Bridal Entrapment

Chapter 4: Leo

The memory of the thorough interview at the Champ's Agency in the province I grew up in overwhelmed my mind. I recollected the crowd of ladies accumulated around the gathering work area, all competing for the pined-for servant position at Champ de Bataille.

"Wow, looks like I'm not the only one inquisitive about this work," I commented to April who had gone with me to the agency.

I gestured in assertion, her eyes filtering the swarm with a blend of interest and apprehension. "Appears like everyone's enthusiastic to induce in the activity. But I have a feeling you'll stand out from the crowd, Camelia.”

Energized by my friend’s words, I squared my shoulders and drew closer to the reception desk, where a stern-looking man in a suit was conducting interviews.

"Pardon me, sir," I had said, my voice relentless despite my nerves. "I'm here for the housekeeper position at Champ de Bataille."

The man had looked up from his printed material, his expression incoherent. "Name?" he had asked curtly, his tone brusque.

"Camelia Avril," I answered, attempting to keep my voice calm and composed.

The man had gestured, writing something down on his clipboard, signaling for me to follow him to an adjacent meeting room.

The meeting had been brief but serious, with the man terminating off questions in quick progression. I had done my best to reply to them unquestionably, despite the bothersome

feeling that I was being judged each step of the way.

As the interview concluded, I came out of the room feeling a blend of alleviation and apprehension. I had done my best, but presently all I could do was hope.

As I made my way out of the building, my consideration had been drawn to a commotion close to the entrance. Madame Celeste had told me something earlier on. She was the one who separated the two fighters.

"Camelia, hold up," she had called out to me as I walked past her, her voice carrying a note of criticalness. I turned to confront her, confused by her sudden intercession.

"Madame Celeste, is everything okay?" I had inquired, concern carved on my confront.

"Camelia, I just wanted to remind you that the marriage offer is still open." Her soft eyes pierced into mine.

I was shocked by her words. The marriage offer had been an enticing recommendation, a chance to escape the uncertainty of my current circumstance and secure a steady future for myself and my family. Eventually, I chose to pursue the position of a handmaid. At least this way was more certain than Madam Celeste's offer. Hers appears more abstract.

"Thank you, Madame Celeste," I replied, my voice tinged with appreciation. "But I've made my decision."

Madame Celeste had gestured understandingly, her expression filled with regard. "Exceptionally well, Camelia. Keep in mind that the offer still stands.”

With those words, she offered me goodbye, leaving me to navigate the challenges that lay ahead of me.

***

As I stood alone on the forlorn street, the memory of Madame Celeste's words resounded in my brain. Despite the charm of a secure future, I had chosen the path I wanted, even if it implied confronting hardships and vulnerability along the way.

With a decided sigh, I pushed aside my questions and fears, centering instead on the objective that lay ahead. Champ de Bataille awaited me, and I decided to make it there, no matter what obstacles stood in my way.

However,I regretted not accepting her proposal.

The late morning sun gushed through the tall windows of my office, casting long shadows over the cleaned wooden floor. My work area, cluttered with stacks of papers and records, was a confirmation of my commitment to my job. As I sat behind my desk, my strict expression relaxed as it were marginally as I looked at the clock ticking relentlessly on the divider.

The entryway to my office swung open with a squeak, and a whirlwind of voices taken after as my workers entered, each bearing pressing demands and enthusiastic faces. I murmured deep down, bracing myself for the unavoidable invasion of requests.

“Sir, we truly require your endorsement on these reports," argued Sarah, the head of the marketing department, her voice tinged with edginess.

"Better believe it, boss, we can't move forward without your signature," chimed Stamp, her partner, juggling a stack of papers unstably in his arms.

My forehead wrinkled as I overviewed the ocean of faces, each one competing for my consideration. I inclined back in my chair, collapsing my arms over my chest with a surrendered discussion.

"I've got a commercial to run," I mumbled roughly, my voice cutting through the clamor of voices. "I do not have time for this." That was a lie though.

Sarah's shoulders dropped in disappointment, and Donald traded a knowing look with his colleagues. They had seen this side of me for quite some time now – the extreme, no-nonsense businessman who brooked no diversions. With a mumbled expression of remorse, they left my office.

A few minutes later, I ordered my assistant to call Beatrice. She was the sales manager.

With a strict expression, I tended to Beatrice, the weight of my choice apparent in my voice. "I've made my choice," I stated, trying to decipher her arguing look. "Your errors are getting out of hand and I can now not ignore them."

Tears welled up in Beatrice's eyes as she asked, "It would be ideal if you, sir, give me another chance. I'll work harder, I guarantee!"

Shaking my head, I answered solidly, "I've given you sufficient chances as of now. It's time to part ways.”

Her voice shuddering, Beatrice choked out, "But what about my family? I require this work to back them."

Even though I was thoughtful, I kept up my resolve. "I get it," I said, my tone unwavering, "but this is often the most excellent course of activity for the company. If you don't mind, pack your assets and exit the premises."

Crying straightforwardly now, Beatrice beseeched, "It would be ideal if you reexamine, sir. I'll do anything to keep my work."

Lamentably, I conveyed the ultimate blow. "I'm so sorry," I said, my voice overwhelming with irrevocability, "but my choice is final. You'll get your severance bundle, and HR will help you with anything you might need to vacate as soon as possible, before dusk. Farewell.”