Harassed Heart

Chapter 1: Harassed Hearts

I woke up to the sound of relentless banging on my front door. Dread pooled in the pit of my stomach as I recognized the all-too-familiar rhythm. It was the loan sharks, back to harass me once again. I glanced at the clock on my bedside table, groaning at the early hour. With a heavy sigh, I hastily threw on a robe and made my way downstairs.

As I approached the door, the pounding grew louder and more forceful. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. These visits were a recurring nightmare, leaving me feeling shaken and vulnerable. With trembling hands, I unlocked the door and swung it open, coming face to face with a menacing figure.

Mr. Rodriguez, the loan shark, stood before me with a cold, piercing stare. His imposing figure loomed over me, while two henchmen flanked him, their presence amplifying the tension in the air.

"Miss Sara, I trust you have something to say for yourself," Mr. Rodriguez sneered, his voice laced with disdain. "You're running out of time, and we won't tolerate any more excuses."

My voice quivered as I mustered the courage to respond. "I'm doing everything I can, Mr. Rodriguez. Please understand, I just need a little more time. I've been searching for work, but it's been incredibly difficult."

The loan shark scoffed, his eyes narrowing. "We've heard it all before, Sara. Your excuses won't save you. We gave you a loan, and now it's time to pay up. You know what happens if you don't."

Fear washed over me, threatening to consume me entirely. I had to hold back tears. I couldn't let them see my weakness. "Please, just give me a little more time. I promise I'll find a way to repay you. I'm doing my absolute best."

Mr. Rodriguez's face twisted into a cruel smile. "Your best isn't good enough, my dear. We've been more than patient. I'm afraid we can't afford to wait any longer. It's time to take matters into our own hands."

My heart pounded in my chest as the harsh reality of my situation sank in. I had fallen into a desperate cycle of debt, struggling to make ends meet ever since my mother fell ill. I had taken on odd jobs, scraped together every penny, but it was never enough. And now, the loan sharks were closing in, ready to seize whatever they could to settle my debt.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I pleaded, my voice cracking with desperation. "Please, Mr. Rodriguez, have mercy. I don't have anything left to give. Taking it all away won't solve anything. I just need a chance, a little more time."

The loan shark's expression remained cold and unyielding. "Time is a luxury you no longer have, Miss Sara. We'll be back tomorrow, and we expect payment in full. Failure to comply will have dire consequences."

With that chilling warning, Mr. Rodriguez and his henchmen turned on their heels, leaving me trembling in their wake. I closed the door, feeling the weight of despair settle upon my shoulders. How had my life come to this? I sank to the floor, tears streaming down my face, as the full weight of my predicament crashed down upon me. 

As I sat at my worn-out desk, desperately scrolling through my G***l inbox, my heart skipped a beat. There it was, a glimmer of hope amidst the sea of unpaid bills and looming debts. An email with the subject line "Job Interview Invitation." I couldn't believe my eyes. A mixture of excitement and nervousness coursed through my veins as I read the details. The interview was scheduled for the very next day.

With newfound determination, I sprang into action. I rummaged through my meager wardrobe, searching for my best clothes. A simple, navy blue dress and a pair of worn-out heels were all I had to make an impression. I meticulously ironed the dress, hoping it would hide the struggles I carried within me. I wanted this job desperately, not only for my own survival but also to bring some relief to my ailing mother.

The next morning, I woke up early, a flutter of anticipation in my chest. I showered quickly, making sure to look presentable. As I gazed at my reflection in the mirror, I whispered words of encouragement to myself, reminding myself to stay confident and composed.

I arrived at the address stated in the email, my heart pounding in my chest. As I stepped out of the cab, my focus shifted to the daunting task of crossing the busy street. However, fate had something else in store for me.

Just as I was about to reach the other side, a sleek black car came hurtling towards me, narrowly missing me by inches. Startled and shaken, I froze in my tracks, my eyes locking with the driver's furious gaze. It was a man in a well-tailored suit, his brows furrowed in anger.

"How dare you walk in front of my car like that! Are you blind? Apologize immediately!" he bellowed, his voice dripping with disdain.

Indignation surged within me as I found my voice. "Apologize? Are you serious? You almost hit me! Maybe you should learn how to drive safely!" 

" Are you out of your mind or are you simply blind because of malnutrition???" The man yelled at me and I looked at my reflection in the mirror,I couldn't afford three square meals but I still wasn't so malnourished. 

" Ahhhh !!! I see what's wrong with you???, Lack of manners!!! I'm not surprised because that's how rich people are " 

The man's eyes widened, taken aback by my retort. He scoffed and muttered something under his breath, clearly unimpressed by my defiance. We stood there, locked in a battle of wills, the air thick with tension.

As the time for the interview drew near, I couldn't shake off the feeling of familiarity that tugged at the corners of my mind. It wasn't until I entered the building and approached the receptionist that the realization hit me like a bolt of lightning.

The man I had argued with, the one who had nearly run me over, was none other than the CEO of the company I was about to interview with. My heart sank, and a mix of dread and embarrassment washed over me. How could I have let myself engage in a heated argument with the very person who held my future in his hands?

Summoning every ounce of composure I had left, I tried to push aside the encounter as I walked into the interview room. But as I caught a glimpse of the man, now seated at the head of the table, my nerves resurfaced. His piercing gaze met mine, and I could feel the weight of his scrutiny.

It was then that I realized the gravity of the situation. My future was inextricably linked with the man who had almost hit me with his car and showed no remorse. I took a deep breath, hoping against hope that the upcoming interview would give me a chance to redeem myself and make a lasting impression, despite our tumultuous first encounter.