"Hello ma'am, how can I help you? Ariel approached a confused-looking woman who was contemplating which shoe she should buy. "Which of these shoes would you recommend for me to buy? I love both." The woman responded. "This black Yves Saint Laurent heel is a limited-edition, made from quality leather, and comfy insole. Favorite among celebrities and fashionistas alike." Ariel explained, applying a delightful and friendly smile. "This nude Gianvito Rossi heel is best known for its modern take on a classic style, perfect for making statements, attention-puller but is quite selective when it comes to dress pairing. Now you can choose based on their features." She added. "Can I wear them to test?" The woman asked. "Of course Ma'am, but only the Gianvito Rossi, customers can test goods but not the limited version ones." "?" The woman's eyes narrowed, her eyebrows squinted. A sense of fear and warning gripped Ariel as the woman stared at her grumpily. "How dare you speak to me like that? Are you trying to tell me that I'm not worth testing a limited version of heels? Hun tell me!?" The woman lashed out at Ariel. "Madam, don't get the wrong impression, I was only following the rules given to us." Ariel's smile remained still, and didn't lose face. A step forward from the woman was a step backward from Ariel. "I'm going to test these heels, and there's nothing you will do about it!" The woman spatted angrily. Almost poked Ariel's eyes as she pointed her sharp stiletto nails in the direction of her eyes. "I'm sorry ma'am, I didn't mean to be rude, but the rules says–" A slap landed on Ariel's face before she could finish her statement, shutting her off entirely. A spark of stars flashed through her eyes. Her smile slowly faded away, leaving her with an expressionless face. "Or what! Do you know me, do you know who I am? Oh my God! You ruined my mood. Get out of my sight, you this low life! Where's your manager?" The woman asked Ariel in a high-volume Guffy tone, but Ariel didn't answer as she was still in a daze from the slap. "Are you deaf, I said where's your manager?". The woman didn't stop shouting and she started gaining other customers' attention. People started gathering and surrounding Ariel and the ill-tempered woman. On the other side of the store was Anya, who heard the noise and rushed out to check what was happening. She immediately called the attention of their boss. "What's happening here?" A voice came from behind the scene. A slender model-like figure appeared, standing at approximately 5' 8. Her pink blazers speaks well of her position, and yes how intimidating she looked with her cherry red lipstick and her fashion sense. "Are you the manager here?" The woman asked in a furious tone. "Yes ma'am, Good day, what's the problem?" The boss asked with a bright and delightful smile. "Your worker is the problem here, how could you hire someone like her? Are you tired of making sales? Get rid of her if you want your customers to be satisfied shopping here!" "Madam, I was only trying to follow-" Another slap landed on Ariel's already burning cheeks, but this time from her boss. "You have no right to speak when a customer is in the middle of her complaint!" The boss exclaimed, giving Ariel a deadly glare, her tone sharp and cautious. "Now you see how rude she is!" The woman muttered grumpily. If eyes could kill, she would've murdered Ariel. "Madam, I am so sorry for any inconvenience and bad treatment you were given by my worker, I sincerely apologize." Ariel's boss lamented as she bowed her head for the woman. Finally the woman strode out without accepting the apology. The gathered crowd started leaving one by one. Ariel stood in one spot, staring blankly at the floor, her eyes tinged with tears, in no time, drops rolled down her red cheeks. Amongst the crowd was a young man standing at approximately 6'2 tall, his ocean blue eyes, and his lustrous black trimmed hair, speak well of him. Alongside his two huge bodyguards beside him. The resounding slaps made him focus his attention towards the commotion. The man stood there watching as Ariel dug her fingernails into her thighs, holding them tightly, shaking and sobbing in silence. "Meet me in my office now, you this useless stinky thing!" Ariel's boss spatted as she strode out of the scene. Her tone was huffy and commanding. The man was still there; he didn't move an inch. He scanned Ariel with his emotionless eyes as he was mesmerized by Ariel's beauty despite her swollen eyes from too