Chapter 2: Collision of fates

ACADIA

“Grrgh grrgh”, my annoying alarm clock went off once again. It had been two weeks and three days, since I sent in my application but got no response. I was already losing hope when my phone buzzed with a new email notification just as I reached the doorstep of my second shift for the day.

I pulled out my phone to read the message. The subject line read, "Job Offer from D. M. Corps Ltd." My hands trembled as I opened the email, my eyes scanning the words that held the promise of a brighter future.

"Dear Ms. Dimitri,

We are pleased to offer you the position of Content Writer at D. M. Corps Ltd. We were impressed by your portfolio and believe your skills align perfectly with our company's values and vision. Your journey with us begins on Monday, July 12th, at our headquarters in the heart of the city.

Welcome to the D. M. Corps family.

Sincerely,

Isabella Rodriguez

HR Manager

D. M. Corps Ltd."

‘Was I seeing clearly? I couldn’t believe what I read, it felt too good to be true. Could the universe be smiling down at me finally?

In denial, I closed my phone and continued my day with heart pounding and mind racing, I was in a daze. I could only get by through the day.

When I finally got off work, I called Emily to come to the house. I desperately needed moral support.

‘Ding dong’, the doorbell rang alerting Emily’s arrival. Pulling Emily into a hug, I couldn’t contain my emotions.

“Emily, i think i’m seeing things now”

“I don’t understand, Acadia. What do you mean?”

Showing her the email notification, Emily realised what it was and screamed hugging me tightly.

“Oh my goodness, Dia. You got the job. Congratulations!!

A tear slipped down my face. It was real “What’s wrong, Dia? You don’t seem too happy. Emily inquired.

“I am, lily. I just can’t believe that I am finally taking a huge step towards living the life I have only dreamed about.”

“Aww, Dia. I know how you feel, and I want you to know that you deserve everything good that life has to offer. And this is just the beginning of the many good things to come your way.

“Thank you lily for everything.

“You’re welcome mami.”

I slept that night grateful for the job. I was to resume on Monday next week, So I had to turn in my resignation letters at my former jobs.

It was Monday already and my alarm went off with the label ‘first day at work’, I smiled. For the first time in months, I was excited to get off my bed. I had turned in my resignation letters to my former jobs. Ethan was sad, I was leaving but was happy for my new job. While preparing for my first day, my message notification buzzed indicating a message from my best friend.

“Success on your first day at work, you’ve got this” the message read.

I smiled, feeling energetic for the day.

The towering corporate building of D. M. Corps Ltd. loomed before me, its glass exterior reflecting the sky. I marvelled at its magnificence, a stark contrast to the modest neighbourhood where I lived. I closed my eyes and felt the wind hit my nostrils. This was my first time standing so close to this building. I took a deep breath and pushed through the revolving glass doors.

Inside the building buzzed with activity. Impeccably dressed professionals hurried past, their expressions a blend of purpose and ambition. I felt a pang of self-doubt settling in my stomach as I compared myself to these confident individuals. Still, I couldn't afford to let my insecurities hold me back.

The reception area screamed sophistication, with marble floors and modern art adorning the walls. A polished receptionist greeted me with a warm smile. "Good morning. How can I assist you?"

I took a steadying breath and replied, "I'm Acadia Dimitri, the new content writer. Today's my first day."

The receptionist checked her appointment book and nodded. "Of course, Ms. Dimitri. Welcome to D. M. Corps Ltd. You'll be meeting with Mr. Jerkins, the head of the content department. Please take the elevator to the 27th floor."

"Thank you," I said with a polite nod, my heart beat increased and pounding aggressively, threatening to pop out through my chest. I felt sick as she approached the elevator.

When I got to the office that had Mr. Jonathan Jerkins, Head of the content development on it. I knocked and walked in after hearing a subtle 'come in'

Mr. Jerkins seemed like a man in his early thirties.

"please have a seat". He said.

I sat and made a quick mental check of the office. The office was painted in grey with shades of black and a giant painting on the wall. I noted that he is a minimalist considering how free his table was.

"How may I help you?" Mr. Jerkins asked.

"I'm Acadia Dimitri, the new content writer.

"I see, welcome Acadia. I must say your portfolio speaks volumes. I would have to ask, why would you like to work here?

I drew a deep breath, this question was always daunting for me. Because my response would determine if I will get the job or not. Luckily for me, I practised a few times this morning in front of my mirror. I put a smile on my face and calmly replied "D. M. Corps. Ltd. has been my dream company since my dad drove past this building with me seated in the passenger seat. I fell in love with the magnificence of the building. However, aside from its exterior designs, this company is known for its excellence and power. I believe that the soft skills I have acquired from working at my past jobs and the hard skills I have obtained from the university would contribute effectively to the company's growth.

Impressed with my response, he replied "Congratulations Acadia, I look forward to working with you. I beseech you to put your best foot out. There will be a meeting of the introduction and assignment of tasks by 10 a.m. tomorrow. You can resume fully tomorrow.

"thank you, sir, I won't let you down"

With that, I exited the office. I shut the door and made to leave but bumped into a hard wall which sent me falling to the ground, and files scattered on the marble tiles. I looked up and gasped. The wall was the most beautiful man that I had ever seen.

Standing before me was Dante Maximilliano, the CEO of D. M. Corps. Ltd. 'The magazines didn't do justice to this man's appearance' I thought to myself.

His tailored black suit fit his body like a second skin. His eyes were a perfect shade of emerald green. They carried in it the perfect blend of power and intelligence. He exudes sophistication. 'Is it right for someone to be this perfect?' I thought.

"I'm… I'm so sorry, I didn't see you there" I suddenly panicked, realising what just happened. I gathered the papers together, and handed them over to him.

Dante watched me carefully. He was probably thinking I was clumsy. He collected the papers from me and walked out without saying a word.

I felt a surge of shame wash over me. 'Rude'. I went the opposite direction, still trying to calm my racing heart and the rising anger I felt from the way he acted.

When I got home that day. My mind drifted from Dante to my new job. I decided that I would stay away from Dante.