Chapter 3 Rejection

• Elena~
• "Open the door, Miss Winter." I awoke to the relentless pounding on my apartment door. My neck and shoulders ached as I struggled to stand and unlock it.
• Last night, overwhelmed by emotions after returning from Blackwood Industries, I cried uncontrollably. His betrayal reopened old wounds, making my heart ache deeply. I drifted off amidst painful memories.
• "Miss Winter, will you open the door for me, or do I need to contact the police?" His voice grated on my nerves.
• "Please, give me two minutes." I glanced at my reflection. Red, swollen eyes and tear-streaked cheeks greeted me. I quickly changed out of my bridal gown, washed my face, and tied my hair into a bun.
• "I'll call the cops. Girl, I don't think you'll unlock the door that simply." I quickly unlocked the door, facing my furious landlord.
• "Why are you knocking on my door at such an early hour, Mr. Johnson?"
• "I need you to vacate this residence today."
• "What? But why? I've already paid the rent in advance for six months."
• "I just sold this house, and the new owner isn't interested in having you as a resident." He crossed his arms.
• "But you could have notified me. I need time to find a new place."
• "Miss, it's not my problem. I sold this place previously, and this is now between you two." He waved dismissively.
• I saw a familiar car parked outside.
• "Oh, so you sold it to him?"
• "If you plead for forgiveness in front of my entire staff and acknowledge that all you said to me was a falsehood intended to entangle me, Miss Winter, you are welcome to reside in my mansion." Alexander approached and laid out his condition.
• I never imagined he'd go to such lengths. Should I give in to his demands? I had already spent two months' salary on rent. Without his forgiveness, I had nowhere to go.
• No, Elena, this is not what you are going to do, I told myself.
• "Mr. Blackwood, you can not force me to leave. I've paid six months' rent in advance." I showed him my lease.
• "Oh really? What is the evidence that you've paid now?" He took the document and tore it to bits.
• "I'll report you to the police."
• "Go ahead. Leave this house within two hours, or I will dump your possessions outdoors." He set an alarm on his wristwatch and left.
• I went to the police, but without proof, they wouldn't help me. The elderly homeowner lied, saying he never rented to me. No one dared speak against Alexander Blackwood due to his influence.
• With only half an hour left, I returned to pack. But when I arrived, my belongings were already thrown onto the road.
• "Alexander Blackwood, you have no right to toss my books and projects in the trash." My blood boiled with wrath.
• "Oops, I wanted to put you in the trash, but you weren't around, so I threw your stuff instead." He chuckled evilly.
• I clenched my fists, controlling my wrath and grief, and discreetly collected my belongings, heading to the park.
• My life changed so quickly. I used to fantasize about being the most successful businesswoman; now, I'm homeless and jobless.
• I asked Alexa to stay with her for a few days while I searched for a new job and residence. She let me move in temporarily, as her cousin was on vacation. With only $2,000 in my account, I knew it wasn't nearly enough without work. Additionally, I owed money to the bank, so I needed to find a new job quickly.
• Alexa attempted to show empathy for my situation, but I felt nothing.
• I wasn't sure if I demonstrated strength or if I developed the necessary strength to get through this dark time. Hatred against Alexander Blackwood filled me for betraying my trust.
• "Best of luck, Elena. I'm confident you'll get the job today." As I left for my job interview after breakfast, Alexa smiled and encouraged me.
• "I don't know, Alexa, what's wrong with those people? Why do they keep rejecting me? It's demotivating." I sighed.
• "It's okay, sweetie; we must navigate many detours in life before settling on a straight path. You'll find a way to triumph over this tempest. I have complete faith in you." She patted my shoulder.
• "Hmm... I hope so."
• "Why should we hire you, Miss Winter?" The interviewer's eyes lingered on my face.
• "I wish to work for your organization to improve my skills." This company was a small startup with low compensation. Nevertheless, I was desperate for work.
• "Have you ever worked before?" I erased my work experience from my resume to avoid mentioning Blackwood Industries.
• "No, sir, I do not have any work experience." His cold, calculated stare made me twiddle my fingers, fearing rejection.
• "Miss Winter, while I prefer an experienced accountant, I would like to extend an offer based on your impressive educational background."
• "What? Are you telling the truth? Oh my god, Mr. Henry, thank you." I wanted to cry with excitement but remained composed.
• "Mr. Henry, there is an important call for you." His PA entered with her phone.
• "Who is on the line?" He gave her a bewildered look.
• "Hello, yes, sir. It's my pleasure, sir. Okay, sir. Without a doubt, sir." He kept looking at me the entire time.
• "Miss Winter, we are sorry to inform you that we can not hire you."
• "What? But why?"
• "Your ex-boss paid a lot to buy my business, and now he refuses to employ you."
• "What? Alexander Blackwood?" My jaw dropped. He never invested in small startups, and I still couldn't believe he'd go to such extremes to humiliate me.
• "Thank you, Mr. Henry." With a heavy heart, I picked up my documents and left his office.
• I applied to various businesses, but every company refused to hire me, fearing Alexander. Some industries offered jobs, but he either took over their business or stole their contracts, leaving them bankrupt.
• I could no longer reside with Alexa as her cousin was returning. I needed a new residence and to repay the bank loan. I had no option but to work part-time in restaurants.
• I began working as a waitress, but Alexander came to insult me, making up a story about my misbehavior. He asked that I be fired. I couldn't work any part-time job because of him.
• With no job opportunities left, I chose to relocate.
• However, my college extended my degree, claiming they found something suspicious in my documents, and I had to retake exams to earn it.
• He was always a step ahead. I had no choice but to comply with his demands.
• My self-respect still prevented me from kneeling before him, but what else could I do? He devastated me emotionally, psychologically, and monetarily.
• I did my best to face him, but now what should I do? He promised to make my life a living nightmare, and he kept his word.
• I wished to end my life, but I wasn't the type to commit suicide out of fear of facing life's obstacles.
• Something inside still told me not to give up hope. But what should I do if I don't compromise my self-respect? As I contemplated my next move, my phone rang. The number was unfamiliar, but I answered it anyway.
• "Hello, is this Elena Winter?"
• "Yes, speaking."
• "This is Victoria Green from Veritas Enterprises. We'd like to offer you a position as a senior accountant. Your reputation precedes you, and we believe you'd be a valuable asset to our team."
• My heart skipped a beat. Veritas Enterprises was one of the largest corporations. This was a dream job.
• "Are you serious? I mean, thank you, Ms. Green! When can I start?"
• "We'd like to meet with you tomorrow to finalize the details. Congratulations, Miss Winter."
• As I hung up, a mixture of confusion and happiness washed over me.
• How did they know about me? Why now? And what did this mean for my ongoing struggle with Alexander?
• The battle wasn't over, but for the first time in a while, I saw a glimmer of hope. What would Alexander do when he found out? I wasn't sure, but I was ready to face whatever came next.