, retreating back to the restaurant. My eyes fluttered, hoping he didn't see me. Mistakenly bumping into someone, I was stunned. With a simple apology, I stood at the restaurant front, gently awaiting his return from his call. After a few minutes, my eyes caught his approaching figure as I stood up, dusting my clothes. The closer he got, the more uneasy I felt, his last sentence echoing in my mind. "What are you doing out here?" he asked. "Just wanted some air. Can we go back to the mansion? I need to rest," I uttered. He hesitated before giving a nod. Alexander Knightbridge walked out after him, ending some discussions with Sebastian. As he then approached me, his presence made my legs instinctively step back slowly. "Can't wait to have you at my office tomorrow, hmmm, Mrs..." "Scarlet," I uttered sharply. He gave a slight chuckle, extending his hand for a handshake. My thoughts paused before I stretched back my hand, shaking his. His soft gr
Loud gunshots echoed through the room as blood trickled. My eyes sprang open, only to realize it was all just a dream, as the rays of the sun that gleamed through the window caused my eyes to shut again. I tried removing my gaze from the blinding light, only to catch sight of Sebastian sitting on the bed near me."Are you—" he said, but in a blink, I found myself on him, my hands wrapped around him as I let out a sigh.I was trying to catch my words as they hoped to escape, remembering last night's incident with Kaiden almost shot and me almost killed.But wait, how did I end up here, then? The last thing I could remember was trying to run. As my gaze caught sight of Kaiden bleeding even more, I ran, going deeper into the forest...What happened next? I had no idea what took place next.I released my hands, retreating a bit as my gaze raised to meet Sebastian's."Are you alright?" he questioned, helping me back as I laid my head, resting back on the bed."What happened last night, Seb
"What happened, boss?" Darius asked, walking up to me as I returned my phone to my trousers. "I will kill them all. I will make sure I rip him from limb to limb.""Boss?""Get the vehicles ready, Darius. It seems we need to attend to some things," I said, my gaze returning to Nikolai, who remained there, his eyes fixed on mine. "I don't care who he is, Nikolai. I shall have his head, and I hope you help me get his location. That's all I need from you." I made my way out of the warehouse, entered my car, and drove off with a few of my men and Darius trailing me.Many thoughts swirled in my mind as I tried processing the situation. I could only hope they would hold up until I arrived there. Whoever this mystery Don is, I will make him pay. How dare he play such tricks? Really, I need to take care of every single one of them who lurks in the shadows, labeled as my enemy, plotting against me.Not long after, I arrived at the location Scarlet had dropped. Stepping out of my car with a few
"No!" I exclaimed.What was happening? Who was that stranger?Before I could make proper sense of what was unfolding before me, my eyes caught sight of the stranger approaching me with the pointed dagger. My mind could only scream one word, 'Run!' I stood up, hoping to flee, but my legs felt like jelly as I stumbled back onto the ground, my hands brushing against the dirt.I turned my gaze, watching the stranger getting closer with every inch."No, stay away, stay away," I muttered, trying to get on my feet to escape.It felt like a hit on my back as an excruciating pain tore through me."And where do you think you're going?" I heard the stranger utter. His grasp tightened on my neck, slamming me against the wall with his dagger poised, ready to drive deep into my flesh.Really, this couldn't be it; I couldn't die, not now. Mom still needed me; I wanted to see her get better, and I wanted to make Evelyn pay. But now it seemed like all my plans had been cut short, and here I was, facin
Scarlet's POV"And look who we have here?" My eyes landed on Evelyn walking up to my side. I wasn't surprised to run into her here."How may I be of help to my stepsister, or does she miss her father's restaurant so much that she came back running? Don't worry, I can be sure to hire you as the dishwasher, maybe. At least we are family," she said.I felt like strangling that witch. Her mere presence only seemed to ignite more anger within me. But I couldn't let go of what I had just learned from the detective—she had plotted my parents' death. I needed answers as to why she did that. I mean, the property was already hers, so why did she do that? I wanted to force her to spill it all out and then send her to jail afterward to rot for all her crimes.But now, knowing she had gone to such lengths to kill, I was sure that she was behind my mother's predicament. I was certain she was behind every single bit of it. And even knowing so much, all I could do was put on a fake act.I didn't want
