Chapter 4: Sheer Luck

Kyle Sebastian's POV:

I am currently sitting in my swivel chair facing the glass window and looking at the buildings and infrastructure near us. It is a wonderful view here on the twentieth floor.

Aside from the marvelous view outside, my thoughts are centered on the excitement of revenge. Any moment now, Cassandra will be here, walking in my lair and not knowing what she’s up against.

Does she think that getting a job will solve her problems? If she’s working for another employer, maybe. But me being the boss? That won’t happen. I will give her the job she deserves.

Three loud knocks from my office caught my attention.

Then a fine young beautiful woman in her gray blouse and black miniskirt enters. Suzy, my secretary, is holding folders in her hand.

“Yes, Suzy?” I asked her coldly. I turned my swivel chair to face her and placed my hands on my long mahogany table.

She walked towards my table and hand me a copy of the folder she was holding.

“A certain Cassandra Regaña is applying for the Accounting position.  Should I entertain her?”

I remembered that I strictly remind them to tell me anyone applying at the company for any position. It is I who will decide who to reject and whose to entertain. I decided not to hire someone who knew me personally.

“Yes. Where is she?” I asked without sounding too eager. I scanned her profile as fast as I could before closing it and setting it aside.

“She’s waiting in the common room. Should I tell HR to entertain her now or tell her to come back tomorrow? The applicants for today are quite many.” She asked.

“No. Tell her to wait for her turn for today.”

“Right away, Sir.” She said and saw her walk towards the door and exit.

When I heard the door closed, I immediately get the paper and examined her files. “So, these are your weaknesses.”

* * * *

Cassandra’s POV:

I sat here quitely in the common room as the woman said. I am in one of the rooms here on the twelve floors. The room was cozy, the combination of white, red, and green paints and furniture added an interesting look.

The view outside is seen from the glass window. The sun's rays were almost out.

I look around and saw my co-applicants. Some of them look confident and some looks nervous. A few are talking with other applicants, newfound friends, I guess.

The woman who got my credentials entered the room. She saw me and walks in my direction.

I am quite nervous because I heard one of the applicants talking that the VP must see your resume first and get his approval before they interviewed you. They also added that some applications were rejected.

“The VP said to wait for your interview today, is it okay with you?” the lady said.

“Yes, of course,” I said enthusiastically. How can I say no? This is what I am waiting for.

“Okay then, just wait for your name to be called.”

I nodded and she walked toward her cubicle.

* * * *

After almost three hours of patiently waiting, I see my co-applicants called one by one. Until it was down to one last applicant and I'll be the next. It was almost dark. Probably seven pm based on the views from outside.

“Cassandra Regaña?” I heard my name being called after the applicant exited the room.

I stood up from where I was seated, looked at myself if I am presentable enough, and then walked to the door.

I knocked first before I enter.

“Come in.” I heard the voice from inside.

My hands are trembling with suspense as I grab the door knob. I don't know what to expect from this interview. Well, we did some mock interviews from my college years but that was ages ago.

As I widely open the door, I saw a woman in her late forties. Her blonde hair was tied and bun upwards. Wearing a black coat with a white dress underneath. She wore glasses that made me think of the strict librarian in my High School.

“You may sit” The adrenaline rush in my system seemed high when she spoke.

“Good evening” I greeted her as I seat on the chair near her table.

She didn't speak for a few minutes because she was busy scanning my resume. Afterward, she placed the folder on the table and faced me.

“Okay, kindly introduce yourself.”

“Cassandra Regaña, 27 years old, currently residing in Castilla Village. I took Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and graduated Suma Cum Laude from the University of Palo.”

“The Cassandra Regaña? Pardon me for asking. So the rumors are true then. I am sorry.” I know she didn't mean to offend me but I felt sad at the reality. I nodded in response.

“So, Cassandra, what is your edge towards other applicants?”

“All of us have unique talents and skills, but I think my experience in handling finances could help me in my career here. Modesty aside, I have managed the Hacienda’s finances for the past six years. Preparing Income Statements and such on my own. After all, I am a licensed accountant.”

* * * * *

I lay awake for hours now. I

can't sleep. I am quite excited about tomorrow. After that heart-stopping interview, HR said that I am hired. She also said to be there before seven and they will show me, us rather, of our work areas. They will show us what to do before we officially start on Monday.

I always believed that patience is a virtue. Despite loads of rejections on my part, I am glad that I remained patient and optimistic. If not, I won't be able to find a job. I am indeed lucky.

“Coffee?”

“Hi, Mom. Sorry I didn't wake you up when I arrived. Are you hungry? I bought something before going home. Thought you haven't had your dinner.” I got the cup of coffee from her.

“I ate my dinner while waiting for you. I woke up to check if you were already home and saw you here on the veranda. So how’s your job hunting?”

