Chapter 13

Isabelle

My eyeslids fluttered rapidly as I wanted to be sure this was real. It took a moment for my brain to register what was going on, my head spiralling as I thought of ways to come out of this matter.

Focusing my gaze on the woman, I put on a remorseful expression.

"I'm sorry ma'am. I apologize for the hitches you encountered while using the app. Actually, the app has been under review because we want a seamless experience for our clients."

I paused to see if my words had any effect. Fortunately, her eyes were fixated on me as she hung on every word I spoke.

I continued. "However, we are very sorry for the issue. We promise to rectify this and give you a very beautiful experience."

"If you say so." She replied, voice low, much to my surprise.

"Thank you ma'am." I said, as my lips curved into a professional smile.

"I'd like to get some body lotions. Would you recommend some?"

"Alright ma'am. One of our attendants will attend to you shortly."

Looking around the store, I find a couple of attendants assisting their customers. A smile tugged at the corner of my lips when I caught sight of Genevieve on her desk, alone. I trusted that she possessed good knowledge about these products, so I beckoned her over.

A sigh of relief escaped my lips when Genevieve and the old lady strode towards the counters. I felt as though a burden was lifted off my shoulders. Were these case scenarios I was going to handle on a daily basis? Would I meet up if such situations persisted?

I jerked awake from my thoughts when a hand tapped my shoulder. My heart raced, my head throbbing as I turned to see the person who touched me.

"Oh." Was all I could say.

"Impressive performance. Come with me please."

Mrs Maya stood behind me, her sharp eyes softening as a small smile crept over her face. What was with her appearing and disappearing? Wait…did she just compliment me?

I tagged along as she walked before me, strutting like a fashion model, heels clicking on the tiled floors. I admired the way the lady carried herself with grace. Her husband must be a lucky man.

As soon as the thought crossed my mind, a sting of sadness pierced my heart. Fresh pain tore through me like a wound reopened, and a lump formed in my throat.

Funny how a couple of months ago, I was attending million-dollar galas, clinging to Jason as a celebrity wife, wearing expensive dresses and jewellery and heels. But now, I was a mere pauper, begging for jobs like a commoner that I had become.

I didn't even know when we arrived at her office. I could barely see through the maze of tears, threatening to blind my eyes. I wiped them in a dash with the back of my hand.

"Are you alright Isabelle?"

Her voice shook me out of my bitter thoughts.

"I'm alright ma'am."

She stared at me intently, disbelief written all over her face. Her mouth moved as if she wanted to say something but she closed it back.

Better that way. I wasn't ready to share my past with anyone, not to mention, someone who might be my boss soon.

"How did you come up with those answers earlier? I mean, it was quite unplanned. Yet, you managed to salvage the situation within split seconds."

My lips stretched into what I thought to be a smile. "It was spontaneous ma'am. I have to be calculative if I say I am fit for this job. Public relations should be my specialty."

I wondered where this sudden burst of confidence came from. Whatever it was, it was in my best interests anyway.

"You're hired." She said, suddenly.

"What?" I pinched myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

"You heard me, Isabelle. I'd pay you a five thousand for a start. Do your job well, I'd raise the pay."

"Thank you so much ma'am. Thank you."

A surge of gratitude overwhelmed me and I didn't realize when the tears started pouring out of my eyes. Had it not been for the code of professionalism, I would have hugged her tightly.

"No issues. You'd start tomorrow. Friday right?"

"Sure, sure."

I walked out of the store in a daze. It was a miracle how I wasn't stumbling and skipping over things. Finally, I had gotten a job. Somebody tell me this wasn't a dream I'd wake up from.

I knew it was real when I found myself on Friday morning, around 8 a.m., seated at the front desk, laptop in front, sorting through a stack of e-mails.

A giddy feeling rippled through my stomach. I had a hunch that today was going to go wonderfully.

At about 9:45 a.m., the store's landline rang and I picked it, raising it to my ear.

"Hello, this is Isabelle from Maya's Cosmetics. How can I be of help?"

A woman's voice came through the line. "I want to place a bulk order. I want 20 face powder packs with gold packaging, 40 bottles of premium moisturizing cream with jasmine scent, and 35 lotions with shea butter and argan oil."

My heart thudded at with excitement as I checked the inventory to confirm the order.

"The total comes out to be $10,000. Would you like to pay by card or bank transfer?"

"I'd do bank transfer please." She answered.

I nodded, "Absolutely, ma'am. I'll send you the bank details and arrange for delivery. Is there anything else you'd like to add?"

"No, that's all. Just make sure everything is delivered on time. No mistakes please." she replied.

"I would make sure everything is arranged properly. Thank you for trusting us with this order."

As I hung up, a sense of satisfaction washed over me. I went on to process the order, ensuring everything was in place for the next day's delivery.

I couldn't wait to see what was coming next.