"Oh…Look at my daughter," Mrs Roberts chuckled.Amanda giggled and looked at herself again in the mirror."You look breathtakingly beautiful, sweetheart. If they do not accept you for your experience and certificates, your beauty and delicate nature would take a toll on them," Mrs Roberts complimented."Oh, there you go again mother, making it about my physical appearance. I get bothered if it all comes down to my looks. I will change into something less show-offy. I don't want to be seen as attractive." Amanda had a frown on her crease."Stop it Amanda!" Mrs Roberts cautioned sternly. "You seem to forget that just because you had babies does not mean you are less beautiful. The reality is, men would still want you. They will crave you and there is nothing you can do about it. The only thing you can do is to empower yourself, especially financially, to avoid them using you recklessly."Even though her mother's tone was harsh, Amanda got the message clearly. She was becoming too scared

"I see no point in us picking someone who has no experience over someone who does." Mrs Joan was fuming at Mr Kenny and Miss Kira. "How do we even explain this madness to the board? Especially to Mr Rowan Xi?"Mr Kenny's impatience was wearing out. It was obvious in the way his voice was down."Mrs Joan, I believe I have the right to make decisions regarding whom I choose to partner with. It works for us. Why are we even turning this into an argument?""Because it does not make any sense to me. Amanda has absolutely no experience! She was just a cleaner for multiple restaurants and different hotels…""But she got a course from a prestigious institution for hospitality and management," Kira cut in, her frustration evident in her cracked voice. " I just think you do not like her, Mrs Joan. You are judging her from your emotions.""If anyone is using emotions here, it must be you. You feel like you should take her probably because you two share a uni experience. I feel that is a very unp

“They have rejected your application?” Mrs Roberts asked, curious. “No, I have been employed,” maintaining her position on the bed. Mrs Roberts jumped up in jubilation and her shout woke Tyler from his sleep. The other kids also ran into the room looking scared. “I knew it. I knew you could do it. You are made for the top”, Mrs Roberts shook Amanda, who remained calm and mute. “Your mother has gotten a job. A good job at that. Finally, we can have a better life.” Mrs Roberts’s joy soon became contagious. The initially startled children began to jubilate too, jumping from one place to the other.Adora laid beside Tyler on the bed. She tickles him and the boy, who is still groggy from his sleep, gives her a weak smile. Amanda, who is yet to contain the wave of happiness, maintains her position, looking at everyone as they celebrate. “Come on daughter, aren’t you happy? Amanda’s mother asked, shaking her arm to make her lively. “Of course I am. I just didn’t expect this after wha

Amanda watched him as he left. She let out a sigh of relief. "At least I still have my job and I have no reason to run. I am not Mabel", she thought. The thought of Mabel crossed her mind. It's been five years since she last saw her. She remembers how she vanished into thin air after that morning. Amanda let out another sigh. This time it was from memory lane. The moment she stepped into the hallway, she could feel the eyes of the employees passing on her. Whispers and hushed conversations buzzed around the office, speculating about her unexpected interaction with the boss."What a first impression" Amanda mumbled under her breath. She decided to keep her head up high and pretend as if nothing happened. She walked straight to the reception. She didn't know her office and she needed to ask. Just a few steps away from the receptionist, Amanda sights Miss Kira walking towards her direction. Her heart leaped with joy. Kira is her fan after all and she is so happy to see her again. "Hi

"Good morning, Amanda," Rowan greeted her with a warm smile, motioning for her to take a seat in front of his desk.Surprised, Amanda reluctantly positioned herself in the chair across from him. Rowan took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair. He cleared his throat, feeling a mix of nervousness and seriousness. "I'm sorry about my approach the other day at work and the club," he said, shifting in his seat. Amanda's brows furrowed slightly, but she maintained her composure. Rowan continued. "I would like you to answer some questions to clear the air about this issue." Amanda's expression remained guarded, but she nodded, giving him the consent to continue.Not sure where to start from, Rowan cleared his throat again. "Have we met before? He asked, not sure the question was a good start. Amanda remained calm, ensuring the conversation remained as calm as it started. She prefers this version of Rowan to the one she met on her first day at work. "Yes, I met you and your brot