7

Hope...

The words have great significance in my life.

First, it's my name.

Second, because it is the only thing I have been doing for two years. Hope

The hope of getting my husband's love. Hope to have normal relationships with my in-laws

I always used to think, why my mom kept my name hope when I am hopeless. Maybe she saw me as her hope for new life and a better future, but I wasn't her hope, I was destruction. My mom lost everything she had when she got pregnant with me.

Her dreams, her family, her happiness. Everything. I wasn't planning. It was a mistake that my mom made. But she didn't let me ever fall. She never complained about anything. Not once. And I'm very grateful for that.

But it's not the same with Xavier though. He is bold, upfront, and blunt. He has always been a person who doesn't hesitate to vocalize what's on his mind. A part of me admires him for that, but another part doesn't, because sometimes he can be too straightforward and honest.

I know I'm being selfish; I should have let go of Xavier, but love makes people shellfish. It makes you do things which your moral heart doesn't allow you to.

Sadness spread through my heart once again when I recall the conversation from the morning. I can't believe he chose not to attend the party instead of going with me.

Does he really hate me so much?

What did I do to deserve this?

I don't know what to expect from my life anymore. Nor do I know what my fate has planned out for me.

Before I could further dwell on this there, a knock rattled at my bedroom door, breaking me from my depressing thoughts. My brows frown in confusion.

Who is it at this time?

"Yes, come in" Seconds later, Elena entered the room with a small smile plastered on her lips.

"Hey," she said.

"Hi," I said with a small smile.

"Sandra is calling you downstairs in the hall," Sandra is calling me? But why?

I hope I'm not in trouble. I don't remember making any mistakes. But then she hates me, she'll make a big deal out of small things.

"Do you have any idea why she wants me downstairs?" I asked, my voice barely audible, but Elena heard it as she shook her head.

Having no option, I dragged my body out of bed and reluctantly followed Elena downstairs. Nobody said a word as we walked downstairs. As soon as we were done descending the stairway, I was greeted by the sight of Soniya and Sandra.

"Did you call me ma'am?" I asked hesitantly, hoping I was not in trouble.

"Here, Xavier left his file-" She answered, stretching the file for me to hold. I hesitantly grabbed the blue file from her. "-I want you to go and give him that," She further added in a nonchalant tone. My shoulders slumped in relief. At least I'm not in trouble.

"Okay," was all I said.

"Can I cook something for him?" I quickly added, suddenly remembering it was almost time for lunch.

Xavier being Xavier, he skips most of his lunch. His workaholic self doesn't spend his precious time on something petty like lunch. Something I just want to scold him, if not smack him for his carelessness. But then I realized I was hopeless. Hope.

"Fine but do it fast, you have to leave in an hour," Sandra said with a nod of her head, whereas in the corner of my eyes I saw Soniya rolling her eyes. Without a word, they left the room, leaving me alone, nervous and excited.

I was excited about seeing Xavier again. God, I am acting like a teen having a crush. I just saw him this morning and I'm so excited to meet him when I'm seeing him tonight anyways.

I was nervous as I had never been to Xavier's workplace and I didn't want to mess up things and me being me... Forget it.

I hurried towards the kitchen as I remembered I didn't have much time left. I decided to make a couple of roasted beef sandwiches.

So, I grabbed a couple of pieces of bread slices and lightly toasted them. After the bread was roasted to my liking, I added plenty of roasted beef deli meat, some cheddar cheese along with some sliced avocados, and some fresh lettuce.

For the final touches, I then added a little bit of mayo onto the bread slices and cut the sandwiches in half so they could fit better into the lunch box. After everything was done, I packed it all up.

Once I was done, I headed upstairs to get ready since I only had thirty minutes left. Climbing up the stairs, I headed toward my room. Entering the room, I paddled straight towards the bathroom.

When I closed the bathroom door behind me, I started to get rid of my clothes. I made my way to the shower and turned it on. As soon as the water temperature was lukewarm, I went up in the mist.

After taking a quick shower, I wore a creamy high-neck sweater and a long black shirt. I pulled my blonde hair into a messy bun and I surveyed my reflection in the mirror. I looked like I usually do plain, boring and unattractive.

I ordered the cab quickly before slipping into my slippers and making my way downstairs. Grabbing both the file and the lunch, I headed out of the mansion. The cab was waiting outside, the engine trickling over.

Wow, that was fast.

I quickly got in the back seat. The car slowly drove the car on the paved road. I stared outside the tinted window.

The weather today was gloomy even though the sun was shining bright and harsh in the morning, but now it has disappeared behind a dark cloud. I just hope it doesn't rain. It's not that I hate rain, I just have brought an umbrella.

Twenty minutes later, the cab finally came to a halt.

"Ma'am, your destination has arrived," the driver said.

I gave him a bill of twenty dollars and told him to keep the change, for which I received a big smile and a thank you. Spitting out a soft 'you're welcome', I got out of the cab.

A red brick building stood at the far end of the street ahead of us. The twelve-story building looked big enough to cover the whole city. I slowly made my way towards the building.

Two guards stood rigidly against the entrance. It would be a lie if I said my heart didn't skip a beat seeing them. It looked like they could snap my head with just a click of their fingers.

I walked shyly through the lobby and awkwardly over the parquet floor of the reception room. I couldn't help but feel self-conscious at the lingering looks they gave me. I don't know why they were staring at me.

Do I have anything on my face?

Ignoring all the stares, I headed to the reception where was a young woman with red hair sat behind an expensive desk, typing something on the desktop.

As soon as the receptionist took notice of me, she smiled. Even though she had a bright set smile on her face, but I could tell that it was fake. I don't blame her though it could be tiresome to stay here all day and let out a forced smile. Poor girl

"Hi, I'm Rose," She introduced herself "What can I do for you?" She added with her smile never leaving her lips. I was about to reply but before I could reply the landline on the desk rang loudly cutting my words off.

Rose gave me an apologetic smile; I reciprocate with my own assuring her it was alright. Her smile widens before answer the call.

I can't help but notice her appearance. Her perfect upturned nose. Her chocolate brown iris. Her red locks pulled into a neat high ponytail. She had a white twisted front shirt with ankle grazer pants on her tall and slender body showing every curve she had to off. In general, she screamed perfection.

"Hey," Rose's voice broke me out of my mini daydream.

"I came here to give this to Mr. Williams," I timidly answer lifting the file in my hand.

"11th floor left second door,"

Murmuring a small thank you. I walk in the direction of the elevator. The elevator door opened and I stepped inside, swallowed by its stainless-steel walls. I jabbed at the 11th button in the elevator. The elevator door slid shut and shot upward.

A series of negative thought rush through me.

What if Xavier doesn't like me coming here?

What is he shouts at me in front of everyone?

The ding of the elevator drew my attention, and I realized I had reached my floor. The elevator door slid on, revealing the eleventh floor.

Stepping out I turn to the left and stopped right in front of a polished oak double doors with a name tag 'Xavier Williams'.