A New Beginning
1279 Words
Evelyn woke up to the soft vibration of her phone on the nightstand. She squinted, reached for it lazily, and her heart skipped when she saw the sender of the message — Donald.
“Hey, Evyy.”
She blinked several times, wondering if she was still dreaming. Donald? Messaging her? She rubbed her eyes, sat up, and even walked to the mirror to check if she was awake for real. When she looked back at the phone, the message was still there.
Her hands trembled slightly as she typed a reply.
“Hi, Donald.”
Before she could even put the phone down, another message came in.
> “Good morning. Come with your CV tomorrow so you can start working with us in my father’s company.”
Evelyn froze, her mind blank for a few seconds before she screamed out loud, clutching her chest. “Oh my God!” Tears welled in her eyes instantly. Her heart fluttered so fast she could barely breathe.
Olivia, startled by the noise, rushed into the room. “Evyy! What’s wrong? Why are you screaming?”
Evelyn threw her arms around her, crying and laughing at the same time. “Olivia, thank you so much! I don’t even know what to say. I can’t believe it. Donald just messaged me. I’m starting work at A.D Company tomorrow!”
Olivia’s eyes widened. “Wait, what? Seriously?”
“Yes!” Evelyn wiped her tears, smiling through them. “I can’t thank you enough, Olly. You believed in me when no one else did. I’ll never forget this.”
Olivia smiled warmly and brushed a tear off Evelyn’s cheek. “Come on, don’t cry. You deserve this, Evyy. You’ve been through so much — finally, it’s your time. Now, stop crying and get ready; we’re going shopping for your office clothes today!”
Evelyn laughed shakily, still overwhelmed. “You’re the best friend anyone could ask for. I’m so lucky to have you.”
---
Later that afternoon, they visited a boutique downtown. Olivia insisted Evelyn pick elegant, professional outfits — dresses in calm colours, fitted blazers, and a pair of sleek heels. Evelyn kept saying, “This is too much, Olly,” but Olivia wouldn’t listen.
“Girl, you’re about to start your dream job! You have to look the part,” Olivia said, grinning.
They spent hours shopping and even went for dinner afterward to celebrate. Evelyn’s heart felt so light — it had been a long time since she smiled that much.
That night, she barely slept. She kept imagining herself walking through the company’s glass doors, working alongside professionals, and seeing Donald again — in person this time.
---
The next morning, she woke up before dawn. After a long shower, she dressed carefully in one of the new outfits — a cream blouse tucked into a black skirt, with a light perfume that smelled of jasmine and calm confidence
When she came out of her room, Olivia’s father looked up from his newspaper and smiled. “Evelyn, you look very smart today.”
“Thank you, sir,” she said shyly.
Moments later, Olivia came down the stairs and gasped. “Wow! My Evyy! You look stunning! The office won’t be the same after today,” she teased.
Evelyn laughed. “You’re the reason I look this good. I can’t thank you enough.”
They sat down for breakfast, and Olivia’s mother smiled kindly at Evelyn. “My dear, this is your first day. Be observant, humble, and respectful. Don’t rush anything. Learn and grow.”
“Yes, ma,” Evelyn replied softly. “Thank you, ma.”
After breakfast, Olivia offered to drop her off at A.D Company. As they drove in, Evelyn stared at the tall glass building and sighed deeply. This is it… my dream company.
“Good luck,” Olivia said, squeezing her hand. “You’ll do great.”
Evelyn smiled nervously and stepped out of the car.
Inside the reception, she caught several curious glances. She looked too elegant to be just another applicant.
“Good morning,” Evelyn greeted the receptionist politely.
“Good morning, ma. How may I help you?” the lady replied.
“I’m here to see Mr. Donald,” Evelyn said.
The receptionist lifted the phone and dialled his office. “Yes, sir…" Okay.” She smiled at Evelyn. “You can go in. Straight ahead, then turn left.”
“Thank you,” Evelyn said, her voice calm but her hands trembling slightly.
---
She stopped in front of a large door that had Mr. Donald A. Andrew written in gold letters. Taking a deep breath, she knocked softly.
“Come in,” came Donald’s deep voice.
Evelyn stepped inside. He was seated behind his desk, eyes glued to his laptop. She greeted politely, “Good morning, sir.”
He didn’t look up at first. But when he finally did, he froze for a second. His gaze lingered on her — her soft glow, her calm confidence, and that shy smile. He cleared his throat quickly.
“Good morning, Evelyn. You’re looking… very good today,” he said with a faint smile.
“Thank you, sir,” she replied, trying to sound composed.
“I’ll just need a few minutes to wrap something up,” Donald said, typing quickly. “Please, have a seat.”
Evelyn nodded and sat down quietly. Donald tried to focus on his work, but he couldn’t help glancing at her every few seconds. She noticed, and her cheeks grew warm.
“Sir,” she said softly, “I think I should wait outside.”
“No, no. It’s fine. I’m almost done,” he replied quickly, pretending to focus again.
Minutes later, he stood up and announced, “Let’s go. I’d like to introduce you to the rest of the team.”
Evelyn followed him nervously to the meeting room. When everyone had gathered, Donald cleared his throat.
“Good morning, everyone. I have an announcement. Our former manager officially resigned last week, and starting today, Evelyn here will be taking that position. Please welcome her and help her settle in.”
The room went silent.
Evelyn blinked, confused. Manager? That wasn’t what she expected at all. Her hands trembled slightly as she looked at Donald.
“Sir… I—thank you,” she managed to whisper, her voice breaking with emotion. Then, without thinking, she hugged him tightly. “Thank you so much, Donald. You don’t know what this means to me.”
Donald stiffened, clearing his throat awkwardly. “You’re welcome, Evelyn,” he said, trying to sound professional again. “Now, please introduce yourself to the team.”
Evelyn turned to the staff, forcing a nervous smile. “Hi everyone… I’m Evelyn. It’s a huge honour to be here. I promise to do my best.”
Polite claps followed, though not all were genuine. In one corner, Emily, the receptionist — and Donald’s fiancée — sat with folded arms and an unreadable expression.
When Evelyn finished speaking, Emily suddenly stood up and stormed out of the room without saying a word.
Evelyn’s heart sank a little. What did I do wrong? she wondered.
The rest of the staff exchanged awkward glances. The meeting ended, and as people left the room, Donald gave her an encouraging nod.
“Welcome to A.D Company, Evelyn,” he said softly.
She smiled faintly. “Thank you, sir.”
But as she walked back to her new office, she could feel a strange tension in the air — and she didn’t yet know that Emily’s silent anger was only the beginning of something much bigger.
- Writer
