THE JOB OFFER

VIOLET

Rubbing my ankles, feeling the strain from the long walk, outside of the building until we entered a huge office of QuesStar CEO.

The four-inch black leather heels given by Margaret are killing my feet in 20 minutes.

This is my second time using heeled shoes and I hope no more accidents will happen again.

We had been in a great discussion as we are getting inside the limo, fighting about the heels and I end up agreeing with it as long as I could bring my backpack with me.

I am used to bringing my backpack to work in the junction.

Then today, I secretly slip in my sneaker in the bag.

"If there's a will, there's a way!" I muttered inwardly like I am talking to my shadow.

I will surely find my way later to swap my shoes.

It's quite unusual for me, seeing my knees while seating on the white leather-armed chairs.

And I felt like "I belong" to the chair since I blended with my attire.

Margaret handed me this white, above the knees skirt and office suit.

[Definitely, not my type!]

"Hey, Violet! Are you alright?" Her voice sounded distasteful, she had been watching me since we are seated in the office.

Then she continues, "Please be careful on your actions Violet! Don't you feel awkward about your position?" I know she is unhappy because I'm barefoot and I raised my legs in front of me, continued massaging my calf muscles after rubbing my ankles.

"Please seat properly Lady Violet Rose! Mr. Evans will arrive any time soon." She sounded annoyed and edgy.

I quickly lowered my feet and I could feel the need to get to the restroom.

I put on the shoes and stood up from my seat and bring my backpack with me.

"Margaret, I need to pee," I whispered in her ears as I approached her.

She nodded and replied, "Be quick! I do not want Mr. Evans waiting for you! Just walk ahead then turn to the left." She said while pointing to the floor area and the way of the restroom.

I left her quickly, watching every step that I made, avoiding myself from getting into an accident. The trauma remains in me.

I'm very happy after I successfully get inside the cubicle without falling.

[Oh, Gawd! Why am I tortured this way? I will not accept my job, if it means killing my feet or killing me to a fall!]

After 7 minutes, I'm already out of the cubicle and quickly opened my backpack and swap my shoes.

I know Margaret will not like it but she will not have any choice if she sees me in my sneakers.

Then, voices echo from the outside.

I guess people are now coming into their office cubicles, it's already 9 am.

I checked my pony-tailed hair and puff some powder and dab some lip gloss.

My reflection told me that I'm not getting any younger.

Then, people started coming into the restroom and I head out.

Employees in their suits bustling in and out on their cubicle offices.

[Am I going to work in those office cubicles?]

Then, I continued walking when suddenly, I feel someone bump on me.

A set of strong arms quickly catch me before I could fall.

Then, I saw those electric blue eyes again.

I'm speechless. My muscles, my nerves, my whole body freeze like I'm dipping in the ice of the north pole's water. I shivered.

[How could I meet an accident in my sneakers? Why is he here?]

"Violet?!?" He exclaimed while helping me stood up into my balance.

"It's a surprise to see you here! What are you doing in QuesStar?" His eyes are like lightning that sparks in delight.

"Uhm... I'm with my mom's best friend. Well, I'm here for my work, for Mr. Evans."

"Really? What a coincidence! I'm on a part-time job here. So glad to see you again, and be working with you soon?" For the first time, I saw Vaughn's dimple on her right cheek!

"I guess, so? I haven't met Mr. Evans yet!" I brushed off my loose hair, away from my face.

"Well, he's cool! Don't worry, you're gonna be fine. Maybe, we could see by the weekend? I could give you a tour around.

"That sounds great! See you then?"

"Lady Violet Rose!" A deep husky voice from my back, almost makes me jump off from where I stand.

"Hey, Uncle!" Vaughn moves his way towards the person, who called out my name.

[How does he know my name?] He looks at me sternly without noticing Vaughn on his side.

"Uncle? Do you know Violet? She's the girl that I have told you about!" I saw his Uncle's confusion flashing on his face.

Then suddenly Margaret appeared on their back, "Violet!" She is mouthing my name and pointing something.

And his uncle cleared his throat and said "My nephew... it's already 9:30 in the morning. Don't you have a task today?"

"Uhm... Oh, I'm so sorry Uncle. Hey, Violet! See you by the weekend?" He waited for my response and so I just nodded.

He excused himself and left us.

Then Margaret approached me and ushered me back towards the seat in front of a glass table while Mr. Evans followed us.

"Good morning, Your Excellency!" I could hear Margaret's voice shaking while bowing her head.

"I could see that you have known my nephew?" His voice seemed unhappy about it, raising his brows while looking at me.

"Yes Sir, he used to come and visit Smithson Village and I happened to meet him last week in the junction, where I used to work," I said in honesty.

"I do not want you to see Vaughn again!" His words are like a sword that hit me multiple times. I felt surprised by his tactless demand.

[Why does he react that way?]

