GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER

She suddenly asked me a shocking question.

"How about you, Stella? Where is your father working?"

What she asked me made me sweat. I almost swallowed the rice in my mouth without chewing. It took a few seconds before I stuttered to speak. I need to be very careful otherwise I'll be caught in my own lies.

"My... my... my father left us since I was a kid so my mother raised me alone!" I really tried to cry to bring him to my emotions. Fortunately I really cried in front of her.

She held my hand and looked me in the eyes with pity. It seems I am a best actress as of this moment.

She gave me an apologetic grimace. "Sorry if I brought such painful past. But I'm sure that you and your mother went through a lot and she breathed a sigh of relief when you graduated!"

I agreed with what Hailey told me. "Well, I can't deny that what you told me was true. When she presented me with the award, our stage was almost flooded with tears!"

"Too bad, I am certain that your father regrets leaving you behind. He has no balls at all!"

Before a lie could slipped in my mouth again, I asked her a question to divert the topic. "You, I'm sure your father was proud of you when he attended your graduation!"

Hailey's face seemed to be entwined with heaven and earth at what I said and I was surprised by what he said.

"Actually, my father did not attend my graduation because he was very busy at that time. So I was all by myself. Although I knew that was just an excuse. He was obviously not interested in attending because maybe he regretted that he just adopted me!"

I feel so sorry for Hailey. Who would have thought that her father treated her like that?

"Well, now is the time to prove yourself to sir Joseph!"

Hailey gave me a serious look. "Look, I am doing my best to be a good boss but my father's standards are so high that I don't know if I will resign or what. Especially now, he wants to have to create new products for our big event. Investors will come so we have to prepare!"

"I see, you are launching new sets of brands, is that correct?" I asked her in wonder.

"You know, we need to go with the flow. We have to set a new trends so we can boost our sales!"

"I see. But I'm sure you'll ace this project since you came from a very prestige school!"

Hailey turned pale when I praised her.

"Really sis? Thank you, but I would like to Make me and Nick the models since we are perfectly match, won't you agree!?" she asked, then rested her hand on her chin. "Honestly, I think that guy has a crush on me. Only if he is as rich as I am, he would have a chance to become my boyfriend!"

My eyes widened again at Hailey's words. It seems that I have hope in getting Nick's heart. But the problem is, my sister will be my rival. However, I wasn't going to just agree to let them get closer so I volunteered participating. 

"Sis, I would also like to participate in the event. Maybe it's possible even if I'm not beautiful, right?"

Hailey suddenly smiled. "You can join but I will think of a better way to give you a position!"

I told her about my ability to create business concept. "I don't want to brag or anything of that nature but I have wide knowledge in creating concepts to ace the market. Would you like to try?"

Hailey smiled. "Of course I want. Let us talk about it in the office!" 

"Okay, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed, when is the exact date of the event though?"

"It's still next month but right now, we need are being pressured as it takes lots of preparation for this event. Can I ask you one favor?"

I grinned. "Sure what is that?"

"I'm still a girl so I am too shy to ask Nick about this, can you ask him to do accept it?"

I felt jealous but I know that nothing should be personal when it comes to work.

"Yes Ma'am Hailey, I don't have a problem with that thing. I will chat him later!"

"Thank you sis! When we're out of the office, you don't have to be formal. Just call me sis. After all, we are just like sisters having a nice time together!"

"It's fine with me, but I just want to ask, do you have a boyfriend, sis?"

Hailey leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms over her chest. "Believe it or not, I have two boyfriends in the past and my father did not know about them. They are not as handsome as Nick but they have strong sex appeal!"

Now, I realize that Hailey is really a liberated girl despite her beautiful face.

"By the way, tomorrow after work shift, I will go to the gym so I will keep my fit body. Wanna come?"

I agreed immediately. I can definitely hang out with Hailey to learn more about my father.

"Sure, why not! Honestly, I really want to be fit as well but I don't know how to start!"

"Don't worry, the gym instructor will teach us everything to do. You seemed to be inspired to go to the gym. Do you have a boyfriend?"

I grinned, as expected she would return the awkward question to me. I replied quickly. "I'm only focusing on my career first. But in fact, I really want to have a boyfriend since I feel like I am already left behind!"

Suddenly a waiter came by and accidentally spilled the Juice on Stella's clothes and the waiter immediately apologized to her.

"Sorry Ma'am, I didn't mean it!"