Sebastian's Obsession

Chapter 13

"I'm sorry, Miss Liondale, but our company is not in need of an Engineer right now," the Vesarius Construction Company's Manager noted.

After being rejected, I walked through the company lobby, tired and sweaty. This is the fifth time I've been turned down. They hadn't even reviewed my résumé and I was immediately dismissed. What's strange is that some of the companies where I applied are hiring and then suddenly they cease hiring.

I don’t know if Sebastian had anything to do with this whole thing or if I am just really unlucky. I never imagined applying for a job would be so tough. It's tiring to line up, then in the end there's nothing to reap. It's a waste of time, energy, and effort.

I was about to take my leave of the Vesarius Company when I saw a demon coming in. My blood started to boil instantly, but I held back a little, not wanting to get myself into any trouble. Not today. Because I'm tired and I don't want to make myself even more tired.

I took the exit and didn't glance back until I was able to get into my car. Gas prices are also rising, and if I don't obtain employment quickly, I may not be able to use my car and resort to commuting as a means of transportation. I no longer know what to do. I don’t want to reach the point where all my stuff will be sold as well. I cherished them and couldn't bear to part with them. I've already lost almost everything. They're the only remains I had to keep with me.

As the sun began to set, I reconsidered returning home to rest. I still have four companies on my list that hire employees, and I'm hoping to get employed at one of them. It may have been difficult for me, but hopefully, when the day comes, I will return to the past where everything is comfortable.

It was 5:30 in the afternoon when I arrived at the boarding house. I immediately went to the bedroom and lay down on the small bed. I've been here for a few days, but the mattress I'm lying on has never made me feel particularly comfortable. Maybe it’s because I’m used to big and soft beds, so I’m having a hard time adjusting. But even though the bed was a bit small, I didn't complain anymore, I was fortunate to have a house to stay in. Being choosy is exclusively for rich and affluent people and, since I'm not like that anymore, I'll have to put up with it.

I was lying peacefully when suddenly something flew and fell right on my leg. I was thrown back on the bed, my eyes widened in fear and my breath hitched after seeing what insect it was. Cockroach. Not that I'm being dramatic, but because I'm really scared of bugs. I don't know why there is still a cockroach when I have cleaned the room well.

I carefully stood up, not wanting to trigger the cockroach. My every move is subtle and filled with control. Yet, just as I got away from the bed, the cockroach suddenly flew in my direction. I screamed in surprise, fell to the ground with my sudden movement and my butt was the first to ever hit the cemented floor. I groaned in pain only to realize that the cockroach was stuck on my shorts. As though magic, I instantly raised, trying to get rid of the cockroach as I run outside for help. Tears streamed into my cheeks and my heart palpitated. The hair on my neck rose in horror and only then had I breathed normally when Larabelle, one of the boarders, rushed in my direction and helped me get rid of the bugs fully. The faint reminiscence of the occurrence disgusted me and added up to my fear.

"You should buy a cockroach repellant," Larabelle suggested as she sent me back into my room.

My anxiety arose, as I overthought. What if it comes again when I'm sleeping? Just the thought of it made my flesh tremble.

"I will, Lara. Thank you and sorry for the disturbance," I bowed and apologized before she went back to her room.

The rooms aren't soundproof. So I assume that the boarders have heard my scream. It was embarrassing. I'm too old to be scared of these things, but I can't help it. It's as though my fear is already programmed into my system. Cockroaches are little devils.

Because of what happened earlier, I've grown more restless. I've checked the bedroom every now and then, to make sure there will be no more roaches. By tomorrow, like what Larabelle says, I will buy a cockroach repellant so it will not be a hassle to the boarders. Perhaps, as time goes by, I will get used to this and maybe overcome this fear. Which I'm hoping I can. To live a life without fear is like embracing the embodiment of peace. And it's been quite a long time already that I yearn for that — peace.

It was 6:46 p.m. when I was done cooking my dinner. As usual, it was just fried spam and fried rice. I'm still learning, so I have to start with the basics. Somehow, I have gradually learned how to cook, wash the dishes, do the laundry and clean the house. Something which I have never done before.

Doing housework wasn't easy, but it was fulfilling. I decided to chill a bit after eating and cleaning the kitchen. The whole space was calm and quiet— making me feel a bit lonely and sad. I decided to get my laptop and search for a job hiring that did not cover my scope of work and is far too different from my profession. If construction companies aren't hiring engineers right now. I have no choice but to bet on something and try my luck in a different field. I would not limit my ability to a specific area of work because I know I am capable of making adjustments. And I can negotiate depending on the situation.

My hands scroll across various job hiring until I land on the Crimson Empire website, one of which Sebastian owns. Out of curiosity, I clicked on the website and saw a few notices of them hiring new employees. I look through the requirements needed to be qualified and my face distorted after seeing the qualities written. Ironic, how a janitor needs to be a Harvard Graduate. What kind of requirement is that? That line of work does not need a degree. Pity are those who don't have the privilege to study at a prestigious university like Harvard as they don't have the right to be hired. But I guess Sebastian was a bit too much in that part. Everyone can be a janitor, with or without a degree. Does cleaning or sweeping the floor need to be calculated or perhaps be studied well? I shook my head before closing my MacBook. That alone adds up to my problem.

I massage my temples first before putting the MacBook back on the table. And just as I was back on the couch, my cellphone rang. I looked at it lazily and my mood suddenly lightened—a happy smile appeared on my face upon seeing who the caller was.

“Isabelle!" I screamed softly after answering her call.

“Hiver!" she responded, her voice didn't sound happy at all. “Why didn't you tell me?"

I was confused by what she meant. What did I not say? But eventually, it dawned on me. Perhaps she was referring to my situation. I knew the news had wings and, eventually, in time, it would reach her as well. Canais is a well-known country and Sebastian is a well-known businessman. His life has always been the center of attention and relevant in the business domain. So it’s not really impossible that it won’t get to France and I’m right, it does. But even though I already knew what Isabelle meant, I acted as though I knew nothing.

“What do you mean, Isabelle?"

“Sebastian seized your company, didn't he? You filed a case and you lose— that's what's written in the newspaper."

I gasped at her answer. Unexpectedly, I have made myself known in the business domain and the worse part was the fact that it is not in a good way. It was an insult on my part to be known just because of losing face. While I remembered it all, an idea entered my mind. Is it possible that this is the reason why no company accepts me? Because I have a case involving a Montenegro? But that would be a very shallow reason. A company should hire someone based on their skills and competence, not because of some connections. But what can I really expect? This is how business works. People tend to play dirty just for the sake of relationships and connections. There is no fairness— not even in business. And that's something I should have been aware of since I was once a CEO too.

“Aunt sold the company, Isabelle. That's why I wasn't able to win the case," I replied, after a moment of silence.

"And the house too," I added.

"WHAT?" she yelled on the other line. As though my revelation is so surprising.

I rolled my eyes and heaved a sigh. “You've heard me, right? I'm not in the mood to reiterate anything, Isabelle."

“Chill— I was just surprised. Where are you right now?"

“I'm in Caroline. I boarded house here," I declared.

"Where's your Aunt now?"

“Prison."

“What are your plans now?”

“I'm applying for a job,” I responded before yawning. My eyelids are falling off already. I tried to fight it back just so I could talk more with her. Eventually, I failed.

Isabelle had many more questions until I fell asleep on the call. I was exhausted during the day and I knew she'd understand me either way. The worst part is that I even forgot to ask when she would be home. I just hope it'll be sooner so my life will be less sad.