Anna felt a stab of pain in her chest. "You can't do that," she whispered. "I've worked so hard to get this job. I've made so many sacrifices."
"I'm sorry, Anna," Brooke said, his voice cold and final. "But this is a business decision. We have our image to consider." He glanced around the room once more, his expression unyielding. "I suggest you leave now. Don't make this any more awkward than it already is."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving her standing there alone, feeling like the world had been pulled out from under her. The music seemed to fade into the background as she took in her surroundings. Everyone around her was laughing and dancing, oblivious to the pain she was going through. She fought back the tears, not wanting to make a scene.
Finally, she mustered the courage to approach one of her friend, Stella. "I...I need to go," she managed to choke out. "Can you please get me out of here?" Her voice was barely audible above the music.
Stella, looking stunned, nodded and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Of course, Anna. Come on, let's get you home." They began to make their way through the crowd, dodging bodies as they moved towards the exit. On their way out, Anna explained everything and she was in disbelief. "you mean he fired you cause you came to a club??" "What is HE doing here in the first place?"
Tears rolled down her eyes as she quickly cleaned it. "This was all I got."
Her friend placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Hey, it's okay. We'll figure something out. You're too good to let someone like that get the best of you." She gave her a small smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.
Anna knew her friend was trying to be supportive, but she couldn't help but feel a deep sense of loss and betrayal. She had worked so hard to get this job, and now it was all gone, all because of a stupid mistake. She wondered what her parents would say, if they were still alive. They would have been so proud of her, and now...
She took a deep breath, and then slowly made her way to her car. As she drove home, she couldn't help but feel like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She knew that she would find a way to pick herself up and move on, no matter how difficult it might be. Because that's what strong, determined people do. They don't let others define them, and they certainly don't let a single setback derail their entire lives.
When she finally got home, she crawled into bed and cried herself to sleep. It felt like her world had been turned upside down. The next morning, she woke up to a quiet apartment, her cat purring softly beside her. She reached over to pet him, feeling the familiar comfort of his fur against her skin.
She knew she couldn't stay in bed all day, so she forced herself out of bed and began to get ready for the day. As she brushed her hair, she stared at herself in the mirror, trying to make sense of everything that had happened. She had never felt so lost or so alone.
She decided to go to the library, hoping to find some resources that could help her figure out what to do next. The library was a familiar, comforting place, and she needed that right now. As she walked through the stacks, she noticed a flyer on one of the tables. It was advertising for a job at a small local art gallery. She figured she had nothing to lose by applying, so she filled out the application and dropped it off at the desk.
For the next few days, she continued her job search, applying to any position that remotely interested her. She went on interviews, sent out resumes, and even made a few connections. It wasn't easy, but she refused to give up.
As the days turned into weeks, she began to feel more hopeful. She had managed to land a few interviews at promising startups and even gotten some positive feedback from her potential employers. It was clear that they saw her potential, despite what had happened in the past.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she received a job offer from one of the companies she had interviewed with. It wasn't the perfect job, but it was a step in the right direction. She knew that with hard work and determination, she could make a name for herself in this new position.
She accepted the offer, feeling a mix of relief and excitement. As she drove past the company where she had been fired, she couldn't help but feel a sense of vindication. They had underestimated her, and now she was going to prove them wrong.
She thought about giving Brooke Parker a piece of her mind but she stopped herself. The thought of him humiliating and downgrading her at the club like she was both flashed and she felt this wave of anger.
She decided to give Brooke Parker a piece of her mind. She reversed backwards, parked her car and walked purposefully towards 7th gates company's building, her heels clicking against the concrete.
Inside, the atmosphere was buzzing with activity. People were laughing and talking, their faces lit up with the thrill of success. It was a far cry from the desolate club where she had spent the last few months. She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and made her way to the reception desk.
"Hello, I'm here to see Mr. Parker," she said, trying to maintain her composure. The receptionist looked up from her computer, her expression neutral. "He's in a meeting at the moment. Can I take a message or schedule an appointment for you?"
"No, thank you. I'll wait," she replied, taking a seat in the plush waiting area. She glanced around at the artwork on the walls, feeling a sense of pride in her new surroundings. This was where she belonged. She could already see herself thriving in this environment, making a name for herself and proving to everyone that she was more than just a pretty face.
Time seemed to slow down as she waited. Her heart raced with anticipation, wondering how Mr. Parker would react to seeing her again. When he finally emerged from his meeting, she stood up, her spine straighter than ever. He looked surprised to see her, his expression shifting from irritation to confusion.
"Miss Williams," he said, his voice cool. "What a surprise. I didn't expect to see you here."
