Kelvin's P.O.V
I was awoken from my deep sleep by a familiar voice, my mom's. I groaned, still half-asleep, and slowly opened my eyes.
"Ooh...leave me be, Mom. I'm tired and in need of some more rest," I mumbled, yawning with my eyes half-opened.
Regrettably, those words earned me a hard slap on the back, causing me to yelp in pain.
"Oww...Mom, why did you do that? I was just about to get up," I protested, standing up and stretching my body.
"Do you realize you have a job interview today? So why aren't you up yet?" my mom inquired, clearly not pleased with my laziness.
Suddenly, the mention of a job interview jolted my memory. "Oh, yes! I have one today," I exclaimed, immediately taking off my sleepwear.
"Mom, you should have woken me up earlier," I complained.
"I really should have, but you're such a heavy sleeper. Your interview is at 8 am, and it's almost that. Now, go and take your bath before you're late," she said, pushing me toward the bathroom.
A bit startled by her urgency, I asked, "Aren't you going to leave?"
"I am leaving, alright? And if you're done bathing and dressing, come downstairs for breakfast," she replied before walking away.
"Thank you, Mom," I shouted, closing the bathroom door behind me.
I quickly discarded my pajama pants and turned on the shower, allowing the water to cascade over my tired body.
After a refreshing shower and brushing my teeth, I wrapped a towel around my waist and ventured out of the bathroom. Grabbing my hairdryer, I swiftly dried my hair and then applied some body lotion to my skin.
Next came the task of getting dressed in a sharp, slim-fitted suit, along with black shoes and a matching belt then adorned my wrist with a gold watch.
Taking a moment to perfect my hairstyle, I applied hair lotion and styled it just the way I liked it. With my credentials and other necessary documents for the interview in hand, I descended the stairs to find my mother already setting the table for breakfast, just as I had anticipated.
"Morning, Mom," I greeted her, planting a gentle peck on her cheek.
"Good morning. Sit down and have a bite before you head out," she suggested, settling into her dining chair.
"Sorry, Mom, but I can't. I'm already running late," I said, gesturing toward the door.
"Just eat a little to have some energy for your day ahead," she insisted, concerned for my well-being.
"Alright," I conceded, grabbing a coffee and quickly gulping it down before making a beeline for the exit.
"Take care, and good luck on your interview, Kel!" my mom shouted after me.
"Thanks, bye!" I called back without looking back, focusing on the task at hand as I left the house.
Hi, I almost forgot to introduce myself.
My name is Kelvin Birtch, and I'm a 25-year-old who previously worked at a global firm before it sadly went bankrupt and shut down. My family falls in the middle-income bracket, not particularly wealthy but never lacking in our needs and most of our wants. We're doing well, and maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.
I must admit, I have been blessed with good looks that tend to attract attention from the ladies. While I briefly dabbled in modeling during my teenage years, it didn't captivate me enough to pursue it further. Most importantly, I wanted to stay close to my mom.
Life wasn't easy for us ever since my father's passing, and my mom was still grieving, struggling to move on. To bring her happiness and help her heal, I do whatever I can to help because I truly love and cherish her.
As for romantic relationships, I didn't have much luck in that department. I had a girlfriend in the past, but our relationship ended when she left me for someone else. But that was a story for another time.
Recently, I found myself in need of a job, and I had an upcoming interview with a company called 'ADOWNS'. It was an odd name, but they offered good pay, and I desperately needed the money. I could only hope that the interview went well and I secured the job.
As I entered the company building, the grandeur of the surroundings amazed me. I realized I was already five minutes late, silently cursing my late-night indulgence in watching "The Vampire Diaries". I couldn't resist, especially during the gripping moments when Katherine possessed Elena's body.
Inside, amidst the hustle and bustle, I saw a woman talking with the receptionist, it seemed like she was scolding her. I minded my business and I decided to take a seat alongside four other individuals, keeping to myself.
Just as I settled down, my phone buzzed in my pocket. Retrieving it, I unlocked the screen and was greeted by a message from my caring mom.
"Good luck with your interview, Kel," she had sent. Her thoughtfulness brought a smile to my face.
