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The first part of the plan

"I like that you're having a bad time, maybe then you'll stop doing crazy things". My mother repeats for the thousandth time, while holding my hair.

I had been vomiting for a long time and had a horrible feeling in my body.

"I thought the drowning in alcohol part was over". Kelly, my sister, speaks up, looking at me intently.

My sister and father were standing in the bathroom doorway, watching me put everything out.

-I thought the limit had been exceeded when you were brought in drunk by the neighbors, in my opinion, that's a good amount of shame. -My mother grumbles once more.

"Calm down honey". My father says to my mother. "Why do you drink, Laurinha?" My father asks, calling me by my childhood nickname.

I sigh as I relive that scene again and everything spins around in my head.

"I saw Joy with his mistress in a restaurant". I confess and bow my head.

I sit down on the bathroom floor and my mother sighs, sitting down beside me. Silence prevails for a while and they look at me with compassion.

"He's an asshole for not valuing someone like you, sister". Kelly says, stepping closer and taking my hand.

"Joy was never a good person and never deserved you". My mother completes by coming closer to me.

"He looked at her in a way he never looked at me". I speak confessing the most painful details. "He took her out, while I begged him to leave and he always denied it. He never laughed at the things I said, but seemed to be in a circus with her. And it all makes me wonder how I could have ignored it for so long and how I could have stayed even though I wasn't getting anything". I finish and feel more tears coming out.

My father leaves and I am confused. My mother and sister hug me, but I soon start vomiting again. I take a shower after I got better and lie down on my bed. I was in my room and that place was also full of painful memories. On one part of the wall was my dream mural and everything I had planned for myself. I got up and walked over to it. On one side was my company, the dream I had of being an entrepreneur like my father. On the other side was a world father and a risk in my favorite place, Italy.

It was my dream to visit Italy and one of the reasons was my love for wine. I had made a travel schedule for my 10 year wedding anniversary and finally thought I would fulfill one of my dreams. But again, my choices swallowed my dreams and I was left with nothing. This is exactly how I felt now, empty. No purpose and no perspective. What would I do now? I hear my cell phone ring and answer it without seeing who was calling me.

"Miss Castro?" A woman asks.

I sigh loudly, I had to change that last name urgently.

"Yes?" I ask as I take the map off my wall.

"It's about your job interview". She speaks and I roll my eyes, already knowing the answer would be negative. "I congratulate you and welcome you to Parker Company. You have been offered the position of secretary to the president, and if you accept the offer you can start tomorrow". The woman speaks kindly.

I still open my mouth, not believing what I had just heard.

"Miss?" The woman asks confused after a while.

"Of course, I mean, it would be a pleasure". Responding fumbled.

"How nice Miss Castro, can you come this afternoon to settle the paperwork?" She asks after smiling at my answer.

"Yes, I can". Answering with a smile, jumping up.

She says goodbye and I jump some more, then run out of the house and down the stairs quickly. I enter the kitchen where everyone is gathered and they look at me in confusion.

-She's really gone crazy. -My mother says looking at me worried.

-I said that we should have sought the help of a professional before. -Kelly says while denying with her head.

"It's not like that". I say, laughing. "I get a job". I talk and everyone is happy.

"Thanks to God". My mother speaks looking up.

"I'm proud, daughter, I knew you could do it". My father says looking at me with a smile.

I run to him and hug him.

"Finally, one day from now we'll be at the mall splurging on your first paycheck". Kelly says with a corner smile, shaking herself as if she were a 'madam'.

We all laugh.

[***]

"Hello, I'm Laura Castro". I speak as I approach the receptionist's desk.

I was on the administration floor and was hiding my face with a folder, which made the receptionist look at me strangely.

"Is everything okay?" she asks.

"Yes, everything is fine". Responding with a forced smile.

That was the floor where Joy worked, and seeing him now was terrible.

"Someone will come to get the papers and then make your hiring official". She says with a forced smile and looking at me as if I'm not normal.

I force a smile and sit up, hiding my face as I see a friend of Joy's walk by. Working here was sounding more like suicide, was it a good idea? But every time I thought about quitting, I remembered that Joy would be victorious, while I would lose everything. He was the traitor, not me. He should suffer and pay, not me. I would keep going, even though I was scared.

"Miss Laura". I look to the side and see Mr. Parker, staring at me seriously. I stand up quickly and look unresponsive. "Come with me".

He barely finishes speaking and leaves, I follow him immediately. He goes to the elevator and we get in, he presses the button for the top floor. The silence was rather uncomfortable and I was very embarrassed.

"Are you okay?" He asks and I look at him in surprise, but I am speechless. "I know how you're feeling". Speaks still without looking at me.

Does he know how I'm feeling? Has he been through what I have? How could anyone betray a man like him?

"I'll be fine". I replied with my head down, clinging to my last hope.

He just nods and we get out as soon as the elevator opens. He walks quickly to his office and I greet the floor receptionist before entering his office. He was going through some papers, so I sat down in front of him. From there I had a privileged view of his entire face. His hair was light brown and his face had strong features. His jaw was well defined and he had a beard that made his face even more handsome. His eyes were also light brown and he was one of the most handsome men I had ever seen. Not to mention his serious personality, which made him look elegant.

"Read everything carefully and if you agree we will make it official for you to be hired". Speaks handing me a folder.

I pick it up and start reading. I had my work schedule that would be 8 hours a day. I had to be willing to work more than 8 hours when unforeseen circumstances arose and be willing to travel. I almost choke when I see the benefits. Health insurance, food vouchers, housing vouchers, overtime and extra bonuses when traveling.

The salary was high and I never imagined that secretaries of CEOs earned so well. I take the pen he had put near me and sign with a smile, trying to control the happiness and excitement I was feeling. He looks at the contract as soon as I hand it over and signs it too, but then looks at me seriously.

"I don't like delays, so be punctual. Every job I give you must be done as well as possible and you must be perfectionist and observant, I don't like anything done in any way". Speaks all while looking at me seriously and me with every order.

"I will do my best Mr. Parker". Responding immediately.

"Mel will give you the last instructions, you may go". Speaks authoritatively and I nod, getting up quickly and leaving.

I look at my contract and smile, still not believing I had made it.

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