Chapter 6 NEW LIFE

GENEVIEVE POV

I sighed for the umpteenth time as I struggled to choose between the three dresses lying on my bed. One was a floral gown that fitted well, the others looking rather good, but it was not giving the vibes I wanted.

I glanced at my phone, the memory of the last two days crawling through my mind. I sat, looking outside the window of my new room in New Zealand.

Yes, New Zealand. It was the country I selected out of the three countries I was offered by my school. The others were literally countries closer to the United States of America,' Mexico and Chicago.'

No one had to tell me that my presence wasn't needed in the States because it reminded me of some things. Things I wanted to leave in the past.

But then, I felt guilty at the fact that I ignored all the calls from my mum. It was so difficult to stay angry at her, remembering how she treated me so well for the past twenty-five years of my life.

I had spent only a few days with Anabelle before reaching New Zealand. And even though she tried to persuade me a million times, I didn't listen. I already made up my mind. I had only informed my mum via message that I traveled. Ever since then, I had gotten a hundred calls from her, before finally switching off the phone.

I glanced at my phone, as I reached out to it, the only thought ringing in my ears was to call my mum. I breathe out, putting on my phone. I called as she picked on the second ring.

"Child. Are you fine? I've been worried about you." Worry was boldly laced over her voice, the stab of guilt eating me up again.

I should be mad at her, but I couldn't. Instead, I felt guilty for throwing the blame on her for keeping such a secret away from me.

"I'm fine. I am getting ready for my job now. I have to go." I closed my eyes, trying not to imagine the sadness on her face, at my lack of interest in wanting to talk to her.

"Genevieve," her soft voice rang through.

"I'm sorry I kept something that important from you. I really love you and was scared to lose you. Always remember I love you okay." I nodded at her words, gripping harder on the phone as if it would leave my hand anytime soon.

"Thanks mum. Bye." With that, I hung up the call.

I breathe out, as a lone tear escapes my eyes. At that point, I wasn't sure whether I was still holding grudges against my foster parents, but yet it hurt me that I wanted to run away from them. It took a lot of courage to make that decision.

The tick tock sound of my phone jolted me out of my reverie as I picked it. It indicated a message from dad.

He never called. Not that he cared about me. He was only after his interests,' selling me off into an arranged marriage.

The thought of it makes me sick.

Reflecting back, it dawned on me, I should have figured out he wasn't my real father. He never showed me that fatherly love. He never encouraged me but was bound on discouraging me.

I took one last look at my phone before unlocking to see the message.

"You really think running away will help you? You will be an ungrateful child if you do not come back to marry Anderson. Our lives are in your hands, and if we suffer or die, our blood will be on you." I gasped in shock at the message, as I hit the delete button.

I wasted no time in picking my work clothes, hoping it would take my mind off that cruel message.

I finally settled for a pencil skirt with blue blouse along with a set of black stiletto heels. The urge to leave was suddenly greater than usual.

"I won't let his words get to me." I kept chanting in my head, hoping it would stop the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.

..........

I glanced at the skyscraper in front of me, the morning sun glazing against it, making it look stunning. I glanced at my watch, a small smile creping to my lips, at realizing I was thirty minutes earlier than the scheduled time.

I took strides inside, greeting the receptionist as she offered the sweetest smile, after I handed her a letter. She directed me to the Managing Director office as I took the elevator.

Throughout my elevator ride to the fifteenth floor, I suddenly felt nervous. What if I failed at the interview? Or what if I wasn't competent enough?

It was at that moment I wished Anabelle were around. But for now, I could only encourage myself to stay calm and confident, even when it's almost as if the confidence were clouded with insecurities.

The elevator opened as I walked straight to the front door with a tag on it. I knocked as a voice rang through beckoning me to come in.

Closing the door behind, my eyes met with the manager, his gaze sweeping past me for a while.

"Good morning sir," I greeted.

"Good morning Miss Genevieve Armstrong, please sit." I nodded, taking a seat in front of him.

His gaze firmly at a document, as I took in his features. He looked like he was in his early forties, slight gray hair evident on his black full hair.

Resting his chin on the back of his palm, he smiled.

"I'm quite impressed by your punctuality. And just going through your CV, I realized how talented and well skilled you are." My lips curled up into a smile at his comment.

"I'm curious, though. Apart from the fact that you are the best for this job, why didn't you accept the job offer in the States?"

My mind sank at his words, and I was beginning to see clearly he wasn't minding his business.

"I just wanted to explore." I lied, not looking him in the eyes.

He sighed, as I fiddled with my fingers. I couldn't help but remember why I left the States. I was running away from everything.

My foster parents, my betrothed marriage, all my pasts. I wanted to start a new life here in New Zealand. It seems quiet and perfect for a personality like mine.

"Congratulations, you are the lady for the job. You can start work tomorrow," he announced. My heart leapt faster than usual.

I expected it, but I felt happier.

He handed me a file, as I took it. "Here is a file containing the details of your job, as well as a contract. Take your time to go through it before signing."

I nodded with optimism glowing in me, as I scanned through. I wasn't sure if the excitement in me was what prevented me from thoroughly reading. I was more than ready to start as soon as possible.

A pen in my hand, I placed down my signature before handing it to my face, a smile boldly written all over my face.

"A soft copy of this will be sent to you. Mrs. Robinson will be waiting at the lobby to take you on a tour round the company today. All the best."

We shook hands, as I left.

The moment I stepped out felt as if I was out of daze. Reality dawned on me, as I felt giddy.

I smell freedom. From my past, betrayal and arranged marriage.

I was ready to start a new life.