Chapter 26: Sabotage

I hated the way that he looked at me now.

It’s been a week since my talk with Arthur and things have never been the same between us. Every time we passed by each other in the hallways, his eyes always held a glint of sadness and betrayal. Meanwhile, mine had guilt and regret, knowing that all of this could have been prevented if I just told him the truth sooner.

I suddenly missed the awkward encounters that we had before. I missed the courteous nods and shy waves. I missed being able to see him up close and admire his flawless skin and beautiful features.

I just miss him.

Lately, it seemed like he was trying to avoid interaction with me altogether. He would pretend to be busy on his phone or he would look the other way. Even though it hurts seeing him being so distant from me, I knew that I did the right thing. I scowled, recalling the talk that we had a week ago as I shook my head wistfully, trying to push it to the back of my mind.

I let out a long sigh as I rested my chin on the back of my hand. I’m sure he’s still in shock about everything I’ve told him and I knew that it was best to just give him space. Meanwhile, I have to face the consequences of my actions. After all, this is all my fault.

“Ms. Bailey?” An unfamiliar voice snapped me out of the trance that I was in. I snapped my head towards the source of the voice to see a woman stand awkwardly next to my desk. “I’m Sofia, the new intern.” She explained, noticing the confused expression on my face.

My eyes widened in surprise as I fixed my posture and turned to face her fully. HR has hired an intern for me due to the sudden increase of events this year, knowing that it would be too difficult for me to manage everything perfectly on my own.

“Welcome to WIlliams, Inc.” I said with a smile as I eyed her from top to bottom. She had a kind of understated beauty, perhaps it was because she was so disarmingly unaware of her prettiness. Her black skin was completely flawless and it contrasted beautifully with her white pant suit.

“Here are the files I’ve prepared for you.” I gestured towards the stack of papers that were under the turtle paperweight. Her jaw dropped as a look of regret took over her face. I chuckled lightly at her reaction. “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it soon.”

I then proceeded to explain all the files that I have prepared for her, along with her responsibilities and the workload that she would have on a daily basis. I also showed her where I left off in preparation for the next event, which is in a couple of weeks. She seemed very enthusiastic to start working because she even took notes and pictures so that she wouldn’t forget anything. I couldn’t help but smile at her determination because I somehow saw myself in her.

I stood behind Sofia as she started navigating the computer. I sneakily glanced at Arthur, seeing him focused on his work. His eyes were locked on the screen and his eyebrows were furrowed in concentration as he busily typed on his laptop.

It was then he suddenly stopped to get his notepad at the edge of the table. As he stretched his arm to reach it, he glanced at my direction.

This was the first time that we held each other’s gaze after our talk.

There was a sad look in his eyes as he stared at me intently. Like the coward I am, I was the first to break away as I turned back to Sofia. I let out a soft sigh.

“That’s Mr. Williams’ room, right?” Sofia whispered gently as if it’s forbidden to talk about him. I felt a blush creep to my cheeks in embarrassment, knowing that I got caught staring at him. I nodded in response as her eyes suddenly sparkled with curiosity and excitement. “Mr.Williams is cute, isn’t he?” She sighed dreamily.

“Yeah.” I muttered quietly in response as I felt annoyed with what she said. I tried my best to contain the jealousy that was seeping through me by balling my hands into fists. I gritted my teeth as I narrowed my eyes at her while she was gawking at Arthur from her seat. I know it’s not her fault for thinking that way. Arthur is so handsome, caring, and attentive. When I think about it, I’m just so lucky to have him.

I opened my mouth to speak but I cut myself short when I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I quickly pulled it out to see that I got a text from LLL, Corp.

From: LLL, Corp
Greetings, Ms. Bailey!

We’d first like to thank you for your interest in applying for the makeup and hair stylist position in our prestigious company and like we said before, we love the makeup look that you did on one of our models. We are aware that you are supposed to start in a week or so, however, we regret to inform you that we have recently collaborated with another company for an event and they said that they preferred that we would use their current makeup and hair stylists instead.

We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience and we wish you luck in all of your future endeavors. We will message you immediately if we have any open positions soon.

Thank you and have a good day!

I felt like all the blood from my face disappeared as I finished the last sentence. I closed my phone, still stunned from what I read. I stood there still trying to register what just happened. I thought everything was already in place. Is this for real? What do they mean?

“Sandra…” Sofia trailed off as she tried to get my attention. I snapped back to reality as I heard Sofia’s voice. I didn’t realize that I was so absorbed in my thoughts.

“Ah, yes?” I replied, looking down at her. She turned to me to ask about one of the files on the computer. I gave her a close lipped smile as I leaned and looked at what she was gesturing at.

I breathed out deeply. I have to keep it together until I finish this task.

As soon as I helped her transfer some paperwork to her desk, which was not so far from mine, I let her manage the rest on her own. “If you have questions, I’ll just be on the other desk. Good luck!” I bid her goodbye and she smiled in return. I went back to my table to organize my things.

My mind drifted back to the text message. I opened my phone to reread the message again. I still couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I slumped down on my chair as I ran a hand through my hair in frustration. Out of all of the things I could have received today, it had to be this. I sighed heavily as I stared into space.

A thought suddenly popped into my head, making me sit upright. Oh my god! I’m going to be unemployed. I flushed in embarrassment, remembering that I told Arthur a few months ago about my plan to resign. How will I be able to pay my bills? Does this mean I’ll be going back to my previous job?

I wanted to curse so badly. Anger started to boil inside me as I slammed the table, making other people glance at me. For once, I didn’t mind. I was livid.

I huffed loudly, trying to hold back the resentment I felt for LLL, Corp. How could they abruptly turn me down like that. What the hell am I gonna do now?

Wait a minute.

I faintly remember that there is another company involved. I checked my phone to make sure that I was right. Who could this be? Maybe Kevin is behind this. He must’ve known that I applied at LLL, Corp.

Is this his way of destroying my chance at pursuing my dreams?

It’s possible, he’s the only one who would do this to me.

I opened my computer to search for new articles regarding LLL, Corp. After browsing the internet for a couple of minutes I found an article that states their new collaboration with KB Studios. I felt my heart drop to the pit of my stomach after I confirmed that my hunch was right. I scrolled through the article to see Ms. Labene shaking hands with Kevin.

I glared at the screen. He must have something to do with the rejection of my application. I furrowed my eyebrows as I kept throwing daggers with my eyes at his picture on the website.

If looks could kill, he’d be 6-feet buried on the ground now. My seething anger has now reached a boiling point. I clenched my fist tightly as I bit my lower lip, trying to suppress the scream that wanted to escape.

He has done nothing but bring bad things into my life. I felt a surge of energy run through my veins as I was suddenly determined to make him pay. It was like I was possessed. There was this newfound courage and strength that took over me.

I’ve had enough.

It’s my turn to make sure he regrets everything he did. I’m going confront him about his deliberate sabotage plan as I am now fueled with my desire to bring him down. I'm not going to sit back and let him continue to ruin my life anymore.

He shouldn’t have messed with me in the first place.