"Thanks, Mom. I'll take care," I replied, switching off my phone to avoid any distractions.
Anika's P.O.V
Returning to my office, I patiently awaited the arrival of the first candidate to interview. Though new to the task, I knew that it was going to be a straightforward process like asking for their credentials, name, age, and so on.
I had observed my father conduct these interviews in the past and felt confident in my ability to navigate the process.
As I settled into my chair, I found myself humming the tune of a familiar song. "I found a love for me, Darling just dive right in and follow my lead," the lyrics echoed in my mind. It was then I realized that it was my phone ringing, reminding me of Richard, who had set the ringtone for me. I had to change it.
Looking at my phone to check who was calling, I saw that it was my best friend, Laura. We had been friends since third grade, and our bond had only grown stronger over the years.
I fondly remember the day we first met. Laura was new to our school, and she approached me to ask for a pencil because her mom had forgotten to pack one in her backpack. I gladly lent her one, and from that moment on, we became inseparable.
Laura had always been there for me, especially during my breakups. She never failed to confront those scumbags and give them a piece of her mind once she found out what they had done.
Picking up my phone, I answered Laura's call. "Hello, Ani. How are you?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.
"I'm fine," I lied, not wanting to burden her with my troubles.
"What's wrong, Ani?" Laura could see right through me, understanding that something was bothering me. Sometimes I couldn't help but feel like she had psychic abilities.
"I'm not fine," I finally admitted, unable to keep up the facade any longer.
"Why?" she inquired, wanting to know the reason behind my distress.
"I don't want to talk about it," I sighed, feeling a mix of reluctance and vulnerability.
"Okay, take your time and tell me when you're ready. You know I'll always be there for you, right?" Laura reassured me, her words filled with unwavering support.
"I know, thanks, B," I replied gratefully. I cherished our friendship and knew I was lucky to have her by my side.
Laura then mentioned something that caught me off guard.
"That reminds me, Richard called earlier. He said he offended you, and I should apologize to you on his behalf. But he didn't tell me what he did, so for the sake of peace, sort out whatever problem you have with him. I don't want him calling my phone ever again, you know that I am not fond of him and I don't want to Interfere in both of your relationship issues because you won't listen to me, you are obsessed with that boy" she warned, her disapproval evident.
Laura and Richard had never gotten along since they first met. Laura always had a bad vibe about him, and I used to think she was being paranoid and dramatic. However, it turns out she was right, and I was the one being blind and stupid to not have seen Richard's red flags.
"There is no second chance for that guy. He is just like the rest," I sighed, feeling hurt and betrayed. "He was only with me to take advantage of my money."
"I knew that bastard was up to no good," Laura exclaimed angrily, her voice filled with anger.
"I found out when I went to his house and overheard him telling his friend that I'm his ATM and that he never loved me, nor will he ever. He even called me a fool," I sniffed, wiping away the tears that streamed down my cheeks.
"He said all of that to his friend?" Laura asked, clearly taken aback by Richard's cruel words.
"Yeah," I replied, trying my best to hold back the tears that threatened to fall.
"No one messes with my bestie and gets away with it. I'm going to his house to give him a taste of his own medicine," Laura declared, her anger burning fiercely.
"No, don't!" I pleaded, but she had already hung up the phone before I could finish my sentence.
Sighing, I placed my phone on the desk, feeling a mix of anxiety and fear about what Laura might do to Richard. Laura had a quick temper and a difficult time controlling her anger, and I was worried about the consequences of her rage.
I was snapped out of my thoughts when I was informed that the interview process had begun so I composed myself and switched to professional mode.
A minute later, a girl with slicked-back hair entered the room. "I'm the first person you'll be interviewing, ma'am," she said quietly, her hands trembling with nervousness.
"Please take a seat," I offered, trying to maintain a professional demeanor.
"Thank you," she replied softly, I could see her slightly shaking in fear.
"What's your name?" I asked, trying to keep my tone steady.
"B...Bianca," she stuttered, her voice quivering.
"Bianca what? Or don't you have a surname?" I snapped quietly, my impatience getting the best of me.
"I'm sorry, ma'am. It's Carano... Bianca Carano," she said, her eyes filled with fear.
