Sebastian's Obsession

Chapter 14

It was still 7:30 in the morning yet I had already lined up at the RCC to apply for a job. Out of nearly a hundred people applying, I was third in line. I brought my resume and all the requirements needed. This is the third day of chasing my luck. And I hope it will favor me today.

My hands trembled a bit with nervousness. While determination reigned in my heart. I need to be hired now, otherwise, I might not have the money to buy groceries and gas.

I have stopped myself from buying luxury because my savings are about to run out. My monthly self-indulgence in the form of expensive purchases has vanished. And I felt very sorry for myself because of that matter. Around 8:00 a.m., the interviewer arrived and a few minutes later they started calling applicants for the job interview.

Suddenly, my hands fell sweaty and cold. A new wave of emotion fills in. I am nervous without a doubt. I tried to calm myself by inhaling and exhaling but it didn't seem to help me one bit because my chest throbbed even more. Oddly, I've tried conducting interviews before, but I've never been this anxious. I often feel calm, poised, and unbothered. But it was different today.

"Liondale, Winter. Please proceed inside," the staff called out.

I stood up and headed into the interview room right away. However, before I could actually enter, I let out a sigh.

This is it, fighting. I whispered in the wind as I pushed the door to enter.

Out of courtesy, I first greeted the lady who would be interviewing me. And after she gave me the consent to sit, I sat down immediately. My urge to be accepted is to not display that I am nervous, thus the uneasiness in my chest has been replaced with strength. After all, she's just human, so what's there to be scared of?

"What makes you want to work for this company?" she said as she glanced over my résumé.

Because they're hiring? That's what I'd say if it hadn't sounded so rude and disrespectful. If I say that, she will be offended. Worse, I might not be hired. A good attitude is also a must. That's part of work etiquette. And the basic one.

"After some thorough research, RCC piqued my interest. The goal set by the company and the ideals they're coursing through hooked me in."

"I like your resume and I think you can be a big help to the company. I will endorse you to the higher-ups and help you fill in the position that we're looking for," she said.

The worry in my chest had been replaced by elation. There's a glimmer of hope that I'll get hired eventually. Aside from the fact that she didn't dismiss me, which I appreciate.

"Just wait a minute; I'll phone the higher-ups, and if they approve, you may start working tomorrow," she continued.

I nodded in response to what she said. No matter how long, I will wait as long as the result is sure and I am not at a disadvantage. Because I've already experienced my time, effort, and attention being wasted. And it was heartbreaking.

I waited as she said. A few minutes later, a woman arrived. Her eyes darted into mine and back to the interviewer in front.

“What did the higher-ups say?”

“He said not to hire an applicant named Winter Liondale. Have you not read the blocklist?” the woman annoyingly asked the interviewer. She utters as though she's of a higher rank. But what piqued my attention was the idea of me being blocklisted. Who would dare do that?

“Anyway," the woman spoke as she turned in my direction.

“I assume you're Winter Liondale, am I right?" she inquired with a high-pitched tone. I kinda don't like her aura. It's pissing me off how arrogant she's acting.

“Yes.”

“The CEO told me that you should perhaps apply to Crimson Empire. They're in need of engineers for the new project. And for sure you'll immediately be accepted there,” she declared.

Crimson Empire? Sebastian's company? And why would I apply there? Somehow, I feel something is off. I am not too dumb not to connect the dots. For an instant, I knew Sebastian had something to do with this. Is this what he meant before? To make my life suffer?

"I see. I'm sorry, Miss Liondale. It seems like we can't hire you."

Despite the painful rejection, I managed to plaster an okay facade. My pride had been stepped on once again. What kind of fate do I have today? I sighed and stood up with a broken heart. My tears welled up in my eyes and were about to fall. Yet, before it could stream down, I immediately bowed and left the room. Now, I fully understand why no one hired me. It is because I am blocklisted. Damn you, Sebastian.

After I got out of RCC, I went straight to my car and drove straight back to my house which Sebastian acquired. I don't think I deserve this suffering. Must he need to make me suffer more? Is acquiring the company and the house not enough? Does he have to stoop so low just to hurt me? Somehow, I don't really get Sebastian's mindset. He's being too much.

I pressed the doorbell after I got into the house. Monica was the one who had opened the gate. Her eyes widened in surprise and she hugged me afterward.

"En, how are you?" she asked, worry etched on her face. I wanted to break down and fell to my knees. But I can't.

"Is Sebastian here?"

I need to see that man. I have to. I'd be the most pitiful person if this conflict between us didn't get settled. Sebastian is a formidable opponent, and there is no way for me to avoid his displeasure. As a result, I must fight back. There's no way I will allow him to treat me this way.

"No, En. He only comes home here every Saturday or Sunday. Why? Is there a problem? Did Sebastian do something to you?"

I wanted to tell Monica about the evilness of her new boss but I didn't want to brag about my own problem. So, instead of stating the truth, I responded with a shake of my head.

"I'll be back on Saturday, Monica, or you can contact me if he gets home here so I can find out and come to him as soon as possible."

Her expression was perplexed, but she didn't ask any further questions and nodded. I turned around and went back into the car, frustrated. I'll have to wait two more days until Saturday arrives, and I'm not sure I'll be able to wait that long.

I was confused as to why Sebastian was torturing me like this. Is it because I didn't accept his offer to be his wife? Or did he secretly hate me even before? The latter doesn't justify my point because we've never met before. So why would he be angry? So I’m sure that’s because I turned down his offer. Perhaps, he felt as though I had stepped down on his ego and this is what he thinks could save his pride. Still, that isn't reasonable enough to have me blocklisted.

"How's the job interview going, Winter?" Basyang said as I approached the gate. She's in her garden, as usual, weeding and watering the plants.

"It was fine," I answered, despite the fact that it wasn't. I put on a fake façade to hide the pain in my eyes.

"Did you get hired?" she inquired.

Before entering the house, I responded, "Not yet, Bas."

I stayed in my room all day and, since I also have no appetite, I don't cook anymore. I didn't do much today, but I felt so tired. I seem to have lost my faith in everything. I just want to work. To earn money for my daily expenses. Yet, even that has been snatched out. Everything has already been taken away from me, and now even my right to work is forcibly removed.

I've cleaned the house, arranged all my things well, watched movies, and a lot more, but I still haven't lost the weight it carries in my chest. I tried everything to forget about the current problem but it seemed to have no effect. Worry was carved in my chest and etched in my head. In the end, I gave up.

I can't wait for Saturday any longer, so tomorrow I will go to Sebastian's company. I would not be able to attain peace if every cycle of my brain was a problem. I would only be restless until then. And it's stressing me out.

The next morning, I got up early and got ready to go to the Crimson Empire. Hoping Sebastian would be there. And so that we may communicate and settle any disagreements we may have. I'm not sure what's causing the conflict. But I'm certain enough to say that he is the only one who created it. I don't want to get in trouble, but Sebastian compels me to do so.