The Price For Loving Mr. CEO

Oh my God!" Jane exclaimed.

My heart skipped a beat in response to Jane's sudden scream, fear got the better of me where I stood in the kitchen washing dishes. Jane was fond of screaming time after time as because it was her habit. Her screaming was worth ignoring, but we fail not to ignore her and it terrifies us whenever she does so, reason being that a time came when we took her screaming for granted having no idea she was screaming due to a severe health condition.”

“Are you alright, Jane?!” I turned off the tap so to hear her response.

Jane wasn't saying anything which prompted my heart to throb non-stop, I was afraid that she might be in trouble again. Quickly, I left the kitchen to check up on Jane. Hurrying towards Jane's bedroom in apprehension, before I could get to her bedroom door.. she exclaimed again. Then I realized it wasn't a scream of pain but of joy. I froze in place, burning up in rage. Furious, I barged into the bedroom with the aim of letting it out on her.

“You're impossible! Why can't you grow up!” I snarled.

Oh, My!!!” Jane exclaimed so loud, ignoring me. I frowned upon her stubbornness. Even though my reaction annoyed Jane, she made sure to get back at me by exclaiming again.

"I suppose you stop screaming too much, you leave me wondering if you don't get migraines at all. You drew my attention for nothing " I warned.

"Did I? Of course not! I suggest you have a look at this first and then you'd know who's making a fool out of each other here.” She requested along with a joyous gesture.

“Jane, I really don't have any time for your nonsense, I've got a lot of work to do. Unlike you who lock yourself up in your bedroom doing nothing.”

"Please sweetie, come see, you'll like it, I promise. " She requested sweetly.

Normally I felt very much egoistical that I barely brought myself to do a very simple thing for people who are below my age and status. Jane might be exceptional, but I sometimes let my ego come between us. Since the reason felt tempting, I walked closer to her with a feigned frown which settled on my face as though I didn't want to see what she was so excited about. Believe me I was in dire need to see whatever it was. I sat next to her on the bed and then looked into her laptop.

“Oh my God!” I myself exclaimed, gaping at the screen.

For the first time in my entire life I saw a company which actually suits my aspirations. My whole life I had wanted to be a great fashion designer, a cosmetician and a skincare product producer. I attended schools and took lessons for it. Many years I searched for companies that accommodated my taste. But after a thousand research and effort, I found none.

Many are more times when I even found some where the bosses humiliates the workers like they were his slaves. I ended up running away from those jobs because I hate humiliation. Nevertheless, there I sat looking at the biggest one of my dreams, MARQUI.

Nevertheless, MARQUI wasn't just the only thing which caught my attention. The Director, Jolie spann.

He had a crush on me back in highschool and we attended same fashion lessons together at Lakeville. He hated fashion a lot, yet he attended fashion lessons because of me. We both had the same dream although his dreams were far from fashion alone unlike me. Everyone who knew us back then thought I was going to be the one to take the first step ahead due to my narcissistic and splendid behavior.

But there he was, what a world? The tables turned against me eventually. Jolie Spann and I had shared a lot of memories together, and in every bit of our memories were my misbehavior. There where I sat, I could feel my eyes burning up in hot tears which eventually dropped down to my cheeks already.

"Olivia, are you fine? You don't seem alright.” Jane questioned as she noticed that I was in tears.

"Oh! Nothing" I denied and feigned a smile, wiping off the tears with my hands.

"Oh no, sister, there must be something. You're not so emotional, are you?” She kept a furrowed brow which suggested worry. She locked her gaze on my face waiting for my response.

Aye, too much pride and ego made me dispassionate. I tried keeping my sadness at bay with all my possible efforts, I couldn't even look into Jane's eyes anymore. She looked at me as though she was going to pull the words out of my mouth, thank God she doesn't read minds. I decided to try another lie if only it would be enough to win her over.

“I'm glad. This is what I'd been dreaming about for years, and I'm happy for your efforts to making me just what I wish to become of myself.” I grinned forcefully.

Felt like words couldn't be enough to convince Jane. She locked her gaze on me, in fact she began shooting me a knowing glance this time. Everything felt like she saw the truth in my eyes. Jane sometimes used to be full of suspicion. ‘Come on, you have to believe me for once’, I urged in my mind. It felt like she caught me already the moment she gazed upon Jolie's photo ceaselessly.

"Jolie Spann, he's handsome. His name reminds me of Jolie dog." She said and chortled.

Huff, I eventually found relief. I was so thankful I didn't get to freak out and spill the truth. Jolie dog was what I preferred to call him because he had a dog I compared him with just to humiliate and ridicule him because he was quite unkept.

“So... there are six vacancies available for employment in MARQUI. Tell me, isn't that good news? Because I registered you online already...

"What! "You didn't have to!” I growled.

"Uh uh, look who just said she wanted this so badly?” Baffled, she reminded.

Shocked and nervous, Jane's action compelled me to lose guards. If I must avoid further complications and mishaps, then I would have to open up to her.

“Jane... I'm scared. Jolie dog is the director of MARQUI and.... I'm afraid I will see him again after all I have done to him. What will he do when he sees me?”

Jane bursted into a sudden laughter just after I opened up to her. “What's funny?” I frowned.

“You're funny, Olivia. Count yourself lucky that you have a smart sister such as I. I realized that earlier, so I took a proper care of it. I set things in order, and then I changed your identity. You're Madelyn Taylor now.”

“Really! Jane, you're a genius. I'm really lucky to have you as my sister. You did a great job. You reduced my worries, thank you.” I embraced her happily. Suddenly, my mood drifted to apprehension and doubt. “What if I get caught?”

