Chapter 5 Living Without Him

Holding my breath, I remained as quiet as I could, trying to catch every word from Mr. Westbrook, the CEO.

Calmly, in a solemn tone, he said, "We sent you an email on behalf of our company, inviting you to join us starting tomorrow. But we didn't get a confirmation reply from you. So, I wanted to make sure if you received the email and if you're ready to join or not. It seems like you're busy with your own matters. Should I call you back after some time?"

Without letting his words settle, I quickly responded, "I am heartily sorry about that, sir. In my excitement, I completely forgot to reply. I am absolutely ready to join your company. Even if you tell me to start right now, I won't hesitate. I am super ready."

"Fine, then see you in ten minutes," he commanded curtly.

His serious tone left no room for doubt that he wasn't joking.

"I beg your pardon?" I gulped hard, clenching my fist. Great, go on being overconfident, a voice in my mind scolded me.

"You said you can join now, right? So, I'm telling you to meet me in ten minutes at my company. Is there a problem?" he replied.

"No, no, absolutely not. I'll be there shortly," I said, quickly marching to the wardrobe.

I rummaged through my pile of unmanaged clothes, trying to find something appropriate to wear, all while holding my phone between my shoulder and ear. Even though I wanted to hang up, I couldn't bring myself to be rude, especially since he had called me.

I had to hold on to this opportunity-whatever it took, I had to seize it.

"Hahaha!"

Just as I grabbed a black dress, a loud laugh came from the other end of the phone. My hands froze. My eyes narrowed in confusion, unsure whether he was serious or just playing a prank.

"I'm just kidding, Miss Worth. I didn't think you'd take it this seriously. I like your spirit. Welcome to my company."

Sighing heavily, I stood there, planting one hand on my hip and the other holding the phone. Though I knew I should express my gratitude for the job offer, nothing came out, which only made me feel more embarrassed.

"Anyway, see you tomorrow at nine in the morning," he added casually.

"Got that. And by the way, I'm sorry about yelling..." Before I could finish, he hung up the call.

Staring at the blank screen, I wasn't sure whether I should call back and apologize or just let it go. My heart raced, and anxiety flooded my veins. Because of my naïve mistake in not checking the caller's identity, I couldn't properly celebrate the fact that I had landed the job.

I hesitated, then typed out a message: Dear CEO!

I paused and then changed "Dear" to "Respected."

Respected CEO, I am heartily sorry for mistaking you for someone else and scolding you. I didn't mean to be rude. Please trust me when I say I didn't know it was you. I hope you will forgive me, and I look forward to working with you peacefully in the future.

After editing the message five times, I finally sent it. The text was delivered almost instantly. But the lack of response only deepened my sense of embarrassment.

After a sleepless night, thinking about what he might be thinking of me, and wondering how my future would unfold, the day finally came. The day I had been anxiously waiting for was here.

I dressed in a black skirt and a white shirt, neatly rolling my hair into a bun. Sitting in front of the mirror, I applied thin eyeliner, followed by a swipe of red lipstick. I rubbed my lips together, grabbed my bag, and stepped out of my apartment.

I took a cab to my new workplace, though, rather than excitement, my heart was filled with nerves. The embarrassing phone call still haunted me, and not receiving a reply from him only added to my unease.

"Miss!" The driver's voice snapped me from my thoughts.

"Yes!" I replied quickly.

"You said ABC Corporation, right?" he asked, glancing at me through the rearview mirror.

I nodded.

"We're already here," he announced.

Looking out the window, I immediately spotted the nameplate on the grey brick wall: ABC Corporation. My heart skipped a beat, and my mind barely processed the moment.

Trying to keep my composure, I stepped out of the cab after paying, only to realize I had forgotten to check my wristwatch. I instinctively looked at my wrist-empty. It reminded me of Nathaniel, my betrayer. The man I had been willing to do anything for.

The days I spent comparing myself to Emma, the moments when I'd look into the mirror and try to imitate her so Nathaniel wouldn't leave me for her, all came rushing back. I laughed at myself now, realizing how foolish I had been.

But as I stared at the towering ABC Corporation building beyond the tall iron gates, all those painful memories began to fade away.

The enormous building, with its gleaming glass exterior reflecting the sunlight like a diamond, filled me with a rush of joy. I was about to work in a place I had always dreamed of.

Though it had always been my dream to work for such a renowned company, I had never tried my luck before. The thought of not seeing Nathaniel at work, of having to face the reality of his betrayal, was something I hadn't been ready to confront. But now, things have changed. I was here. Ready to start my new job and prove to Nathaniel that I could live without him.