Unmasking Love

The Billionaire's Secret

SATURDAY MORNING

Sophia was ransacking her wardrobe for her credentials. It was her off day since her substitute who took two weeks’ leave was back already. She brought out her neatly stored certificate and plopped on the shrinking mattress.

“Finally, I got you” She jerked her hands up in the air in excitement. She has this feeling that she will get a new and well-paying job very soon.

She has made up her mind to start job hunting on Monday. She has already compiled a list of companies to apply to and she plans to start sending in her resume both online and physically. She will do everything to get a job.

She parked the credentials and put them carefully on the bedside table. She wore her flip-flops and headed out of the room, closing the door behind her gently.

The pleasing aroma hit her nose and she inhaled pleasurable.

“Clio” She muttered and smiled while walking towards the kitchen.

In the kitchen, Clio was frying, boiling, and mixing ingredients to make a delicacy. She was sweating and focused on turning the pot of bubbling stew on the fire with a spoon ladle. She hit the spoon gently on her palm and licked her palm.

“So sweet” She giggled happily and Clio smiled.

Clio has always loved cooking. She was always happy to watch when Sophia wanted to cook and soon She started volunteering to help. At first, her cooking was a flop which made her feel sad. She once told Sophia that she cooked better in her head than in real life and they both laughed over it. Now, she’s getting better and still practicing.

“Chef Clio” Sophia teased and strolled into the kitchen.

“Barista Sophia” She turned to her while beaming with smiles. Clio was always happy whenever she was cooking.

“My nose is all roasted with the aroma from your heavenly cooking” She peered into the cooking pot.

“Oh please. Don’t exaggerate” Clio giggled in excitement. She loves compliments and Sophia doesn’t fail to explore that part of her.

“Should I enroll you in a culinary school already?” Sophia teased. She went to the fridge, took out a bottle of water, poured it into a cup, and drank slowly. She waited for Clio’s response although she knew what it would be.

“No, I don’t want to be a chef. I just love cooking” That has always been her response.

At first, Sophia thought she was just being considerate because of the fee but it turned out that Clio had no aspiration to be a professional chef and that surprised her. She wants to be a Pharmacist.

“All done” Clio announced and turned off the electric cooker.

Sophia’s phone dinged to announce that a message just entered her phone. Her mind went to Alex and she smiled broadly and hugged the phone to her chest.

She hurried out of the kitchen and went to sit on one of the couches in the sitting room while Clio set the food on the dining. She adjusted her clothes as if she were about to be on a video call. Then she unlocked her phone and saw it was an email notification.

She opened it and it read thus:

“Dear Sophia Park, it’s with the utmost pleasure that we invite you for an interview at our prestigious institution. Your interview is scheduled to be held on Monday by 8 am. Good luck”

–From RothX tech Company.

“When did I apply?” Sophia’s heart palpitated, and her eyes widened in surprise.

RothX is her dream company, and she has always wished to work in the company. She had earlier applied but it was ignored because there was no vacancy. Now, they are calling her for an interview!

“OMG” She couldn’t hold the excitement any longer and screamed.

“What is it?” Clio rushed out of the kitchen. She had been startled.

“My dream… My dream” Sophia muttered incoherently and laughed out loud like a maniac.

…………………………….

MONDAY AT 7 am

Sophia was applying lip gloss on her lips when Clio came out of the bedroom with her school bag. She was nearly dressed as always. Sophia was dressed in a sky-blue blouse and black skirt that stopped on her knee, thereby giving her a corporate look.

“I have to go now” Sophia said hurriedly, and arranged her credentials into her black bag.

“Won’t you have breakfast? I made scrambled eggs”, Clio asked her while heading to the dining table.

“Oh, my darling! I will have some when I get back. I’m too excited to eat”. She chuckled and carried her bag.

“Don’t be late to school and make sure to take your keys and lock the door. I love you” She rushed out of the door after pecking Clio.

“I love you too. Good luck” Clio yelled, to her hearing, and brought out the handwritten note that her class teacher said to give to Sophia. She hoarded it because she knew her sister didn’t have the money yet.

“God, please. Let my sister get this job”. She clasped her hands together and mumbled a short prayer.

………………..

Sophia alighted from the cab, paid the driver, and waved at him with a smile until she could see his car no more. She was now in front of the popular ten-story building, RothX tech company.

She closed her eyes and mumbled a short prayer. After that, she walked towards the entrance with a new surge of confidence. Her mouth went agape when she entered the first floor, which is the hall.

Everywhere was bubbling yet quiet and orderly as the workers walked to and fro and in and out of different offices. Sophia was lost. She wondered if she was the only one being called for an interview or if there were many. She stopped a man whose face seemed friendly.

“Hi” She waved awkwardly.

“Hi” He stopped in front of her.

“Please, where’s the interview taking place” She asked.

“Fifth floor. That’s the elevator area” The man pointed.

“Thank you” Sophia bowed gently and made her way to the elevator.

She entered the empty elevator and pressed the 5th floor. The elevator went up slowly and Sophia’s grip on her bag tightened. The elevator soon came to a stop and opened slowly. She walked out of it gently and looked around. She walked gently towards the door that was tagged Interview waiting room.

She entered the door and saw a man sitting behind the counter-like table. He was busy looking at the documents on the table and didn’t notice her presence.

“Hi. Good morning” Sophia curtsied.

“Hello, Good morning Miss” He greeted cheerfully which made Sophia’s stormy heart be at ease.

“My name is Sophia and I’m here for the interview” She said.

“Right on time miss. Sit tight” He said and went back to continue what he was doing. Sophia looked around the spacious office in admiration. The interior was simple yet elegant.

“Miss Sophia. You can go in now” The effeminate man smiled at her and pointed towards the translucent glass door.

Sophia stood and strolled confidently into the interview room with her best smile. She stood in front of the committee and bowed her head gently to curtsy.

“You can sit” A man’s voice ushered and she sat down on a chair opposite the interview board.

“Mr. Rothschild?” The man who spoke earlier called.

Sophia looked towards the CEO in anticipation and excitement. She has heard of the scarcely-seen billionaire and the tech expert. Her eyes dimmed in disappointment when she saw the CEO’s seat was vacant. One of the members was actually talking with him on phone.

The man dropped his phone slowly and shook his head. “I’m sorry” He said and Sophia’s heart palpitated multiple times. She already knows what’s next.