Chapter 3
Evelyn sighed, looking at him, sincerely worried, "I overheard your discussion with Olivia. I'm just worried, this marriage might not last much longer. " She said, blinking her eyes.
James was silent, his face calm yet unyielding, "I understand your point, Mother, but it will." He replied, shaking his head. "I love Olivia and deep down, I know she loves me too." He said, firmly.
Evelyn let out a relieved breath and reluctantly said, "Hmm…I pray so…" And walked away.
As Evelyn walked away, James stood in silence for a moment, letting Evelyn's words linger. Then he remembered Olivia's car and with a deep sigh, he headed back outside to wash the car, his mind already turning to the day ahead.
Ten minutes later, he had finished washing the car and he went to his room to take his bath. Entering the room, he shut the door behind him and headed to the bathroom after pulling off his clothes.
Soon, he was out with a white thick towel wrapped around his waist, feeling refreshed. It was his first time going for an interview, and he knew he needed to get there early, knowing there would be a whole lot of applicants.
James got himself dressed up. He was putting on one of his casual clothes which he had managed to purchase with his little savings.
He then scrutinized himself on the large mirror hanging on the wall, ensuring he was perfectly ok. With a nod of satisfaction, he grabbed a brown envelope where his CV was neatly placed and walked downstairs.
Grandma Aurora and his son, Leonard were the only people in the living room. When they saw James walking downstairs, they stopped in their discussions, exchanging surprised and confused glances.
Then they focused their attention on James who was now closer to them.
"Where are you going with those dirty clothes of yours?" Grandma Aurora was the first to speak and she ridiculed him.
Leonard noticed a brown envelope in his hand and also chided in, "And what's that in your hand?" He was equally disgusted at James' appearance.
James swallowed hard and replied confidently, "You all complained of me being a burden to you so I'm going for an interview hopefully to secure a job. I don't want to bother you all anymore."
Grandma Aurora and Leonard both burst into laughter. "Did I just hear you say job?" Aurora raised her eyebrows at him. "Dressed like this for an interview?" Her amused face turned into a scowl, "have you no shame? What impression would you show? Or do you just want to paint this reputable family a bad image?"
Right after her words dropped, James cursed under his lips, "Reputable family my foot! The family who is badmouthed has no reputation."
"It's clearly his intention. Because why would he dress this way for an interview?" Leonard said harshly, snapping James from his thoughts.
James remained quiet, listening to their abusive words. He sighed and glanced at his cheap watch. It was getting late. As a result, he announced, deciding to tease before hurriedly going out, "I'm running late already, I have to go. See you both soon. Love you."
Aurora's and Leonard's faces twisted into a rage that couldn't contain the room. They clenched their lips, and hands into fists. His words really got them furious.
"May you get involved in a fatal accident, bastard." Grandma Aurora clenched her lips, cursing after him.
****
Although the road to the interview was bustling, the car that conveyed James finally came to a stop in an hour and twenty minutes. Stepping out of the car, James reached out his hand into his pocket and brought the $10 note that Olivia gave him.
He handed it to the driver who instantly frowned after seeing the money, "What's this for? $10 for an hour and twenty minutes drive?" He sneered, stepping out of the car with a stern face.
James looked at the driver, confused.
The driver continued, tone sharp and harsh, "When was the last time you moved out from your comfort zone?" James was starting to feel embarrassed.
People were passing by and some were entering the company's compound.
James, sensing the tension escalating, brought his voice low and replied, "I'm sorry if that isn't up to the fare. Please, accept it and that will cause a scene, please." He begged politely.
The driver was moved by emotions and compassion, calmed himself but fired before entering his car and drove away, "Next time, sit at home and don't go out when you can't afford the fare. Wretched fool!"
James let out a relieved breath, happy that the driver didn't cause any scene. Taking a satisfied breath, he took a minute to look at the towering glass structure that stood giantly in his front.
The sheer scale was intimidating, but James shrugged his shoulders and went inside.
Inside, the lobby was primitive, with marble floors and a sleek receptionist's desk that exuded professionalism. James approached quickly and cleared his throat, "Good morning, I'm here for the interview." He said, handing his invitation letter.
The receptionist thoroughly read through the letter before glancing at him, her professional smile never faltering. "The venue is room number 300 on the third floor. The interview is just about to start in a hurry. Good luck." She handed back the invitation letter back to James.
James mumbled his thanks, appreciating the professionalism of the receptionist before making his way to the elevator. His mind raced and he felt a pang of embarrassment that washed over his face, seeing the luxurious outfits other applicants were wearing.
But he swallowed hard, stepping out of the elevator and making his way to the prescribed room. Room 300.
The room was thick with anticipation. Men and women with different faces, dressed in crisp suits and polished shoes sat, waiting to be called upon.
James breathed out, seeing that the interview was yet to get started. He scratched the back of his head and sat down silently, joining other awaited applicants, and rolling his eyes around.
The hall was filled with intense silence with everyone quiet and focused. They were all having their CVs with them, prepared to present them.
Just then, a lady stepped forward with a graceful walk, her smile genuine and her voice laced with authority, drawing everyone's attention.
"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. We highly welcome you all to the job interview section." She began professionally. "And if you can find yourself to be here, then I must say you're most likely to get selected because not everyowhohat applied got the invitation letter."
All eyes were focused on her, listening carefully to her as she continued to address them.
She then shook her head, "But sadly, not everyone here will get this job. Just a few will be chosen and we encourage the rest to try elsewhere."
After she was done addressing them, she began to look around, and her eyes settled on Ja,mes, who was dressed differently from everyone else.
"Hey, you," she pointed at James and he startled, "Why have you come?" Her voice was filled with irritation.
All eyes instantly shifted to James, looking at him disdainfully. James, however, ignored their looks and stood up, his face tightening, but he kept a facade. "I'm here for the interview." He replied firmly, yet his voice broke.
The lady let her eyes trailed from James' head to his feet. Her expression darkened as she asked, "And what makes you think you will get selected?" She sighed deeply, her irritating face never fading. It was clear she was judging from his appearance.
.James hesitated for a while, feeling annoyed and embarrassed, his heart clutched in anger. He was about to respond, but then a man hurriedly stormed into the hall, unannounced; his breath hastened, causing everyone's irritated faces to turn into surprised expressions as their looks now focused on the man.
The lady who was talking to James was also visibly stunned as well. "
What's it?" She asked the man, unable to hide how surprised she was.
The man leaned closer, his voice barely above a whisper to the lady's ear, "Boss just arrived now, and he demand that the interview should be cancelled today."He uttered in a hasty voice yet low.