Fated Love

Chapter 2

Once I got off the phone with Rosa, I got dressed, gave myself a few pep talks and and left for Key Ace Entertainment. The moment I stepped inside the building, nerves hit me. This was the umbrella that managed the country's biggest celebrities.

I inhaled deeply and walked to the reception.

"Hi, I'm here about the job advert," I said,

"Oh, welcome." The receptionist smiled. "Please wait while I contact the HR department."

As she spoke into the phone, I glanced around. The staff looked relaxed—some in business casual, others in jeans and shirts.

They seem to have a lenient dressing code. I mused.

"Miss, you proceed to the HR department. It's on the second floor," she said politely.

"Thank you." I replied, heading for the elevator.

The HR floor was bustling, and I felt lost amidst the movement. I didn't even know who to talk to. In rather confused state, a woman in a black and white striped jumpsuit and a blazer approached me.

"Can I help you?" she smiled, her tone polished and professional.

"Y-Yes," I stuttered under her steady gaze. "I'm here about the job advert. I'm looking for Erika Valdez."

"Oh, I see." She nodded, smiling knowingly. "And I assume you’re Kiara Michaelson."

"Huh?" I blinked. How does she know my name?

"I know you’re wondering,” she said lightly. “Rosa called earlier to confirm your arrival.”

"Oh, of course she did," I mumbled.

"I'm Erika, by the way. Nice to meet you."

"Thank you," I replied, impressed by her confident aura and refined accent.

"So, about the job, you'll work as a house manager for one of our clients. It's part-time for now, but that could change depending on the client’s needs. The house is currently vacant since the occupant is out on a project,” she explained as we walked to her office.

Her office was spacious and elegant, with awards on one wall and neatly arranged files on another. A quick look at her desk and I realise she was in fact, a director and the head of the HR department. She handed me the file, taking a seat across from me. “Please review this and sign if you’re satisfied.”

I took the file and skimmed the document.

“Before you sign,” Erika said, her gaze sharp, “understand that once you agree, you’re bound by confidentiality. You can’t disclose anything about our client. Their privacy is paramount.”

"I understand,” I answered.

"You’ll report any issue directly to me or the agency. Understood?"

"Understood."

"Good. You’ll start work tomorrow or sometime within the week. You’ll receive £25,000 for this month since it’s ending soon. Afterward, £50,000, monthly."

I froze. £50,000? My eyes widened.

"It’s negotiable," she added with a small smile.

"No, it's perfect," I said quickly, signing the contract.

She handed me a card. "Here’s the address. Bring another copy of your credentials when you resume."

"Oh, I have one here." I passed her my CV.

"Good." She looked over it, then studied me quietly.

"You seem nervous." She finally said.

I exhaled. "Honestly, I didn’t expect to get the job. I wasn’t prepared for an interview.”

She chuckled, "I thought about interviewing you, but decided not to. Rosa spoke highly of you—and I trust her judgment.”

She grinned. “Besides, I owe her one."

That made me smile. Rosa was a lot of things, but unreliable wasn’t one of them.

"I won't let you down," I promised.

“I’m counting on it,” Erika said warmly. “Welcome aboard.”

Outside the agency, Rosa was already waiting.

"Hey babe! How did it go?" she asked, grinning.

"It was fine. Guess what?"

"What?"

"I got the job and without an interview, too."

"Hooray!!" She squealed, throwing her hands up. "That calls for a celebration." She frowned slightly, "Wait—what?"

"I'm serious. No interview."

"That's weird,” she murmured.

"I know. But Erika said she trusts me and that she owes you."

Rosa smiled knowingly. "Maybe she liked you. You know that instant connection thing.”

"Right." I said unimpressed. "How did you even know her?"

"She’s a friend—and the HR director, actually.”

"Wow,” I whistled. “She looks young for a director.”

"Don't be deceived,” Rosa snorted. “She's only two years older than us."

We walked to the parking lot, teasing each other along the way.

"Thank you." I said quietly.

"For what?" She replied, her hazel eyes sparkling with amusement.

"For everything."

She pretended to wipe her imaginary tears. “Don't make me cry! I'm just doing what any friend would do."

I hugged her. "You’re one in a million, Rosa.”

"Yeah, yeah,” she laughed. “Save the love for indoors. People will think we’re crazy.”

I made a face at her, "Way to ruin the moment."

"You should know we’re not normal. Come on, let’s go. I’m starving.”

"No wonder, you came looking for me." I teased as we got into the car.

"Of course, my beloved partner," she grinned. "Couldn't eat alone knowing you were nearby."

"Where are we going?" I asked, tuning the stereo.

"MacDonald's!" She sang, drumming her fingers on the wheel while I searched for my favorite music on her playlist.

"Yeah! Can we get going already?" I replied, bopping my head to the beat of ‘Birds of Feathers’ by Billie Eilish.

"Impatient, are we?" She smiled, pulling out of the parking lot.

"Yeah. I'm starving already."

“Good thing I came to rescue you,” she smirked, hitting the accelerator.

"Shut up and drive!"

"Aye, aye, captain!" She laughed.

We create memories and hold on to them. Looking back can sometimes be painful, but mostly, it’s joyful. We laugh at the moments that once shaped us. And me? I'm creating memories that will stand for a long time in this foreign land.