“It went well this time,” I said excitedly. “Although I almost gave up at first when I heard that the Local Government Unit held a job fair last week. The reason why I got rejected several times. But this day seems a lucky day when I read that KSG company was hiring.”

“And then?” Mom's looking at me and listening intently. I sipped on my coffee before I continue.

“And then I went there, no time to waste. I applied and waited to be interviewed. Then the HR told me I was hired.” I smiled at the thought that I have a job at last.

“I am glad to hear that Cassy. But are you sure that you're okay? I mean it's far from the way you handled the finances of the Hacienda.” I know she's happy for me and a bit worried.

“Don’t worry about me, Mom. I’ll be okay. How about you? What kept you busy today?” I changed the topic before she brought up things about the Hacienda.

As much as I can, I don't want to hear any news about the Hacienda. Not now. That is the last thing we want to dwell on. How can we move on if we keep ourselves attached to things we should let go of?

“Well, I had a word with Sheila, our neighbor, she's a kind woman. I think Sheila and I will get along well with each other.”

“Good thing that you found a friend. At least, I will not be worried about you, thinking you’re here all alone. ”

“Yeah. I think it's a good thing to have someone to talk to while you're not around. I’ll be able to adjust more easily.”

“You finish that cup of coffee and then rest. You have a long day tomorrow. Good night.” Mom gave me a peck on the head and walk toward her bedroom.

Yeah. Gonna be prepared for tomorrow. So I finished my coffee, walk towards the kitchen and wash the cup with soap and water. Then placed it on the rack with the others.

I dried my hands using the towel placed on the refrigerator and headed for my bed.

I lay my tired body on the soft bed and closed my eyes.

* * * * *

Days gone like the wind and the training for the accounting position were done. The outgoing accountant laid out all his paperwork and all were balanced and accounted for.

He showed me his files of different accounting titles such as the company's assets, receivables, and payables. What things are mortgages and so much more?

Mom was right. The financial statements for the KSG Company are far more different and complicated than what I had in the Hacienda.

I may be a graduate with Latin Honors way back in college and a CPA board passer but truth be told, that was almost seven years ago.

It is also true that experience is the best teacher. And sad to say that that's where I lack. My experience with the Hacienda won't help me that much in my new career and I'm quite challenged.

There are things I must learn by heart if I wanted to stay longer. And that I think is complicated enough.

Today's Monday and my first day at work. I am sitting here in my swivel chair in my cubicle. Arranging my things on the table.

I brought my picture with my Mom and placed the picture frame on the middle right part of my table. Next to it was my organizer, for holding pens and paper clips. I also brought my large cup of coffee.

“Hi! Cassandra, right?”

My thoughts were cut because a lady approached me at my desk. Is she here to ask me how it feels to be a loser? Or to tell me straight that I deserve this? Because honestly, I am quite tired of it.

I know that there’s an endless silent rumor spreading around this building. I also knew that they were talking about me.

Some were gossiping when I entered the hallway of the building this morning. Some were staring at me with strange looks on their faces as they passed my cubicle. Some passed by to check on me.

And I know what is the exact reason- The princess is not a princess anymore.

“Y-yeah.” I stuttered and I felt like an idiot.

She gave me a simple and sincere smile. She's beautiful in her simple look. She's wearing a black top, navy blue pants, and a pair of black high-heeled shoes.

“I'm sorry. Where are my manners? My name is Hanna. Hanna De Veyra. ” then she extended her arms. “I’m sorry if I disturb you. I just want to make sure that I heard my friend right. That you, Cassandra Regaña, will be working here starting today. And alas! It's true. I thought they were just teasing me. I'm so happy to see you here. ”

I became speechless for a moment and at the same time, felt guilty because of what I thought of her.

Honestly, no one dared talk to her like this since college. I mean, I am not offended at all, I am just amazed at the feeling of being approached. It's a great feeling.

I extended my hands to shake hands with her. “I hope the rumors are not that bad.” I threw a joke to ease the tension I am feeling.

Well, Hannah seems nice and she looks very familiar. I just can't remember where I met her.

“Of course not. Most of us are happy to see you here. Although none of my colleagues have the guts to approach you. So they sent me.” she chuckled and her bright eyes shone. Her sincerity was shown.

I also laughed at her simple joke. She's got a sense of humor.

“Anyways, since we're in the same department, why don't you join us later for lunch? Our colleagues will be glad. And if you have any questions, my desk is just there in the corner. You can approach me anytime.”

“I sure will. Thanks.”

She smiled at me and then she walked towards her desk. I can see her from my cubicle so I am not worried about having trouble finding her, just in case I might need something.

I can't help but smile as I continue working on my paperwork. Her work environment will be fun, and she’s sure of it.