Chapter five:Job hunt 2

Cassandra's eyes narrowed at the speaker, the man at Jim's office.

"Claus," Mr. Jake said, his tone neutral. "What seems to be the issue?"

Claus stepped forward.

"An unfaithful woman isn't capable of handling a good job," Claus declared.

Cassandra's face burned.

"How dare you!" she protested silently.

Mr. Jake raised a hand.

"Cassandra. Please, leave."

His calm demeanor belied the dismissal. Fuming, Cassandra gathered her belongings.

"This isn't over," she whispered to Claus.

As she exited, Claus's smirk followed her. Outside, Cassandra seethed.

Who was this Claus?

Wasn't he just a colleague of Jim's?

What was he doing here, alongside the CEO?

Questions swirled.

Back in the office, Claus turned to Mr. Jake.

"Sorry, Jake. I couldn't help it," Claus said.

Mr. Jake's expression remained neutral.

"Explain, Claus."

Claus leaned in. "That woman's trouble. She'll bring ruin to your company."

Mr. Jake raised an eyebrow. "Ruin?"

Claus nodded. "I have reasons. Trust me."

Mr. Jake's gaze lingered on Claus. "I'll consider your concerns."

Cassandra trudged back to the guest house, emotions in turmoil. The encounter with Claus had left her uncomfortable. She grabbed a burger on the way, but her appetite vanished as she thought about Claus's harsh words.

She spent the day in bed, unable to muster energy. Her mind kept replaying the scene at Jake & Co. As evening fell, Mildred arrived with dinner, concern etched on her face.

"I knew you hadn't eaten anything serious," Mildred said, setting down the food.

Cassandra sat up, relief washing over her.

"Mildred, today was a disaster," Cassandra began, tears welling up.

She recounted Claus's outburst and Mr. Jake's dismissal, her voice shaking.

Mildred listened intently, her expression growing more troubled.

"Who is this Claus?" Cassandra asked.

Mildred's expression turned thoughtful.

"I met him the first time at Jim's place of work,he was very disrespectful and I gave him a piece of my mind. I just don't understand if he's just Jim's colleague or something more. Jim never mentioned him." She added.

"Continue the job hunt tomorrow. It'll keep your mind off things." Mildred told her.

Cassandra nodded. Just as Mildred was about to leave:

"Mildred, wait," Cassandra said.

"What is it?" Mildred asked.

"Your eyes, is there something you want to tell me?"

"Jim came to the cafe today," Mildred replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Cassandra's heart skipped a beat.

"What happened?" she asked.

"He looked... lost," Mildred said.

Cassandra's emotions swirled. She imagined Jim's pain and frustration.

"Mildred, I care about him," Cassandra admitted.

Mildred's expression softened.

"I know, Cass. But you need to focus on yourself now."

Cassandra nodded. As Mildred left, Cassandra couldn't shake the feeling:

She needed closure and answers.

Claus stood at his window, gazing out into the night. His thoughts swirled around Cassandra.

Had he been too harsh?

Part of him felt a pang of guilt. But his conviction remained.

An unfaithful woman shouldn't be trusted with one's fortune. Claus's mind replayed the events.

Why was she job hunting a day after her supposed wedding crashed?

Shouldn't she be remorseful?

Reflecting on her mistakes?

Instead, she was seeking a new opportunity.

As if nothing had happened, Claus's resolve hardened.

He had protected Jake's interests. And his own.

Cassandra's actions reeked of desperation.

Desperation often led to reckless decisions. Claus couldn't risk his business partner's company, not for someone like Cassandra.

Jim woke to a hard knock on his front door, he groggily opened the door to find Mildred standing before him.

"Morning," Mildred said, her smile bright.

Jim's bare chest and disheveled hair contrasted with Mildred's polished appearance.

"Mildred, what brings you here so early?" Jim asked.

Mildred's gaze lingered on his chest before meeting his eyes.

"May I come in?" she asked.

Jim stepped aside, allowing her to enter. Mildred's eyes scanned the room, taking in the empty bottles of alcohol. Without a word, she began gathering the bottles, efficiently clearing the space.

Jim sank onto the couch, holding his pounding head. She sat beside him, her proximity unexpected.

"Would you like some coffee or water?" she asked.

Jim's eyes narrowed.

"Mildred, why are you being so nice?"

Mildred's smile faltered.

"You look like you need it," she said.

Jim studied her.

Where was the anger?

The resentment?

Shouldn't she be furious about him leaving Cassandra at the altar?

Mildred's hand brushed against his.

"Let me take care of you today," she whispered.

Jim's shock deepened.

What was Mildred's motive?

Mildred prepared coffee, her movements fluid. She handed Jim the steaming cup.

"Drink up," she said softly.

Jim sipped, feeling a slight comfort, she sat beside him, watching.

Her gaze was intense, piercing. Jim's thoughts swirled.

What did she want?

The silence stretched. Mildred's eyes deep onto his. Her face inches from his.

Jim's heart quickened, her lips approached. Just as their lips almost touched. Mildred's phone shattered the tension.

"Mom?" she answered.

Her mother's voice was audible.

"Why isn't the cafe open yet?"

Mildred stood.

"I'm coming, Mom."

She adjusted her pencil dress, the fabric hugged her curves. Cleavage visible.

Jim's eyes drifted, Mildred mouthed "see you soon."

She swayed her hips, Walking out, and as the door closed, Jim exhaled.

What just happened?

Cassandra's determination fueled her job hunt, Crepe Marketing welcomed her with open arms. The hiring process was swift, soon she was settled into her cubicle, eager to start. Her first task was a breeze. Data compilation from a consumer survey.

She excelled, finishing ahead of schedule. The head of marketing, Mrs. Thompson, praised her.

"Excellent work, Cassandra. Here's another portfolio." Cassandra's heart sank when she opened it.

Wedding budget surveys. The irony stung and tears blurred her vision making errors creep into her work.

Mrs. Thompson summoned her.

"Cassandra, what's wrong?"

Tears streamed down Cassandra's face. No words came.

Mrs. Thompson's expression hardened,she was a strict woman who paid attention to details when it came to work.

"Focus, Cassandra. This isn't a therapy session."

She was reassigned to a different unit, but concentration eluded her. She couldn't do a good job to the heap of data that danced before her eyes it suddenly seemed she had dyslexia.

The next morning, Cassandra arrived at her cubicle. The receptionist greeted her with an envelope.

"Good morning, Cassandra."

Cassandra replied with a smile. She was determined to make the best of the day. "No errors allowed." she muttered under her breath, sitting down. As she opened the envelope, a sharp inhale escaped her lips.