many tears. His eyes searched for traces of left sanity in Ariel, attracted to her outstanding, breathtaking face card. "Hmmm.......this beauty should not be treated like trash." He murmured to himself. He then signaled one of his bodyguards and whispered in his ear. "Give her my card." He commanded. The bodyguard approached Ariel and handed her a business card. She wheeled her head up to see the huge masculinity in front of her. Threatened by his appearance she was forced to stagger back unconsciously. Barely able to hold her breath. She could sense fear despite his face being hidden behind sunglasses. His black suit complimented his masculinity. "Reach out if you want a life-changing opportunity, you have four days to think it through." The bodyguard said and left confused Ariel who couldn't stop staring at him. The man, alongside his bodyguards, left the store afterward. "Hey, wait a minute!" She finally came back to her senses, shouted as she ran after them. However, she couldn't catch up with them. She watched as the men in black suits entered a black limousine car and drove off. Flipping and staring at the card in her hand. "What's up girl, are you fine? Who are those people and what is the card in your hand for?" Ariel was questioned by Anya; her co-worker and best friend who watched the whole ill-tempered customer's drama. "I...I don't know....l just....I just unconsciously collected the card. The man said something like "opportunity, I don't know if I heard him right." Ariel stammered as she wondered what the card was for. "Ariel!" A voice interrupted them. "Urghh!!!" Ariel groaned in frustration. Would she ever have peace in this store? Her boss dislikes her, any little chance to punish her, she won't let it slide. "Oh shit!, boss is calling for you, that woman is a witch, I loathe her presence." Anya muttered silently. Ariel's heart pounded against her ribcage, her hands sweaty and shaky. Her heartbeat became faster than usual. Some thin layers of sweat formed on her palms, she rubbed them together and exhaled deeply. "Go girl...let's know your fate" Anya encouraged her as she hugged her tightly. Ariel nodded and walked towards her boss's office. Each step echoed in her ear as her heart sank in fear. Her soul was about to escape her body. Each step she takes reminded her of how unforgiving her boss is. Knock knock knock. Ariel summoned her courage as she knocked. "Come in," Ariel's boss voiced from the inside. Ariel entered and stood at her boss's table. Her hands at her back as she folded them tightly as if she was about to receive a death sentence. Her boss stared at her silently without uttering a word. Ariel felt disturbed by her boss's cold stares which made her initiate the conversation. "My sincere apolo-" "Ssssshhhh" Ariel's statement was cut short in her throat as her boss shushed her up. Leaving her no room for continuation. "Ariel.....I have warned you several times not to get on my nerves. Do you not want this job anymore?" Her boss asked. Her tone was calm yet cautious. "Ma'am please forgive me, it won't happen again." Ariel pleaded. Desperately praying silently for her boss's mercy. "Don't beg me Ariel, you chased one of our best customers, how do you want to make it up to the loss you caused my store!?" "I am-" "No paycheck this month, now get out of my office." Ariel's intended statement was cut short in her throat as she heard her boss's decision. She stood there, not moving an inch, hoping to find any lingering favor in her boss's eyes. "Do you have gums in your ears? Leave my office, I want fresh air!?" Her boss said, glaring at her like her presence was a contagious virus. Ariel wheeled around without uttering a word. Outside was Anya who had been eavesdropping the whole time. As Ariel came out with teary eyes, Anya hugged her tightly. "It's okay...it's fine..." "How am I supposed to take care of my child if things continue like this? I have been saving up to pay for his tuition fees but everything seems to be going wrong." Ariel lamented as she sobbed on her friend's shoulder. "It's okay girl...I'm here for you, you're not alone in this." Anya comforted her as she rubbed her back for ease. "Let's go, it's closing hour." Anya said as she picked their bags from the locker. They changed into their casual outfit and left the store. Ariel got home with her last strength, hoping to dive and sink in her bed. However, her legs crumbled as she was welcomed with a more disheartening circumstance. "Oh my God, this is not happening today." she muttered silently, as devastation hit her soul.