“If I were in your place, I'll remain positive about my abilities and my thoughts as well. I suppose you stay positive. Just believe it's your moment to shine, and smile upon your anticipation.” She demonstrated her last statement in a joyful manner.

I sat on a sofa and watched Jane explode in happiness, she seemed quite optimistic about the whole situation. I had so much of worries going on in my mind, Jolie especially. It would be a big shame to see him again after I covered myself with ego, underestimating and humiliating him. Including many other kids in both highschool and fashion tutorial. Only because I was super rich and I had the best skills. Heaven alone can tell what he says whenever he remembers me. "Lady pompous".

How was I to know that the world would move in circles for me? I was amongst the richest kids in Highschool and fashion school, and I took that as an advantage to hurt a lot of kids who liked me, especially Jolie. The future unfortunately turned the tables entirely against me that I just didn't become a loser but also a poor wretch. I lost my dad and ever since then ... Surviving has been quite difficult for us.

"You'll be leaving for your interview on Wednesday.” Jane said, wearing a big smile on her face.

"What! On Wednesday? Isn't that a bit too close. It's such a short time, almost seem like no time at all.”

“Actually you've got to hasten up. The clock is ticking already.” Jane answered, ignoring my complain. “ All you need to do now is visit that cleaning job of yours for the last time and let them know you're done for. This is the time for you to be Olivia Taylor and not Oliver Twist.”

“Madelyn Taylor.” I reminded.

“Suck it! Whatever.”

“I must start getting ready now. You know, practice makes perfect.”

“Enough of these practices, trust me, nobody has ever needed rehearsals like you do. Go away.” Jane spoke in annoyance, frowning at me. “Do whatever suits you. I'll only speak for you in places where I can.

“Thanks for everything. I'm grateful for your support.” Suddenly, my mood saddened again. “Jane.” I called and she answered. “What if I don't pass my interview? What if I eventually lose this opportunity? ” I asked faintly.

“You don't have to worry about anything, you only need to believe in yourself and aim at fulfilling your dreams. Only then will you get the job.” She encouraged. I nodded in agreement even though my mind wasn't at ease. I eventually returned to the kitchen to continue washing the dishes.

Next morning, I woke up from sleep. All through the night was me thinking and dreaming about MARQUI and Jolie. Thank God I still had the chance to fall asleep, thanks to nature.

I yawned aloud like a dog, I usually did that all morning to an extent it became a habit. In the middle of yawning, I realized it was Tuesday so I seized and growled. I started hitting the bed like I had lost my mind only because Wednesday had me pestered. I lay back on the bed exhausted. Gosh! I could get a heart attack.

“Olivia!” Mom yelled my name, and I huffed.

Sometimes I wish I were my mother, she only works as a nurse at least she has a focus. Unlike me.. I'm twenty-four and have absolutely nothing to write about. All I did was to stay home, make videos on YouTube where no one watches, work as a cleaner being paid very tiny amount of money.

“Sweetie, it's time for breakfast.” Mom opened the door and informed, then she walked away immediately. I looked at the bedside clock and it was seven.

“What!” I yelled. Thinking about Jolie made me rise very late, that was unlike a cleaner.

During breakfast, mom and I stayed silent and ate our meal. Jane just couldn't get off the phone even for a second, she giggled non-stop with a mouthful of food. She always did that by the way, so not even my mom nor me had asked her to stop.

“Olivia. Are you aware you're late for work?” Mom asked, not being aware of the news yet. I didn't know where to start by explaining the news to her because I was afraid what her reactions might be.

“Haven't you heard, mom... Olivia got a new job and she'll be working with MARQUI.” Jane disclosed out of the blue. I quickly dropped my spoon out of apprehension.

Lucky for me, mom wore a nice expression on her face which suggested she was in support of my new job.

“Wow! Really, Olivia?! That is good news. How did this happen?”

“It was all Jane. She made it happen.” While I spoke, Jane gestured proudly.

“Cleaning job is over, mummy. Olivia here would be leaving for an interview tomorrow already.” Jane concluded.

Mom couldn't be any happier, even to an extent I became afraid to tell her about the implications. But I must say it.

“But, Mom...

“What now?” She asked me, seeing the sadness on my face.

“Olivia's got a problem somewhere.” Jane nervously said.

Jane and I did well to explain everything to her. Just as I expected, we ruined her mood.

“It's okay. Since that is what you want... Then we must do something about it. Jane and I would have to hide away from everything concerning you...

“Mom!” Jane and I fearfully screamed in response to her last statement.

“Honey, there is nothing we can do about it. However, I suppose you let him know because... You cannot tell what the future holds. Hiding your identity may not change your fate or whatsoever, rather things might get worse.” Mom said, grimaced. Our mood saddened all of a sudden. Mom may be right but everything had been done already. “But you've faked your identity already. Jane and I would have to give up for your happiness.”

Mom's words left me shattered. I blamed myself for taking rash actions without consulting her in the first place. Even Jane must be blaming herself as well because she was the one who claimed to be a smart sister. I imagined my own family and I keeping a long spoon just for my own happiness. Thousands of thoughts overwhelmed me, including everyone else. Mom realized I was hurt, and I may decide to give up MARQUI.

“Olivia you... You don't have to give up on your dreams. We are your family and we should do whatever it takes to support you.” She held my hand and said. “And I want you to know this.... We can't remain hidden forever. The future is far more deeper than you can ever imagine. So you need not to worry.” Mom encouraged. “Okay?” She asked. I hesitated for sometimes, then I nodded.