登入人生で最も幸せになるはずだったその日、デヴィアナは結婚式の祭壇で置き去りにされた。婚約者のエイドリアンは、突然倒れて助けを求めてきたかつての恋人レビアナのもとへ向かうことを選び、彼女を残して去ってしまった。 招待客や無数のカメラのフラッシュが見つめる中、デヴィアナは見捨てられ、屈辱を受け、人々の嘲笑にさらされるという残酷な現実を受け入れるしかなかった。しかし、砕け散った誇りと傷ついた心の中で、彼女は静かに誓う。 もう二度と、レビアナにすべてを奪わせはしない――愛も、名誉も、そして権力さえも。
查看更多"I want security in my office now," a loud manly voice boomed over the phone at the front desk of Eric technology inc.
"Please sir, it will never happen again please spare me," a little brunette woman could be seen begging at the feet of a man.
'That's what they always say but when they are doing it, they never think of the consequences,' Eric thought.
"What's taking them this long,"
Eric Adams asked over the telephone again, he was already very irritated and pissed at listening to the bitches plea.
'What does she take me for, if I hadn't caught her and taken countermeasures I would have lost a big contract,' he thought angrily.
What he hated most in his life were cheaters and backstabbers.
"Sir, you called for us," security immediately rushed into the office.
"Take this thing out of my office, and if you see her anywhere close to my building, disable her legs," Eric backed out the order.
And without wasting as much as a minute the secretary was dragged out of his office and thrown out of the firm.
Going to the little cabinet in his office Eric picked up a bottle of whiskey and pulled it into a glass, and gulped it in a go to calm down his nerves before he was disturbed by the vibration of his phone, displaying the headteacher's name.
"Hmmm," Eric signed.
***A Few Hours Ago***
Seated in a large conference hall, different businessmen and women were waiting for the final part of their bidding which was contract evaluation and award.
Seated across Eric Adams was his biggest competitor, David Anderson.
Plastered on his face was a taunting smile which Eric paid no interest to.
Everyone was busy discussing one or two with their partners, preparing themselves before the conference began.
"How are you doing Eric, my friend?" Anderson suddenly asked out of the blue, his voice laced with sarcasm.
"Feeling all high and mighty," he continued when he was ignored by Eric.
He was about to say something else when the investors arrived, and he could only click his tongue in annoyance.
'Wait and see after I bag this contract if he will still have the cheek to be this arrogant,' Anderson thought to himself
And the presentations began with everyone briefing and explaining their proposals.
And it was finally Anderson's turn to present.
Standing up proudly he began his presentation and not to Eric surprise everything he presented was exactly what Eric had earlier prepared for today.
"We have modernized the model of the game where users send in their thoughts about what they feel about and also we have beaten down the budget to 50 million dollars. I hope you sign the contract with us." David Anderson briefed confidently
While he was done presenting, he turned to look at Eric to see his facial expression but was shocked to see him still seated calmly.
Why was he not moved? He had paid his secretary a nice sum of money for her to get him a copy of the contract Eric had drafted for today, Anderson thought of getting back to his seat.
"Mr. Eric Adams it's your turn?" The investor said and to Anderson's dismay, Eric's presentation was different from what he had been given.
It was way better and by the looks on the investor's faces, they were very pleased with it.
Seated back down he looked at his opponent David Anderson who sat down quietly on his seat looking confused but trying to cover it up.
"Thank you all for your efforts and contributions but after much consideration and evaluation of all your proposals, I and my fellow investors have concluded that Eric technology inc. meets our demands and we decided to sign the contract with them," the investor declared and the meeting was adjourned.
Turning to look at Anderson, Eric loved the look of shock and confusion on his face. "How was it, Daniel Anderson?" Eric asked, his voice full of mockery.
Anderson was speechless; he didn't know what to say.
Seeing the man at a loss, Eric left him alone. Before coming to the meeting he had caught his secretary making secretive phone calls.
Unknown to her, he has been keeping a close tab on everyone after he noticed someone had gone through his files.
And boom he caught them before they could jeopardize his months of hard work.
Moving out of the hall along with the investors, Eric didn't wait even a minute to share any pleasantries with anyone, he has to deal with that leach which he calls a secretary.
Punching the table was the only thing Anderson could do. He had everything well planned but how did things turn out like this?
Everyone in the hall looked at him as if he had gone mad.
***
" Auntie Amanda!" One of the students shouted.
Amanda recognized the voice immediately, she quickly looked in the direction of the voice.
"Morning Nina, how was your night?" Amanda asked the Little girl who was walking by her mum's side.
"I'm good, Auntie Amanda," the little girl replied cheerfully, showing her teeth.
Good morning Amanda," Mrs. Robinson said, smiling brightly.
