Chapter 4

“The secret to sustaining impact is the dexterity of your virtue.”

“Hey Love, how was your interview?” asked Bella with a tense look with a spoonful of pie waiting to be chewed. 

“Tomorrow he’ll decide,” I whispered out my irksomeness.

“What do you mean, he’ll decide tomorrow? Please don't tell me that you are on standby.” She frowned and took in the pie to gulp down her frustration.

“Worry less, Bella. The interview went well. I answered all his questions confidently but he wants me to conquer his arduous challenges to prove my worth,” I said while loosening my tiring thoughts.

“That devil won't go easy on you. He is a tough man to work with. He doesn't even have a secretary currently. It is said that they quit their jobs because of the exhaustive workload and his ruthless behaviour. Anyway, I’ll pray for you.” Bella’s pitied glance fell on me.

Her words were not words but weapons of terror that froze every nerve of my body. When I came here I promised myself not to feel weak under any circumstances, not to repeat mistakes that would break my heart later, and not lose good opportunities. I need to become thick-skinned to survive this cruel world. With all these thoughts moving in my mind I was engulfed in a dreamless slumber. The only relief that won't fluster me in any means.

In the morning 

I reached the office at the exact time. Yes, I was a little nervous but it's all manageable. Or am I more tightened? Argh, I hope things get along well. 

I was waiting for the Devil to summon me. After waiting for five minutes, I was finally summoned. 

Gods, please let me survive this! I mumbled my frightened prayers. Taking a deep breath I walked in. 

The Devil was going through some files, he didn't even see me coming.

“Good Morning, Mr Devi… Mr D’Angelo.” I slapped myself in my mind for the slip of tongue. 

He lifted his eyes and said, “Bring me a black coffee.”

“Coffee?” I yelled out in disbelief

“Yes. Any problem with that?” He uttered with a cold expression.

“Oh, no, no problem. I’ll fetch you a coffee.” I left his room smiling bitterly and cursing the devil for his choice of work for me. Coffee? Seriously. I was not his secretary, I was not even selected yet. 

I asked someone for a canteen. I got to know that their so-called boss had a small canteen room of his own where he made coffee for himself. Great. While making his coffee I realised that I forgot to ask him what coffee he would prefer.  So, I decided to add no sugar. Considering his bitter talking habits, it was obvious that he might prefer his coffee like that.

I placed the coffee mug on his table. He smirked looking at the coffee. “Did you ask me what kind of coffee I prefer?” 

“No, I just guessed.”

“That is called an absence of mind. I need my employees to be competent and have a presence of mind at the same time. So. take this coffee and bring me another.” He commanded, making me bite my tongue while I clenched my teeth to keep my raw words sealed.

“How would you like it, Mr D’Angelo,” I asked after learning my first lesson of the day.

“Brew it well. Add a half tablespoon of sugar,” he replied, resting his back on his comfy chair. 

I again entered his private kitchen and tried to make the coffee that would suit his taste buds. 

“Here you go, Mr D’Angelo.” I served him with a pushed smile. 

“Don't you think this coffee seems to be a little cold? I like my coffee to be served hot. Take this off.” 

I took back the coffee cup and made the changes he kept adding. But this didn't seem to end on short notice. By the time I picked it up for the fourth time, I could sense my smooth temper getting jammed with cuss of every sort. What does he think of himself? I was cursing him continuously while making his god damn coffee. I really wanted to add poison this time. He was such a jerk.

Going against my urges, I formulated a fake smile while serving him this time. 

He took a sip and was about to give his comment, I quickly crossed my fingers to listen to something good. 

“Perfect.” He said between sipping his coffee.

I felt a sigh of relief. Finally.

“You passed the first test, Miss Zariyah. Every time I demand you to bring another coffee you don't look like you're losing your temper. Your patience level is good.” He said playing with the hourglass on his table.

“Thank you.” I was relieved after listening to his words for the first time.

“Now go to the 27th floor, there you’ll meet Alessia, our chief designer. Ask her for the newly designed dresses for the upcoming winter collection. Take a keen look at them and prepare a detailed presentation consisting of their chances to succeed or fail in the market. You’re going to give this presentation before our clients who are going to invest in our winter collection, so, all the best. You only have one hour.” He put the hourglass upside down flaunting his devilish smile. 

