The Interview

Chapter 7 The Interview

 DDFOODS COMPANY, NEW YORK.

Nina stared anxiously at the file in her hand. She was determined not to let herself be pushed to the ground by her supposed fate. Nina applied to all of the job posts in her field. When she got a call to come in for an interview, she was over the moon.

DDFoods is also a counterpart of M&M Foods. Even though they arrived later, they have done immensely in the market. Nina has no doubt she will get the job. Her experience is more than enough to get her the head researcher position.

“Miss Ruiz?” The secretary called out.

“Yes, ma’am,” Nina replied and jumped up too quickly, causing her belly to ache. She winced inwardly, still holding up a warm smile.

“Come with me.” She urged, and Nina followed closely.

“Ah, Miss Nina. It's quite a delight to see you. Come sit, please; I am Donald Davis, the CEO.”

She had expected to have the interview with the Human Resources Department, but then coming directly to the CEO might mean she has the job. Nina smiled at him. “Thank you very much, sir. I am happy to be here, too.”

“It's nice to see you up close finally. After your wedding, I don’t think we have gotten to meet since then.”

“Oh, that's nice.” She replied absentmindedly. Not to be rude, but she didn’t pay much mind to the guest because Andrea was all over her face.

Donald cleared his throat, “So, as regards the job.”

“Yes, please.” She mused eagerly.

“I have to ask you, why would you leave M&M to start seeking a job? You are married to the CEO. What happened?”

Nina felt suddenly uncomfortable. “Do I have to talk about it?”

He looked serious all of a sudden, folding his arms. “If you are going to work here, I need to know what I am dealing with.”

“It's a personal matter. I would like not to discuss it. You can look through my credentials. I don't have any hidden history.”

“No, I don’t think you are saying the truth. You see, in your husband's memo, it's no news that we would be at a huge loss if you work for us.”

Nina looked confused. “What are you saying?”

“He said you were embezzling the company’s funds, and it's part of the reason he divorced you. Is that true?”

Her breath hitched. “That's not true. I didn’t do such a thing.”

“So, are you divorced or not?” She couldn’t deny that. “If you are divorced, he didn’t lie then. You see, we craved a brilliant head researcher like you. We were all aware of your impact on the company. Finding out that everyone’s favorite is also a thief. That's a big deal.”

“I am not a thief!” She gritted, losing a grip on herself. “With all due respect, Mr Donald. If you won’t hire me, it is fine. There is no need to bring me here and start calling me names. I am not going to take that from you.”

“Relax! I am only trying to help. The truth is, you have been blocklisted. No one in our line of business will hire you. But I intend to only if you are willing to cooperate.”

Nina has a renewed hope. “I will.”

Donald grinned and stood up, walking towards her with both hands in his pocket. He sat with a butt on the edge of the table in front of Nina. She attempted to push the chair backward, but he pulled it back towards him, leaning forward with his face almost touching hers.

His breath smelt like garlic, making Nina almost want to puke. Her heart raced as he kept a tight, close distance. “What are you doing?” She managed to ask.

“Stop being so childish. What does this look like?” He blew a distasteful air to her face. “I have fantasized over you since the first day I set my eyes on you. Today, I affirmed that I wasn’t just imagining things. You are worth all the attention. I will give you the job if you let me taste you. I won’t get greedy. One night is all I want.”

Nina felt nauseous; nothing had ever made her think this much repulsion. “Get away from me!”

“Come on, now. I am sure you need this job more than anyone. Aren’t you an orphan? From what I heard, you have no family or friends anymore. How long do you think you can cope by yourself on the streets? It won’t last an hour. I am a gentleman.” He urged further.

She glanced around for anything that she could use to get him far away from her. Without thinking further, Nina summoned her strength and kicked him hard in the balls. Donald let out a painful howl. Nina didn’t wait to find out how he might be doing before running out of the place quickly. The secretary called out to her, but Nina didn’t wait until she had successfully hailed a taxi and it moved far away from the company premises.

Hot tears burned her cheeks as she stared out the window. Her life has taken a different turn. Asher didn’t even stop to think of their love before going as far as this to bring her career to its ruin. Her phone rang, bringing her back to the present. Tania was calling. She answered the call.

“Hey, there. How did it go?” Tania asked.

Her lips quivered as she attempted to reply. “I—I—” She broke down, unable to keep up.

“Where are you right now? I am coming to you.”

“I—I don’t know.”

“Just drop at any restaurant close by. I am on my way.” Tania said, hanging up.

“Please drop me at any restaurant,” Nina said.

The restaurant the cab driver dropped her at is the one with an open sitting. Nina settled in one of the empty tables, staring blankly as the world moved around her. She had sent the location to Tania, and in less than ten minutes, she arrived.

Nina’s eyes already dried up when Tania arrived, and Tania was sensitive enough not to probe her any further.

“How are you?” Tania asked.

“I am not fine. But I am hoping I would be better.” Nina replied, exhaling slowly. Andrea was the only person she always told her deepest worries and pains to. Now, all that that same person has chosen to tear her feelings apart. She would like to keep to herself more.

“That's nice. Keep the energy up. So what would you like to eat?”

“Everything.” She giggled, letting go of the day’s experience.