Chapter Five

Aurelia's POV

I refreshed my email for what felt like the thousandth time that morning, hoping to see feedback from some of the companies I had submitted my CV to.

But there was nothing.

I felt a little disappointed, and Sienna must have noticed because she turned towards me.

"Just wait a little longer, Aurelia. You know it's the holiday period. Some companies might not be attending to applications as quickly as usual."

"I know, but I'd rather receive a rejection or an acceptance than keep sitting here wondering."

"Aurelia, calm down. You know stress isn't good for you right now. Just keep applying. One or two opportunities will definitely work out."

She got up from the couch.

"Let me get you a glass of chilled juice."

"Thank you, Sienna," I said when she returned and handed me the glass.

"Oh, Aurelia, that reminds me. I saw a business card in my bag the other day while I was taking out your medication. I believe it belongs to the man you told me about, the one involved in the accident."

"Yes?" I asked, wondering where she was going with it.

"I was thinking you could send him an email with your CV and portfolio. You never know. His company might have an opening."

"Sienna, that's a little embarrassing. Won't it look like I'm trying to take advantage of what happened at the hospital?"

"How is that taking advantage of anything? You're simply reaching out professionally. Besides, he gave you his card himself."

She got up before I could argue.

"Let me get it. You never know."

I shook my head and took another sip of my juice.

"Sienna is unbelievable," I muttered.

A few seconds later, she returned with the business card and handed it to me.

"Here you go."

I stared at her for a moment.

"Sienna, this is weird."

"What's weird about sending an email?"

She settled beside me and reached for my laptop.

"Come on. I'll help you."

I let out a sigh but eventually gave in.

After checking the company's details, she tapped on compose email and began typing.

Subject: Expression of Interest – Design Opportunities

Dear Sir,

My name is Aurelia, we briefly met at the hospital following the road accident a few days ago. I hope you and your family are doing well.

You gave me your business card at the hospital, and I decided to reach out after learning more about your company.

I am a professional designer and a former employee of Harlow & Pierce, where I gained experience in creative design and visual development. I am currently exploring opportunities to return to the industry and would be grateful if you could consider my application for any suitable openings within your organisation.

I have attached my CV and portfolio for your review. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience could contribute to your team.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Kind regards,

Aurelia.

Sienna clicked the send button before I could properly read through the email she had written on my behalf.

"Sienna, you're too much. What if he doesn't respond?"

"Well, at least we tried." She stood up. "I'm stepping out to get some groceries.”

"If I had your courage, maybe I would conquer the world," I admitted.

"You don't need to have it. Just learn it." She smiled, picked up her purse and phone, and headed for the door.

I sent a few more emails before my lawyer called to inform me that Caspian had signed the divorce papers on his end and that she would begin the process of finalising everything. She cautioned that my pregnancy might delay the final decree. I asked her to keep it private.

When the call ended, I rested my hand on my belly.

"My little baby, you don't need Caspian. I will give you all the love you deserve. I promise," I whispered to the little human growing inside me.

Tears rolled down my cheeks, and I quickly wiped them away. I reminded myself that Caspian wasn't worth crying over. He didn't deserve me, and he certainly didn't deserve to be called this child's father.

I decided I was done with job applications for the day. But just as I was about to close my laptop, the business card caught my attention.

I hadn't really taken a good look at it since he gave it to me. But this time, I picked it up and read the details carefully.

Sterling Holdings.

That explained why the doctor had referred to me as Mrs. Sterling. Perhaps he had assumed I was Mr. Sterling's wife because he didn't know my name. I had been unconscious when they brought me into the hospital, after all.

But what baffled me was that the owner of Sterling Holdings, the company I had just submitted my application to, was Caspian Houston's business rival.

Idris Sterling. For six years, I had heard Caspian curse that name over dinner.