BEYOND THE BUSINESS CARD

CHAPTER 3: The Interview; Deal With The Devil

Dear Ms. Katia

We’re pleased to inform you that your application as the secretary of Paul Corporation is successful. However, you’re requested to have a one on one interview with the CEO. Alexander Paul.

Best Regards.

Paul Corporation- HR.

“Arghhh! When did I applied for a job in Paul Corporation?. A secretary to the CEO? I’m so doomed!” I said to myself panicking as I glared at the message on my screen.

My heart raced not knowing what to do but I was still determined to find out the truth about the dark secrets of Paul Corporation so I muster up the courage and decide I’ll go for the interview

I began preparing for attending the interview. I picked my clothes and do whatever I’m supposed to do the next day because I don’t want to go late for the interview feeling odd about it but I made up my mind

“Katia, you can do this!” I said to myself as I went back to sleep to wake up early the next day

*The next morning*

My alarm rang and I woke up to a start, my body was full of sweat, tears on my face and my heart pounding as I got up. It was the same dream but I had gotten used to it already but I wasn’t consumed by it

“I have a lot in my plate already” I said to myself as I got up and walked to the bathroom.

I splashed my face with water to wake up from the dream and not be consumed by anxiety.

I took my bath and eat my breakfast before leaving for the interview.

Getting to the company “PAUL CORPORATION” was written boldly in front. My palm sweaty and my heart racing not knowing what is coming in my way but all I could hope for is to get accepted.

“Lord, please help me” it was the first time I prayed to God as I entered inside the company.

“Good morning, Ms. Katia. This way” suddenly someone said to me and accompanied me to where the interview will hold.

I went in and I met Alex in the interview room already as if waiting for me to arrive.

“Good morning, sir” I said clearing my voice as if I didn’t know him before.

“Of course, I have to be normal. What good will it do if I failed the interview” I thought to myself.

“Good morning Katia” he responded with an intense gaze

Alex gaze seems to pierce through my soul but I didn’t waver. I have to maintain my composure.

“Have a seat”, he said to me still looking at me so intensely

“Thank you sir” I said as I draw the chair and sat down

“So, Katia. Your overall resume is great and I’m impressed with what I’m seeing in front of me but are you sure you can do a good job?” He said to me plainly

“Yes sir, I will do a good job” I assured as I presented my speeches and skills.

Alexander listened intently to my presentation and he seemed to be impressed with my charisma. Suddenly, he leaned towards me and said to me in a low voice

“Its not all about being competent or impression that you will do a good job for me. I need someone… loyal”

My heart raced and my thoughts began to swindle in again. “What does he mean by Loyal. Am I being hired to clean up after him?, Why me”

“Wha.. What do you mean.. Loyal sir..?” I asked stammering and his gaze piercing through my heart. I began having goosebumps.

“Ha haha” he just laughed and said to me “Yes, loyal. You have to be loyal when you work with me or you pay the price for deceiving me because I will find out”

“Pay the price?” I said to myself in a barely audible tone. “What had I gotten myself into?” I thought to myself seeing his gaze never wavering

Suddenly, his phone rang breaking the tense atmosphere

“Excuse me” he said as he picked up the phone responding to the person on the other line

“Where were we” he said to me as he hung up breaking my swirling thoughts grabbing my attention back.

“Loyalty” I responded in a plain tone.

“Yes, loyalty” he leaned forward and said to me in a devilish voice.

“Failure isn’t all about loosing Katia, I need someone who can be loyal to me and protect my interests”

“What interests” I asked almost immediately cutting him off.

“You are brave, Katia” I like your courage.

“If you can do a good job protecting my interests, then you’re good to go with the interview”

“I will surely do a great job” I replied nodding my head in agreement to what he said.

“Then, it’s a deal” he said to me as he stretched his hand for a handshake

Panicking I stood up and raised my hands to shake him back while my body felt goosebumps. “Deal” I said back in a brave tone as well

“Resume work unfailingly tomorrow. You’ll be notified of your first order” he said to me as he stood up to leave.

“Tomorrow” I repeated trying to sound confident

“I’ll be watching you closely, Katia” he said and walk out of the office

I got up shakily still feeling the unease about the interview I just had and decided to have a tour around the company.

“This place feels odd and the people feel so weird” I said to myself as I walked through in the company.

I exited the building still feeling the unease and I couldn’t shake off the feeling that I had just made a deal with the devil.

Suddenly my phone rang. It was Victor.

“Hello. I got the job” I said as I picked up the call not wanting to entertain further questions.

“Congratulations, Katia. You got the job” Victor said

Not knowing whether I should feel excited or anxious about getting the job I replied to him panicking

“What job, Victor. The people here are so weird. No one relates or notices anything in this company and the boss he kept saying stuffs about protecting his interests and loyalty. I’m feeling scared, Victor”

“I have told you not to get involve with that man. He’s a dangerous ma but you won’t listen”. Victor scolded

“What are you going to do now?. Don’t go to his office tomorrow. Don’t resume “ he said to me but I insisted on going back to the company

“I’ll go back and dig out the truth about the dark secrets of Paul Corporation” I said to him as I hung up the call on him

I stood firm and continue walking home feeling uneasy as if I’m being watched

The words of victor echoed in my mind but I was adamant on getting to the root.

“Interests.. Loyalty” those two words continued to haunt me until I got to the door of my apartment.

I entered my apartment and was greeted by the unknown voice I heard some days ago. “Congratulations.. Fate will lead you” the voice said to me again

“What fate?. What congratulations” I asked immediately wanting an answer but the voice had stopped.

I hissed and went straight to my room sobbing as I lay on my bed. Different questions clouding my mind waiting for an answer.

“I’m exhausted” I said to myself but “this is just the beginning” I thought and dust myself up to finish the task at hand.

I picked a marker and a board. I started mapping out all events that has happened to me right from the beginning to this moment as if trying to create a pattern.

It took me about three hours to write out everything. My questions, doubts and suspicions when a thought struck my mind.

“Did the fate the voice I keep hearing said lead me to Alexander. How did my fate and Alexander's intertwined and is my recurring dream trying to tell me a message?”