True Love's Cure

Like a Phoenix

You would think that after years of working late hours without overtime, creating innovative ideas for the brand and cleaning up all the dirt of the business, you could keep your job despite interpersonal relationship issues. But no, I’m storming into Madame Christine’s office with the last shred of dignity I have, to demand an explanation.

I take a deep breath. As the elevator ascended to the top floor, the memories of when I first started this job began seeping in. I was a nerve wreck. 19-year-old me was balancing the folders of sketches, mood boards and portfolios right in front of her. My outfit was barely impressive, definitely not “couture”. However, Madame Christine peered into my cut-out pages, looked at me with stern eyes and muttered “potential”

We never had the fondest of relationships. Very firm responses and reviews, a slight chuckle here and there. My relationship with Jace wasn’t a topic of conversation. So why would she drop me on a whim without hearing my side?

The elevator door opened, and I strutted out. After three harsh knocks on the door, I heard a hoarse voice say “Come in.” My boss wore an ultramarine Bottega Venetta trench coat, pearls on her neck and Valentino red bottoms. Exactly as I set up for the Vanity fair, she is to attend this afternoon. Sitting opposite her was a woman in mid-twenties a little too prim and proper for a Monday morning. Don’t tell me she already found a replacement.

“Miss Peters, could you excuse us for a moment?” The lady nodded and walked out of the room. I took a seat waiting for her to speak.

“You’ve offended the Dravens, Miss Knox.” My right eye twitched, Jace must have cooked up a ridiculous story to set me up.

“Madame, you have to hear me out. We ended the relationship but none of that can ruin the company, I-” She raised her hand slightly.

“Mrs. Julia Draven, my older sister, is a big shareholder of this establishment” she said “I can’t offend her at this moment as I have many favors to ask her. Unless you can somehow get back in her good graces, there’s nothing I can do.” Dark clouds hovered over my head. There was no going back to Jace. Back to that scumbag who treats me like I’m insignificant. I can feel it now more than ever. A pawn to be knocked off the board for incentives.

“Mrs Cheryl will arrange your sign off benefits… Good luck Miss Knox.” That was it. I walked back to my car defeated. My work colleagues flooded my phone with messages, but I had no answers. I’m single and unemployed, with no family to run to. Thank goodness I still have Stacy or I would be homeless as well.

Weeks passed as I laid curled up on Stacy’s couch. Snot filled tissues had formed a heap by the sitting room table, My chemical romance was playing on repeat.The calls from Jace reduced after a while and I’m guessing my work friends got the update. When the sky turned dark, I heard the door click, only to see a very excited Stacy. She had that glimmer in her eye.

“I just got some info from one of my college friends; Dennis. Apparently, the CEO of Neo Tempest Industries is looking for a new Senior Assistant.” Stacy sat on the bed holding my hands.

“This could be your big break Eva! Just think of it, your own place, a new phone, plus you could save up to visit Italy” I sniffed, blowing my nose once more. I was in no emotional state to assist anyone, but… I can’t imagine being a parasite to Stacy. And she’s totally right. I need to make a name for myself and show Jace who he really lost. Or just afford therapy.

“Thank you so much for this, You’re the best friend anyone could have asked for” She pulled me into a tight bear hug. Her nose twitched,

“Someone needs a shower.” We laughed while I headed to the bathroom. I did a quick search on the company. From tech gadgets, to logistics and real estate, Neo Tempest was clearing the market. It is the parent company to so many household names I wasn’t aware of. It’s run by a board of directors but not much info on the current chairperson. Stacy and I stayed up all night to curate the perfect resume that would surely impress the head director.

“I’m sure with this, Dennis will slide this through some application levels.” Stacy said. I smiled to myself. At least my previous job could help improve my status. The mouse hovered the upload button when I took a deep breath. I clicked the button and my application was registered. An acknowledgement email was sent when I took a longer look at the company name. I could have sworn I knew someone with that name…

Nevertheless I know I’ll give it my all, Absolutely nothing wrong could happen from here.