5. You're hired!

Max POV

After hearing about our sudden task, I didn't know what to do. I felt my legs started to trembled and my hands keeps fidgeting with my hair. This is my mannerism if I'm nervous. I had no idea that it's part of the interview. Sweat started to roll down from my forehead as we are waiting for their surprise task. 

I am not a professional dress designer especially for men because I didn't finish my course when Ethan pregnant me. I was in the second year of my course when I became a mother at a young age. 

We all know looked up when the CEO spoke.

" I will base my preference on your resume and the outcome of your given task for you to be hired by me.", Mr. Aragon informed us while his staff took the materials to be recycled by us. 

I am trying to avoid eye contact with him since I am a girl who hides under this man's wigs, a male tuxedo, and a fake beard. What if he will notice me, my promise to my daughter will turn into a fantasy only. I am trying not to chat with my co-applicants since they may notice my strange voice, I mean feminine range. All of them seem gay so I made a better idea. I can act as gay since most of the male fashion designer was like that. I can talk with my soft voice. 

All of us waited patiently until his staff came with a bunch of old rugs like dresses. 

"How can we achieve a trendy men's suit on this kind of garbage?", my seatmate complaint and Mr. Aragon heard it. 

He stood up and pointed his fingers at my seatmate with his fiery gaze. 

" Hey, you, besides the guy with a beard, you're disqualified! You can go home quietly, okay?", his voice growled like a tiger.

You can tell that he was mad at one of the applicants attitudes because of those veins enlarging on his neck. 

"But, sir, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. Maybe you misunderstood me." He said sorry and beg him to continue the task but the owner of the company itself eliminated him. He shook his head. He didn't want to leave but the real monster was furious now and he has no choice. 

"I said, OUT!", he shouted and all of us were startled about it. I feel like we're in a kinder school where our teachers scolded us for not listening to him or participating in his class.

" Garbage dresses were once trend and popular during their time! Any dress, old or new can be great depends on how you wear it, understand!", he taught us, and we all just listened to him without uttering any words. 

The guy who was disqualified has no choice but to leave the applicant's room. He left with teary eyes and nothing but heartaches. Poor guy. I feel him but I have to focus on my welfare. Today, I will do my best acting so they will hire me. 

" Distribute to each one of them." He ordered his staff while his eyes were studying us. His voice was ice-cold as usual.

I am trying to stay low but I almost had a heart attack when he called my attention. 

"The bearded guy over there, can you come here with your fabric?", he requested me to come towards him. 

" Me?", I asked again to confirm. 

I felt like my throat runs dry.

"Yes, you!", he replied and I don't know if I need to go to the bathroom or act sick in front of him. 

I slowly walked closer with my shivering body. I hope he won't notice me as a lady. 

"Please give me my lucky day today!", I prayed to myself.

" Ye-Yes sir, I didn't do wrong! I--", he interrupts me before I finish what I am saying. 

"Hey, calm down. I don't kick out innocent applicants. I called you to ask what are you planning to do with that old colorful shade clothes of yours?", I feel relieved after knowing what he wanted to say. 

I can't think of a better answer at this moment since I didn't check the fabric yet. I made a concentration and think about my daughter's dresses. I remember when she was four years old and her dress was destroyed by a bad tattletale. It was her favorite dress so I recycled it based on my designs. I am not thinking whether she will like the new outfit or not but I focus on the fabric and prints. I can make any designs I wanted with the fabric itself because it's her favorite. From the long dress, I turned the torn fabric into a simple blouse. Even it doesn't look like a gown, but the dress came out great in her, and she likes it. I just realized that old, not used or torn dresses can be brand-new through remaking them. I took a deep breath before I answered him. I got this. 

" Ahm, with its old layouts, I am planning to get the raffles on the neck and I will just focus on my designs. I can't tell what is it since we haven't started yet but I will make sure to put my heart into my designs to remake a better outcome. Maybe I'll do the reverse technique kind of style. Thank you." I am trying to keep my voice deeper to hide my identity. I look confident but they had no idea that I am dying inside. 

I saw his cold reaction and I don't know if he likes my answer or not. His eyes were studying me and I am trying my best to avoid his cold gaze. 

"Hmmm, you're smart. You wanted to keep your designs since everyone hasn't started yet. Well, let's see later." He said and I felt relieved that he didn't notice me pretending to be a man. 

"Okay, thank you, Mr. Lopez. I will give you one hour to finish your designs! You may start now." He said and left us inside the applicant's room. 

All of us started to do our own trendy men's dress. This is my chance to prove to myself that I am capable to win this event even that I didn't finish my university days. Because of an accidental night, I got pregnant with Taly and force myself to live with my spoiled and useless husband. I didn't want to go back to the low life I have before. For my daughter, I will do everything to win this job. 

After one hour, all of us finished our designs and Mr. Aragon and his men came back. He looked like a superstar in his black tuxedo suit.  I wonder if he has a girlfriend or was he married? I loved to know him more as a person. 

"Hey, wake up Max! You're not a girl here, you're a man!", I said to myself. 

He's now entering the room. I took a deep breath before he announced the applicant who did the best designs.

I am shaking inside and I can feel my cold sweats dripping from my forehead to my face. 

He strictly and carefully inspects the respective designs like a pro designer. I didn't know that this man had a taste in fashion since he looks so cold-hearted and he's kinda aloof from anyone. 

We were shocked when he threw all the designs. I don't know if they need a new fashion designer in the company. 

" This is all garbage! I thought some of you here graduated from famous universities but what are those, GARBAGE!", He yelled to everyone, and I didn't expect him to be this harsh to us. 

"Everyone, get out!", after hearing his hurtful words, I don't know what to expect. 

I give my best and even covered myself with a man's suit, wigs, and fake beard just to be qualified to apply for this position. How would I face my daughter after this? I feel shame for myself. 

All of them were furious about the result and I am one of them. I started to lose hope. I was the only one left and I took my bag to go when I heard him calling my name. 

" Mr. Lopez, why you're going? You're the only person who passed the test!", he told me with a wide grin on his face. 

"What? Really?", I replied with my fake voice. 

" Yes, and you nailed it! You're hired! Report to my office tomorrow!", he tapped my shoulders. 

"Sure, no problem, sir. Thank you, once again! My daughter----I mean my mom will be happy", I nearly got carried away because of excitement. 

I can't mention my daughter since I am labeled single in my status and a man who only make babies through sperm. 

This is it! I am hired. I need to be careful about my new identity or else, my efforts will go to waste. 

" Honey, mommy is now on her way to make her dreams come true!", I whispered as I walked out of the door.

***