I woke up to sunlight streaming across my face.
For a moment, I just lay there and let it sit on my skin.
I blinked and turned my head toward the wall clock. 7:50a.m.
My body was still sore from yesterday.
I lay there for a moment longer, staring at the ceiling.
I didn't have a job anymore.The weight of that reality pressed down on me like a heavy stone.
My fingers curled against the bedsheet without me meaning to. I made myself stop.
I decided to go downstairs and get some coffee.
I got up and headed downstairs.
I found my way to the kitchen and started making coffee.
I was just pouring the hot water when I heard footsteps behind me.
"You're awake."
I turned around. Mrs. Rian stood in the kitchen doorway, already dressed with a gentle smile on her face.
"Yes," I said, managing a small smile back. "I was just making coffee. Would you like a cup?"
She shook her head. "I'm alright, dear." Then she paused, "There's something I'd like to talk to you about. Come sit with me."
My stomach tightened. I set down the mug and followed her into the living room.
We settled across from each other, and she looked at me, "I got you a job," she said. "As my son's personal assistant."
I stared at her.
For a full second, I genuinely wasn't sure I'd heard her right. My brain tried to assemble the words into something that made sense.
"A PA?" I said slowly.
"Yes." She nodded, completely calm, "I've already told him you're qualified. I hope that's alright."
I looked at her with surprise written all over my face
"Yes… yes, absolutely," I said, "I can do that. I really can. Thank you, ma. Honestly, thank you so much."
She smiled like it was nothing.
"You're welcome," she said warmly. Then, almost as an afterthought: "He'd like you to come in for an interview by 9:00am today. My driver will take you. You should start getting ready, it's getting a bit late."
"Of course," I said quickly, already rising. "Thank you once more."
I rushed upstairs, my heart racing. It was already 8:10 a.m. by the time I got back to the guest room. I quickly took off my clothes, entered the bathroom, and had a quick shower.
The water was hot and I stood under it longer than I had time for, my thoughts racing. What if I mess this up? What if I walk in there and he takes one look at me and decides his mother made a mistake?.
I switched off the water. No time for that.
I decided to go for a white shirt and a black loose skirt, simple and professional.
I dressed quickly and stood in front of the mirror, pulled my hair into a neat ponytail.
By the time I grabbed my bag, it was 8:45 am.
The driver was already waiting. I muttered a quick sorry, and he said, "It's okay, ma'am." We got into the car and drove out of the compound.
I sat at the passenger's seat, my hands twisting in my lap. The beautiful houses in the estate passed by in a blur. I hadn't noticed them properly the first time because I was sleeping.
They all looked large and elegant, but I could barely focus.
I prayed silently that I wouldn't mess it up.
Few minutes later we arrived at the company. It was already 9:10 a.m.
I thanked the driver and got down quickly, my heart pounding. I looked up at the tall glass building with "Blackwood Holding Limited" written boldly at the top.
I stood outside for a few seconds, silently praying things would go well. My hands were sweaty. I took a deep breath and walked into the building. The lobby was wide and polished.
I crossed to the reception desk and kept my voice as steady as I could manage.
"I'm here for an interview. My name is Eva."
The receptionist barely glanced up. "Last floor."
I nodded, said thank you, and made my way to the elevators.I pressed the door, it opened and I stepped in and hit the button for the 25th floor, the highest one, and stood back as the doors slid shut.
The elevator moved slowly. I checked my watch and the time was now 9:15am.
I was late. My stomach twisted with panic.
What if this was my only chance and I was blowing it?
My phone suddenly buzzed in my bag. I ignored it at first, too focused on the floor numbers ticking up. It buzzed again. I decided to check who it was. I brought it out, and my heart stopped.
It was a message from my ex-husband: "Come to the court house at 4 p.m. to sign the papers."
My heart slammed against my chest and all the memories came crashing hard.
The pain hit me like a wave. The betrayal. The way he and his mother had thrown me out into the rain. The way I had begged to stay just one more night but they pushed me away. Everything I had sacrificed…my job, my dignity, my future.
I felt my knees weaken. Tears blurred my vision as I clutched the phone tighter. How could he still have this power over me? How could one message make me feel so small again, right when I was trying to start over?. I leaned against the elevator wall.
I was breathing hard and my eyes burned with tears.
I pressed the back of my hands against them and breathed slowly through my nose, fighting the urge to cry right there.
The elevator dinged as it reached the 25th floor.
I dropped my phone into my bag.
I wiped my eyes quickly, straightened my shoulders, and stepped out, trying to look composed even though my heart was still breaking inside.