Chapter 11:

Carla Rodriguez Hall.

After quitting my non-paying pathetic job at the vet clinic, I immediately went back home but could not bring myself to enter my cursed home.

So I sat on the curb, second-guessing my decision to walk away from Richard, because where was Ethan Black now?

Maybe I should call Ethan and ask for accommodation. I scrutinized the business card he had given me earlier and sighed heavily.

No, Carla, you can't do that. Ethan Black will soon be your boss starting tomorrow, so you need to put up boundaries of mutual respect now. I shoved the business card back into my purse and glanced at the ever-so-busy street in my neighborhood.

Everyone passing by me was so preoccupied with their thoughts like I was… maybe this was how life was supposed to be. Go through some challenges but don't give up on life itself… I glanced at my house and my heart sank into my guts because just comprehending that another woman was in my home, doing all the things I was supposed to do for my ungrateful husband made me feel inferior with a pang of envy.…karen gave Richard what he yearned for the most and I could not compete with that. Tears welled up in my eyes while I clasped my hand on my chest.

Dear God, please give me one chance at love again. I shut my eyes for a moment not until my ears paid attention to a familiar voice calling to me.

"Hey Carla," Linda Jenkins, my neighbor down two blocks waved at me while pushing her baby stroller. And I forced a smile, feeling somewhat impassive because she had her baby boy six weeks ago just over a year after her wedding…

Where did I go wrong in life? I mulled deeply as I sat for almost two hours until Alice, my neighbor, called me into her house and asked why I could not enter my home and who was the strange lady posing in my clothes.

At first, I was ashamed to tell her the truth but eventually opened up and told her the whole truth and how New York's most eligible bachelor promised me a good-paying job at his company.

At first, Alice was furious and wanted to confront Richard and Sandra but I told her it wasn't worth it because of how they treated me.

I personally never wanted to return to a home where I was treated like trash, hence I made up my mind, to sign the divorce paperwork as soon as Richard called.

Alice, my sweet neighbor agreed to accommodate me for a few days and gave me warm food to dine, which I was forever grateful for the kind gesture.

********

The next day, Monday.

Location: Black Eiffel Tower, Manhattan.

Time: 08: 00 am.

Behind the front desk, a very attractive, sophisticated, groomed blonde young woman smiled at me while I fidgeted in the frumpy clothes I had borrowed from Alice.

I had sworn never to return to Richard's house come what may because of the way he behaved toward me hence I had no clothes to my name now.

I sighed softly while my heart raced with excitement as to what position Ethan would offer me.

And I did not care about what position he assigned me to, so long, as it was a paying job, I was gladly going to take…

With Alice agreeing to accommodate me for the time being, my mind was set on completing my education ASAP, so that I make something sensible out of my falling life.

Two more sophisticated ladies strolled past me in their sleek office outfits and six-inch red-bottomed stilettos.

"Hi," I murmured with a tight-lipped smile and they let out sour expressions on their beautified faces and chuckled while they passed me.

Did I look that bad? I spruced my frumpy unironed clothes and then my grin turned upside down.

I unraveled a long-sleeved black polo neck, loose-fitting black trousers, and black two inches blocked granny sandals. My uncooperative hair was nothing but a mess in its forced high ponytail.

I cupped my trembling lips while I waited for my turn to see the ever-so-busy Mr. CEO.

What was taking so long? I sighed softly while my inquisitive eyes wandered around the well-arranged reception area.

"Miss Carla Rodriguez, you may proceed to the lounge and wait for Mr. Black." The beautiful blondie smiled at me while pointing to the long hallway, which led to a black elevator door.

"Thank you." I let out a slight smile and sauntered towards the elevator, my heart, raced wildly, because I could not contain the excitement of my almost newfound freedom

I heaved a sigh while the elevator carried me to the top floor…

To new beginnings… I sighed merrily.

As I arrived at the breathtakingly grand and imposing lounge, I caught a glimpse of Ethan's enormous transparent glass-walled office, I gwaked at the magnificent office space.

The reception area had a simple white marbled desk, all-white walls, beautiful red-haired receptionist and Ethan's office had all-black furniture in it.

I guess, he took his surname so literally by having all-black designer furniture in it. I scoffed internally because this was so typical of wealthy folks who had too much money to spend on such kind of extravagant things.

"Miss, Rodriguez," the red-haired receptionist called to me in a soft cool voice and smiled slightly" Welcome to Black's industry, my name is Ava Smith, Mr Black's personal secretary. He has informed me of your scheduled appointment, please take a seat while he finishes up with the meeting with the shareholders. Do you need anything like water or coffee?" She asked.

"Thank you, I'm okay," I replied with a tight-lipped smile. Ava smiled back and bobbed her head once before she buried her head in the file of paperwork she had in her hands.

My heart was racing wildly, I could not contain my excitement when suddenly my wondering eyes caught a glimpse of Ethan, looking somewhat distressed, when suddenly, Ava, called to me.

"Miss Rodriguez, he is ready to see you now. Please go in." She said and I heed her instructions.

With hesitant steps, I walked into the intimidating well-decorated office.

"Good morning, Miss Rodriguez, please come in." Ethan welcomed me with a warm smile I had never seen before.

He wore a charcoal grey Armani suit, a white smart shirt, raven polished cuff links that had a big bold letter B inscribed on them, a blue tie, and an eye-catching silver Patek Philippe watch. His scent was musky and alluring to the nose.

Wow, he looked fucking hotter in a suit. I gwaked at his sight and I felt my core throb as I swallowed hard.

"Good morning Mr. Black," I murmured with cold sweat dripping down my spine. I walked towards him because my legs unexpectedly developed a mind of their own.

"This is Mr. Miller and Gracia, Black's top shareholders." Ethan put his hand on my shoulder and I froze.

Why was Ethan behaving strangely? I swallowed slowly.

What was going on and why was he introducing me to the two gentlemen, who were clearly eye fucking my body. I frowned slightly.

The two gentlemen nodded with sour lustful expressions on their faces.

"This is my fiance Carla Rodriguez, we are to wed in two days."Ethan declared and my jaws dropped while my breath hitched, unable to speak.