Heart's Redemption

A middle-aged woman walked into a blue-coloured bedroom and headed straight for the curtains, drawing them apart in one go. The sun rays splashed in, lighting up the room. Uhhh!, a feminine voice winced softly, turning her face away from the window's direction. Suddenly, she jolted up and grabbed the alarm clock on the table. Oh gosh! It's 8:07 am! I'm late for work! She exclaimed, jumping out of bed and dashing past the middle-aged woman who stared at her with a smile on her face. Don't run, Melissa; you might slip in the bathroom, the middle-aged woman said and walked out of the room.

In less than ten minutes, Melissa walked out of the bathroom with a blue towel draped over her fair porcelain skin. She wrapped her wet hair in another blue towel and quickly grabbed the body lotion on the dressing table. She squirted a bit on her left palm and rubbed her palms together before massaging her skin with the lotion. She dried her hair with a blowdryer and combed it back, letting it cascade down behind her. She pulled out a black and white bodycon gown that stopped an inch on her knees. She matched it with a black belt with a gold Louis Vuitton buckle. Her signature baby pink lipgloss glittered on her lips. Her black leather stiletto heels gave her a corporate look. She picked up her phone, handbag, and car keys before walking out of her room. She walked over to the open kitchen and hugged the middle-aged woman from behind. Good morning, Auntie Wendy, she said with a wide smile and picked up a pancake beside her. Good morning, dear. How was your night? Wendy asked as she took the plate of pancakes to the dining table. It was awful! And it's all because of Lory. Melissa groaned, pouting slightly. I heard my name; what's going on? A young lady said from behind them. She rubbed her eyes sleepily as she dragged her feet to the nearest dining chair. Speak of the devil, you got me drunk last night because of your birthday party, even though you knew that today is my first day at work. Melissa grumbled. Did I force the alcohol down your throat? Lory asked. Yes! Melissa replied, glaring at Lory. Oh! That's right. But that was because you were not having fun at my party. Who goes to the club and doesn't take alcohol, huh? Lory argued. You know I have a low tolerance for alcohol, Lory, Melissa said. Look who is arguing; aren't you late for work? Lory said, smirking slightly with her left brow arched. Realisation hit, and immediately Melissa grabbed her bag, dropped it on the table, and rushed out of the house. Melissa got into her red sedan and put on her seatbelt before driving off. Although it's Melissa's first day at work, it's not her first time working. She used to work in a fashion company in Maryland, not as a model but as a manager. Although her slim, curvy physique and baby face often got her on her models bad side, as she was often mistaken to be a model and stole the spotlight on several occasions. Due to the pressure from the models as a result of frequent misunderstandings, she quit her job and moved over to Los Angeles to live with her aunt and cousin. Luckily for her, she was able to get a job in her dream company... Ava entertainment. She parked her car in the huge parking lot and hurried out. She ran all the way to the entrance before slowing down, taking careful strides. She walked up to the receptionist. She raised her head and faced Melissa with a smile. Good morning. How may I help you? She asked in a polite manner. Melissa showed her card, and the receptionist mouthed an "Oh." Miss Melissa DeVille, right? Please take the elevator to the third floor and head towards the right end of the Mr. Louis office, the receptionist said, and Melissa nodded slightly, flashing a smile as she walked away in the direction of the elevator. As she walked into the elevator, it became occupied with a few other people. Wow, I didn't realise that they were hiring a new model. One of the staff members muttered, staring at Melissa. She's beautiful! If she showed a bit more skin, she could pass the audition and probably overtake Cassie, another muttered. Melissa greeted them, and that was all. She didn't feel the need to clarify anything. She was just going to focus on her work and earn a living doing what she loves. She got off the elevator on the third floor and made her way to Mr. Louis's office. She read the inscription on the door and nodded slightly after confirming. She knocked on the door and stood rooted, waiting for a go-ahead. "Come in."She walked in and met a man sitting behind a monitor, his gaze fixed on what he was writing down. He lifted his face to see her. His features were easy on the eyes. You must be Melissa; please have a seat, Louis said, adjusting his posture on his swivel chair. You are assigned to Cassandra Hudson; you will be her manager. I'm sure you were already briefed on this earlier, Louis said. Yes, sir, I'm fully aware of my duties, and don't worry, I have experience with these things, Melissa said, earning a slight smile from Louis. Take this and head up to the floor above this one. Go to the dressing room with No. 10, and there you'll meet your model. Good luck! Louis said, handing her the company's ID, which she hung around her neck. She picked up her handbag and excused herself before heading up to meet her new client. Cassandra's dressing room Urghh! This is such a mediocre job! How dare you ruin my beautiful face with this substandard makeup? Are you sick or something?!!!! A tall, slim, fair lady screamed furiously. I'm sorry, Miss Cass. * pah *. Cassandra slapped the timid lady in front of her, causing her hair to scatter all over her face. You dare to mention my name with your wretched mouth, huh? Cassandra sawthed and raised her hand to slap the lady again, but someone held her hand. Cassandra turned around to look at the person who had the audacity to hold the hand of the company's top model. She glanced at the lady standing beside her, and her eyes caught the name on her company's ID card. "Melissa DeVille?!" Melissa DeVille, huh! Oh, so you are my new manager, Cassandra said with a sly grin. Melissa let go of her hand and faced the makeup artist, who was already in tears. You can leave now. Sorry for all the trouble. Melissa said, and the makeup artist scurried away. Cassandra turned Melissa around roughly, holding her left arm tightly. What do you think you are doing? Cassandra seethed. Calm down, Miss Cassandra; I was saving your reputation. I sighted a reporter coming this way, so I hurried over to prevent you from becoming the most trending scandal on social media, Melissa said, taking her arm away from Cassandra's grip. Cassandra calmed down a bit and flipped her hair back as she walked over to the lounge chair, making herself comfortable. So you are my new manager; I guess I can work with you. At least you aren't dressed in a tacky outfit. Just know these three things if you want to work well with me. "No tacky outfits! My manager must be of high standards." "Never try to lecture me; I hate people who think they are above me." "And thirdly, never ever try to upstage me... Although that's next to impossible, Cassandra said. That's fine with me, but I also have some things I would like to put forth now. Melissa said, making Cassandra arch her brows. She straightened her face and leaned back on the chair, shutting her eyes. "Let me hear you out," Cassandra muttered. Don't raise your hand at me; I will not tolerate any form of assault. Two, I'm your manager, so I'm responsible for your image and reputation, amongst other things. Try your best to listen to me. And thirdly, never pry into my private life, Melissa said firmly. Cassie opened her eyes lazily and glanced at Melissa. "Whatever," but I'm not sure I'll be able to do the second one. I don't like anyone forcing me to do what I don't want to do, so whatever mood I'm in, just handle it, she drawled. Melissa sighed and picked up the file on the desk. This is your schedule for this week; shall we begin? I'm tired from all the yelling; get me some apple juice, Cassandra muttered, shooing Melissa out. Melissa dropped the schedule clipboard and walked out of the room, heading to the cafe downstairs.