Ava
There are only 3 hours left before my scheduled interview with my client. I haven't heard any updates from my boss either and I'm starting to feel nervous. This is an opportunity I can't miss. I have to impress my boss, but my duty as a wife comes first. Derek needs me with him today so I called my boss last night to tell her I won't make it today because Derek and I have to leave. She was very understanding and she told me she'll inform the client right away and asked him if it's okay to reschedule.
I know there's a huge chance he won't agree, in the first place, we are the ones who asked him for it. Geneva said he was a very busy and in-demand man and he was just kind enough to permit us to interview him in his free time, I feel bad about it already, but what can I do? I can't do it today.
I stare blankly at my phone, waiting for her call and I was surprised when it rings. I felt ecstatic and nervous when I saw my boss's name on it. I answered the phone immediately "Geneva!" I exclaimed.
"Hey!" she greeted, I heard scrambling of papers in the background, it must've been a busy day in the office "Give me one second," she said.
I gulped and waited for her. I heard the scraping of a chair and I closed my eyes because I hate the sound of it "Okay, what's up?" she asked.
I breathed heavily and rolled my eyes as I sit on my couch "I'm about to leave with Derek soon, I'm really sorry I won't make it to my first project."
"Yup, I feel sorry too." she sighs "Mr. Anderson doesn't want to proceed with the interview already," she said.
I felt terrible and ashamed, we just let go of a great topic from the CEO of Lighthouse Merchandise "Oh my god, I'm terribly sorry, Geneva."
"It's okay, it happens. Lucky you, I have another prospect."
"What, you mean, you're going to give me another chance?" I exclaimed.
Geneva chuckled "Of course I would. You're a great writer Ava, you just need a break."
"Oh my god, Thank you!" I screamed. I feel so happy that after all, she would still trust me on another one.
"Oh don't thank me, it's the best I can do for your dedication and hard work. So, I will send you the details through email tonight. I advise doing advanced research on this one. Do let me know if you have any questions."
"Of course I will, oh I can't thank you enough."
"Just do your best and give me good content. I'm counting on you," she said.
I nodded continuously as if she can see me "I will. Thank you! I'll talk to you soon. Bye!" we hang up the phone and I literally jump in joy and excitement.
I work for a magazine company. Geneva Harlem was the CEO, she's a few years older than me. We met in school when she was invited to be a speaker at a seminar I attended once. She was nice. I sent her an email after I graduated and told her how much I wanted to work for her. She said she wanted to try me out when I graduate.
Unfortunately, things didn't turn out the way I planned them. Just a few months after I graduated, I was married off to Derek and wasn't able to work until recently. I've been a plain housewife and only allowed to leave the house when I need to buy groceries or if I have to be somewhere at Derek's disposal.
I was deprived of freedom and social life. Six months ago, Derek thought it would be better for me to work so I won't leech him for money. He knows better than anyone I never asked him for anything, but I never argue about it. He can think whatever he wants to think as long as he'll allow me to work and establish a career of my own.
Geneva, who knew what happened to me, willingly took me under her wings and I've been working with her company for months now, so long I would come home on time or before Derek does or he'd stop me from working again. I've been doing my best since so he won't change his mind about me, working.
I love my job. Not just because I get to write as much as I want to, but also because that's where I feel liberated. That's where I can be myself. I've always wanted and dreamed of becoming a novelist someday but I know it can wait. If being a content writer is what I can get, for now, I'd still give my best.
I always base my content on my researches. It's difficult to do so, especially if you aim to produce your original content, but I was able to manage to create and provide the best content since I started. Geneva thought it'd be better to start interacting with big names too, and so she decides on giving me my first project.
I'm excited about it, but nervous too. I mean, it will be my first time interviewing someone I haven't met before. It's not like the projects I've done in school. It's an actual, professional, interview. Besides, I don't have any idea who would it be yet. It could be anyone, a celebrity, a model, a sport's icon, or a businessman. All I know is that I have to be ready and make sure I won't mess it up this time.
I parked my car in front of Derek's building and texted him to let him know I have just arrived. We agreed to meet in his office in my car, I'll be driving to grandpa Henry's mansion. It is one thing about Derek, he never once, introduced me to his work colleague, whether he's ashamed of me or he's hiding a secretary under his table, I don't care. All I know is that we have this kind of relationship where he's always triggered when I'm around him and I'm always scared of him.
We've been married for three years but we never slept beside each other. Never touched each other as a couple. We sleep in separate rooms, he barely looks at me. Which is completely fine with me. I mean, I never wanted to sleep with him either. Derek is a handsome man, but I don't have feelings for him. I know he just married me so he can get what he wants with grandpa Henry and I'm okay with it, but I just wish for once, he would stop hurting me.
"You're late!" he hissed when he entered the car and shut the door harder than he should.
I jumped in surprise and gulp "I'm sorry. Traffic." I barely look at him.
He breathed heavily and nod his head slightly "Drive." he simply said.
I know he's trying to be in his best mood. He wouldn't want to meet his grandfather with his tyrant attitude. Sometimes, I wonder why grandpa doesn't seem to notice his facade. Poor man, he never had another grandson to sign off his wealth to.
We arrived in Grandpa Henry's mansion and we were escorted by his house lord, to his room. How can an old man live in a massive house alone? Without any family member. It feels super sad. The closest of a family he can call is his maids.
Seeing grandpa Henry in the middle of a king-size bed in the center of his large room makes me upset, especially right now that's he looks very sick. It reminds me of my late father and the feeling I had when he died on my watch. Oh how much I love and miss my dad.
"Is it you, Derek?" he asked in a hoarse voice without looking in our direction.
"It's me, pops. Ava is also with me," Derek replied and glance at me.
Grandpa Henry smiles and coughed "So I heard." he said in between coughs.
He extended his arms and I gladly reached out to touch his hand and hold it "Good to see you again, grandpa." I kissed his hand.
"I hope I can see you, too young lady." he chuckled "How are you?" he asked.
My heart aches, remembering he has a very poor vision already that he almost can't see us. I'm bruised in my face, grandpa. I wanted to tell him, but of course, I didn't "I'm good. Always have been." I laughed nervously.
"Hmmm." he sounds unconvinced with my answer. To avoid his further questions, I started to engage him with my stories about work, and some made-up stories about Derek and me. Mrs. Carlson reminded me last night to make sure grandpa would hear what he wants to hear, and that is to know I and Derek are happily married, that Derek is taking full responsibility like a married man would do, and that he's ready to be the new CEO of every business under Grandpa Henry's name.
The day went by like that, when we are about to leave, grandpa asked me to stay behind and told Derek he needs my help with his medicines.
Derek seems happy with the result of our visit. who wouldn't when you can see your future as a CEO clearly.
But for me, I left with a heavy heart but a fulfilled feeling. I have underestimated grandpa. He was old and weak, but he wasn't stupid. No, he wasn't. I exhaled deeply as I drive out of grandpa's mansion, thinking about what he told me, over and over again.