Cruel Fates and Birthday Toasts

Elena's POV

"Take a seat, Miss Morgan." He said.

I sat down, but my head spun around.

He was calm, focused, and detached-like we were complete strangers.

“Let us proceed," he said, turning over his file on the desk.

I sat up straight in my chair,deciding to also play dumb. Maybe he really didn't care. Men like him, after all, probably had women throwing themselves at them all the time.

"The position you are applying for is that of my personal assistant," he said, looking through my resume for a moment. "It is a challenging position. Long hours, lots of travel, and complete confidentiality are involved. Do you think you can handle that sort of challenge, Miss Morgan?"

“Yes," I said quickly, "I can handle it."

I was trying to think about the question and not the fact that I had seen this man naked less than twenty-four hours ago.

He looked at me for a brief moment, and it made me nervous. I shifted slightly in my seat.

He asked a few questions — about scheduling, about dealing with sensitive company documents, about travel arrangements. I answered them all, somehow keeping my voice steady through an utterly chaotic mind.

When the interview ended, he shut the folder, put his pen down, and said: "All replies will be communicated by the company within a week. Thank you for your time, Miss Morgan."

I stood clutching my bag. After my brief hesitation, I stepped forward just a bit. "Mr. Vaughn, about last—"

In the blink of an eye, he pushed the button on his desk phone. "Carla, please send in the next applicant."

I froze again. His tone was final. That was that.

I swallowed my words, nodded stiffly, and exited.

Only when stepping out into the hallway was I able to breathe again. My legs had turned weak, and my stomach was in knots. I couldn't believe this; of all the men in the city, I had to sleep with him.

My future boss.

On the drive home, my head was a whirlpool of thoughts. How could even this be? Is the universe out to get me? I could almost laugh at how bizarre this all was.

I leaned my forehead on the steering wheel while parked outside my small apartment and stared out at the empty street. "Well done, Elena!" I told myself. "You just slept with your boss!"

Before thoughts of further despair could sink in, my phone buzzed on the passenger seat. The sight of the name on the screen, Mia, made my bad morning even worse.

I stared for a few seconds before answering. "What do you want, Mia?"

"Oh my God, Lena!I can’t believe you forgot today’s my birthday! Party's at my place tonight, and you gotta come!" Mia squealed.

I tightened my grip on the steering wheel.

"I didn’t forget," I drawled with all the weight I could muster, keeping my tone steady. "I will show up."

"Really?" she giggled. "You had better! And don't even think about forgetting my gift. Ryan said you've been super busy lately, but I told him you would never miss out on my birthday. You the best friend!"

Best friend- yeah right.

I forced a smile and laughed a bit. "Of course, Mia. I'm bringing your gift."

When Mia finally hung up, I threw my phone on the seat and released a quick breath.

A smile slowly inched across my face.

If she wanted an unforgettable birthday, I would give her one.

By the time I got home, I had made the most concrete of decisions: no more silent victim. If Mia and Ryan thought they could betray me and walk off easily, they had another thing coming. Tonight, they would learn exactly the kind of woman I can be.

I had showered again, taking my sweet time. I put my hair up—all the way up. Then I chose a simple black dress—elegant, flattering, nothing too extreme, did my make-up with utmost care, ensuring that I appeared calm and composed.

There came a knock at my door at around seven. I opened it to discover Ryan standing there with his car keys.

"Elena," he said softly and smiled at me, just as if nothing had ever happened. "You look amazing."

"Thanks," I said, brushing past him. "Let's go."

He bent down as though to kiss me, but I turned my face in just in time. "We will be late," I said.

There was an awkward chuckle from Ryan, and we drove in silence.

By the time we reached Mia's house, it was already packed with people. The moment she spotted me, she ran to hug me.

"You came!" she said, glowing up.

"Of course," I said smoothly, handing her the gift bag. "Happy birthday, Mia."

Cheering erupted from her friends and somebody gave a sound to glass striking glass to indicate it was time for toasts. Mia was pulling me toward the center of the room.

"Im sure you all know Elena's my best friend in the world!' So she has to give the first toast! Just like every year!”

And then all eyes turned toward me. Taking the mic, I forced a polite smile.

"To Mia," I started, my voice steady. "The best friend anybody could ever want."

Cheers. She beamed.

I continued, "The kind of friend who's always there when you need her. She is always there to do things for you, including but not limited to fucking your own boyfriend."

At this, sound came to a dead halt.

Mia's smile froze. Ryan's face drained of color.

Gasps filled the room. Whispers started.

"Elena, what the hell are you talking about?" Mia stuttered.

"What are you pretending for?" I stared her down. "You and Ryan. I caught you."

"So what? She knew very well she was your best friend before she agreed to fuck me." Ryan casually said, shifting the blame to her.

Before I could reply, my phone rang.

Taking the phone out my purse, I mumbled…”Mum?”