Chapter 37
“Ican see from your resume that you don’t have much experience in advertising,” Drake says, his eyes glued to his computer screen, his fingers moving across the touch screen of the computer.
“No, I don’t, but I promise that I’m going to put in my best, and I won’t let you down.”
He raises his head to look at me, a small smile playing on his lips. “Yeah, I’m sure you won’t.”
He looks back at his computer screen, his fingers moving across the keypad as he types away.
Drake is a handsome man with a charming smile that makes the ladies swoon, and as I sit across from him, an idea comes to me. Maybe I can match him and Bianca together.
The last I heard, he is single, and Bianca isn’t in a serious relationship either.
I made a mental note to ask Ethan if Drake was seeing anyone.
“You are going to be on a three-month probation, and during that period, we will determine if you are a good fit or not,” Drake says, returning his attention to me.
My eyes widen in shock. “Does that mean that I got the job?”
“Yes,” there is that smile again. “Congratulations.”
“Oh my god!” I bring my fingers to my mouth in disbelief. Even though Drake is Ethan’s best friend, I still feared that I might not get the job because I know Drake is strict when it comes to his companies.
“The HR department will give you your offer letter. When you step out of my office, take the first turn to your right.”
“Thank you so much, Drake…sir,” I quickly correct.
His smile widens. “It’s okay. You can continue calling me Drake. We all go by the first names around here.”
“Thank you, Drake. I promise you won’t be disappointed.”
He responds with a nod while still smiling. I pick up my purse and head out to the HR’s office.
As I step out of Drake’s office and go to HR’s office, I feel a mix of excitement and nerves coursing through me.
This is it, the start of a new chapter in my career. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart, before I knock on the door.
“Hi, I’m Jessica Martin. I was told to come here for my offer letter,” I say, trying to keep the tremor out of my voice.
The HR, a middle-aged woman, gives me a warm smile and gestures for me to take a seat while she prints the letter. I sink into the chair, my mind buzzing with anticipation.
After a few minutes, she returns with a sealed envelope, which she hands to me with a smile. “Here you go, Jessica. Congratulations on your new position.”
I accept the envelope with gratitude, my fingers trembling slightly as I tear it open. Inside, I find the offer letter detailing my role, responsibilities, and salary.
“Thank you so much,” I say, unable to contain my excitement. “I really appreciate it.”
She nods, her smile widening. “You’re welcome. An employee form has been sent to your email, and you are to fill it out and send it back within forty-eight hours. Best of luck in your new job.”
With the offer letter safely tucked away in my purse, I make my way out of the HR office, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment.
This is just the beginning, and I’m determined to make the most of this opportunity. Checking the time, I decided to head over to the Grand Princeton to share the good news with Ethan.
When he had called me to inform me that he had recommended me to Drake for the job, I was a little scared because even though I already made up my mind to only work in advertising. I was still a little scared that I might still not get a job.
But with Ethan’s and my two best friend’s encouragement, I decided to give it a shot, and I’m glad that I did.
When I reach his office door, I knock lightly before pushing it open, finding Ethan seated behind his desk, engrossed in paperwork.
He looks up as I enter, a smile immediately lighting up his face.
“Hey, baby,” he greets, his eyes shining with warmth. He rises to his feet and comes to give me a kiss on my lips.
“How did your interview go?” he asks as he pulls away from our kiss.
I take a deep breath, trying to contain my excitement. “Well, it went well,” I say, unable to keep the grin off my face.
His eyebrows shoot up in curiosity. “Okay…did you get the job or not?”
“Yes, I got the job!” I exclaim, unable to hide my excitement any longer. “I start next week!”
Ethan’s smile widens, genuine happiness radiating from him. “That’s amazing, Jessy! I’m so happy for you.”
I nod eagerly, feeling a surge of gratitude towards him. “Thank you, Ethan. And I wanted to say thank you for recommending me for the position. I really appreciate it.”
His expression softens, and he reaches across the desk to take my hand in his. “Of course. I knew you’d be perfect for the job. I’m glad you listened and went for the interview.”
I squeeze his hand gratefully, feeling a rush of warmth at his words. “I can’t wait to start this new chapter,” I say, excitement bubbling inside me.
“Me too,” he agrees, his gaze locking with mine.
“I know you’ve always wanted this, and I’m glad that you got it,” he says softly, his thumb gently caressing the back of my hand. “I love you, Jessy.”
“I love you too, Ethan,” I reply, feeling a surge of happiness as I lean in to kiss him.
“Are you very busy? Do you think you can spare your girlfriend a bit of your time and go for lunch with me?”
“I’m sorry, baby, I can’t do lunch right now. I have a meeting in five minutes.”
I can’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment. It’s not his fault, of course, but I was looking forward to spending some time with him.
“That’s okay, Ethan,” I reply.
“Hey, don’t be sad,” he brings his fingers under my chin, raising my face to his. “How about we have a celebratory dinner? I will make a reservation.”
