After two weeks of turning off my mobile line and getting off social media, I decided to take care of myself.
Surprisingly, I got an email from our company to come back for an interview. I felt less burdened. I thank God-at least no more job hunting if this turns out well for me.
I put on my best corporate wear that day. A new hairstyle too. I didn't want to look as miserable as they all expected to see me. I got to the company and walked toward the reception.
The assistant had been replaced with a new lady, but she seemed very nice.
"Please wait. I will tell you when you have to go in."
"Thanks," I replied politely. She smiled back and walked to the boss's office.
Just then, I heard familiar voices. As I guessed, it was her.
The newest bride in town and former bestie, Kamsy, with a few of our colleagues who had been retained in the company. I guess she wasn't sacked.
I could hear them from where I was seated, waiting for the receptionist.
"Some people are witches in disguise. Why would she pull off the ring on that day to disgrace you?" I heard one of them say.
"Imagine, she was even crying! Gosh, I know that girl is childish, but that's the most stupid thing. Is she the first to be proposed to and dumped?" another added.
"I wonder," another responded.
"My sisters, these people pretending to be soft-hearted are the most heartless human beings. You have to be careful, or else they'll show you that other side when you least expect it," Kamsy replied, and they laughed out loud.
What an irony!
"You can now go in. Excuse me... Hello, ma'am!"
I was lost in thought, but the receptionist caught my attention.
I apologized and went into the office after knocking.
Unexpectedly, I saw my ex, Luke, chatting with the new boss. My heart did a backflip.
This is not a good sign.
Worse, they seemed to know each other. It was certain I was doomed.
"Why are you here!?" the new boss's voice thundered.
"I... am... you... asked..."
I was speechless, confused, and helpless at that question.
Luke laughed, then stood up.
"Oh, it's my faithful ex. Let me introduce her to you."
"I don't give a damn," the new boss replied in his foreign accent.
Luke laughed loudly again and sat down.
"What do you want?"
He thundered again. His voice could wake the dead, and his face wasn't as innocent as my ex's.
He looked like he didn't know how to smile. His jawline was sharp, and he had a hard expression that could make him look like a model. His cheekbones lined perfectly with his one-sided dimple that appeared whenever he spoke. I tried not to stare too much.
"I am here for the interview."
I gathered the courage to talk.
"You are not qualified," he replied without hesitation.
My jaw dropped.
Luke was just laughing.
It would be no surprise if I was called here just to be laughed at like a clown. I knew something was off the moment I saw Luke.
"Sir, please look at my-"
"Are you slow?!"
His voice thundered again.
"Very slow, but dude, you gotta be easy on her. She's dealing with things now," Luke replied, laughing.
Of course, he didn't care about me-just intentionally adding salt to my injury.
"I'm sorry... sir," I replied quietly and left the office.
Saying that I was ashamed was an understatement.
I couldn't look at the receptionist. My whole body was shaking. All my excitement that I would still have my job was gone.
Why was I called in the first place? To be reminded that I was unfortunate?
I saw Kamsy approaching. I thought she wanted to talk, but fortunately, she ignored me and went into the new CEO's office.
To meet her husband, I guess.
Good thing she didn't say a word to me. I wasn't ready to face her either. It's a win for both of us.
A few minutes later, the latest couple came out and left the company hand in hand.
I sat down slowly on the reception seat, trying to get everything off my mind-this job, my past, my friendship, my whole life. It's been a mess because of what?
I stole a glance at them as they walked out of the company, happy and so in love.
How sad for you, Val!
"The boss wants you to come back in."
The receptionist interrupted my thoughts.
My eyes widened. I hesitated but had no choice but to go. After all, I was waiting here, hoping for a chance, and here it was.
As soon as I came in, he stood up. I never imagined he could be so tall. I barely reached his shoulder.
I couldn't tell if it was because I was too short or because he was ridiculously tall.
I also noticed they had removed the ceiling fan and replaced it with another air conditioner.
"Do you think I will let you work for me?" he started.
So I was called back for another round of embarrassment?
What is this nonsense?
I tried to push it down and keep it all in.
"I'm sorry, sir. My mistake."
I turned to leave.
"You don't remember me, do you?"
His voice came again.
I stopped and stared at his face closely.
It couldn't be. The man from the subway. I dozed off on his shoulder.
What's his business with the subway?
That's not all. He was also the same man I bumped into at the church wedding entrance and ignored without apologizing.
He is the new boss?
His voice broke through my thoughts.
"You remember, right? Or is your brain that dull?"
I couldn't admit it. It was the most embarrassing thing ever.
"Sir, I normally have... memory loss... I don't remember."
I twitched my eye, hoping my acting skills could save me at this dying minute.
He scoffed and folded his hands.
"You are not a good liar."
Well, I guess I failed.
Then he sat back in his seat.
"By the way, you can't work here. Look for somewhere else. Now get out of my office," he commanded.
"You called me back for that? How could you? How could all of you be so heartless? What is wrong with humankind? What is my crime? Why all this?"
I didn't yell those words out; I only expressed them with my face.
And, of course, the brat wasn't even looking at me to begin with.