CHAPTER TWO
816 Words
ELLA'S POV
I woke up to the sharp vibration of my phone under my pillow. At first, I ignored it—messages that early were usually my best friend,Jenny sending one of her “rise and grind” motivational texts.
But when I lazily pulled the phone out I saw "INTERVIEW CONFIRMATION” from the company I applied to last month,Dreamliner Atelier I shot up so fast my head almost hit the headboard of my bed.
My heart started racing.
“Dear Miss Ella Brooks, your application fits our current needs. Can you come in this morning for an interview and contract signing?”
For a minute, I just stared at the screen, blinking.
Me? They wanted me?
I squealed, hugged my pillow, then stumbled out of bed and ran into the bathroom.
Everything felt rushed—washing my face, brushing my teeth, fighting with my stubborn hair, and putting on the least-wrinkled dress in my wardrobe. It wasn’t designer or fancy, but it was clean and decent. I grabbed my folder with my certificates and sketches and flew down the stairs.
The cheerful excitement inside me disappeared almost immediately I came down the stairs.They were all seated in the living room
My stepmother Fina, smiling that fake, sugary smile she only used when Dad was present.
My half-sister Pearl, scrolling through her phone like a queen on her throne.
And my dad… staring into his mug like the coffee held all the answers to his sadness.
“Ella,” my stepmum called sweetly. “You didn’t greet your elders.”
I forced a small smile. “Good morning.”
Pearl looked up, eyes scanning me from head to toe like she was assessing a beggar.
“What are you wearing?” she asked with a smug smile. “Are you going for a cleaner job?”
I inhaled slowly so I wouldn’t react. “I have somewhere important to be.”
“Important?” she snorted. “You? Please.”
My stepmother placed a hand dramatically on her chest. “Pearl, don’t talk to your sister like that. Even though… you should really try to dress better if you wants opportunities.”
It was a compliment and insult wrapped together. Classic her.
Dad didn’t even look up. He never says anything anymore.
I swallowed the sting in my chest and tightened my grip on my folder.
“I’ll be back later,” I said softly.
And I left—because I had something better waiting for me.
DREAMLINE ATELIER FASHION HOUSE
The moment I stepped out of the cab I was stunned I don't seem to get over the gigantic building,as if that was not enough,I froze immediately I saw the inside
The place was massive,tall glass windows everywhere,tall shimmering pillars.
Security guards dressed like they were protecting the president.
Employees walking fast, sharp, and confident.
My breath caught in my throat.
One day my designs will walk through this building too…
The thought felt unreal.
“Excuse me?” I approached the front desk.
The secretary looked me over like I dragged mud inside. Her expression screamed You don’t belong here.
“I’m here for the interview,” I said, trying to sound confident.
She didn’t speak. She just pointed to the elevator with a bored expression and went back to typing. fifth floor I heard her finally say
I ignored her attitude,I wasn’t here for her.
I was directed to the Head Designer’s Office. When I entered, I almost gasped again.
The office was a dream—color palettes, fabric samples, sketches pinned on clean boards, and a big window that showed the entire city.
“Ah, you must be Ella!”
A warm voice pulled me back.
The Head Designer was a beautiful woman in her early forties, wearing round glasses and a smile that actually reached her eyes.
“Please, sit. Let’s go through your contract.” You can call me Mrs Hailey she said
I sat, trying not to look like an excited child.
We flipped through the terms—salary, rules, responsibilities, dress code, everything that is stated in the contract.
She highlighted the key points, explained my role, and even complimented some sketches I didn’t remember leaving in my CV.
“You have potential,” she said softly. “You just need direction. I hope you’re ready to work hard.”
“I am,” I answered immediately. “More than ready.”
She smiled and handed me a pen and I signed
“Welcome to Dreamline Atelier Fashion House. Resume on Monday morning.”
I signed with slightly shaking hands.
Walking out of that office, contract in my bag cause she gave me a copy, I felt something I hadn’t felt in months:
Hope.
Real hope.
Something was finally changing for me,I know it's not going to be easy but I'm willing to give it my all.
- Writer
