I got up early, determined to prepare myself. I slipped into a professional outfit, knowing I had an important interview ahead. A touch of makeup was all I allowed, just enough to look polished. I worked in advertising design, and today, I was stepping into a chance to join a bigger agency.
Standing in front of Milshire's largest advertising agency, I felt a twinge of intimidation. The building loomed over me, far grander than anything I'd ever experienced. I had spent my career in small agencies; my results had always been excellent, but the rewards had been modest. To truly advance, I needed to be part of a larger company. That was why I was here. The only catch? Perry worked here. Initially, the thought of applying filled me with dread. But for my career, I forced myself to take the risk. I had to swallow the unpleasant reality: working in the same place as him.
I also knew that Nathan had founded this company, though it was just a side venture for him. Running into him seemed almost impossible—he had so many businesses that crossing paths with him was highly unlikely.
All I wanted was to grow professionally, to finally move forward instead of stagnating. In any other company, I would have been confident I'd get the position. With my degrees and experience, I was usually unstoppable. But this was Hayseed Inc. Here, employees were paid handsomely, and admission was fiercely competitive. Doubt crept in.
I walked out of the interview feeling a little dazed. Hayseed Inc was even more massive than I had imagined—thousands of employees bustling through its halls.
Of course, I couldn't stop thinking about Nathan. He was barely in his thirties, yet owned properties and businesses everywhere. Even if Hayseed Inc was just another advertising agency, it employed thousands. His wealth was beyond anything I could fathom. He was, without a doubt, the youngest and richest man I had ever met. But it didn't matter. My goal was clear: I had to get into Hayseed Inc.
As I walked alone along the sidewalk, silently praying that the interview had gone well, a car horn blared behind me. I frowned in irritation.
"Irène!"
That voice—too familiar—made my heart tighten. I pretended not to hear and quickened my pace. I never wanted to see him again, not even for a second.
"Irène, wait!"
He ran to catch up, blocking my path.
"Perry, what are you doing? You're in my way!" I said coldly.
"I have questions for you," he said, ignoring my tone.
"I have nothing to say, and no reason to answer your questions," I snapped. I tried to step around him. I had nothing left for him—why should I justify myself?
"What's your relationship with Nathan? Why were you clinging to him at the mall the other day? And what about those things you said—'too rough' and 'be careful next time'? Did you sleep with him?!"
His hand grabbed my arm, fury radiating from every pore.
I looked at him with sheer contempt. "How does my relationship with Nathan concern you? Whether I slept with him or not is none of your business. Perry, don't you think you've crossed every line imaginable?"
The day he betrayed me, everything had ended. How dare he question me now? What right did he have? Was it his problem if I slept with someone?
"Did you sleep with him? Irène Fletcher, when did you become such a—" he paused, the words sharp and accusing. "—slut, sleeping with anyone? Were you pretending to be innocent with me?"
His anger made my blood boil. He turned toward me, eyes blazing with fury and reproach.
"Perry Bart! How dare you call me a slut!" I shouted, my voice trembling with rage. "You are far worse than me. You're not just a fool, you're a disgrace! Don't forget that you slept with my cousin behind my back. How dare you scold me now? Who do you think you are? If you can sleep with other women, why can't I do the same?"
I didn't care if people around us were watching. I saw the shock in his expression.
"I know what happened with Courtney hurt you deeply," he said, his tone softening slightly, though still reproachful. "But you can't just sleep with other men randomly. Do you even know who Nathan is?"
"You don't need to tell me who Nathan is, Perry. It's over between us. My choices no longer concern you. From now on, we're strangers. I hope you marry Courtney soon, so you'll finally leave me alone."
I forced down the anger swelling inside me and walked past him. He didn't follow. I had made my decision: if he questioned me again, I wouldn't hesitate to slap him—he deserved it. He was lucky he didn't push it.
My mood shattered, I decided to let go completely that night. I bought beer and a huge pack of snacks at the supermarket. By the time I reached the riverbank, it was already evening.
I called Liliana to join me for a drink, but she was stuck working overtime and could only come later. I had no choice but to drink alone. The cool breeze brushed my face as I sipped, the alcohol hitting me faster than usual.
Nearby, a couple argued. The man looked like Nathan, the woman strikingly like the popular celebrity Alana Gills. Why was he here? And with a famous celebrity, no less? Nathan truly knew everyone, even celebrities.