His damning Aura.

Katherine watched him anxiously as he went through her credentials, adjusting the spectacles perched on his nose bridge at intervals.

Her palms stayed glued on her thighs as she waited for his statement.

Finally, he raised his head to look at her, putting the papers aside.

“Well, miss Tetrazzini, I’ve gone through your informations right here,” he pointed to the folder and Katherine nodded. “You are undoubtedly fit for the job-

Katherine sensed a but in that statement and when he mentioned it, she gulped nervously.

“But,” he continued, adjusting his glasses again. “Looking at your marital status, it states that you are divorced and approximately three months pregnant currently, is that right?” he inquired and Katherine nodded.

“Yes sir.”

“Well, I’m sorry miss Tetrazzini but your state is against this company’s policy. We do not hire pregnant women, especially for the position available, which you applied for.” He dropped the bombshell.

Katherine’s mouth open and closed as she couldn’t think of any word to let out.

She finally spoke after a few seconds, “I promise you sir, I can do this job. I’ve worked in this position before and I carried out my duties effectively. I am experienced and I’m sure I can carry out whatever duties comes with the work effortlessly, even in my state. Please, I really need this job. Just give me a chance,” She pleaded.

“I’m sorry, miss but if I do, I will be going against the company’s policy,” he explained.

“Please” Katherine pleaded again, hoping to change his mind but he sighed, leaning over the table to her.

“There is honestly nothing I can do for you right now. Maybe when the baby is out of the way, we can consider giving you the job, that's if the position is still vacant,” he said, giving her a look.

Katherine’s face went blank at his words. “What are you insinuating?” She asked and he shrugged.

“I’m sure you know what I’m talking about, that’s if you truly want this job as you claim,” he said.

“Are you suggesting that I get rid of my pregnancy to be considered the job?” She inquired.

“Not exactly the way you put it but-

“You’re despicable!” Katherine spat at him, interrupting his words. “How can you suggest such a thing?” She rasped.

“Miss Tetra-

“To hell with you and your offer!” Katherine stood up, grabbed her folder from his table and walked out, banging the door behind her.

..

Anderson ended the Meeting and instantaneously, there was a standing ovation, the projector going off.

Bowing a little in appreciation, he exchanged handshakes with a few of the executives present and walked out with Mr Deluxe.

“That was brilliant, Mr Riecke. Deluxe will definitely love to work with your company!” He said.

“Thank you,” Anderson said.

“I assure you won’t regret this, Mr Deluxe.”

“I am more than convinced now," he smiled, walking Anderson outside, to his car.

“I will see you tomorrow for the finalizing,” he said, stretching his palm.

“Of course” Anderson shook his palm, returning his smile.

“Do have a safe trip” Mr Deluxe wished them and returned to his company.

Shania opened the car door and Anderson made to climb in when he heard stampede movement, glancing towards the direction he saw her walking outside the company.

The lady from earlier.

Curiously, he moved his head to get a better view of her face which was unmistakably familiar.

It was her.

“Katherine,” he called before he even realised it and watched her pause instantly.

The passiveness

The aura!

Katherine could only think of one person to call her in that manner and she hoped silently to be wrong as she turned to see the owner of the voice that had called her name.

Sinking in disappointment, her heart gave a horrid skip as she came face to face with Anderson Riecke Horatio; her ex husband.

Unmoving, she stared at him as he ran his gaze around her body, his eyes holding surprise and something else that she couldn’t fathom.

It has been four months already and yet it felt like yesterday.

His hateful words repeated themselves in her ears and she could still feel the fierce force he gathered as he pushed her out of his house, the horrifying anger in his eyes as he threatened her.

She found herself getting weaker as his gaze remained on her, it held too much authority; she couldn’t take it, so she turned, ready to leave.

“You’ve changed.” He observed, stopping her on her track.

He noticed she has gotten thicker and her curves; he didn’t want to talk about the kind of thought they were giving him already.

Katherine turned slowly, until she faced him. “It’s been four months. You don’t expect to me look as I had.” She said stoically.

Yeah?

But he also didn’t expect her to have changed so much.

He moved away from the door, taking two steps towards her.

He smirked, “I see you’re job-seeking,” he said, his gaze darting from her face, to the folder in her hold.

Katherine squeezed it, trying fruitlessly to shield it away from his burrowing gaze.

“I am not job hunting,” she denied, not giving him the chance to mock or intimidate her. “I am here on an official purpose.” she told him.

“Oh really?” He asked, amused.

“Why? You think I won’t survive with your absence in my life,” she said and the smirk wiped off his face.

“Looks like I was wrong” he said, in a bid to annoy her and she scoffed.

“You’re despicable! My survival doesn’t depend on you, Anderson Riecke. As you can see, I am doing perfectly fine on my own.”

“I didn’t mean-“ he paused, shuffling in the rest of his words. “Of course,” he said, smirking.

“And looking at you right now,” his eyes roamed her body so disrespectfully, Katherine felt intimidated by the action. She could feel herself melting just by his stare. “I’m sure you’ve been well,” he added.

“Why do you sound disappointed?” She asked, her own feelings getting in the way. He stared at her face, he could see the tears gathering in her eyes. It stabbed him but again she had stabbed him before with her unfaithfulness, in so many places.

Just again, Anderson reminded himself he shouldn’t fall for her faux innocence.

“Considering you had to look elsewhere despite how happy I thought we were-“ he paused and laughed at that bitter memory. “I expected you to be driving more than a..van right now?” He teased and she sniffed, swallowing the hurtful words. “Your infidelity should have at least landed you somewhere more.. worthy,” he shrugged.

Katherine blinked, fighting the tears that threatened vehemently to fall.

“Infidelity?” She repeated, her teeth gritted. “Right now, I doubt I care about what you think of me anymore!” She added.

“I can’t say how it feels like meeting you again like this but I hope it doesn’t happen again,” she grimaced angrily at him and walked away, opening her van door, she went in and slammed the door.

Starting the car, she drove off immediately, the tears spewing from her eyes.

.