CHAPTER FOUR
1155 Words
“Cherry, get ready fast! You’ll be late for work,” my mom called.
Well… not my biological mother, but my adoptive mother.
I looked at myself in the mirror. Today is exactly one year since I planned to end my life.
A year ago, after leaving the hospital, I ran straight to the bridge, ready to jump into the lagoon. But just as I was about to, a voice stopped me.
“Do you really want to kill yourself?” an elderly woman asked, running toward me. I turned around and saw her she had parked her car by the roadside and was panting heavily as she approached.
I glared at her through my tears. “Why shouldn’t I? I don’t even have a family. The man I love doesn’t love me. My own mother says I’m bad luck; bad luck to everyone! I have nobody. I’m alone in this world!”
She looked at me calmly. “So you really want to prove them right? That you’re bad luck? You want to end your life because one man doesn’t love you? Because of words from your mother? What happened to proving them wrong? To prove to yourself that you are worthy, that you are enough? Don’t let their opinion define you. Think, my dear, before you jump.”
I took a step back from the edge, my heart racing. One wrong move and I would’ve fallen. Shame washed over me. Was I really about to kill myself because of a man? Because of my mother's word? Because of Jason?
“No,” I whispered. “This isn’t right.”
I ran to the woman and hugged her tightly, crying. “No, I won’t do it. I’m enough. I’m worthy.”
She hugged me back. That same woman took me in and later adopted me. Since then, I’ve called her Mother.
Every day, I thank God for sending her to me.
“Cherry! Hurry up!” her voice broke my thoughts again.
“Yes, Mom!” I answered quickly.
I turned to the mirror and read out loud the words pasted on it; my daily recitation.
“I’m strong. I’m bold. I’m beautiful. I’m worthy. I’m enough and I’m a great woman.”
Mom made me promise to say those words every morning, and honestly, they keep me going.
I stepped out of my room and hugged her from behind.
“Here’s your food,” she said.
“No, Mom. I’m already late. I’ll grab something at work.”
“What a waste. At least eat something,” she complained.
“No time, Mom!” I said, running off before she could insist.
Today was important. The company I worked for was having a final meeting with one of the world's largest corporations. Because of our consistent awards for diligence and excellence, they chose to partner with us.
Through my mom’s connections, I got my first job as a secretary. Later, I earned a promotion to P.A.
I drove off in Mom’s old car and stopped by my favorite café, my little addiction. I was late, but not late enough to skip coffee. When I got there, the place was unusually crowded and buzzing with excitement. Expensive cars lined the street.
“Wow,” I murmured, staring at the luxurious vehicles. “One day, I’ll buy one for Mom and me.”
Inside, the energy was different. People were whispering excitedly. Out of curiosity, I asked one of the waitresses, “Hey, what’s going on today?”
“Kris Kels is here!” she said, eyes sparkling.
“Who’s that?” I asked, surprised.
She looked at me as if I’d grown two heads. “You don’t know him? He’s the youngest billionaire in the country! Every woman’s dream is a handsome, powerful, and rich man.”
I rolled my eyes. “Can I just have my coffee?” I said, cutting off her daydreaming.
Once I got my coffee, I decided to take it to the office, since I was running late. I squeezed my way toward the door, careful not to spill a drop. But as I stepped aside to let someone pass, my heel accidentally pressed against a man’s shoe.
Before I could even apologize, he pushed me slightly and snapped, “Watch where you’re going.” The sudden movement made a bit of my coffee spill on my white shirt.
“Damn it,” I muttered, turning around and freezing.
This was the most handsome man I had ever seen. No he wasn’t just handsome, he was breathtaking. His jawline, his deep eyes… everything about him screamed perfection.
Trying to regain my composure, I said, “I’m sorry for stepping on you. But you didn’t have to push me.”
He smirked. “Were you blind? If you want, I can help clean it.”
Before I could react, he brushed his hand over my chest, pretending to wipe the coffee but his fingers lingered too long.
Shock and disgust filled me. I slapped him hard.
“You jerk!” I spat and stormed off without looking back.
I got into my car, ignoring the onlookers, and sped away, my heart pounding with anger and embarrassment.
---
By afternoon, our office was buzzing with energy. It was time for the big meeting with the famous WILK Company.
But my mind drifted to what happened earlier this morning. He deserved the slap he’s untrained and a jerk, I thought with anger.
“Are you ready?” my boss interrupted my train of thought.
“Yes, sir,” I replied.
He had already told me we’d be going together. My boss was a nice man, but greedy and lazy he often dumped his work on me. But today, even he seemed excited.
“Who owns WILK Company anyway?” I asked curiously while he drove.
He shrugged. “No idea. Rumor says it’s an old man, but no one really knows. The owner is completely anonymous.”
“Well, whoever it is,” I said, “getting this partnership is what matters.”
He nodded greedily. “Exactly.”
We arrived at the tall glass building with WILK boldly written on the front. “Welcome to WILK,” an automated voice greeted as the door slid open.
I glanced at my boss. His eyes were practically sparkling with enthusiasm. I shook my head and followed him to the receptionist, who seemed to be expecting us.
“Right this way,” she said, leading us to the elevator.
My heart pounded. This deal could change everything for our company and for me.
The elevator doors opened, revealing a spacious office. A man sat behind a huge desk, his chair turned to face the window.
The receptionist announced our arrival. Slowly, the chair turned around
.
My eyes widened. My breath caught in my throat.
It was him.
The man I slapped this morning
- Writer