“That sounds wonderful, Ethan. I’d love that,” I say, unable to hide the excitement in my voice.
His smile brightens at my response, and I can’t help but smile back at him. He leans in, taking my lips within his, and gives me a gentle but searing kiss.
And when his assistant comes in to tell him that it is time for his meeting, he waves her off, not bothering to tear his lips away from mine.
“If we don’t stop now, you are going to be late for your meeting,” I murmur against his lips.
He groans as he reluctantly pulls away. “Dinner tonight. Wear something sexy,” he says with a wink.
“You bet.”
As he rushes off to his meeting, I can’t help but feel grateful for his thoughtfulness and the effort he puts into making our time together special.
Tonight’s dinner date is something to look forward to, and I can’t wait to celebrate with him.
As I walk out of Ethan’s office, still buzzing with excitement from our conversation, I’m pleasantly surprised to run into Vivian at the reception desk. It’s been a while since we’ve had a chance to catch up, and I find myself genuinely glad to see her.
“Hey, Jessy! Oh my gosh, it’s been ages!” Vivian exclaims, her face lighting up with a smile as she pulls me into a warm hug.
“Vivian, it’s so good to see you!” I reply, returning the hug with equal enthusiasm. “How have you been?
We step back from each other, and I can’t help but notice the genuine warmth in Vivian’s eyes as she looks at me. Moments like these remind me how much I’ve missed our conversations and camaraderie.
“I’ve been good. I’m just keeping busy with work and life. You know how busy it gets around here,” Vivian replies, her smile still bright. “But enough about me; what about you? What’s new in your world?”
A rush of excitement floods through me as I realize I have some wonderful news to share with Vivian. “Actually, I have some exciting news! I just got a new job in advertising,” I say, unable to keep the grin off my face.
Vivian’s eyes widen in surprise, her excitement matching my own. “No way, Jessy, that’s amazing! Congratulations!” she exclaims, reaching out to squeeze my hand.
“Thank you so much, Vivian!” I reply, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment swell within me. “I’m really excited about this opportunity.”
Vivian’s smile widens, and I can see the genuine happiness in her expression. “I’m so happy for you, Jessy. You deserve all the success in the world,” she says warmly.
After catching up with Vivian, I caught a cab back to my apartment, and on my way, I decided to text the girls in our group chat, giving them the good news.
Me: Hey girls! Guess what? I got the job!
Bianca: OMG, Jessy, that’s amazing!! Congratulations!!
Chloe: Wow, that’s fantastic news! So proud of you, Jessy!
Me: Thank you so much, guys! I’m really excited about it!
Bianca: We should celebrate tonight! Drinks on me!
Chloe: Yes, let’s do it! I’m in need of a girls’ night out!
Me: Aw, you guys are the best! I’d love to, but I actually have plans with Ethan tonight.
Bianca: Ooh, fancy! Well, have fun, Jessy! We’ll catch up soon!
Chloe: Yeah, enjoy your date, Jessy! We’ll celebrate another time!
Me: Thanks, girls!
I spent the rest of my day talking on the phone with Mom and watching reality TV shows.
At five, Ethan texts me, letting me know he had already booked a reservation for us for seven. I jump off of my couch, running to my closet to pick out what I’m going to wear.
I spend the next thirty minutes searching for what to wear, and after almost turning my closet upside down, I finally settled on a short red wrap dress and black strappy heels.
I put on a Beyonce playlist on my phone as I step into the shower, where I make sure to shave my legs and wash my hair well.
A few minutes to seven, as I style my hair, I get a text from Ethan letting me know he will be sending his driver over to pick me up.
I’m applying the finishing touch on my makeup when I hear a knock on my front door, and I grab my purse, heading out to meet Ethan’s driver. But when I open the door, the blood on my face immediately drains.
Ethan’s driver isn’t the one standing outside my door.
As I hastily step back, my heart races in my chest, a rush of emotions flooding over me at the sight of Lysa standing on my doorstep.
She looks determined, her expression unreadable, and I can’t help but feel a surge of apprehension.
How does she know where I live?
“Lysa...what are you doing here?” I manage to stammer out, my voice betraying my surprise.
She doesn’t waste any time with pleasantries. Instead, she steps forward, her eyes fixed on mine with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine. “We need to talk, Jessica,” she says, her tone firm.
“We have nothing to talk about. I will advise you to leave…”
Before I can even finish my statement, she withdraws a gun, it’s cold metal glinting in the dim light of the hallway.
A gasp escapes my lips as my eyes widen in shock and terror. “Lysa, what are you doing?” I plead, my voice trembling with fear.
But she doesn’t answer, her expression cold and unreadable as she levels the gun at me, her grip steady and unwavering.
Panic grips me as I take another step back, my mind racing with a million thoughts all at once.
Before I can even comprehend what’s happening, Lysa grabs my arm roughly, her grip like a vise, as she forces me back into my apartment.