A Second Chance At Love

Jessica’s POV

I opened my mouth to speak but words wouldn’t come out, I could feel panic and tears making my throat constrict painfully, and I knew I had to end this call right this minute before I weep into the call.

I cleared my throat softly,”Erm… may you please let me know why my request is not being responded to positively?” I hated how my voice slightly shook.

He acted as though he didn’t hear my question, I was about to give up and turn off the call then he finally spoke.

“You can have the job. I’m only doing this because of the relationship between our mothers. Don’t in any way think I’ll be easy on you just because our moms are friends, I hate slackers and you won’t be the exception.”

Although he sounded mean and stern, but just for the fact that a way out of the mess had finally presented itself I felt instant relief.

”of…of course sir, I wouldn’t disappoint you at all. I promise you won’t regret this.“

I heard him blow out an arrogant huff but at this moment I really didn’t give a shit. Right now he just saved me big time.

“Time will tell whether or not I made the right decision to give you a job or not. I have a meeting right now but text your bank account details and mail your CV to me.”

“Thank you so much.” Despite his arrogant approach the man just saved my ass and I was grateful.

He put off the call without even responding but I don’t care. What mattered in this moment wasn’t the low feeling I got in the pit of my gut at the thought of working with this arrogant bastard. My mum was going to be alright.

I quickly typed my account details on my cell phone and sent to his number, almost instantly I received the sum of 300,000 dollars.

Wow, not a bad starting salary at all especially for such a simple role as being a secretary.

My phone beeped again and a message popped from him, “Still waiting for your CV, you resume at 8:30 in the morning sharp and not a minute late. If you do, consider yourself fired.”

I rolled my eyes at the arrogance, something tells me this job won’t be as straightforward as I think.

Getting up swiftly I headed to the hospital reception to pay my mothers bill so she could get better attention.

The next morning I woke up by 6am not wanting to be late. Thanks to the early payment I was able to get a private hospital room that had an extra bed last night. I stretched out, giving myself a few seconds to adjust before jumping down from the bed.

My mum was still sleeping, so I gently tiptoed and kissed her forehead. I was also able to secure a private nurse who would attend to her while I’m at work.

My things were still at the house so I had to quickly dash home and shower, and change into a navy blue office dress that flattered my slim curvy figure.

I was mindful of the time so I didn’t do much with my waist length hair, I simply slicked it down and used a claw clip, pairing the outfit with the only decent pair of black leather block heels and matching purse.

I twirled and turned in the mirror, sprayed on some body splash, satisfied with my look and dashed out.

I knew if I took the bus I’d be late so I hauled down a taxi and rushed in. At exactly 8: 00 am the cab pulled up to the skyscraper building, I paid the driver and came down tentatively.

I’ve always been socially awkward and big serious buildings like this always made me feel nervous.

“I’m doing this for me, be brave Jessica.” I muttered to myself. I walked into the building and was pleasantly surprised at the grandeur, the place managed to stay looking professional despite luxury minimalist furniture and decor.

A bald, overweight security guard approached me, “Excuse me miss, can you state what you're here for. No one is allowed to stand her idly, bosses orders.”

“I’m actually here for a job, I was offered the position of personal assistant to the CEO by the boss himself.”

The security arched his eyebrows at me in amusement and confusion, then spoke something into his walkie talkie. I looked at the time and noticed a good five minutes had passed, I didn’t want to be even a minute late.

The security guard affirmed something and turned to me with a warm smile. “You’re welcome, Miss Jessica, you can approach the receptionist over there, the Human Resources manager already made your id and access card.”

I let out a breath of relief I didn’t even know I was holding, “Thank you.” I said hurrying in the direction he pointed at me to go, I was halfway there when I immediately stopped dead in my tracks.

I felt goosebumps immediately cover my skin, of all the people that could’ve been the receptionist it had to be Jolene Francis. My legs immediately felt like jelly and I felt bile rise up to my throat.

Jolene Francis is not only the best friend of Rachelle who my ex husband is having an affair with but also my high school bully. My legs slowed down and I immediately wanted to exit the building.

I summoned my courage and approached the desk. She eyed me over immediately, I didn’t bother to exchange pleasantries, as far as I’m concerned, an ally to Rachelle and Michael, is a foe of mine.

Wordlessly she thrusts a brown envelope to me, I took it and turned not even checking the package.

I walked to the elevator while trying to pry the envelope open that probably contained my access card and company id but halted immediately when I collided with a hard wall.