Chapter 1

“Hello ma'am, how can I help you? Ariel approached a confused-looking woman who was contemplating which shoe she should buy.

“Which of these shoes would you recommend for me to buy? I love both.” The woman responded.

“This black Yves Saint Laurent heel is a limited-edition, made from quality leather, and comfy insole. Favorite among celebrities and fashionistas alike.” Ariel explained applying a delightful and friendly smile.

“This nude Gianvito Rossi heel is best known for its modern take on a classic style, perfect for making statements, attention-puller but is quite selective when it comes to dress pairing. Now you can choose based on their features.” She added.

“Can I wear them to test?” The woman asked.

“Of course Ma'am, but only the Gianvito Rossi, customers can test goods but not the limited version ones.”

“?” The woman's eyes narrowed, her eyebrows squinted.

A sense of fear and warning gripped Ariel as the woman stared at her grumpily.

“How dare you speak to me like that? Are you trying to tell me that I'm not worth testing a limited version heels? Hun tell me!?” The woman lashed out at Ariel.

“Madam, don't get the wrong impression, I was only following the rules given to us.” Ariel smile remained still, didn't loose face.

A step forward from the woman was a step backward from Ariel.

“I'm going to test this heels, and there's nothing you will do about it!” The woman spatted angrily. Almost poked Ariel's eyes as she pointed her sharp steleto nails in the direction of her eyes.

“I’m sorry ma'am, I didn't mean to be rude, but the rules says–”

A slap landed on Ariel's face before she could finish her statement, shutting her off entirely. A spark of stars flashed through her eyes. Her smile slowly faded away, leaving her with expressionless face.

“Or what! Do you know me, do you know who I am? Oh my God! You ruined my mood. Get out of my sight, you this low life! Where's your manager?” The woman asked Ariel in a high-volume Guffy tone, but Ariel didn't answer as she was still in a daze from the slap.

“Are you deaf, I said where's your manager?”. The woman didn't stop shouting and she started gaining other customers' attention.

People started gathering and surrounding Ariel and the ill-tempered woman.

On the other side of the store was Anya, who heard the noise and rushed out to check what was happening. She immediately called the attention of their boss.

“What's happening here?” A voice came from behind of the scene. A slender model-like figure appeared, standing at approximately 5’ 8. Her pink blazers speaks well of her position, and yes how intimidating she looked with her cherry red lipstick and her fashion sense.

“Are you the manager here?” The woman asked in a furious tone.

“Yes ma'am, Good day, what's the problem?” The boss asked with a bright and delightful smile.

“Your worker is the problem here, how could you hire someone like her? Are you tired of making sales? Get rid of her if you want your customers to be satisfied shopping here!”

“Madam, I was only following-” Another slap landed on Ariel's already burning cheeks, but this time from her boss.

“You have no right to speak when a customer is in the middle of her complaint!” The boss exclaimed, gave Ariel a deadly glair, her tone sharp and cautious.

“Now you see how rude she is!” The woman muttered grumpily. If eyes could kill, she would've murdered Ariel.

“Madam, I am so sorry for any inconvenience and bad treatment you were given by my worker, I sincerely apologize.” Ariel's boss lamented as she bowed her head for the woman.

Finally the woman strode out without accepting the apology. The gathered crowd started leaving one by one.

Ariel stood in one spot, staring blankly at the floor, her eyes tinged with tears, in no time, drops rolled down her red cheeks.

Amongst the crowd was a young man standing at approximately 6’2 tall, his ocean blue eyes, and his lustrous black trimmed hair, speak well of him. Alongside his two huge bodyguards beside him.

The resounding slaps made him focused his attention towards the commotion.

The man stood there watching as Ariel dug her fingernails into her thighs, holding them tightly, shaking and sobbing in silence.

“Meet me in my office now, you this useless stinky thing!” Ariel's boss spatted as she strode out of the scene. Her tone was huffy and commanding.

The man was still there; he didn't move an inch. He scanned Ariel with his emotionless eyes as he was mesmerized by Ariel's beauty despite her swollen eyes from too many tears.

