CHERRY

I woke up very early this morning, determined to get everything right. The interview today was a big deal, and I couldn’t afford to mess it up. I made sure I did all the necessary things: freshened up, prepared breakfast, and even organized myself the night before. After I took a quick shower, I returned to my room and put on my undergarments—panties and bra—and then reached for my clothes.

I had chosen a simple yet professional look: a white, fitted button-down short-sleeve shirt paired with a black, on-the-knee frill peplum skirt. I wasn’t going to overdo it with accessories or makeup, but I still wanted to look polished. My hair went into a quick ponytail—no time for styling it today. A light touch of lip gloss, powder, and mascara, and I was good to go.

I grabbed a pair of cutout heels from my shoe rack, ones that had been sitting there for a while, just waiting for the right moment. Today was that moment. I slipped them on, feeling a bit of excitement bubbling inside me as I stood up and checked myself in the mirror.

After gathering my things, I grabbed my black handbag and filled it with the essentials—my phone, wallet, and any papers I might need. I was all set.

Heading out of my room, I found my aunt and uncle having breakfast in the dining room. I walked over to them, my mind already buzzing with thoughts about the interview.

“I’m already leaving for the interview, Aunt Linda, Uncle Dan,” I told them, my voice clear and confident.

Aunt Linda looked up from her bowl, offering a warm smile. “Good luck, Cherry. You’re going to nail it. I just know you’ll get the job.”

I smiled back, grateful for her encouragement. “Thanks, Aunt. Bye!”

I gave her a quick peck on the cheek before turning toward the door. Uncle Dan only gave me a brief nod, but it was enough. His approval was silent but strong.

Once outside, I made my way to the road and waited for a taxi. After a few minutes, one finally came into view. I waved it down, hopped in, and told the driver my destination.

“That’ll be ten dollars, miss,” the driver said after I gave him the address.

“No problem. Let’s go,” I replied, feeling the familiar flutter of anticipation in my chest.

The drive took about thirty minutes, and I spent the time looking out the window, hoping I would make a good impression. The taxi finally stopped in front of a towering building, its glass windows reflecting the early morning sun in a dazzling display.

“We’ve arrived, miss,” the driver said, pulling me out of my thoughts.

“Uhm, thank you, sir,” I said, handing him the ten-dollar bill as I stepped out of the car. The taxi sped off, leaving me standing at the entrance of the building.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. The building was impressive—M.COLLINS FASHION INDUSTRY was boldly written across the top. It looked more like a corporate headquarters than a fashion house, but I wasn’t about to judge.

Before walking through the gate, I made the sign of the cross, a little habit that always made me feel a bit more secure. I walked up to the security guard at the entrance, a man who looked to be in his late fifties.

“Good morning, sir,” I greeted him politely.

“Good morning, young lady,” he replied with a smile, though it was a bit tired. “What brings you here today?”

“I’m here for an interview,” I said, trying to sound confident despite the racing thoughts in my head.

“Ah, you’re good to go,” he said, waving me through with a casual nod.

I thanked him and continued into the building, my heels clicking against the marble floor as I made my way toward the lobby.

Inside, a woman who appeared to be the receptionist sat behind a desk, typing away on her computer. I cleared my throat to get her attention.

“Good morning,” I called out, my voice louder than I intended.

She looked up, startled, but quickly composed herself. “Good morning! How can I assist you?”

“I’m here for an interview,” I said curtly.

She nodded, smiling politely. “Of course. Take the elevator over there,” she pointed to a bank of elevators in the corner, “and press the button for the fifth floor. Once you get there, you’ll see a small group of people gathered. That’s where the interview will take place.”

“Thanks so much,” I said, flashing a quick smile before heading toward the elevator.

It took a few moments for the elevator to arrive, and when it did, I stepped in, pressed the button for the fifth floor, and waited for the doors to close.

The elevator ride was brief—just two minutes at most. When it stopped and the doors slid open, I stepped out and followed the receptionist’s instructions. Sure enough, a small group of about five people stood by the office door. The tension in the air was thick, and I could sense the disappointment in their faces as they left the office. Their solemn expressions made my heart race.

I took a seat in one of the available chairs, trying to stay calm. As I waited for my turn, I couldn’t help but pray that things would go well for me.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, my name was called. I stood up quickly and walked toward the office door. I took a deep breath before stepping inside.

“Good morning, sir,” I greeted the man sitting behind the desk. His face was buried in a laptop, and I wondered if he even heard me.

“Good morning. Have a seat,” he replied without looking up. His voice was low but authoritative. There was something strangely familiar about it, but I couldn’t place where I had heard it before.

I sat down and waited for him to acknowledge me further. He finally looked up as I handed over my credentials, but his eyes widened slightly when he saw me.

“Beauty goddess?” he said, his voice tinged with surprise. His recognition was immediate, and I felt my heart skip a beat.

“Manuel?” I gasped, just as shocked to see him. My mind was racing, trying to process the coincidence.

“It’s you!” he exclaimed, sitting back in his chair. “I was wondering why your voice sounded familiar. I didn’t expect to see you here.”

I blinked in disbelief. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m the interviewer, obviously,” he said, raising an eyebrow in mock offense. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here for the interview!” I laughed nervously, still trying to wrap my head around this.

He smirked. “Don’t worry. I’ve got this.” He glanced at my credentials and then pushed them aside. “You’re hired.”

I stared at him, eyes wide. “What? That’s not fair! You didn’t even look through my credentials properly.”

“Trust me, it’s not necessary,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “I know you. And I’m sure you’re not here to seduce me like some of the others.”

I gaped at him. “That’s a bit presumptuous, don’t you think?”

“There’s no buts,” he said, waving me off. “You’re starting work today. Welcome aboard.”

I blinked in surprise. “Wait, really? Thank you, Manuel. Or should I call you Mr. Collins?”

He chuckled. “Call me Manuel when we’re alone. It’s fine.”

I couldn’t help but smile at him. “Well, thank you. I honestly didn’t expect this.”

“Anything to see my beauty goddess every day,” he said with a teasing grin. “I thought I wouldn’t see you again after that day, but here you are, in my office.”

My face heated up, and I quickly looked down, feeling my cheeks burn. “Okay, okay. Let’s get this over with.”

Manuel stood up, handing me my credentials back. “Your post is right outside my office. Let’s go.”

I grabbed my things and followed him out of the office, heart still racing from the unexpected turn of events.

And just like that, I had a new job—one that I never saw coming. But as I followed Manuel, I couldn’t help but feel that this was just the beginning of something even bigger.