Determination

Chapter Four

Marianne's Pov

I woke up, sunlight filtering through the curtains. Despite my lingering pain, I felt a newfound determination. Today, I would submit my CV to apply for the position of accountant at Homeland Company.

It was time to start over, to prove to myself that I was more than Blake's dutiful wife. I am a skilled accountant with a Ph degree, and I will be able to succeed with it.

I rose from the bed, my feet hitting the cold floor with a soft thud.

I made my way to the big bag, rooting through the contents in search of my CV.

"Good morning," Anna's voice broke the silence. "What are you looking for?”

“You are awake, Good Morning. I am looking for my CV. I have made up my mind already, I am going to apply for the position of an accountant in a Homeland company” I said with boldness in my voice.

“Whoa! That's very good. You made a good decision. A wise decision at that” Anna said, stretching her body.

“Yeah, I really want to forget about him and I don't want us to talk about him anymore”

“Yes, now I love this. It seems like you are beginning to wise up”

I took my CV and dusted it. “I hope I'll be accepted”

“You will, you have a PhD degree in accounting. You are intelligent and smart. You can't just let someone dull your sparkle because he's married to you”

“Of course, it's fine. Let me go and take my bath”

After my shower, I dressed with care, choosing a proper outfit for the interview. I checked myself in the mirror and I saw I am set for the interview.

Anna popped her head into the room. "I trust you, and I know you will be hired, I am congratulating you soon for becoming an accountant in Homeland Company" she said, encouraging me.

"I hope so Anna, I don't want to get there late, can you go and bathe?”

“Okay! Let me go and bath, so we can go together”

“Of course”

Anna went to shower and after that we headed to her working place 

With a renewed sense of purpose, I followed Anna to the car, ready to take the first step towards a new future.

"I'm excited for you," Anna said as she started the engine. "This is going to be the start of something amazing.”

“I hope so, I am happy, it's my first time going to apply for a job, so I can't tell If I am happy or..”

As we pulled into the parking lot of Homeland Company, my breath caught in my throat. The building was modern. The entrance was imposing, and beautiful.

I stepped out of the car, admiring the company building and design.

“Well, I need to get to work, Marianne. But before then, I'll have to tell the receptionist that you would be waiting for the boss. So when the boss arrive and he's ready to attend to you, she will let you know”

“Thanks for all you do darling, I love you so much’

“Anything for you my childhood friend”

I followed Anna to the reception.

“Hello Dear”

“Good Morning” the receptionist replied.

“Good Morning, here she's Marianne James, she's here to apply for the position of an accountant”

“Oh! Welcome ma'am”

“Thank you,” I replied.

“I'll be going to my office now, see you later” I watched Anna went to her office 

“I'll have to inform my boss about this, so just sit there” she pointed, “I'll let you know when he gets back to me”

I went to sit and then I was served chilled water.

I drank and waited

I waited for about an hour, waiting for the receptionist to call me, but No.

Just then, I saw Anna coming.

“You are still here?” Anna said.

“Yes, I am still here” I replied.

“What's going on? She asked the receptionist.

“He's busy, when he's free, he will let me know”

Immediately, her phone rang.

“Hello Boss”

“She can come in” He replied and hang up the call 

“You can go in ma'am”

“Thank you” 

“You can do it, I trust you” Anna said.

With my heart pounding, I followed the receptionist down a long hallway, passing by offices filled with busy workers. The sleek lines of the decor and the hum of activity only added to my nerves.

At the end of the hall, the receptionist stopped outside a closed door, knocking gently.

"Sir, Marianne James is here to see you," she announced.

“She can come in” a deep voice from within the office.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself as I stepped into the room. I saw him behind his desk.

He is handsome. Handsome is an understatement, he's stunning.How can I work here in this environment with this cute man?

Ever since I started crushing on Blake, I have never admired a guy, but this man…

I snapped out of my thoughts and I moved towards him, “It's a pleasure to meet you.” I stretched my hand to the desk to shake him, but he ignored it. “I am Marianne James” I composed myself.

“Marianne James, Marianne James. You can sit down! What do you have to offer the company?”

"I have a PhD in accounting from one of the best universities in the country, and I have experience in financial analysis and management. I'm confident that I can bring my skills and knowledge to benefit the Homeland Company.”

He raised his eyebrow, his expression unreadable. I was confused.

“What experience do you have?”

“Well, I haven't worked as an accountant in any company as this is my first time applying for a position as an accountant?”

“Are you married?”

The CEO's question about my marital status caught me off guard. "I'm divorced, actually," I said, keeping my voice steady.

“Okay, drop the CV, I'll call you my accountant and he will ask you one or two questions, you will undergo test and if you are fit, we don't need to tell you congratulations before you congratulate yourself”

I smiled, “Thank you”

He called the accountant, he asked me some questions which I answered perfectly. He asked me to do something and both the accountant and the CEO were surprised at how wonderfully I did it.

“Whoa! Boss we don't even need to doubt or tell her she would receive feedback regarding the interview, she did so well. Congratulations ma'am”

“Thank you” I replied with a smile.

“Alright, thank you Mr. Alex. You can leave now” The CEO said, and he left.

“Congratulations Mrs. Marianne, or should I address you as Miss. Marianne”

“I am fine with any”

“Good, you will receive a mail regarding how we work, when you will start, the branch you will work at, the payment structure and all”

“Thank you very much, I appreciate”

“You are welcome” 

I stepped out of hi

s office and I went to wait for Anna at the receptionist till she closed from work, I shared the news to her and we went home together in excitement.