"And your age?" I inquired, keeping my tone strict.
"Twenty-four years old," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Your credentials?" I asked, and she promptly handed them over, which I slowly inspected.
"Why do you need this job?" I interrogated sternly.
"Well, I want to be responsible and not rely on my parents anymore," she explained earnestly.
"I'm sorry, it seems to me that you're not responsible enough. So, if I may, kindly leave," I said, dropping her credentials onto the table with disdain.
"But..." she started, her voice trembling.
"Out," I pointed to the door, not bothering to look up from my phone, devoid of any remorse. I wanted to fairly pick out people from this job and she lacked the composure and charisma for the job position.
Bianca swiftly picked up her credentials and bag, hurrying out of the room. I could sense that she was crying, but it didn't matter to me.
"Next," I instructed Mr. Dunlop, and he called in the next candidate.
The pattern continued with the remaining three applicants, as I rejected them one by one. To be honest, none of them seemed capable of meeting my standards.
As I sank my head into the desk, exhaustion washed over me. Rejecting candidates felt like a never-ending task, and I desperately needed a break.
Lost in my thoughts, I didn't bother to look up when the door opened, simply instructing the person to take a seat. But when I finally looked up, I froze in awe and disbelief, unable to blink or breathe.
Before me stood an angelic creature with blonde hair, hazel brown eyes, slightly broad shoulders, and hot pink lips.
He was undeniably attractive, so much so that it took my breath away. At that moment, someone had to remind me to breathe, or otherwise, I felt as if I might suffocate.
T.B.C.
Noeline.
Kelvin's P.O.V A man was called into the interviewing office ahead of me, and after about five minutes, he came out with tears in his eyes. I then knew that he didn't get the job, and I could only imagine how tough the interviewer must have been. I felt a sense of fear creep over me as I thought about what I was about to face. The next person was called in, and as he walked out, he had a disappointed look on his face and it was clear that he hadn't been successful either. I felt a surge of pity for everyone who got denied, the interviewer must have had extremely high standards and I needed to be ready for them all or I would have a bad look like them. Needing a moment alone, I excused myself to go to the restroom. After asking for the restroom, I walked toward it and it was surprisingly huge, almost the size of my room. It provided a serene atmosphere, a welcome relief from the tension building up inside me. I approached one of the stalls and took a moment to relieve myself. Af
Kelvin's P.O.V I arrived at the location indicated by the lady and knocked on the door. "Come in," I heard a deep, muscular voice. It was obvious that it belonged to a man; his voice was immense and powerful. Upon entering, as I had expected, I found a young man seated at his desk in the office, spinning around in a swivel chair. He warmly welcomed me and proceeded to show me to my office, providing me with detailed instructions regarding the do's and don'ts of the company. He also explained my position and responsibilities moving forward. I was informed that I would be sharing the office with someone else. I couldn't help but wonder who it would be. I hoped it wouldn't be someone strange or unpredictable. Nonetheless, I felt immensely happy and excited, knowing that I had finally secured a real job. Gone were the days of idling at home, feeling aimless, or dealing with the frustration of job hunting. It was undeniably the happiest day of my life so far. With a heart filled with
Kelvin's P.O.V Using my spare key, I unlocked the door and stepped inside my house, knowing full well that Mom was still at work. Closing the door behind me, I headed straight to my room. My bags found their place in a drawer, and I neatly arranged my shoes where they belonged after taking them off. Unlike the typical messy stereotype, my room was impeccably organized. I was different from most guys, not a fan of untidiness. Disorder always got under my skin with everything I saw. I was a neat freak. Shrugging off my office attire, I tossed them into the laundry basket for the dirty clothes. Opting for comfort, I changed into a black T-shirt and blue jeans. Although I initially considered microwaving leftover pasta from the freezer, I changed my mind and chose to order pizza instead. My phone emerged from my jeans pocket, and I swiftly ordered a pepperoni pizza from a nearby restaurant. Grabbing an orange juice from the fridge, I poured it into a glass, taking a sip to curb m