At her front was her belongings thrown out recklessly on the ground scattered, beside it was a letter to vacate the building. She already knew it would happen as she has been behind on rent for the past 2 years. Just that she didn't expect it to be today, not when her day was long. Ariel's trembling hands dug in her bag to reach for her phone with the intention to plead with her landlord. She dialed the number countless times but no one picked it. She reached for one of her pillows for a comfy seat. 'Sigh' She exhaled sharply and shut her eyes. The faint sound of cars blaring from afar mingled with the rhythm of her heart, as she lost herself in the wilderness of her thoughts. Amidst her chaos with her thoughts, Her phone buzzed, interrupting her. She opened her tired eyes and stole a glance at the screen which revealed her bestie's name, a beacon of hope in her darkness. She swiped to answer the call. "Girl what's up, are you good, just wanna check up before I go to bed." Anya uttered from the other end of the call, but her questions were not answered as Ariel kept quiet, not responding. The thought of how to respond to the questions wored her, in no time she started howling in silence. "Hello....Ariel are you listening?" Anya asked in doubt. Only the sound of the busy city was all she could hear. Ariel didn't answer as she continued sobbing in silence. Her sobs were punctuated with soft, mournful sniffs. Anya heard the sniffs and she immediately understood why she wasn't responding. "Girl, are you crying, what is the matter, talk to me I'm worried." Anya exclaimed at the other end of the phone. Finally Ariel broke her silence. "I'm homeless now." She whispered, her voice wavy and faint. She hates to trouble people with her own calamity, but no choice this night, she wouldn't want this chance to escape. "I'm on my way, we'll figure this out together. I will be there in 10 minutes, hang tight!" Anya blurted and hung up. Few minutes later Anya arrived at Ariel's place. On Anya's arrival she met Ariel sitting on the floor weeping profusely. "C'mon girl worriless, you can stay with me for the meantime. I have an empty room at my place. We can live together." Anya suggested as she patted her back for ease. Ariel's eyes teared up again, a smile slowly curved on her lips. Tears of joy yeah. "I love you Anya. You're the best thing that has ever happened to me." Ariel exclaimed as she hugged Anya tightly. Her tone was full of excitement. "C'mon let's pack your things and leave. It's getting late." ---- It was a rainy Friday morning, the sky was as cloudy as a watercolour painting, smudged with gray. A refreshing smell from the rain flooded Ariel's room where she laid down on her bed in slumber. Her day off at work is what she always loves to enjoy in bed. Knock knock knock A knock sounded from the outside of Ariel's room. "Hmmm.... come in." Ariel mumbled, not wanting to open her tired eyes. "Good morning Girl, how was your night, did you sleep well? Anya bombarded her with questions as she entered. "Yeah...and you?" Ariel asked as she sprung up her body to sit up. "Same here.....I came to discuss something with you." Anya said and straddled on Ariel's bed. "Okay what is it?" "How about you consider taking another job.....a high paying job. I know for a fact that you have your degree. So......" Anya suggested. 'Sigh' Ariel sighed deeply, stroking her fingers through her messy hair as she blew the strands covering her face. Covered her face with her palms. "The business card you were given by some random guy yesterday at the store, how about we check if you can be offered a position in their company?" Anya asked. Her tone was empathic yet calm. "Are you sure?" She whispered, staring at Anya for validation. "I'm not sure...... .but you should try first, put the card in use girl, you never know what benefit you could gain from doing so." 