" Morning ma'am, how was your weekend," Amanda said, walking towards Nina's class with her in her hand.
"It was fine, thanks.
" I'm late for work, I need to start going now." Mrs. Robinson giggled.
"Alright ma'am, see you in the afternoon" Bridget replied.
Mrs. Robinson quickly blows Nina a kiss while she walks away from the school.
"Morning Miss. Amanda" Another voice said.
"Good morning Mrs. Anderson" Amanda replied, with a smile on her face.
Many parents kept greeting her as she walked Nina to her class. They loved the way she smiled and how calm she was around their kids.
Amanda continues walking until she gets into Nina's class. She dropped her on her seat and bent down to her size.
" Nina, I have to go now, I will check on you later," Amanda said, smiling at Nina.
" Pinky promise? Nina said, raising her small thumb to meet up with Amanda. They always do this every morning.
Amanda quickly brings out her thumb to stick it with Nina. "Pinky promise," Amanda replied.
Amanda stood up and swung her body walking out of Nina's class.
After being sent away from home she picked her up here in California, which was teaching.
Seeing the kids all cheerful, happy, and bubbly was more than enough to make her heart full of joy.
She made her way to the staff room where the other teachers were. She walked toward her desk, dropped her bag on the table, and quickly moved to the center of the room to sign on the register placed on the table.
She greeted all the teachers one after the other, and after 5 minutes of exchanging greetings, she finally settled on her desk.
She brought her lesson note to see the classes she's taking today.
Zion height is a small school located a few distances from Amanda's apartment. The school is short staffed which makes Amanda take up to four classes in school.
Amanda started glancing through her jotted note before she was disturbed by the ringing of the intercom on her desk.
She quickly picks up the call and responds politely.
" Good morning, Amanda Smith speaking," She said, still skimming through her jotting note.
"Morning Miss. Smith,
" I would like to see you in my office…" the voice trailed off.
" Okay ma'am," Amanda said, smiling.
" Finally," Amanda thought to herself.
Amanda quickly drops her jotting note and stands up, rubbing her hand together in anticipation of renewing her contract as a full-time teacher.
She walked quickly outside the office and walked toward the Head teacher's office.
" Knock knock knock,
" Please come in," The head teacher answered.
" You asked me to see you ma," Amanda said, smiling.
" Yes, please take your seat." the chubby-looking woman with Harry Potter glasses on said.
Amanda takes her seat across from the head teacher, leaning towards her.
"Thank you," Amanda said, making herself comfortable on the chair.
"You must be aware of the present state of the school?" the headmistress asked, and Amanda nodded in affirmation.
"We had a meeting about it where the school budget was readjusted, and to this, I'm sorry Miss. Smith, the school can no longer renew your contract." The woman said, avoiding eye contact with Amanda.
" What happened, did I do something wrong?
" Please I will readjust, just give me more time to prove myself_," Amanda said, looking at the headteacher with her eyes wide open.
" No Amanda, you are a great teacher, you've done well within these two years, and you are one of the best teachers, but the school is on the edge of bankruptcy.
"We need to do away with a few teachers, for now, we won't be able to pay you if you are here" The headteacher explained.
Amanda bowed her head, she couldn't process what she just heard.
" But I don't even know what to…" Amanda trailed off.
" Am sorry Amanda,
" Once the school gets back on its feet, I will contact you, and please if you need any recommendations for any job, I am ready to do it. The kids will miss you" The headteacher said, holding her tears.
" Thank you ma," Amanda stood up, she dragged her feet towards the door.
She walked back to the office, said goodbye to her students, and decided to go back home early.
Amanda's breathing quickened as she walked towards the apartment.
" Why am I so unlucky? I thought I had found my long-lost peace. Why must I face difficulty again?" Amanda kept asking herself several questions as she walked home.
She keeps remembering all that she faced in Texas at the hand of her stepmother before she finally sent her out of the house without a single explanation. She was invited to California by her best friend, Juliet.
She met Juliet at college. The two have been best friends and they live together.
