Left Me Broken

Chapter 7

I woke up early today despite having hardly slept last night. Closing my eyes and forcing myself to sleep turned out to be an impossibly hard task. I turned and tossed for so long while panicking for the outcome of my decision.

I let out an exasperated sigh and lazily got up from the bed. Standing before a mirror, I saw my reflection. Surprisingly, lack of sleep last night didn't affect my face as I had expected. Maybe the magic of the spa was still working on my skin. I took a quick shower and had an apple for breakfast.

I started to get ready for my interview. I wore a black pencil skirt matched with a white linen blouse. They fit me perfectly, enhancing my curves, giving me a stunning look. After doing my makeup, I tied my dark brown hair in a bun and loosed some strands of hair that framed my face beautifully. I grabbed my purse and slid it up on my shoulder. Taking my file and keys, I walked out of my apartment. The chilling air of the winter season hit my face, making me shiver suddenly. I clutched my blue overcoat and tied it more tightly this time.

I told myself after I dealt with the problem, I would start afresh a new life without any pain or hurt. It wouldn't matter if Harvey would live with me or with his dad. All I needed was that I would be a part of Harvey's life which I wasn't currently because of my cruel and heartless husband. I didn't know a thing about my son for a year now. I didn't want to beg for my kid in front of Zach anymore because I had done enough of that already and he hadn't budged a little bit seeing my tears soaked face. He called me melodramatic and threw me out of his house.

If I wanted to start afresh, I needed to do this despite how heart shattering it was for me. I needed to do what was best for me since it was the only opportunity I had found. My journey would be difficult at the start but in the end I should bear the fruit of my sacrifice and patience.

When I stepped out of the bus and arrived at the centre of the city, the hustle and bustle of the people amused me. Everyone seemed to be busy running for their jobs.

After ten minutes of walking, I found myself standing before the blue skyscraper building of SC Industries.

I felt a sudden urge to turn back and ran away from there. It took me a moment to find the courage to go inside of the building.

I moved towards the reception area and my eyes registered that the interior had changed and became more morden and furnished with fancy designs. I looked at the receptionist, a brunette lady sitting there. She noticed my presence because of the clicking sound of my heels against the tiled floor. She glanced up from her computer screen and a welcoming and professional smile appeared on her face.

“ May I help you?" She asked politely.

“ My name is Ashley Wallace and I’m here for an interview."

“ Yeah, Ms. Wallace, you are here for the job of Mr. Collin’s PA," She nodded her head as she glanced down at her computer screen.

P.A.? So Matthew Collin had offered me to become his personal assistant. I huffed in annoyance. I thought I might get a chance to work in the marketing field, but a P.A.? Seriously I couldn't expect anything better from Collins family.

Carol, the receptionist, led me to the elevator. She did know I was far familiar with this place. I punched the button to the 38th floor. Another woman entered the elevator, wearing a pink business suit. Her hazel eyes met mine and she gave me a warm smile. I was stunned for a moment seeing her confident and sophisticated look.

“ Are you the new intern here?" She asked.

I shook my head and replied, “ I'm here for an interview."

“ Good luck for your interview," she said with a beautiful smile. “ By the way, My name is Sophia."

“ Thanks, and I’m Ashley," I responded with a smile although my heart beat was increasing every passing second with the elevator moving up to my destination.

When the door of the elevator opened, I walked outside. I glanced around, the hall before me was grand and there were only a few people who seemed accustomed to their works. I walked slowly down the hallway controlling my spilling emotions.

My mind froze for a moment and I stopped in my tracks as my eyes spotted an extra large magnificent poster of Zach holding his business award behind the glass frame.

I still remembered the day when he got this award. To celebrate the day he took me on a yacht and gave me a pleasant surprise. My heart began to flutter rapidly when he showered red flower petals on me.

“ I love you crazily, Ash. I wanted you to know how much you mean to me. I need you to know that." He brushed my lips with his thumb. My entire world stopped when he confessed his feelings to me. The way he stared at me pronounced that I was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

I closed my eyes to feel his touch as he pulled me in his arms. I sucked in a breath and he smiled playfully scanning over my body. He chuckled sweetly and removed a strap of my wine red gown.

“ I... love you..Zach." I responded as my heart, mind and hormones were blasting by his touch. That Zach was so different. He was filled with positive energy, kindness and love. He was the Zach I fell truly madly and deeply in love with.

For a second I forgot why I was there in the office.

I blinked back the tears threatening to fall from my eyes as I swallowed trying to get my heart under control.