Anika's P.O.V I awoke and let out a yawn. I was expecting my alarm to rouse me, but it stayed silent. It suddenly dawned on me that I had broken it, though Nana should have replaced it already. A groan escaped as the memory of the dream I had resurfaced. It would have been interesting to know the taste of his lips or whether he was a good kisser or not since I couldn't do that in real life but Laura had to ruin it all by yelling my name. She had quite a talent for ruining dreams. What even triggered such a silly dream in the first place? I should put an end to the absurd thoughts I was having and find a way to make amends with her. Maybe I'd visit her at her workplace, the only spot where we can talk. I got out of my generously sized bed and stretched my body. As my gaze swept the room, it landed on a photograph of Richard and me encased in a frame on the wall. Why hadn't I noticed it there all this time? I lifted the frame, took out the picture of us, and tore it before disposi
Kelvin's P.O.V "Hello, handsome," the lady who flirted with me and made me feel uncomfortable said. "Hmm... hi," I answered plainly, trying to distance myself from her advances. "I asked for your number yesterday; you promised you would get back to me, but you didn't," she pouted, feigning disappointment. "I forgot," I lied, hoping to put an end to the conversation. I settled down on my new office chair, deliberately positioning myself a bit farther from her. "So, you're the person I would be sharing this office with?" I inquired, attempting to change the subject. "Yeah, we would be great together, right?" she asked, a hint of seduction in her voice. "Hmm, I guess," I replied nonchalantly, not interested in entertaining her flirting. "I'm Stephen," she introduced herself, offering her hand for a handshake. "Well, I'm Kelvin," I responded, politely shaking her hand. "Nice name," she complimented, still holding onto my hand a bit longer than necessary. "What do you think of t
Kelvin's P.O.V I had a wonderful time with Stephen; she was quite humorous and pleasant. However, she occasionally engaged in flirtatious behavior. Nonetheless, she was a cool and intelligent person. I had the opportunity to meet all of the staff members, and they were all enthusiastic about my presence, welcoming me warmly, especially the women. Why must I possess such handsome looks? I wasn't complaining though, I love my looks ;) During lunch, Stephen and I dined together, and I shared details about my life, including my past relationship and its breakup. She chuckled and mentioned that my ex-girlfriend was foolish to let go of someone as charming as me and I couldn't agree with him less. Following our meal, both of us remained busy. Stephen needed to work on some files, while I was occupied with transferring documents between offices. "Goodnight, Kelly. See you on Monday," Stephen remarked as our workday came to an end, placing a kiss on my cheek. It was a bit unusual, but
Anika's P.O.V The sun's rays, like golden streams, gently kissed my closed eyelids, coaxing me awake. I groaned softly, feeling the light invade my sleep. Moving with a sense of urgency, I rose from my slumber and hastened to the curtains in my room, pulling them together to block out the intrusive morning light. With a satisfying yawn and a refreshing stretch, I shed my nightwear and retrieved my pink gym set from the wardrobe. It had been far too long since I last indulged in a jog, as work had kept me preoccupied. Eager to rejuvenate my body and mind, I tied my hair into a ponytail, donned my workout outfit, and slipped into a pair of pristine white sneakers. My cordless headphones wrapped around my head, filling my ears with the captivating melody of 'Into You' by Ariana Grande. Descending the stairs, I noted Nana's absence and assumed she was still resting. Stepping out into the fresh air, I embarked on a jog around the vibrant neighborhood. After a refreshing jog, I return
Anika's P.O.V The door burst open, and Laura entered in her nightwear, her hair disheveled, and her face pale, clearly just waking up. "You guys are being so loud. Can you keep it down? I'm trying to sleep you all" she yawned then she turned to my direction, noticing me. "Anny, you're here?" she asked, surprised. "Yeah, I was bored at home, so I thought of coming here," I replied as she sat on Madison's couch, resting her face on the arm. "Ooh, okay" she muttered and I couldn't help but feel that Laura's behavior was unusual. Whenever I visited, she'd be thrilled to see me and eager to share life updates but she wasn't acting the usual way she always acts. I hoped she was alright. I returned to what I was doing, trying to ignore the strange atmosphere around me. "So, what were you guys talking about that woke me up?" Laura asked, looking at Lim. "Just something unimportant," Lim interjected. "We were discussing the girl Lim has a crush on, the one with a flower name," Madis