「いいえ…まだ終わっていないわ」デヴィアナは目の前の空きが目立つムードボードを見つめ、呟いた。作業スペースは静まり返り、時計の鋭い音だけが響いている。チームメイトのリラが心配そうに見守る。「デヴ、主力の生地が無くなったのよ。こんなに短時間で新しいデザインを用意するなんて、どうすればいいの?」デヴィアナは深く息を吸い込んだ。その瞳は疲れていながらも、燃えるような決意に満ちている。「必要な生地が手に入らないのなら…違うものを作ればいい。不都合を、唯一無二の個性に変えるのよ」「どうやって?」リラがためらいがちに尋ねる。デヴィアナは部屋の片隅に積まれた廃棄予定の生地の山へ歩み寄る。レースの切れ端、黒いベルベット、そして無用とされていた透けるオーガンジーを手に取る。「これらを組み合わせるの。質感の対比が際立つドレス——繊細なレースと、重厚なベルベットを。欠点だと思われるものを、革新として見せるのよ」リラは驚いて目を見開く。「正気じゃないわ…でも、それくらいしか方法がないのかもしれない」デヴィアナはわずかに笑みを浮かべた。「自分の価値を証明するためなら、正気じゃなくたっていいわ」その夜、デヴィアナはひたすら働き続けた。鉛筆は紙の上で踊り、ハサミは生地を切り抜き、針と糸は布地の層を縫い通していく。手は疲労で震えていたが、諦めようとするたび、同僚たちの嘲る声が頭の中に蘇る。「誰かの力を借りているだけ」「男に頼る弱い女」「リーダーなんて無理」デヴィアナは歯を食いしばり、瞳を輝かせる。「証明してみせる…あなたたち全員に」二度目のプレゼンテーション当日。会議室にはデザイナーや経営陣、大口の顧客が集まり、固い期待を込めて彼女を待っていた。「では、デヴィアナ。発表を頼む」上司が淡々とした口調で告げる。数人の同僚がひそひそと話し、軽蔑を込めて囁く。「今度こそ失敗するところを見てやろう」デヴィアナは前へ進み出た。体は疲れ切っていながら、その佇まいには揺るぎない強さが宿っている。最初のスライドを開き、新たなスケッチを映し出す。「主力の生地を失ったことは事実です」彼女は力強く宣言する。「でもファッションとは、手元にあるものだけがすべてではない——残されたものをどう活かすかです。だからこそ作りました。質感の対比を軸にしたイブニングドレスです」ボードをスライドさせ、
「デヴィアナ、今週の大口顧客向けプロジェクトで、小チームのリーダーを任せたい」カリスマ的な上司の力強い声が会議室に響いた。全員の視線が彼女に集まる。デヴィアナは唾を飲み込み、心臓が速く打つのを感じた。「わ、私ですか、社長?」上司は肯いた。「そうだ。君の新鮮な発想は期待できる。チームをまとめ、構想を形にする力を見せてほしい」同僚たちは顔を見合わせた——驚く者もいれば、明らかに嫉妬する者も。部屋の向こうでは、いつも彼女と競い合うデザイナーのラカが、嘲るような笑みを浮かべ、冷ややかに見つめていた。「承知いたしました。全力で取り組みます」デヴィアナは決意を込めて答えた。声にわずかな震えが混じっていたが。彼女はまだ知らない——社外では、ヴァネッサが既に計画を動かし始めていたことを。「ふむ、デヴィアナと同じチームに配属されたのね」柔らかくも毒を含んだ声が電話越しに響く。ヴァネッサは高級なソファに腰を落とし、ワイングラスをゆらしていた。電話の向こうでラカが低く笑った。「ああ。彼女がリーダー気取りになるのを横目で見るはめになっているとは、不運だよ」「それなら…いい話を持ちかけてあげるわ」ヴァネッサは甘く囁いた。「彼女の立場を少しぐらつかせてみない? 当然、相応の報酬をつけるけれど」ラカは一瞬黙ってから、慎重に尋ねる。「どういう報酬ですか?」ヴァネッサの唇に狡賢い笑みが浮かぶ。「人脈よ。トップクラスのブランドオーナーや投資家たちを紹介してあげる。この会社でただのデザイナーを続けるより、ずっと大きなチャンスが手に入る。ただ一つ、デヴィアナのプロジェクトを…失敗させること。それだけでいい」ラカは眉を上げたが、声には興味の輝きが宿っていた。「面白い。その話、乗った」続く数日、デヴィアナはチームのメンバーと共に仕事に打ち込んだ。「来週の顧客向け提案に向け、デザインコンセプトを3案以上準備する必要があります」彼女はスクリーンにムードボードを映し出した。「私はモダンなシルエットのイブニングドレスを担当します。皆さんの意見もぜひ聞かせてください」チームメンバーの一人、リラが肯く。「刺繍の細部なら、私が担当できます」ラカは椅子にもたれ、にやりと笑った。「本当にまとめ上げられるんだろうね、デヴィアナ。これほど大きなプロジェクトは、出世のきっかけにもなるし…転落のきっか