'Sigh' Ariel sighed again, got down from her bed and went straight to her drawer. She brought out the card, JC was embroidered on the card as a logo, alongside its full meaning, Johny Corps. Below it was a telephone number and an email address. "Are you sure about this?" Ariel asked her in a doubtful tone, staring intently at her friend. "You never can tell, you don't know until you try." Anya remarked, wanting her friend to give a trial. "Okay, I'm gonna email them now." Ariel said as she went straight to her laptop. "No, don't email, call..... c'mon it won't bite." Anya suggested, tilting her head one side, blinking like a kid who wants to be pampered. "Okay..." Ariel responded as she jacked around to pick her phone. "What am I going to say if they pick?". Ariel blurted, staring at her friend like she should come help her. "Just say you were given this card yesterday at the store where you work." Anya responded. "Okay." She called the contact, ringing profusely but no one answered. Then she ended the call. "No one picks." Ariel murmured. Her tone was one of disappointment. "You didn't even wait for lon–" Anya's statement was interrupted by a buzz from Ariel's phone. They both widened their eyes in shock. Their mouths agape. "Pick up!" Anya exclaimed. Her tone was full of excitement. Ariel swiped to answer the call. "Hello," she said. "I see you have no time to waste, I will send you the address." A masculine voice sounded from the other end. Calm yet intimidating. Ariel was left with no chance to respond as the call ended. Both Ariel and Anya were still in awe from the goosebumps giving voice they heard. They were snapped back to reality by the alarm of a message from Ariel's phone. Ariel glanced at the screen. "An address and time. It's a restaurant" Ariel said as she stared coldly at her friend. "What time?" Anya asked. "2 o'clock." Ariel responded as she rubbed her palms on her laps. Clicking her knees with her fingers. "Am I to dress formally or casually?" Ariel asked, rubbing her palms together. Anya could feel the anxiousness in her tone. "I prefer you dress formally since you will be going with your CV. Girl, pull yourself together you've got this. Good, you have enough time to prepare your CV. I will go select a perfect outfit for you." Anya said and left the room. Ariel got up and headed straight to her laptop to prepare her CV. Hours passed, she was done with her CV, dressed up in a brown button down shirt, paired with a cream pant. Styled her blonde hair in a ponytail, and locked her outfit with a black low heeled shoe. And yes, she wouldn't go anywhere without her favourite floral cologne. "Girl, 1:30pm hurry up, don't be late." Anya shouted from the outside of Ariel's room. "I'm done heading out now!." "Wow you look stunning I must commend, bye break a leg!" Anya commented. "Bye sweetie." Ariel waved and left. She rushed down the street and stopped a taxi. "Casa Petra." "Come in Miss" The man said. Ariel entered and settled. Suddenly a call buzzed from her phone. A stare at the screen revealed Mrs Garrett. Ariel swiped to pick the call. "Hello Mrs Garr–" "Good day Ma'am your son collapsed!" The woman shouted from the other end. Her tone was wavy and terrific. Ariel calm expression turned horror, her palms became sweaty, her breathe became faster than usual. "What happened to Max, where is he!?" Ariel asked in a furious tone. Her blood went cold, her heart sank in sorrow. "Hospital Ma'am, please show up your presence is needed." "Which hospital?" Ariel asked. Her tone was sharp and sorrowful. Her last trace of sanity and constant reminder to stay happy, had been admitted in hospital. "Sant Joan hospital" The woman responded and hung up. "Mr please turn back, take me to Sant Joan!"

In another part of the busy city was a black Audi A8 followed by a white 2025 Mercedes Maybach S-class, which was driven down to the entrance of a five-star presidential suite. Four huge muscled men in black suits stepped out heavily from the Audi A8, lined up in a two by two formation waiting for their master. A middle-aged man came down from the front seat of the limousine and quickly ran forward to the back seat door. He opened the car door and a manlike figure who stood at approximately 6'2 tall came out. His navy blue suit could be recognized as one of luxurious materials. His lustrous black hair complimented his piercing ocean eyes, sharp broad shoulder, and perfectly traced thin lips with a jawline. Anyone could feel intimidated by his mesmerizing appearance. Each of his steps into the suite was followed by his bodyguards alongside his secretary. His powerful aura called for the attention of the people in the reception. Everyone could feel goosebumps as he passed by. "Hola, Sr. Johny, por favor sígueme." A middle-age Spanish man led them to a remote area. Translation: "Hello, Mr. Johny, please follow me." The ambiance of the interiors in the space was one of a kingdom. In the room was a discussion with a grey-haired man who looked to be in his late 50s, the discussion