Chapter9
1046 Words
Elena's eyes turned bloodshot, like a predator locked on its target.
Her veins bulged at the side of her neck, fists clenched tightly.
She let out a frustrated scream, but the driver didn't even slow down.
Her eyes rolled down as she glanced down at her soaked dress.
“Seriously? On my first day?” she muttered, stomping her foot. “This is a disaster.”
She stared at Sandra who was also staring at her with her eyes wide opened.
“It's helpless right, " Elena asked, her voice trembling.
“Obviously…” Sandra nodded, glancing nervously at her watch.
“I can't go in looking like this. What will they think?” Elena's voice cracked.
“Well,” Sandra said, pausing. “Didn't you say you know the director personally? You could call him, maybe explain and go home to change.”
Elena's eyes lit up. “That's… actually smart.”
She reached into her bag for her phone, but a deep voice stopped her cold.
“There won't be a need for that.”
They turned.
“Good morning, Mr. Nicholas,” they said in unison.
“Morning, ladies,” he smiled politely. “I saw everything from my office. Don't worry. There's a clothing store just down the road. Mention my name, and they'll take care of it.”
Before either could thank him properly, he had already walked off.
Moments later, Elena and Sandra arrived at the so-called “clothing store.”
But it wasn't just a*****e. It was a high-end fashion boutique. Elena blinked in surprise at the elegance inside.
They mentioned Mr. Nicholas’ name to the receptionist and were escorted to a private VIP section.
Sandra whispered, “Never thought a man in his mid-fifties would have fashion taste like this.”
“You never really know people,” Elena smirked.
A male stylist soon appeared and, after a quick assessment, selected a stunning outfit for Elena, light brown formal pants, a tucked-in cream top, and sleek black heels.
Sandra's jaw dropped. “Wow. You look incredible.”
Elena grinned.
They returned to the gallery, Elena now looking composed and confident.
“I'll head to my department,” Sandra said, giving her a quick peck on the cheek.
Elena made her way to Mr. Nicholas's office. He greeted her with a nod and then introduced her to the team.
She'd be working alongside two others in the art restoration and painting department.
Mia and Pete introduced themselves warmly.
“Need anything, let me know,” Mr. Nicholas said before leaving.
Elena turned to Mia. “Can you walk me through how things work here?”
Mia nodded and began explaining the department's rhythm, how they evaluated art pieces for exhibition, restoration priorities, and weekly Wednesday shows.
Elena listened attentively, quickly catching on.
Time flew. When others started leaving the office, she tilted her head in curiosity.
“It's lunch time,” Mia smiled.
Lunch time was by 12 noon.
Elena nodded but stayed back to finish up some tasks.
Just then, a knock.
“Aren't you going for lunch?” Sandra peeked in.
“I wasn't going to, but now that you're here… give me a minute.”
They stepped out together.
“Cafeteria or outside?” Sandra asked.
“Outside. I need air,” Elena said, stretching.
They walked to a nearby restaurant. Sandra placed their orders, fried chicken and soda for both and led Elena to her favorite seat, right in front of the giant TV.
As they waited, Elena leaned in. “Who is that guy?”
Sandra scanned the room. “Where?”
“On the TV.”
A live interview was airing with Alexander Drake.
“Oh, that's Alexander Drake, the tech billionaire. The son of Reginald Drake.
Elena's eyes stayed fixed.
Sandra grinned. “Don't tell me you're interested.”
“What? No!” Elena replied, flustered.
“Mmhmm. He's your type, tall, handsome, successful. Plus, his tech company is the biggest in Miller State.”
“And I didn't ask for that rundown,” Elena teased.
Sandra laughed. “You always do this when you like someone.”
Their order arrived. Time was almost up.
“Let's head back,” Sandra said.
They strolled back, munching and laughing.
“See you at 3,” Sandra waved as they split up.
The rest of the workday passed quickly. Mr. Nicholas stopped to check in. Closing approached.
Elena stretched and packed up.
“Goodbye, Miss. Elena.”
“See you tomorrow,” Mia and Pete said.
She smiled and waited for Sandra in the hallway.
Sandra appeared minutes later. “Let's go. But first, go let Mr. Nicholas know you're leaving.”
Elena nodded
She left for his office and knocked.
“Come in,” came his voice.
Elena entered the office, a decent well decorated room with glass walls and grey interior paintings.
“I just wanted to let you know I'm heading out,” she said politely.
“Thanks for letting me know. I hope the day wasn't too overwhelming.”
“Not at all,” Elena smiled.
“Good. See you tomorrow.”
She left and rejoined Sandra.
“So? How did it go?” Sandra asked eagerly.
“Fine.”
“Bus or foot?” Sandra asked. “It's a 30-minute walk.”
“Let's walk. I'm not in a rush,” Elena giggled.
Sandra's eyes dropped to their shoes. “You're forgetting something.”
Elena frowned.
“We can't walk in heels,” Sandra smirked, pulling two pairs of foldable slippers from her bag.
“You're a lifesaver.”
They laughed, slipping into the flats and strolling home, gossiping and teasing.
But just as they turned the final corner near their estate, Elena froze.
“That's the car,” she said, her voice low and sharp.
“What?”
“The one that splashed water on me. Blue sedan. Same plate number.”
Sandra frowned. “Could be a different one.”
“No. Same color, same plate number.”
Before Sandra could protest, Elena was already moving.
“Elena! Where are you going?”
“To give the driver a taste of his own medicine.”
Her eyes flared with fury as she marched towards the car.
- Writer
