Kelsey's POV
[Onyx Military Academy... 7:30 AM]
The school Lila was supposed to attend, Onyx Military Academy, was breathtaking in size and elegance. It towered above its surroundings with grand spires and a sleek, polished façade that gleamed. The pristine stonework shimmered with silvery accents, and its massive wrought-iron gates stood open, revealing a meticulously manicured courtyard.
Marble statues lined the wide path to the main building, each one depicting famous military leaders frozen in time. The academy looked more like a royal fortress than a school.
There were many kids dressed in uniforms just like Lila's. Their postures, expressions, and even the way they walked screamed wealth and privilege. They looked like they all came from families of influence and legacy.
Would Lila fit in just fine?
"Am I attending that school, Mommy?"
"Yes, sweetheart. Are you nervous?" I asked, staring at her through the front mirror.
"I'll be fine," she replied.
I hope so too.
I parked the car nearby and stepped out with Lila.
"Hold my hand sweetheart, and don't let go," I said, walking towards the main building. I have to find the principal's office and fix Lila's name immediately.
I heard footsteps behind me, followed by an annoying familiar voice.
"Look who we have here! I never thought you'd stalk me all the way to this academy."
I wanted to ignore him, but I was forced to look at him.
It was him.
The annoying pervert I saw yesterday during my run. He was wearing his military uniform, together with a proud look on his face.
There was also a kid behind him about Lila's age and the other man who interrupted us that day. He was also wearing a uniform.
Seems like they are from that military company.
He lowered his head and scanned Lila from head to toe.
"Who is she? Your niece? Sister? Neighbour's daughter...?"
"Why should I answer you? It's not like we're familiar with each other," I replied with a huge frown on my face.
He laughed and adjusted his gloves.
"How cute. One might think you hate me, not knowing you're playing hard to get," he laughed.
Christ!
I wish I could punch a hole in his face. Everything about him annoys me to the core. His face. His hair. His laugh.
"Let's go on a date. How about that? That's after you drop your sister off at school."
"General, you have an important..." The man beside him tried to speak but he shut him up with a hard glare before looking back at me.
"What do you say? Are you in?" He asked, waiting for my response. I parted my lips to talk and before anything could come out, Lila spoke.
"With all due respect sir, my Mommy is not going on a date with you. She has my Daddy!" She stepped forward with her hands on her waist.
My eyes widened in shock, even the man was surprised. Lila didn't stop there. She faced the innocent boy standing close to the annoying man.
"Tell your Daddy to stay away from my Mommy. My Daddy is strong... He'll walk over to your Daddy."
Huh?
Where is this going?
"Wosh! Woah! Woah! That's enough, Lila. Let's go..." I took her hand and walked away, without speaking to him. He was shocked. Very shocked.
I walked Lila to the main building and stopped for a minute.
"Sweetheart, where did you learn to speak like that? I mean, you did a good job speaking up for me but... Don't forget your Daddy works in a bar..."
Lila looked away from me like she was hiding a secret.
"Are you going to scold me?"
"Not at all, sweetheart. Thank you for standing up for Mommy. But next time, don't drag the innocent boy into his father's mess. If you see him next time, make sure to apologise."
She nodded. I sighed heavily and entered the building.
It was almost a long process trying to change her name. They almost didn't let me but I made sure to remove that name from my daughter's name.
By the time I was done with her books and everything, it was almost 9AM.
I can't be late on my first day. I drove off immediately to the company, following the map.
It's not like I know the location of the company.
.
.
[Buzz Bulletin Company. 9:38 AM]
I finally reached the company after following the complicated map. I know I wasn't given time to come, and it's just my first day, but I'm disappointed in myself for coming late.
I slammed the door and pushed the button on the key before walking towards the building.
Damn! It's bigger than I thought. It's the largest news company in the entire country. That's understandable.
The security allowed me access after scanning me and I headed straight to the receptionist.
"Hello, I'm..."
"One of the newbies?" She interrupted me and I nodded.
"Yeah, another one," she rolled her eyes and nodded towards the elevator. "Take that elevator and stop at the fourth floor. Join the others waiting. Good luck with the interview because you'll need it,"
There was a mocking smile on her face.
It's clear that she's being rude, but I have no time to discuss it with her. I took the elevator straight to the fourth floor.
Besides. I'm not here for any interview. I'm here to finalise my contract.
The door dinged and opened.
Woah!
That was the first word that slipped from my mouth. There were a lot of people standing, leaning close to the wall and occupying the bench on the fourth floor.
They glanced at me from head to toe and looked away immediately. I didn't look like a hot competition to them because of the way I was simply dressed.
This is a news company, not a fashion company, yet they were all dressed as if they were walking the runway.
The company has a lot of departments. Apart from gathering news and interviewing special guests, they also have an online channel where they interview people live, engage in talk shows, reveal gossip and more. That's why it's very huge.
They expect their employees to be neat, well dressed and also have a good fashion sense.
I took one last look at myself.
"If I don't get the job, wouldn't it be great?" I mumbled and leaned on the wall, close to someone.
How long do I have to wait till it's my turn?
"Is this your first time?" A lady close to me asked. She was dressed moderately like me. A black band on her short hair made her look so cute.
"Ah! Yes," I replied with a smile.
"This is my second time," she said, fidgeting. "I didn't get the job the last time because someone already paid to get the job."
I wasn't understanding what she was saying.
She saw my confused expression and kept on speaking.
"If they are going to accept twenty people, they would only take in fifteen. The remaining five got the job through other means. Thanks to that, people like us do not get jobs," she said.
Wait! Aren't I in that category? I feel guilty.
The elevator door dinged again and everyone diverted their gaze to the door, including me.
A familiar lady with blonde hair walked in. She took off her sunglasses and looked around. She even had a secretary with her.
That bitch! Fiona Doyle. Don't tell me she's going to work here with me!
"She's one of them. The ones who got the job without trying... I hate people like that," the girl said to me.
How do I tell her I'm one of them? She's also going to hate me.
I turned back to look at the elevator and my eyes met with Fiona.
'Fuck! I already hate this company!'