led to Johny's signature on a document. "Gracias por darnos esta oportunidad, no te defraudaremos." The man said as he shook hands with Johny but, unfriendly Johny didn't return the gesture. Translation: "Thank you for giving us this opportunity, we won't let you down." He stood up and arranged his suit well then stepped out, followed by his men who almost couldn't catch up with his walking pace. "Sir, you have a meeting scheduled in 30 minutes." His secretary said, his tone was wavy and hyper as he was unable to keep up with his boss' walking pace. "Cancel the meeting, I'm going somewhere in a few minutes' time. Book a table at Casa petra restaurant." Johny commanded as he checked his wristwatch which revealed the time to be 1:20pm. His expression was emotionless, nobody could read him. "Yes Sir!" The secretary exclaimed. "The file I asked to be printed?" "It's here with me sir." Johny nodded in satisfaction. They left the hotel and headed straight to the restaurant. Amidst their journey there, the secretary had successfully reserved a quiet spot for him. They arrived there at exactly 1:35pm, fifteen minutes earlier than the scheduled time. Everyone that works with him knows him for his time consciousness. -------- BACK TO ARIEL The taxi driver wheeled around as quickly as possible. Headed towards the hospital route. In a few minutes she arrived there, hopped out from the taxi and paid for the service, turned to the hospital entrance without looking back for her change. Her gaze was fixated at the hospital entrance. The world became silent and empty to Ariel. Not even the commotion of the clicking heels and shoes of the passer-by and cars horn blaring nearby could make her flinch. A bead of sweat slid down her temple despite the cool breeze piercing her body. She continued staggering forward barely able to keep her balance. She was neither walking or jogging. Her step pace frantically increased as she sighted Mrs Garrett (her son's teacher) and some other teaching staff. "What happened to my Max, where is Max!?" Ariel bombarded them with questions and walked forward to barge into the emergency room. She pushed aside the teachers who were trying to calm her down. "Mrs Richmond you need to calm down right now, nobody is allowed to enter at the moment." One of the teachers said, "I am his mother, I want to see him!" Ariel groaned aloud. She was almost successful with her intention however, she was stopped midway by a nurse. "Madam, please leave the room, you're not allowed in here, have your seat in the hallway." The nurse said. Ariel turned back respectfully and stood in the hallway. She almost couldn't feel her legs. Thus, she wobbled. The teachers quickly approached her to give her support. "Mrs Richmond please calm, Max will be fine I'm certain." Mrs Garrett said, hoping to comfort Ariel. "What exactly happened to my son!" "He slumped at the playground while playing with other kids." "Max is a strong and healthy boy, how–" Ariel's statement was stuck in her throat upon hearing the sound of the emergency room being opened. A doctor came out. Ariel rushed forward, eager to know the situation of her son. "Doctor, how is my son, what happened to him?" "Madam, we need to sit and talk about it. Kindly follow me to my office." The doctor requested. Ariel obediently followed the doctor from behind. "Please have a seat." "Doctor, what is the problem? What happened to my son?" Ariel impatiently questioned the doctor as she sat down. "Madam I'm sorry to tell you that your son is diagnosed with a complex arrhythmia disease which resulted in the need of surgery as early as possible." "What....what did you say?!" Ariel asked not wanting to believe what she heard. "You heard me right Ma'am." Ariel stood up, her expression became cold and unlively, her eyes started twitching uncontrollably, and welled up with tears. "Oh...okay." She unconsciously blurted, her voice almost unheard. She turned around robotically and went straight to her son. Before entering, she came to a halt, wiped her tears-stricken face, and curled up her lips to apply a smile on her face. "Mama.....mama.....what happened to me, why am I here?" Little Max wondered aloud. "My baby, don't worry, everything is fine." Ariel forcefully smiled at her child knowing things were not fine. But she didn't want to scare him or make him worry. "Mama.." "Yes my baby" "Why does your face look like a tomato?" Max narrowed his eyes, looking for reasons behind his mother's reddened face. "New