Removing my overcoat, I sat on a sofa. After a while a man in his late thirties called my name and led me to a door. I took some deep breaths and walked inside with a confident expression. I had been hunting for jobs and got nothing apart from the cafe work but that job wasn't the one I wanted. I was interested in sales and marketing and I studied hard for that. But I couldn't get the time to do what I wanted because of my early marriage at twenty one and then I got responsibility for my child. But I would not chase away my dreams for anything. I had planned to move to California after I finished my business here. I would start afresh there completing my dreams.

The COO was sitting at a mahogany desk. Her eyes raised up as she looked at me. Clara Park was the COO of the SC Industries. She had a standard expression on her face as she knew I was going to come here for the interview but still there was a hint of surprise in her eyes. I couldn't blame her because who could think that a woman willing to work at her ex’s company.

Clara looked classy in her formal shirt and trouser. Her makeup was neutral and hair was styled with perfection. Seeing her no one could guess her actual age which was late thirties. She looked no older than twenty seven. She was like a mentor to Zach and he had respect for her in his heart. I didn't meet her often when I was married to Zach, still I liked her a lot too because of her uptake and considerate nature.

Clara cleared her throat and gestured to me to sit down. I handed her my file and took a seat on the chair.

“ You have no job experience pertaining to your qualifications. Your other job history isn't good either," she said looking down at my file.

Nervously, I clenched my hands together hard until my knuckles turned white. I knew Matthew had promised me this job but knowing Clara's professionalism I knew she wouldn't just give me this job away if she felt I wasn't suitable for it.

“As I can see you have done well in your school and college then why wouldn't you apply for a job anywhere then?" She asked as she raised a brow.

“ There were some family issues and I couldn't get time to do a job," I responded. “ But now I think I must chase my dreams and make them come true."

She nodded her head with an emphatic expression and locked her fingers as she placed both of her hands on the desk.

“ You know about this job requirements. Your job is setting up the meetings, taking notes, handling calls, records arrangements and filling the important documents."

“ I knew Mrs. Park," I nodded my head.

“ Making good coffee is required as well but I think you're already good at that." She took a deep sigh and questioned, “ Do you think you can do this job?"

I did my best to conceal my anxiety and replied, “ I need this job so yes I will do it."

For a moment, she said nothing and stared at my face. Her eyes scrutinized my face as she tried to read what was going on in my head.

She closed my file and leaned back. “ I know you're more than qualified to do this job. I believe in a person's will and desire to do his work passionately which I can see in you. But--" she paused for a moment to look at my face before she continued again hesitantly, “ Look, your job isn't hard but the environment around you would be stressful and hard for you. You would have to face many nasty things. People would love to gossip about you. You would grab the media's attention and I should not need to mention Zach wouldn't ever want you here. I like a person who can keep her personal and professional life different. I won't want to hear any excuses related to work."

She was right, I was planning to jump into a burning hell. But what could I do now? I had already taken a step forward and I didn't want to step back from here. I took a deep and long breath to summon enough courage to answer her with the right words.

“ Take this," she offered me a glass of water as she noticed my anxious and painful expression. She stared at me keenly with pity as if she understood my situation and dilemma. I didn't need anyone's sympathy and pity.

I gulped down the water and placed the glass on the desk. Pushing my hair back to my ear, I responded, “ I know about the consequences. I have had enough of fearing for society's thoughts about me and my life. Now I must do what I want to do."

She nodded hearing my statement and pressed her lips together. I began to wait for her response restlessly.

“ You're being hired at the previous personal assistant’s place as he is on leave." She finally said. Had Uncle Matthew’s secretary taken a leave from his job? That's why he needed a P.A. That meant I was only hired until he came back but observing the scenario I could guess he had taken a long leave. Did Clara just mean she was hiring me for this job?

I stared at her with the same question and she announced with a smile, “ Congratulations, Ms. Ashley Wallace, you've been selected."

I couldn't help but smile widely. It was a different kind of emotion I was facing right now. Like I was happy to get the job but at the same time a huge part of me was somber and sad.

Suddenly her phone rang and she received the call. “ Okay, tell them I’m coming to attend the meeting," she spoke and hung up the phone. She got up from her chair as she was ready to go.

I stood up immediately and she stared at me.

“ You can join from Monday as the new personal assistant to the CEO of SC Industries." She informed me.

I nodded my head unknowingly as my mind tried to process her unexpected words. Her words echoed in my head, torturing my mind and clenching my chest.

My footsteps grew heavy as I reached the door. I thought I had had enough trouble and difficulties. But my unfortunate life always made me stand on the edge of a sharp blade. Choosing either side wouldn't help me. Anguish hit me hard and I pulled into a stop outside of the door.

The CEO of SC Industries was none other than Zach Collin. How could I not realize I was being hired for my ex husband?

.....

.