Chapter 4 Failed Applications

Ariana's POV

I don't know for how long that I stay on the porch but Dee and Trevor drive into the garage and find me at their doorstep, clinging onto a parcel.

As if Dee gets it, she looks at me sadly.

"Oh, Ari." She crouches and pulls me into a hug.

I sink into her and sob, wetting the jacket that she has on.

That night, the house is quiet. No one says anything. Dee spends the night in my room and I stay in her arms all night.

I wake up from my sleep and look outside to find it still dark. So many thoughts fill my mind, especially the ones with Dominic.

I hadn't even noticed anything. I just thought it was his usual mood swings. I didn't even guess that he was cheating on me or even planning to leave me.

What would I do now?

Dee snuggles closer to me and I hold her tighter.

I can't keep inconveniencing her. She has done so much for me already. I need to sulk it up and find a job so I can leave and get my place.

-

"I have decided to sign the papers." Trevor and Dee turn to me with surprise on their faces.

"What makes you say that?" Dee asks, buttering her bread.

It was breakfast and we are currently at the dining table for our meal.

"I want to be honest with myself. What would not signing it do? Do I want to go back to someone who's cheating on me? I wouldn't want that and I know you wouldn't allow that, Dee." I sigh and continue.

"I would sign the papers and send his copies. I would have to tell my family too though. They must have seen it in the news but I threw my phone, probably why they can't reach me."

Dee nods and scoots over to squeeze my hand. Trevor gives me a small smile and goes back to eating.

I take a deep breath "I'll also look for a job."

"What?! Ari, I have no issue with you staying with us. The house is big enough." Dee says, trying to get me to stay.

"Dee, I know you're trying to help but you both are just newly married. I wouldn't want to intrude."

Dee looks at me in silence for a while. Her head droops in acceptance that I have made up my mind to leave after getting a job.

"I have already applied in some places and I'd be going for an interview today"

"Wow, that fast?" Trevor says with food in his mouth and Dee gives him the stink eye.

I chuckle, "Yes, that fast."

Trevor finishes his meal and places a chaste kiss on Dee's head, telling her that he'll be leaving for work.

I love my friend but I can't stay and witness their love. It made my heart ache each time.

-

I walk into the huge building for my interview. I had earlier signed the papers and sent Dominic's share to our home, which was now solely his.

I need to get on my two feet first before I think of getting everything Dominic took from me. All I feel when thoughts of him come to mind is anger.

"Hi, I'm Ariana White. I am here for the interview of office assistant." The receptionist looks me over while loudly chewing her gum and then moves her eyes to her computer.

I hope I'm appropriately dressed. I had black heels on, a corporate white shirt, and a deep blue skirt. My hair was thrown into a sleek bun, and all my papers were in my hands.

"Take the elevator to the fifth floor and go to room 8."

I nod and thank her, and do as she says.

I knock on the door and step back, waiting to be called in.

"Come in." A gruff voice says

I walk in and seated behind the large desk is an old man in his late 50s. The CEO of Macklemore Architects.

We had beaten them in a contract once.

Immediately, he looks up, recognises me and bursts out in laughter.

"Well, well, well... look who is here. To think I would see this day. Take a seat."

I take a seat and try my best to look comfortable.

"Let me have your documents."

I give them to him and he goes through them. His frown deepens as he flips each page.

"This doesn't make sense. All the things you've mentioned here as your designs were presented as Dominic's." He looks at me suspiciously.

"I was the one that made those designs, Sir. They were merely presented in my ex-husband's name."

He sighs and runs his hand through his hair. "I'm sorry, Miss Ariana, but I can't take you for this job even if I want to. Trust me, you are one of the people we would need here. Mr Lancaster applied a letter to the Architectural body in the city. You can't apply for a job in that field anymore..

Especially here in Manhattan." His face softens.

What?! What did Dominic do? Why would he do this to me?

"Is there some other job I can do? I'm willing to do anything." I plead, hoping to get some sort of sympathy from him.

"I'm sorry. My hands are tied. I assure you that this would likely be the same result if you have other interviews to attend."

Tears brim in my eyes but I blink them away and stand up, trying to salvage the rest of my dignity.

"Thank you for your time."

He nods and I leave.

I cry back home. Dee was in the living room watching TV when I burst in crying.

"Ari, how did it go–" she notices my watery eyes and her smile disappears. She rushes to me and hugs me. She then pulls back and rushes to the kitchen.

When she reappears, she's holding Ben and Jerry's mint chocolate ice cream and two spoons.

"Want to join me?"

I nod, and we settle in the chair together and stuff our faces with ice cream while binging romantic series till late in the night.

The credits of the movie we are watching are rolling in when Dee stands up from the sofa with so much energy.

"Let's go out."

I look outside and it's already dark. "It's already late, Dee."

"I know, that's why we're going to a club. Come on get up."

She drags me up from the sofa and into the halls to her room.

"We're going to have so much fun." She screams and I just shake my head and smile.