make-up sweetie." Ariel responded with a bright smile. "Mama, don't use it anymore, you look like a sad tomato." "Okay sweetie, mama will stop using it." Beside Max was a nurse who was inspecting Max's heart monitor. "Can he be discharged for now?" Ariel asked the nurse. "Yes ma'am.....but it is a high risk if no one is monitoring his daily life because of the stage of his illness." The nurse responded. Ariel nodded in understanding but it was written all over her eyes how miserable she felt. Confused Max stared at his mother for clarification on what's going on but he could sense the crestfallen in her eyes. "Mummy, am I okay?" "Yes my love, you're okay, you just need some check ups and treatment to monitor your heart rate." "Do you feel discomfort anywhere in your body?" The nurse asked him. "No." He responded. "Mama can we go home now, I don't want to be here." Max uttered, shaking his head sideways. "Soon....... we'll go home soon." Ariel assured him. Some minutes later Ariel signed for her son's discharge and took him home. When they got home it was already 5:30pm, no guarantee that if she go to her intended destination before the unexpected incident, she would be favored. "Surgery!?" Anya shouted upon hearing the treatment for Max's illness. "Keep your voice low, he doesn't know about it. I don't want him to get bothered." Ariel cautioned her friend. "I am doomed Anya, I don't know what to do. The doctor said as early as possible. I couldn't even make it to my interview." Ariel lamented as she buried her face in her palms. "You didn't go for your interview?" Anya asked in disbelief. "Yes......I was on my way there when I got the call." Ariel lamented and exhaled sharply. "Oh my God, what are we going to do now?" Anya asked in a concerned tone. "I don't know.....I can't even think straight at this point, I don't know why life as been f*cking with me these days. I am tired." Ariel grieved. A thin layer of tear flown down her cheeks, obviously a silent sobs in her heart. "Girl...I think you should try calling the line to explain why you couldn't make it there. Who knows? You might be favored." Anya suggested. She is always best known for her tenacity and optimism. "Are you sure about this? I don't think anyone would tolerate excuses, it would be easily taken for unseriousness." Ariel muttered. Her tone was one of distress and distruct. "I always tell you to try, you never know until you try." Anya exclaimed. "Don't think in such a way, you need to try, always try even if it looks futile." Anya added. This time Ariel summoned her courage from nowhere and frantically dialed the contact. She unconsciously lifted her chin up and locked eyes with her friend's eyes. The stare could be classified as one of looking for hope, mixed with nervousness and uncertainty. The line rang but no one answered, she dialed it again with the same result. She dialed it one last time nothing changed. "I think I've missed this opportunity." Ariel murmured in disappointment. Her voice was almost unheard. "Then you need to go there, let them see that you're serious, it's just an unexpected messy mishap that didn't allow you to prove yourself." Anya said as she leaned forward to gaze intensely at Ariel to show how serious she meant what she said. "You might be lucky. A one rare chance in a million chances is all you need, and trying is what would make you get that." Anya added. Her expression is one of compel yet calm. Ariel didn't say a word but pulled Anya closer and wrapped her hands around her. The hug was a sign of agreement and gratitude for her friend's encouraging advice. Anya responded with a soft rub on Ariel's back for comfort. Suddenly a growling stomach sounded which was loud enough to burst earlobes. "Hun?...is that your stomach, oh no you haven't eaten anything today!. Let me go prepare something for you to eat." Anya said and rushed to the kitchen. In the kitchen Anya was busy making a meal for her friend when the sound of their doorbell rang. "Coming." Anya responded and rushed to answer the door. Upon opening the door she froze at the sight of the life threatening figure standing in her front. She subconsciously staggered back and ran to Ariel's room. Pushed open the door hastily. "Ariel, you have a visitor." She said, her tone was wavy and thought provoking. "A visitor, who is the visitor?" Ariel asked in confusion. "I think it would be better if you go see for yourself." Anya murmured with a serious look, stared frighteningly at her friend.