"I'm so sorry sir but Vaughn is a friend of mine and I couldn't just decline his offer to meet him."

I could hear him inhale deeply and exhaled then said "Violet, your job requires you to stay in the castle and you will not have the privilege to have much time to go around or to a tour not unless the Princess will be with you."

"Mr. Evans sir, what castle? Princess? I'm so sorry sir, I do not understand." I do not know how to absorb everything.

Then he handed me a folder with some documents on it, "Please read your contract and signed the bottom part."

It reads "Employment Contract Agreement" and my eyes widen as look at my duties and responsibilities as Personal Assistant of Princess Xenia of Castle Quest.

"Castle Quest?" I muttered.

"Do you have any problem with the contract Violet?"

"Uhm... I'm so sorry Mr. Evans but working as an assistant to a Princess seemed a difficult task. I am a foreigner in this country and I'm not knowledgeable about your history. I do not know if I could do it."

I could feel the heel of Margaret hit my ankle. My eyes twitched, covering up the pain that I felt.

And spread my lips into a smile.

"But... I am willing to be trained on how to do things right. Thank you Mr. Evans for this opportunity!"

Then, I signed the contract.

I do not have any choice. I do not have any home to return to Smithson Village. No family and relatives were there to comfort me. This is where I should be. Amelia is too close in my grasp. Castle Quest is my destination and fate brings me closer to it.

But, how will I know Amelia? For sure, the castle is huge and employees are too many. I guess, this is written in my path and I should accept it and let it flow.

After putting my signature, Mr. Evans quickly took it and called his secretary to take the documents.

"Rosie, forward this to the Privy Secretary office. Thank you!" She nodded and excused herself.

"Our lunch is now ready at the QuesStar restaurant.." He was not able to complete his announcement when a phone rings.

He stood up, took something from his pocket, and signaled his finger that he needs to take the call.

"Yes? Alright, I'll be there in 10 minutes." Then he ends the call.

Then, tapping on his phone again and said without looking at us. "Bruno will accompany you to the restaurant for lunch. I have an important meeting to attend. Margaret, I'll call you later for Violet's training schedule."

After a few minutes, the doors opened, and the security guard that escorted us earlier appeared.

"Bruno, make sure to escort them and provide them protection anywhere they go, starting today." I couldn't believe what I just heard.

I have this feeling like I have taken out of the air to breathe.

[Why do we need a bodyguard?]

"I'm so sorry Mr. Evans, Sir. There's no need for us to have a bodyguard or any security personnel. We can manage ourselves, Sir!" I do not like the thought of having a bodyguard. I just remembered Vaughn's tight security and no freedom at all.

"Yes, you need it. Trust me!" His eyes, the same as Vaughn's. He glared at us.

"But, Sir! I do not need one..."

"Margaret?!?" He looks at her sternly, and nodded his head, and quickly left us.

"That's enough, Violet!" And her eyes grow big as she saw my sneakers.

Then she continued talking, "Why are you wearing your sneakers?"

[Ugh! Why are they so manipulative of me?]

"Please... Margaret! I'm more comfortable wearing it than those painstaking heels!"

Then we heard someone cleared his throat then said, "Miss Woodwarde and Miss Stern? Shall we?" We nodded as we do not have any choice.

After 20 minutes of walking on huge hallways and riding a fancy elevator. We had finally arrived at the QuesStar restaurant.

Waiters and the restaurant manager escorted us towards our VIP table.

Then, I saw Vaughn on the table near us. He is with a black-haired girl.

I could see how sweet the girl was, serving him with some food on his plate. Then, our eyes meet.

I quickly shy away and scanned the place, glass walls, black and white marble floors, tables in white and gold hem linens, white and gold leather chairs, gold utensils and wares, and a fresh autumn flower in a glass vase.

[Who is she? She is pretty with a heart-shaped face and skinny. Well, they fit perfectly.]

"Violet... you have to sit down," Margaret mumbled while waving her hand in front of me to catch my attention.

I quickly took my seat, feeling embarrassed.

Then, a manager named "Anna" announced that our lunch will be serving in 10 minutes.

And I unconsciously nodded.

My head is disturbed by the scene on the next table.

"Violet, are you with me? What's happening to you? You are not been yourself since we arrived in London. Do you have a problem?" I could feel the annoyance on her.

"I'm so sorry, Margaret. I'm still trying to absorb everything. I feel like I'm dreaming!"

"Snap out of it, young lady! You have a job to do. You have to ready yourself for your training."

Then she continued, "Your contract is only for a year. You can save up your money and go back to study if you want to. Just behave accordingly and stop making a mess of yourself. Are we clear?"

I nodded. I do not have any choice. In this way, I could find Amelia in the castle.

"Hey, Violet!" His voice reverberated inside the not-so-crowded restaurant.

No, I do not want to turn to face him.