His eyes searched for traces of left sanity in Ariel, attracted to her outstanding, breathtaking face card.

“Hmmm…….this beaut should not be treated like a trash.” He murmured to himself.

He then signaled one of his bodyguards and whispered in his ear. “Give her my card.” He commanded.

The bodyguard approached Ariel and handed her a business card.

She wheeled her head up to see the huge masculinity in front of her. Threatened by his appearance she was forced to stagger back unconsciously. Barely able to hold her breath.

She could sense fear despite his face being hidden behind sunglasses. His black suit complimented his masculinity.

“Reach out if you want a life-changing opportunity, you have four days to think it through.” The bodyguard said and left confused Ariel who couldn't stop staring at him.

The man, alongside his bodyguards, left the store afterward.

“Hey, wait a minute!” She finally came back to her senses, shouted as she ran after them. However, she couldn't catch up with them.

She watched as the men in black suits entered a black limousine car and drove off. Flipping and staring at the card in her hand.

“What's up girl, are you fine? Who are those people and what is the card in your hand for?”

Ariel was questioned by Anya; her co-worker and best friend who watched the whole ill-tempered customer’s drama.

“I…I don't know….l just….I just unconsciously collected the card. The man said something like opportunity, I don't know if I heard him right.” Ariel stammered as she wondered what the card was for.

“Ariel!” A voice interrupted them.

“Urghh!!!” Ariel groaned in frustration. Would she ever have peace in this store? Her boss dislike her, any little chance to punish her, she won't let it slide.

“Oh shit!, boss is calling for you, that woman is a witch, I loathe her presence.” Anya muttered silently.

Ariel's heart pounded against her ribcage, her hands sweaty and shaky. Her heartbeat became faster than usual. Some thin layers of sweat formed on her palms, she rubbed them together and exhaled deeply.

“Go girl…let's know your fate” Anya encouraged her as she hugged her tightly.

Ariel nodded and walked towards her boss’s office. Each step echoed in her ear as her heart sank in fear. Her soul was about to escape her body. Each step she takes reminded her of how unforgiving her boss is.

Knock knock knock. Ariel summoned her courage as she knocked.

“Come in” Ariel's boss voiced from the inside.

Ariel entered and stood at her boss's table. Her hands at her back as she folded them tightly as if she was about to receive a death sentence.

Her boss stared at her silently without uttering a word. Ariel felt disturbed by her boss's cold stares which made her initiate the conversation.

“My sincere apolo—”

“Ssssshhhh”

Ariel's statement was cut short in her throat as her boss shushed her up. Leaving her no room for continuation.

“Ariel…..I have warned you several times not to get on my nerves. Do you not want this job anymore?” Her boss asked. Her tone was calm yet cautious.

“Ma'am please forgive me, it won't happen again.” Ariel pleaded. Desperately praying silently for her boss's mercy.

“Don't beg me Ariel, you chased one of our best customers, how do you want to make it up to the loss you caused my store!?”

“I am—”

“No paycheck this month, now get out of my office.” Ariel's intended statement was cut short in her throat as she heard her boss's decision.

She stood there, not moving an inch, hoping to find any lingering favor in her boss's eyes.

“Do you have gums in your ears, I said leave my office, I want a fresh air!?” Her boss said, glaring at her like her presence was a contagious virus.

Ariel wheeled around without uttering a word. Outside was Anya who had been eavesdropping the whole time.

As Ariel came out with teary eyes, Anya hugged her tightly. “It's okay…it's fine…”

“How am I supposed to take care of my child if things continue like this? I have been saving up to pay for his tuition fees but everything seems to be going wrong.” Ariel lamented as she sobbed on her friend's shoulder.

“It's okay girl…I'm here for you, you're not alone in this.” Anya comforted her as she rubbed her back for ease.

“Let's go, it's closing hour.” Anya said as she picked their bags from the locker. They changed into their casual outfit and left the store.

Ariel got home with her last strength, hoping to dive and sink in her bed.

However, her legs crumbled as she was welcomed with a more disheartening circumstance.

“Oh my God, this is not happening today.” she muttered silently, as devastation hits her soul.