Sebastian's POVArriving at the warehouse, I stepped out of my car, greeted by my men stationed outside. There were more of them than usual, with some stationed on the roof, their eyes scanning each and every nook. I was sure this was not something to take lightly.Whoever this new enemy was, I would make sure to bring him down."Boss, you're here?" My eyes landed on Darius approaching me in haste. "I am happy to see you are..." His voice trailed off as I could only wonder why, only to remember my half-beaten state."What happened, boss? Don't tell me they got to you also," Darius questioned."Just tell me, Darius. Who are these people, and what do they want with us? Why are they doing this, and mostly, I want to know who their boss is," I questioned, hoping to get straight to the point."I wish to know as well, boss," Darius replied simply, as his words left a stun."What do you mean, you don't know who they are?" I asked, my brow furrowed. "No, boss.""What do you mean, Darius? You
"How much do you know about your sister?" he questioned.My eyes narrowed, and I felt a slight twitch in my jaw. "Stepsister," I corrected, my tone crisp.Really, I cared less about what she was up to. Why would I? But given all that had been occurring lately, I had no choice but to dig in and find out what she was plotting. He had called me up here, claiming to give me some information, but instead, he was here asking me these silly questions."Get to the point. I thought you were the one blubbering about not liking to waste time. Just tell me what you called me here for. Have you found out some new information regarding Evelyn?" I questioned, looking at the relaxed presence of him as he rested his back against the chair, leaning with his eyes glaring. All he left was a silent response."Well, after digging further and trying to patch up your stepsister's dealing with the guy charged with assault, I learned he carried out a job for her.""A job? What job? What job did he carry out?"
[Scarlet's POV]Returning back into the room, I saw no sight of Sebastian. Really, where did he suddenly go? Did he leave? I left the room after, walking down the stairs, and then my eyes caught sight of the maid."Did Sebastian leave the house?" I questioned, and she nodded yes.Really, he had left the mansion. Could anything be so important for him to leave in such a condition? I could only hope he wasn't another thing I would end up getting involved in.He had returned home with bruises today. A part of me wanted to ask questions, but why bother when, in the end, he would cut me off as usual?I had no choice but to treat his wounds because of the frantic state his mother was in after seeing his condition. I had to make sure he was alright, but he wouldn't allow her to come any closer.Today was the weekend, a day I hoped to spend in utmost relaxation, just trying to calm my mind of everything, but new problems seemed to be arising. I couldn't get my head around what the detective s
I rushed into my room, my hands grasping onto my phone as I dialed up Darius's number, which persisted in ringing for a while before he finally picked up."Boss, are you alright, boss?" I heard his voice come through, a tensed and scared tone that my ears could grasp."What's happening, Darius? I just saw the news now?" I questioned, totally confused as to what was taking place. First, I was kidnapped by some men who I had little idea about, claiming their boss sent them, and now this news also of my men dead."I can't discuss it all on the phone, boss," he said.Something was fishy, just as I had suspected, and it seemed Darius knew more about this than I did. "Alright, Darius, let's meet up at the warehouse. I'm on my way now," I said."Alright, boss, please do be careful," Darius said before hanging up the call.It seems another new enemy has sprung out of their hole, and now I had to get my hands messy again. With all this, at least they didn't scheme and try to take my business d
My eyes flickered as they sprang open, gazing at my constrained state. My hands were tied against a chair as I found myself in an unfamiliar building. I had no idea where I was."Seems you're awake," a voice caught my attention, and I turned to see the same guy who had attacked me at the club approaching, bending a little."How are you feeling there?" he mocked. Really, I wanted to rip his jaws out, but damn, I was tied up. Whoever they thought they were, how dare they kidnap me and tie me down?"If you want money, then say it," I said, my gaze fixed on him, hoping to negotiate my way out of this. Once I was finally free from their grip, I would make them all pay and hunt them down. They dared hit me; I would make them beg for their lives."You still don't get what's going on yet, do you?" he uttered, as my eyes narrowed with my brow raising. "What are you saying? You don't have to beat around the bush. Just name the amount you want, and let's get this over with.""I don't need your m