She forced herself to smile, even as she felt her anger simmering just below the surface. "Thank you for taking the time to see me, Mr. Parker. Can I talk to you privately?"
His eyes narrowed unsure of whether to attend to her or not, he then gestured for her to follow him into his office. Once they were inside, he shut the door and sat down behind his desk, looking at her up and down with a critical eye. "I'm listening," he said curtly.
She took a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure. "I've been thinking about our conversation the other day, and I understand why you felt the need to let me go. But I want to assure you that I've learned from my mistakes and I'm committed to proving my worth."
He raised an eyebrow, looking skeptical. "And how do you propose to do that?"
She reached into her purse and pulled out a copy of her new resume. "By joining your team, Mr. Johnson. I've been applying to various positions in the industry, and I believe that I have the skills and experience to contribute to your company's success. I'm willing to start at an entry-level position and work my way up."
He glanced down at her resume, his expression unreadable. "You're asking for a second chance, Miss Williams?"
She nodded, her voice steady. "Yes, sir. And I understand that I have to earn your trust. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to show you that I can be an asset to this company."
He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he considered her words. "I'll be honest, Miss Williams. It's been difficult to find someone with your background and experience. But you've made some poor choices in the past. I need to know that I can trust you."
She bit her lip, struggling to contain her emotions. "I understand, Mr. Parker. And I promise you, I won't let you down. I'm determined to prove myself to you and this company. Please, give me a chance to make things right."
He studied her face for a moment, seeming to weigh his options. He reached across his desk and extended his hand to her face caressing her cheek and studied her face which seemed like eternity.
Anna seemed to be getting uncomfortable before he finally said, "I'll accept you into the company if only we make an agreement."
Her eyes lit up but she wasn't so sure if to rejoice yet so she waited for him to finish. "what agreement." she muttered.
"I'll be having a family gathering at my family home for a week, my mother is very persistent on bringing a wife to be along, if not, she will kill me."
Her eyes widened in shock, "are you asking for my hand in marriage!??"
"Of course not, relax" he said as he stood up moving towards her and rested on the desk right in front of her, "you're there to fool her."
"I still don't understand, why me?" she asked curiously.
He raked her body with his eyes from top to bottom. He noticed her shabby hair, her modest clothing, her "not so perfect heels."
He then stated, "Isn't it obvious? you're her type."
She frowned, not quite understanding. "Your mother's type?"
He chuckled softly. "Yes, my mother is an old-fashioned woman who believes that a wife should be meek, modest, and submissive. You fit the bill perfectly."
Anna's eyes widened. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me," Mr. Parker smuggly replied. "I need you to pretend to be my wife for a week, long enough so my mother can see that I'm settling down.
After that, we can go our separate ways. You can get the job, and I can go back to my old life."
Anna took a deep breath, trying to process what he'd just said. She couldn't believe he was asking her to do this. "But what about love?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "What about the fact that we're not even in love with each other?"
Mr. Parker smiled reassuringly, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "My mother doesn't need to know that. She only needs to see that I'm committed to someone."
Anna swallowed hard, feeling a knot forming in her throat. She knew this was a huge risk, but it was also an opportunity to prove herself. To make things right. "Alright," she said slowly, "I'll do it."
Mr. Parker smiled, his expression softening. "Thank you, Anna. I know this isn't easy for you." He handed her a piece of paper, which she took carefully. "Here's the address of my family home. You'll be leaving tomorrow morning at eight.
Wear something that will make you look like a respectable wife. My driver will pick you up at your place."
She nodded, her heart racing. "Okay."
"And remember," he said, his voice serious, "you are my wife, even if it's only for a week. You must act the part. No more sassiness or defiance. Understand?"
She swallowed and tried to look convincing. "Yes, I understand."
He studied her for a moment before turning away and walking back around his desk. "Good. Then it's settled. You can get started packing."
As she turned to leave, she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Excitement, fear, and determination all warred inside her. She knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to prove herself to Mr. Johnson and she wasn't about to blow it. She would do whatever it took to make them see that she was the right choice, even if it meant playing a role for a week.
Back in her apartment, Anna began to pack her things, her mind racing with thoughts of what she would have to do to convince everyone at the Johnson's estate that she was truly Mr. Johnson's wife. She dug through her closet, searching for something that would fit the part, eventually settling on a modest, yet elegant dress that she hadn't worn since her high school graduation. It was the best she could do on such short notice.
The next morning as she dressed for the trip, she couldn't help but wonder what life at the Parker's estate would be like. She'd heard stories about their wealth and their status, but she'd never actually been invited to any of their gatherings. Now, in a twist of fate, she was about to spend an entire week with them. She took a deep breath, steeled herself, and prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.