As soon as I reached home, I called Matthew because he was the only one who would set up an interview for me. Also, he was working at The Orchids.
"Hey Elira!" He spoke in a hoarse voice as if he had woken up from sleep.
"Hey! Were you sleeping?"
"Yeah! That's fine, tell me."
"An interview is scheduled for me. Do you know anything about it?"
Excitement spilled in his tone as he spoke, "Finally! I had to go to lengths to set it up."
My heart pounded at his answer. I didn't expect him to do such a thing for me. I could not express what I felt in words, so I just kept quiet.
"Elira? You there?"
His voice interrupted me. "Yes! Matt, I don't know how to thank you…"
"Hey, stop it. Just prepare well. They know everything about you, including your discontinuation of studies. Your role would be teaching basic English to elementary students, so don't be afraid."
"Sure, Matt. Thank you, again."
He then cut the call. I fell on the bed while my heart filled with enormous happiness. I couldn't help but smile at the thought of me being a teacher. I swore to myself to not mess it up.
The next morning, I reached the school earlier than the scheduled time. Nervousness started to take a toll on me, and my hands started to shiver.
"Hey!" Matthew held my hand, smiling. "Look at me."
Holding my shoulders, he made me turn towards him. He said, "The interview will not be tough. You'll be asked about basic English grammar, and they test your patience as you'd be dealing with kids."
I nodded, still feeling nervous. I wanted the job so much that my anxiety started to make my head spin.
"You'll crack it, okay?" He pulled me into a warm hug, which surprisingly calmed me.
I didn't want to let him go. I wanted to stay in that position forever, getting the endless warmth and support.
He also didn't say anything but let me cling to him. Then after a minute, I pulled myself away from him and let out a big smile. I said, confidently, "I am going to clear this interview and throw a party for you."
"I will be waiting for the party."
Then he left for his classes. I sat in the waiting hall, and in just a few minutes, I was called. There was only one interviewer, and he gestured for me to sit.
"Please introduce yourself." He spoke.
I introduced myself and talked about the outstanding grades I got until middle school. He listened to me attentively but stopped me in the middle.
He said, "You haven't finished your high school, have you?"
With that question, my nervousness started to come back. I answered, "Yeah! Because of financial reasons. But I had very good grades until…"
He cut me off again. "No one considers middle school grades, Ms. Yung! I hope you know it."
Quietly, I nodded. His every word started to make me lose my confidence.
"I don't understand how your application got selected. You don't have any prior experience or at least a degree, but you came here confidently, hoping to get this job." He put his elbows on the table, leaning forward. "This confidence can't be because you promised our principal or someone to give something, like… money or…"
His gaze fell on my breasts, which made me shut my eyes in embarrassment.
Letting out a fake smile, I replied, "It's not because I gave anyone anything, but because I am confident enough to teach elementary kids."
"Sometimes confidence itself is not enough."
He then proceeded with basic questions, but he was not ready to even listen to my answers. I understood that he was not going to give me the job.
Later, I met Matthew before leaving. Excitedly, he asked, "How did it go?"
I didn't want to ruin his mood by telling what had happened, so I simply lied about it, but the recruiter's words didn't leave my head. It felt like he embarrassed me deliberately, but I didn't understand the reason behind it.
It ruined my day, as I couldn't stop thinking about it. Even in the club, I kept thinking about his words, and only to worsen my mood, the manager said, "You are assigned to the VIP section tonight."
And, when I reached the assigned room, I saw Mr. Wolfie on the couch, having his drink.
As if he read my mind and knew everything that happened, he asked, "Rough day, babygirl?"
Of course! Anyone could see it in my tired face and sadness-struck face.
I didn't reply to anything but put the food on the table. "I will be serving you tonight."
"Have you thought about my contract? It's still open for you."
I avoided his question and kept silent. From the corner of my eye, I noticed his gaze on me, but I chose to ignore it.
"Serve the drink." He ordered.
I poured him the drink while he kept his gaze on my short skirt that exposed my thighs. He then suddenly stood straight, surprising me. I gulped as he towered over me with his tall frame.
Immediately, I took a step back, but he walked towards me, starting to unbutton his shirt.
My heart thumped, and my entire body shivered while all the negative thoughts filled my head. Frightened, I turned around to leave, but he held my wrist, stopping me.
His shirt fell to the ground, revealing his muscular chest and perfect abs.
"You said you'd serve me tonight. Let me be your master then."