The next day came.
Seraphina stood at the entrance of the Maverick Corporation. She swallowed her saliva, gazing upwards at the building's imposing structure that rose majestically into the sky.
"Sera, breathe," she tried to calm herself.
Inside, a stunning atrium rose high into the air, surrounded by lush greenery and flooded with natural light. Marble, steel, and glass created a luxurious atmosphere, while cutting-edge facilities and innovative artwork inspired creativity and progress.
Seraphina had to admit, the Maverick Corporation's iconic building was a landmark of success and ingenuity.
She walked over to the receptionist's table.
"Good day, how may I help you?"
"Hi, I am Seraphina Lockwood representing the Lockwood Company, and I am here to submit a proposal for the construction contract."
The receptionist took a quick look at the screen before her, scanning through names and reservations.
"Good morning, Mrs. Seraphina Lockwood, we..."
"I'm sorry I understand that I don't have an appointment, and a representative of our company has already been rejected, but I was hoping there was any way you could squeeze me a meeting. No matter the time, I will wait," she rambled on.
Her mind was made up; she wasn't leaving until she had at least submitted her proposal.
"On the contrary, ma'am, we have been expecting you."
"Pardon?" Seraphina replied, unable to believe her ears.
"Yes, so if you will follow me this way to the VIP waiting lodge," the receptionist said as she ushered Seraphina through a few corners and finally into the VIP Waiting Lodge.
The VIP waiting lounge was a serene oasis, designed to pamper and impress. Plush leather armchairs and sofas were arranged in intimate conversation circles, surrounded by rich wood paneling and gleaming marble accents. Soft, warm lighting and a crackling fireplace created a cozy ambiance, while the complimentary bar and hors d'oeuvres added a touch of luxury.
"Wow," Seraphina marveled, her jaw slightly dropped.
Seraphina specialized in construction and interior design, so she had an eye for these things.
To top it off, it had discreet, personalized service catered to every whim, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free wait.
"What would you like while you wait, ma'am?"
"A glass of water will be fine," she replied.
Seraphina looked around, admiring the lounge's elegant décor.
"Well, well, well, I guess they will allow just anyone into this place," a voice said, approaching her.
Seraphina turned to its direction, and it was Jerry Fisher, prime head representative of the Fisher Construction Company Group.
Seven years ago, there was a merger plan to unite the Lockwood Family Construction and the Fisher Construction Company. This merger was supposed to strengthen both factions and create a stronger presence against their competitors. But the entire plan hinged on a marriage arrangement between Jerry and Seraphina, and Seraphina refused to marry him for a simple reason: his face was too ugly.
"Nice to see you too, Jerry. Good to know you're still ugly as ever," Seraphina clapped back.
"Ha-ha, humor and beauty. Now I remember why I had a thing for you. Too bad you don't come with brains," he replied.
"Don't you think that's rich, coming from a man whose wife divorced him and took half of his money and properties, only to marry his brother a few years later?"
Jerry grinned hard as he self-reflected.
Seraphina was right. How could he let this be done to him? A long time ago, he was married to a woman named Catherina Bellatrov. He loved her so much, but she divorced him after catching him in bed with her best friend. Catherina walked away with nearly everything he had. To this day, he still believed it was a setup planned by his wife and her best friend.
As if the pain and disgrace were not enough, merely three years after that, the Fisher Company was in financial trouble and needed a merger. They turned to the Lockwoods, but things didn't work out. Then they turned to the Bellatrov Clan, who agreed to the merger on the condition that Aaron Fisher, Jerry's younger brother, remarry his ex-wife, Catherina Bellatrov.
"That wouldn't have happened if you had just agreed to marry me," he said in spite and vexation.
"And that still wouldn't have happened if you weren't so ugly."
"And yet you chose to marry a wretched, penniless man," Jerry said.
Seraphina gave no response. She had none to give.
"What is his name again? Alexander Chase, was it? Is it true your father flew halfway across the world to find you a husband, at what cost though?" he said in a villainous, mocking tone.
Seraphina clenched her fists tight. She wanted to punch him in his smug, ugly face.
"May his soul continually rest in perfect peace," he said politely.
Seraphina stepped on his toe and whispered sharply into his ear, "Keep my father's name out of your mouth, unless you want it disfigured to match your face."
"Of course. My apologies," he said. "But I just cannot help but wonder how far he will roll in his grave when he finds out that his lovely daughter loses the contract that is already fated to be mine, and she's kicked out of the Lockwood family, along with her wretched husband."
Seraphina couldn't take it anymore. He had overly crossed the line. She made to raise her fist and smack his face when a voice spoke gently by her side.
"Ma'am, the Ass. CEO will see you now," the attendant said.
Seraphina took a deep breath and recomposed herself. She thanked her stars the attendant interrupted; if she hadn't, she would have foolishly blown away any chance she had of getting the contract due to mere provocation.
She walked away from Jerry Fisher and toward the exit.
"See you soon, at your soon to be new home, under the Pantheon Valley bridge," Jerry jested as she went along.