Chapter 14: Task complete

Nadia's POV.

I sat in the room, my eyes glued to the boxes of cosmetics as my feet drummed on the ground, waiting anxiously for the stranger to show up with the board of directors as promised.

Why did I even trust him?

Did he really know the blonde lady, or was he playing a fast one on me?

Was I wasting my time there waiting for him?

The fuck... my mind was running wild.

Just as I was about to lose it, the door clicked open and the gentleman from earlier walked in. Behind him was the blonde lady.

I sprang up to my feet.

"Ms. Nadia Smith, right?" the lady asked, and I nodded almost immediately, my palms sweaty.

"I got an unexpected solicitation on your behalf and we're here to give you another chance," she said, and I let out a heavy breath.

He did know her.

He was telling the truth.

"Thank you... Thank you for giving me another chance," I blabbed, forcing the booklet from earlier into my purse and moving away from the chair.

I watched them take their seats and swallowed hard as I began articulating my thoughts.

"So... you can begin. Why should we buy these cosmetic products?" the lady said with a warm smile, urging me to go on.

"I started off wrongly earlier.

I'm Nadia Smith, a newly appointed intern under one of the staff members of the marketing department of the prestigious Deluca Cosmetics," I began slowly, my voice picking my words.

"Over the years that I was a uni marketing student, I had done research and personal assignments to get to know about companies and products in the market," I continued, my voice more firm, my arms loosening up.

"My assignment wasn't just about knowing which companies and which products ruled the market. It was about getting an insight into companies and empires that beat the rest to offer customer satisfaction and build customer loyalty."

I took a deep breath, my eyes on the gentlemen who seemed really invested in my speech.

In the course of my research and personal studies, I came across the Deluca Empire.

The name I crossed on every lip in literally every household.

The prestigious company that had built its legacy brick by brick and sweat by sweat.

The empire didn't get famous by casting large pictures on humongous billboards, or paying for marketing shows and movies to be played on TVs, or buying the headlines in newspapers.

This empire became famous by giving its customers satisfaction, by driving them into leaving heartfelt reviews under each of their posts, their products, and their services.

They turned, exchanging glances amongst themselves.

"I may not know so much about this new product as I am a new intern," I carried on.

"But I know for sure that just like every other product that the Deluca Empire has produced, this cosmetic product was created with the sole purpose of leaving a smile on a satisfied customer's lips, engraving satisfaction in their hearts and loyalty in their purchases.

It is embedded with customer needs and made with the sole purpose of achieving them."

I paused, catching my breath.

"The empire has come a long way in creating a legacy.

I assure you that you and your company will feel the satisfactory impact that the Deluca Empire has to offer."

I ended with uncertainty as their burning gazes made my throat itch.

"Well... It's clear we misjudged you in a hurry Ms Smith." The blonde began and I swallowed on nothing.

"But now we have seen how much depth you possess and we're willing to seal the deal and also invest in the shares of the new product."

She acclaimed and just like that, a heavy load was taken off my shoulders.

"Thank you... Ms.. ummm.." I mumbled awkwardly.

"Ms Simone, Simone Roberto." She smiled at me and I smiled back brightly.

"Thanks for the chance... Thank you for listening to me," I appreciated and for some reason, felt a splash of excitement.

Why did I feel so happy?

I was practically scoring more points for an empire I wanted to destroy.

But that was the war, winning against Silas was the battle at hand.

I had to win the battle before engaging in the bigger fight.

"It's my pleasure, Nadia... We will send your company an official email.

You can take your leave now."

She dismissed politely and I stumbled back, realizing the pain in my right ankle was still there.

"Argh," I winced, the pressure from standing up for so long making the pain worse.

"Umm, I..." I stuttered, my mind racing for a lie to tell.

"Seems you sprained your ankle, it's all swollen."

Simone shrieked and I glanced down to my ankle.

It was swollen.

How did it get so swollen so fast?

"I'm fine... I just, it was an accident..."

I excused myself, returning to the chair.

"The security men will help you to the clinic.

Please take care."

She said, motioning to the men dressed in uniforms who had been standing in a corner all that while.

She smiled warmly and turned to leave together with the gentlemen she had come in with.

"Wait... Ummm, the man who solicited for me, may I know where he is?"

I asked and she narrowed her eyes, causing me to look away.

"I just want to say thanks, he helped me a lot." I added, trying hard to ignore the pain in my ankle.

"Zachery... He's outside waiting for this meeting to be over.

You can say thank you after your ankle has been checked."

She enlightened and I hummed softly.

Zachery... So that was his name.

The weird dude who turned out to be of great help.

He said she's his boss but she spoke of him so casually.

I watched her walk out of the room and struggled to stand on my feet as my eyes glanced at the silver watch around my wrist.

"Shit!" I cussed.

It was already evening.

I hadn't gotten Dad's medications and I injured myself.

Again, shit!

"Ma'am, come along, we will help you to the clinic."

One of the men spoke and I swung my head rapidly to show disapproval.

"No... I can't... I'm running late.

I have to go," I said, grabbing onto my bag and leaping away to the door but stopped when my chest hit something firmer.

"Where are you always in a hurry to?"

I recognized his voice instantly.

Zachery...

"I... I need to go home." I stuttered as I struggled to look at his face with my hair covering mine.

"But you're injured, get treated first." He took hold of my hand and I felt anxiety take hold of the rest of my body.

"No!" I snapped, a bit louder than I had intended to.

"Thank you for helping me okay, but I need to go."

I continued, hoping he would move out of the way.

"Let me take you then."

I scoffed at his words, his annoying persistence tinting the little good he had done.

"Do you ever let things go?

Are you always this persistent?" I questioned and he whipped up a gentle smile.

"It's because you're stubborn, that's why you notice my persistence."

Oh my..

Did he, did he just call me stubborn?

"Please, let me take you.

Your ankle will get worse if you keep standing." He continued as I stood starstruck, watching him speak.

"Ms. Simone has already sent your company's driver back, and a confirmation email has been sent to your company, so relax."

He said, pulling me out of the room.

I wanted to object, to tell him to let go but I didn't.

Wasn't it a good thing that I met someone who was willing to help?

***

He parked his car in front of my old flat and I shifted in my seat as a breeze of relief swept over me.

We were literally mute throughout the whole car ride.

It was a good thing I was finally home and I didn't have to ever meet him again.

"Thanks for the ride." I managed to say.

"And thank you for all your help today." I led my eyes to his to see that they were keenly on my face already.

Weirdo.

"I will be on my way now..."

I opened the car's door, hoping he does not stop me with some persistent ass annoying question.

Thankfully he didn't and I walked out and waved at him briskly as I watched him drive away.

Finally, I thought I would never be able to get away from him.

Turning to the house, I bumped into someone whose voice cut through the cold air.

"Where were you and who was he?"

The voice asked and I squinted my sore eyes, stepping back.