Chapter four: Job hunt 1

The taxi pulled into the crumbling parking lot of the Dream Guest House, a faded sign creaking in the wind.

"This is it," Mildred said, her voice laced with apology. "It's not the Ritz, but it's affordable."

Cassandra nodded, her eyes scanning the surroundings. That's when she saw it - the same car that Mildred had spotted tailing them.

"Mildred, look," Cassandra whispered, her heart racing.

Mildred's gaze followed Cassandra's. "Let's not jump to conclusions. It's probably a coincidence."

Cassandra's unease lingered, but she shook it off. They needed rest.

Inside, the guest house was dingy but clean. The proprietor, a gruff old man, handed them a key.

"Room 22. No visitors after 10 PM."

As they settled in, Mildred stayed a little longer before leaving Cassandra lost in thought.

Meanwhile, across town, Claus sat in his sleek living room, nursing a whiskey.

Tyla, his girlfriend, curled up beside him, noticed his distant gaze.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Tyla asked, her voice soft.

Claus's expression darkened. "Just work stuff."

Tyla's persistence wore him down. "It's Jim's wedding. It ended in disaster."

"Disaster?" Tyla repeated.

Claus's anger boiled over. "The bride cheated on him. Women are all the same."

Tyla's eyes widened, hurt by his words.

Claus realized his mistake, his apology begrudging. "I didn't mean it."

Her silence sparked something primal in Claus. He pulled her close, his kiss aggressive. Their lovemaking was intense, unlike any other night. Afterward, Tyla lay beside him, wondering.

"Is everything okay?" she asked.

Claus's eyes were closed, his chest rising and falling. For a moment, Tyla thought she saw a flicker of something - guilt. But when he opened his eyes, his gaze was cold, unreadable.

Cassandra thought about Jim, their failed wedding, and the mysterious photos. But she decided not to dwell on the pain. Instead, she began focusing on her resolution. Tomorrow, she'd start searching for a job. Her business management degree would come in handy.

She'd immerse herself in work, drown out the heartache. Alongside she'd find the perpetrator, and only God would save that soul from her wrath. Determined, Cassandra closed her eyes.

Sleep gradually claimed her, but her subconscious whispered: You'll get through this. Tomorrow marks a new beginning.

Across town, Claus's eyes remained open, his thoughts consumed by Cassandra.Tyla slept peacefully beside him, unaware of the turmoil brewing within.The night wore on, shadows cast on the walls.Cassandra's dreams were fitful, filled with uncertainty. Yet, amidst the turmoil, a spark of resilience flickered.

The next morning, Cassandra stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her outfit. She wore a modest yet elegant white blouse, paired with a black pencil skirt from the local thrift store. Her dark hair was pulled back into a neat, low bun, secured with a few bobby pins.

Her shoes, a pair of black pumps purchased at a discounted rate, added a touch of professionalism.

Cassandra took a deep breath, feeling a sense of determination. She grabbed her resume and headed out the guest house.

As she walked to the bus stop, her phone rang.

"Mildred?" Cassandra answered.

"Hey, Cass! Just wishing you the best on your job hunt today," Mildred said cheerfully.

"Thanks, Mil. That means a lot."

"Also, I checked online, and there are openings at Jake & Co., Crepe Marketing, and ClearView Enterprises. You should totally apply."

Cassandra's eyes widened, grateful for the tips. But suddenly, Mildred's tone changed.

"Got to go, Cass. Mom's looking at me funny."

"Why?" Cassandra asked.

"She doesn't want me talking to you," Mildred whispered.

Cassandra's heart stung.

"Okay, go," Cassandra said quickly.

Mildred hung up. Cassandra continued her bus ride, lost in thought. She was optimistic but her heart heavy. A few minutes later, she arrived downtown.

Stepping off the bus, Cassandra felt a surge of resolve. Time to start anew.

She walked into the first office building, Jake & Co., and approached the reception desk.

"Hi, I'm here to inquire about job openings," Cassandra said confidently.

The receptionist smiled.

"Let me check. Can I have your resume, please?"

Cassandra handed over her resume.

As the receptionist scanned it, Cassandra's phone buzzed.

A text from Mildred:

"Mom's watching me like a hawk. Text when you need anything."

Cassandra's heart skipped a beat.

Mildred sat at the family Cafe, lost in thought. She felt sorry for Cassandra, but a part of her couldn't help but covet Jim. As she daydreamed, her mind wandered to forbidden places.

Jim's chiseled features filled her imagination. She pictured herself under his gaze, his touch.

Mildred's cheeks flushed, her pulse quickening. Just as she bit her lip, a voice broke her reverie.

"Hi."

She looked up to see her object of thoughts standing before her.Her smile faltered, remembering the situation.

"Hi," she stammered.

Jim's gaze was warm, but Mildred's guilt cooled her response.

"What's available this morning?" Jim asked, his smile hinting at warmth.

"The usual," Mildred replied, her tone flat.

Before Jim could respond, their mother appeared.

"Jim, I'm so sorry," she said, ushering him to a seat.

Jim nodded, his eyes locked on Mildred for a fleeting moment. Their mother continued, "I'm still trying to process everything."

Jim's expression turned sympathetic.

"I understand," he said.

Mildred watched, feeling a pang of guilt.

Jim ordered a cappuccino to-go and departed. As the door closed behind him, Mildred's mother turned.

"Mildred, focus on work," she said.

Mildred nodded, her thoughts still with Jim.

Jim walked to his car, letting out a heavy sigh as he settled in. Part of him yearned to see Cassandra, to demand answers for the pain she'd caused.

"Why, Cassandra?" he whispered to himself.

Cassandra sat in the waiting area of Jake & Co, the receptionist approached.

"Cassandra, please follow me. Mr. Jake the CEO is here on his routine visits, so he's available and would like to meet with you personally."

Cassandra rose, smoothing her skirt.

The receptionist led her to an expansive office. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning city view. A sleek, mahogany desk dominated the room, a luxurious leather chair sat behind it.

Cassandra's gaze landed on the man rising from the chair.

Mr. Jake, a tall, imposing figure. His thick accent spoke of luxury.

"Ah, Cassandra. Delighted. Your resume impresses."

He gestured to a chair.

"Please, sit."

Cassandra complied. Mr. Jake leaned forward.

"Tell me, Cassandra, what drives your passion for business management?"

Just as Cassandra began to respond, a voice from behind interrupted.

"I was sure I saw you at the reception. Jake, you wouldn't want to employ this..."

The words trailed off. Quickly she turned to face the speaker.