Before my gulped down sour words could get knocked out of my lips, I quickly left the room and rushed to the 27th floor. This is unbelievable. He only gave me one hour for this important work. I’m in terrible danger. When I reached there, I saw Alessia who was busy with her team. 

She looked at me and rushed to hug me like I was her long lost sister. Jokes apart but I admire her, she is really sweet. What I loved the most about her was her beautiful attire. Even now she was wearing a gorgeous gown that played a song of faith inside my dreaded brain. I wish I could steal clothes from her closet.

“Welcome, dear. You know what I told Denver about you that day. But he couldn't believe me that you have that potential. He wanted to test your talent.” 

“Thank you so much, Miss Romano, for giving me this opportunity. I’m grateful.” I responded with as much affection as I could.

“Just call me Alessia, darling and here is our winter collection. Go through this carefully. Try to include precise details to get the presentation done. I know you can do it. All the best.” She tapped my shoulder gently and retreated to her seat with her teammates.

I took a deep breath and started studying every detail and jotted it down on a paper I snatched from the nearby table. The clothes were designed flawlessly, so I found it difficult to pinpoint any error or fault. No doubt it was designed by Alessia. The lady was just awesome. 

After studying and jotting down the details I prepared my report. My eyes haphazardly landed on the watch and widened looking at the ticking clock. Guess what? Only a few minutes left. Grabbing my file I ran hurriedly to report my timely boss. Maybe I could stand a chance but still, I couldn't be so sure of it.

I gently knocked on the door while keeping my file free of folds or ink spills. 

“Come in.” His steady voice rang in my ears.

“Mr D’Angelo, here is my presentation.” I placed the file in front of him. My breath was shallow and I could hear my rapid heartbeats. I did my best to prepare this report in the given time. 

“You also did keen market research? How? You don't even have a laptop?” He asked surprisingly.

“But I do have a cell phone. In addition to it, I'm always aware of the trends prevailing in the market and I also know about the strong competitor of your company. So, keeping all these things in my mind I prepared this report,” I answered confidently.

“Well, I’m impressed. I can see your passion and dedication towards your work,” he said while nodding his head, keeping up the same boring expression.

“Thank you. Shall we go now for the presentation?”

“There is no presentation. To check whether you can work under pressure or not I just added that presentation thing with the task to spice it up more. Still, you passed it to my disbelief.” 

You wicked rascal, my steadying heart was loud enough to kill him with words. I wish I could have banged his bitter mouth with my heels. From what I heard to what I have been through this man sitting in front of me was a living demon himself. Otherwise who the hell on earth would pester someone for the sake of employment. Huh!

“You’re selected, Miss Zariyah. From tomorrow on you’ll work as my secretary and assistant fashion designer. You’ll receive a mail by this evening with a detailed job description. Congratulations.” 

“Secretary?” I asked in shock.

“Yes. Don't worry, you’ll receive the payment for both profiles. You can go now.”

I came out of the room with mixed feelings. I was glad that I finally earned my dream job but I never wanted to become a secretary, especially to this man. Why did he give me this additional job? Oh, Lord! Should I have to brew him his perfect coffee all day from now?

When my somersaulting thoughts landed from one thing over the other, I was reminded of Bella. Without any delay, I boarded the train. Juggling through the memories of the day, I reached my doorsteps and rang the bell. She opened before the first ring could end. Her questioning stare and toothy grin made me forget my exhaustion. She was very happy for me when I broke the news about my selection. 

“That man is really something. But I mind you, my dear, you are no less. You compelled him to give you not only one but two jobs at a time. Now, I really envy you.” She poked me on the arm like a small child that made me laugh.

“Don't worry Bella, I’ll buy you everything you want at the end of every month. I don't have anyone to spend it with, I only have you.” As soon as the words were out, Bella hugged me. She might have learnt the sadness pouring from my eyes. 

“You’re a wonderful girl, Zariyah. You’ll get your prince charming one day and I’ll always be there for you.”

She didn't know anything about me, not even a bit about my past. Still, she understood my unsaid emotions. After a long time, I felt the warmth of affection through Bella. I was happy to be blessed with a friend like her. Indeed, it's the people you belong with who would teach us the care and concern of life. Right?