Chapter 6

“Of all the applicants that we’ve interviewed for this role, you stand out, Miss Waters.” the middle-aged woman said, smiling from across the table, with two other men beside her, nodding in agreement. 

“Thank you so much.” Ivy smiled humbly.

“I’m impressed that you are vast in several languages.” The woman continued. “Only a handful of young people can boast of such a skillset. And you mentioned that some of these languages were self-taught?” She asked in awe.

“Yes, ma’am,” Ivy confirmed.

“Well then, I believe we all can agree that she is the best fit for the role?” The woman asked, gesturing to her colleagues for confirmation.

“Yes”

“Definitely.” They chorused.

“Miss Ivy Waters,” she paused briefly, with a smile on her lips. “Welcome to R Holdings.” She extended her hand to Ivy for a handshake.

The smile on Ivy’s face widened as she thanked them continuously, shaking their hands one after the other. “Thank you so much for the opportunity. You won’t regret this.” 

“We hope so.” The woman replied. “We’ll have one of the staff, Eman, show you to your workstation” She pointed at a man sitting silently in the room at the far end. He’ll assist you with whatever you need to settle in. You start immediately.”

Ivy thanked them again and excused herself. “Stage one, complete.” She whispered to herself, savoring the moment, as she walked closely behind Eman.  

Eman was kind enough to introduce her to other staff members as they walked, detailing to her about the work practices in the company, and dos and don'ts. Ivy paid no attention to anything he was saying. She had already begun devising the next phase of her plan in her head. Now, she would be the closest person to Carlos, which meant having access to his office, and a lot of sensitive information that would play to her advantage, exactly what she wanted. 

“So, this is where your office will be starting now,” Eman said, snapping her back to the present.  

“The IT department will provide you with emails, logins, and everything IT-related to facilitate your smooth transition. But for now, let me introduce you to the CEO, Mr Fernandez.” 

Ivy’s stomach twisted in disgust at the mention of the name ‘Fernandez.’ A fit of anger rushed through her as memories of all the past hurt and pain she had endured all those years flooded her heart like a storm. That name Fernandez had been nothing but a nightmare for her, even up to this day.

As deep as her love for Carlos was, so was her resentment. Eman knocked gently on the door adjacent to the office she had been assigned. The door had a tag, CEO boldly embedded on it. Suddenly, a thought dropped in Ivy’s mind. 

Will Carlos be able to recognize her?

Surely, she was nothing like her old self but still, it puzzled her. This was the first time she would be seeing him face-to-face in years. Would she be able to withstand his presence and not throw a fit the minute they meet?

Silently, Ivy took in a deep breath as she followed Eman into the office. “I’m sorry to bother you, sir. I’d like to introduce your new executive assistant, Miss Ivy Waters.”

“Good day, sir.” Ivy greeted, a smile lighting up her expression. It was a mask she had to wear to hide the anger surging within her.

“What did you say her name was?” Carlos asked, staring at Eman.

“Ivy Waters, sir.” Ivy interrupted Eman’s response.

Carlos’ gaze shifted in her direction, a contemptuous look gracing his features as he sized her from top to bottom across his desk where he sat. Ivy remained unmoved by his demeanor. She would smack the look off his face if she could but that would be a much easier punishment for him to endure.

“You only talk when you are spoken to. Outside that, I expect not one word from you,” he said coldly, his eyes narrowing.

Ivy’s eyes twitched but she kept her composure. “You’re still such a conceited bastard. All the more reason why you deserve what’s coming for you.” she thought to herself.

“I’m sorry sir.” She apologized.

“Eman, you may leave now.” Carlos said and Eman did as he was told.

Ivy stood, waiting to see what Carlos had up his sleeves. Why didn't he ask her to leave? 

It's obvious he does not take any liking to her and in her opinion, the feeling is mutual. She kept her gaze fixed on him, as if studying him all over again and she realized that he still had the terrible habit of chewing on his nails whenever he was lost in some kind of work or thought. 

Carlos was looking through some documents on the desk and had not said a word to her since Eman’s departure. Now that she saw him like this, she wondered what her old self, Valerie, had seen in him that made him beyond irresistible at the time. 

Valerie's eyes viewed him as a god she had to revere. She literally kissed the ground he walked on and never for once did or said anything whenever he abused her with his words and cold distancing. 

However, Ivy was different. Her eyes were not blind to see past the camouflage he wore. Carlos never was the perfect husband he portrayed himself to be whenever they were at a gathering. He never would take his hands off her and that made everyone believe that they were a match made in heaven. Even her old self believed that at some point. 

It's crazy how dumb she was to play along with all his antics and never once questioned the sudden switch in his behavior whenever they were alone. And for that, she had LOVE to blame. It is not the happy ever after as portrayed in the movies but a facade. 

Love is a weapon of weakness that is only of benefit to those who seek to exploit it.

“Miss Waters.” Carlos called. No response.

“Miss Waters.” No response.

“Miss Ivy Waters!” He called with a loud voice, pulling her out of her thoughts. 

Ivy jerked at the sound of his voice. She didn't realize she had been so lost in her own little world. Whatever the case, she didn't feel guilty or embarrassed for it. Still, she had to play the part.

“I'm so sorry sir. I didn't mean to….”

“Are you sure you're here to work and not stress me out?” Carlos cut her off before she could complete her sentence. 

“How can I trust you to do your work right when you're already zoning out barely an hour into the job?” He sighed in frustration, glaring at her.

“I'm sorry sir.” Her apology was laced with insincerity, and as she lowered her head, her eyes darkened hinting at the venom that lurked in her heart. 

There was still silence, aside from the sound of papers gliding in her direction. “Review those documents and email your findings to me before the close of business today. I hope you can at least get one thing right.” 

Ivy scowled, seeing the documents scattered on the floor in front of her. The audacity!

She quickly picked up the documents, and looked up at Carlos whose face was contorted in disgust. “Well what are you waiting for? Leave. Now.” he ordered and without waiting one second longer, Ivy turned on her heels and exited the office, fuming with fury.