「エイドリアン、やっぱり来てくれたのね」五つ星レストランに、柔らかくも冷ややかな声が響いた。気品ただよう女性が、余裕の笑みを浮かべて店内に踏み入れば——隅のテーブルに座っていたエイドリアンが顔を上げた。「遅かったな、ヴァネッサ」女性は愛らしく微笑んだが、瞳の奥には打算がきらめいていた。ヴァネッサ——社交界でもファッション業界でも名の知れた存在。きらめく黒のドレスが体の線を美しく包み、シンプルだが高価な宝石が、彼女の洗練された雰囲気をいっそう引き立てている。「わざと遅れたのよ」彼女は優雅に椅子を引き、腰を落ち着けた。「女というものは、印象に残る登場の仕方をするものでしょう」エイドリアンはため息をつき、くだらないことに口論する気はないとばかりに言った。「食事にしよう。お腹が空いた」給仕がメニューを広げて近づいてきたが、ヴァネッサは急いで選ぼうとしない。鋭い視線がエイドリアンに注がれたままだ。「今日、社内で大きなプレゼンテーションがあったそうね」エイドリアンは眉を上げた。「よく知っているな」「当然よ」ヴァネッサは赤ワインを口に運び、にやりと笑った。「私の人脈は並大抵じゃないの。ファッション業界は狭いものよ、エイドリアン。誰が目立ち……誰が突然、脚光を浴びるか、みんな知っているの」エイドリアンはメニューを閉じた。「核心を言ってくれ、ヴァネッサ」彼女は身を乗り出し、薄く笑みを浮かべた。「あの子のことよ。デヴィアナ」エイドリアンの体が一瞬硬くなり、背もたれにもたれ直した。「彼女が君と何の関係がある?」ヴァネッサは上品に、だが皮肉を込めて笑った。「すべてに関係あるのよ、ダーリン。彼女はただの同僚じゃない。必要以上に注目を集めすぎている。あなたが彼女を見る目、私は見過ごさなかったわ」エイドリアンは眉をひそめた。「大げさだ」「そうかしら?」ヴァネッサはグラスをテーブルに置くと、カチャリと音がした。「上流のあちこちで彼女の話題で持ちきりよ。どこの馬の骨とも知れない無知な娘が、突然職場のスターになり、あのカリスマ的な重役まで魅了したなんて。こういう噂は危険なのよ。彼女にとっても、あなたにとっても——そして私にとってもね」エイドリアンの目つきが厳しくなった。「何をほのめかしている?」ヴァネッサは髪をさらりとかきあげ、姿勢を正した。「私はこの世界で地位を築い
「次のスライド、お願いします」デヴィアナの声はしっかりと響いていた。だが手のひらは汗ばんでいた。ファッション企業の会議室には、有力者たちがぎっしりと詰まっていた。クリエイティブチームのメンバー、マネージャー、役員まで、一同が前方の大きなスクリーンに向かって座っている。かつて彼女の悪口を一番大きな声で囁いていた同僚たちは、腕を組み、満足げに唇を歪めていた。そのうちの一人が、聞こえるような声で囁いた。「ほら、崩れ落ちるわ。あの『不可解な力添え』なんてもう通用しないのよ」デヴィアナはその言葉を聞いていた。一瞬、息が詰まったが、姿勢を正した。陰口に負けたりしない。彼女はプレゼンテーション用のリモコンを掲げた。「この企画は単なるデザインではありません」と、部屋中を見渡して宣言した。「これは自らの在り方と勇気の物語です。企画名は『勇気のかけら』といたします」スライドが切り替わると、非対称のカット、鮮やかな対比色、そして誰も見たことのないような繊細な装飾を施したドレスのスケッチが映し出された。一人の同僚が鼻で笑った。「複雑すぎる。そんなの、どのお客様が——」「黙って聞いていなさい」。有能で人望のある上司、レイモンド氏が静かに、だが威厳を持って遮った。その声で、部屋は一瞬で静まり返った。デヴィアナは落ち着いた調子で続けた。「非対称のカットは、他と違うことを恐れない勇気を表しています。鮮やかな色彩は、自信の象徴です。お客様が求めているのは単なる服ではなく、自らを示す『表明』なのです」疑いの囁きは、次第に消えていった。一人のマネージャーが手を挙げた。「面白い構想だ。だが生産効率はどうする? これほど複雑な細部は、製造上の問題を引き起こすのではないか」デヴィアナはその質問を予測していた。わずかに笑みを浮かべ、ボタンを押した。次のスライドには詳細な製図が映し出されていた。「その点は検討済みです。布地をモジュール式に裁断することで、無駄を減らし、量産体制にも対応できます。実際に型紙で試作した結果、耐久性があり、着心地も良好であることを確認しています」部屋の中には驚きの声が低く響いた。まだ不信感を抱く同僚が追及した。「だが今のトレンドは、そんな派手な色使いじゃない。失敗するのが怖くないのか?」デヴィアナはまっすぐに彼を見据えた。「トレンドは勇気によって生まれるも