Chapter 3

  “One moment is enough to change your life”

“I think I have something for you.” Fumbling through her purse she grabbed something. 

“It’s okay, ma’am I didn’t help you to get a reward.” With a faint smile, I refused her to reward me.

“Well, you helped Alessia Romano and I would love to return this favour by helping you. Here you go.” She placed a card in my hand.

“Denver’s Group of Companies. One of the leading companies in Milan. I’m giving you this golden opportunity to hit the jackpot. Be there at nine.” 

For a second, my brain completely stopped working. The name was enough to send chills down my spine. I pinched myself to check whether I was dreaming, but now it was for real. 

She smiled observing my stupefaction which was quite explicit by hearing the name of the renowned company. She came closer, slipped her finger under my chin and said huskily, “Don't be late. You'll be interviewed by Denver D’Angelo. Good Luck.” Slowly patting my shoulder she left leaving me shocked, shivering and… of course scared. 

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“Oddio! I can't believe it Zariyah you really hit a jackpot. I mean you’ll get to see the living greek god, Denver D’Angelo. But I’m feeling happy and sad for you at the same time, love.” Bella averted her eyes on me carrying a plain look on her face. 

“Why? Is anything wrong?” I asked hesitantly.

“They say the D in Denver stands for the devil. He is a ruthless billionaire who never espouses an iota of fallacy at his workplace. That’s what I’ve heard.” 

“Let’s see what happens tomorrow.” I sighed thinking about tomorrow. Deep down I was sure that I’ll be confident as there was nothing to get nervous about. I was going to apply for a job on which I have immense knowledge. I was confident but not sure about my luck. On the other side, anything could go wrong.

While analysing whatever could go wrong and turn me down, I slowly sustained my lids and that's all I could remember.

Next Morning.

“Good luck, love. Be confident. I know you can do it. I really want to hear good news  from you.” Bella wished me by hugging me tight. It's a big relief to have at least one person by your side. I was feeling blessed to have Bella by my side. 

“Thank you, Bella. Don't forget to have breakfast, darling. Bye.” 

I rushed and boarded a taxi instead of a bus as I wanted to get there on time. The taxi driver dropped me in front of the tall building. I got off the taxi and adjusted my dress looking at the giant building that towered in front of me. 

My dressing was simple, I wore a white coloured blouse with a pencil skirt and paired it with my pencil heels. My raven hair was arranged in a cascade of curls. There were two big pearl drops on my ears and a ruby lipstick that Bella chose for me on my face. Even if it's all simple I had no regrets. This would be me and I love me at any cost.

Arriving at the reception I asked for Mr. D’Angelo’s floor. I didn't know why but that receptionist gave me a God-save-you look. 

“It’s on the 37th floor.” She said after giving a quirky glance from my toe to the top.

“Thank you,” I mumbled and gave her one of my pleasant yet vague smiles that she didn't care about.

I fastened my pace towards the lift. God knows why all these billionaire brats would want to be at the top of the towering architectures. After competing with mere human beings who had evolved like run-of-the-mill now they could give a challenge to birds. Maybe! Huhh...

After my meaningless anticipation, I finally set my foot on the 37th floor. Adjusting my pencil skirt I approached the receptionist there.

“Good Morning! I’m Zariyah, I’m here for an interview.”

“Oh yes. You are next. Please take a seat there and wait.” The lady pointed her finger behind me. 

I was shocked to see the number of candidate girls applying for the same job. Almost all of them wore mini skirts, left the top two buttons of their shirts open and were busy painting their faces by rubbing red lipstick on their lips that only made them look slutty. I should not use this word but this was the only word that best suited them. The way they were looking or trying to look just for an interview was so ridiculous. It didn't make any sense to me. I’d always been a worshipper of the brain. Beauty may attract people for some time but having a good brain could oblige people to worship you, that's what I believe. 

I took my seat and waited for my turn while scanning the giant office carefully. Suddenly I heard the annoying sound of high heels coming from the CEO’S office. A girl stormed out of the door in tears that made me nervous. But I had no time to calm myself as my name was already announced.  I stood up, pushed back the bile of my throat and walked towards the door.

I gently knocked on the door and heard the magnetic manly voice from the other side of the door. Taking a deep breath, I opened the door. Walking inside the big beautiful room that consisted of black and white walls accompanied with mesmerizing textures, I gazed at the tall figure standing there looking outside the glass wall. The view was indeed breathtaking. 

“Please take your seat, Miss.” He said in a commanding manner. 

“Thank you, Sir.” 

“So, why do you want to be a Fashion Designer, Miss?”. He turned and shot his first question while sitting on his mosaic chair. 

Wait. Why was he looking familiar? Oh my goodness… He was the same arrogant man I met on the train. But I guess he didn’t recognise me. That’s good.

“If you have something wrong with your ears you’re not eligible for this job because I hate repeating myself.” He said, looking straight into my eyes. 

Such a Jerk!

“Pardon me, Sir. I want to be a Fashion Designer because I enjoy working with colourful clothes. I always make sure to transform every piece of cloth into a mesmerising one. Besides designing clothes I also have a keen knowledge of current trends. This is my only passion.” I answered confidently.

“Why would I hire you?”. He asked coldly turning the pages of my C.V

One of the most annoying questions ever. Too easy to ask than answer.

“I’m a graduate from one of the top institutes of Fashion Designing with good grades. This clears that I do have good proficiency in it. The next important thing is creativity and revolutionary ideas. I can assure you both from my side.” I  responded looking into his sapphire eyes. 

His eyebrows jerked up in surprise. Maybe he was not expecting me to be this confident. He smirked a little and said something that shocked me. “Tomorrow morning at nine.”

My smart brain became dead for a second. What did he mean? 

I stuttered, “Am...am I hi... Hired?” To which he laughed as if I told him the joke of the century. 

“Give me a break, Miss. Do you think getting a job in one of the leading fashion houses is this easy? I want to check your guts. The way you just praise yourself is something amusing and I’m willing to see if you could do what you just said. So, come tomorrow only if you’re not afraid of challenges.” He finalized poising while offering me a chance which was sadly not startling. 

“I’ll be there, Sir.” I managed to answer politely after listening to his toxic words. 

“You can go now.” He again engulfed himself in glancing at the beauty that the big glass wall had to offer. 

As I was going, I heard him saying something. “You are the same annoying girl  I met on the train, right? Don't worry, I recognise you.” 

I turned back much to the consternation of the revelation. Luckily, he immediately got busy with his files as I was not in the condition to utter any word. Thankfully he was not expecting an answer from me.

I opened the door and left the office with my hopes of getting my dream job. Finally, I could glimpse a chance of witnessing a rainbow in my new sky.