by Anna Collins
"But you read weather reports, you don't have any experience in hosting or taking interviews," said an aged creative member.
I sighed "sir, no one is born with experience and all the great things in the world are done by people who had zero experience in that field. It's just a matter of an opportunity. Just give this opportunity to me and I promise that you will not regret it. I deserve a chance to prove myself" I urged.
"Okay Freya, we will discuss it and will let you know," said Kent.
I frowned, knowing that the suspense thing never brought any good news for me. Those mean people would never consider an inexperienced person like me.
Chapter Two
Freya
“Don’t lose hope, they still haven’t chosen anyone so your chances are still high” Rick tried to assure me as we sat on the couch, he was going over the news headlines and I was checking my scripts on my tab.
Keeping away the tab, “It has been a week and they are still thinking, and thinking has never done anything good to me” I frowned holding my head.
Just then Kent’s announcement reached us over the big speakers, he wanted to see everyone in the conference room. My heart started beating fast and my brain was giving me mixed signals. I knew something was going to happen, but I had no idea if it would be good, bad or worse.
In the conference room, Rick showed me a thumbs up sign but I showed him thumbs down sign.
Kent saw it and smirked.
"Okay everyone, I know you all are very anxious to know the name of the new host who will be hosting our new live interview show ‘face to face’, " Kent said and I could feel his eyes on me, but I gave nothing. God! Was this his way of punishing me for my mischief? I clutched on my purple knee-length skirt.
He continued “the new host is Freya Lawrence!” announced Kent which followed a round of applauses by my colleagues, but for me, the world was standing still. All of it was still unbelievable for me and I found a drop of tear at the corner of my eye.
"Speak up sis! You are just staring at this page for more than an hour" Rick shook me by my hand.
"She is in shock; I still can't believe that her craziness actually paid up. How can Kent hand up the responsibility of such a big show to her?" Kate smirked.
"Because Kent is an experienced person, he can see her potential" Rick stated proudly.
I stood up "yes, and he can see much more than plump lips and bared knees," I said pointing towards her extremely short skirt.
Rick hi-fived me.
Kate squinted her eyes at both of us "don't forget you are living in my apartment."
"You are talking as if you let me live there for free. I pay the rent on time" I answered proudly matching her challenge.
She clenched her fists "Arghhh! I will see you" her voice almost sounded threatening.
"Okay, I will send you a picture of mine, keep seeing it all the time" I winked and turned away to focus on my work.
I could hear her murmuring something at my back, but I could not care the least. Kate has been always this mean to me, but I was grateful to her because she offered me to stay at her place when I had nowhere to go.
It had been a while since I had moved to the big city of New York.No, no not a while it has almost been two years. But it did not seem like that, the memory of me running away from my home appeared in front of my eyes. Once I had a sweet family, mom, dad and a little brother. The problem started when I could not meet the conservative thoughts of my family. My dad was planning to get me married to his friend's son whilst I was not ready to sacrifice my dreams. So I had no way but to run away. I stepped into a completely unknown city and was trying to find a place to stay, then I met Kate. When I told her my story, she immediately offered me to stay with her.
Actually, her character was quite confusing, sometimes she used to behave nicely with me ,but then she went down to her mean form again, what the hell was wrong with her?
A snap of fingers in front of my glassy eyes brought me back from the instances of my past.
"Sis, today is the big day, the first day of your show where are you lost?" Rick's voice had the ring of excitement in it.
"Umm...to tell you the truth, I'm nervous" I frowned, dropping my head on the desk.
He raised my head "what is there to get nervous, you are smart and beautiful. I am sure you will nail it. Now tell me, have you done some background checking with the person you are going to interview?" he asked.
"Yes, and that's why my face is smitten. It's Robert Hudson, the owner of Hudson Industries" as I said this, the frown on my face deepened.
"Oh, Crap! That extremely good-looking bad ass alpha billionaire? who wears the business world like a shoe and has problems with...umm...let me think EVERYTHING" Rick exclaimed and I nodded.
"How on earth did he agree to come for this interview?" Rick asked, his eyes were still wide from the previous shock.
"I don't know, maybe Kent did something. But that's not important, this guy, there is something in his eyes that is giving me a negative vibe" I said holding out a piece of paper to Rick.
"Oh, I see, that's what made you speechless. And I don't trust these vibe thingies" he pouted.
"Shut up! Vibes do exist, I can feel them, but for now, let's concentrate on Hudson" my face again went gloomy as I thought of him.
"Frey, come to the studio, you are going live in less than an hour" the assistant director informed, knocking slightly on my office door.
Shit! I was so nervous that my mind lost all the calculation of time. "I will be there in a Sec" I replied.
"I hate to say this, but you look quite presentable" Kate twitched her lips. I knew I was looking awesome in my white half-sleeved satin shirt and gray pencil skirt. My long hair was gathered up in a bun and I was wearing nude colored lipstick. It was a simple yet a classy look.
"Thanks, bitch" I pouted in return.
She smirked and said "save some nervousness for the actual interview."
Hmm, interview that too with the handsome Robert Hudson, God help me. I closed my eyes for a silent prayer.
I was going through the questions that the director had given me,and most of the questions were about his personal life, like what was his favorite film, did he sleep naked, why was he still single, etc. The questions were so cheesy that I was sure that it had been written by some stupid fan girl of his. I thought of adding some sensible questions to the list. Those cheesy questions made my brain cells suffer a lot.
Gloria came running to me, her high heels ticking with the marble floor of the studio "HE is here, I just saw him. Jeez! He looks even hotter in person," she said panting.
"Oh Great! Another fan girl, what is wrong with you girls? Why do you salivate at the sight of some decent looking guy? Get a grip on your lady parts. He is not a hero of a romance novel who would do anything for you" I snapped almost angrily. I was sick and tired of these bimbos.
"Please calm down, don't spoil your mood. Here, take this" Gloria handed me a glass of water. But I was not in a mood to drink anything, the nervousness for the interview combined with a feeling irritation and as a result, I took the glass of water and threw out the water then handed the empty glass back to her "happy now?" I uttered with extreme irritation.
"Jeez! What have you done? Look back!" Gloria cried out, her eyes went big.
I furrowed my eyebrows and turned around. Robert Hudson was standing behind me; his face was shining with the droplets of my freshly thrown water. God! His face told me that he could eat me alive!
Chapter Three
Robert
It took me a few seconds to absorb the reality of the situation. Standing a few inches away from me was a young girl; she seemed to be in her early twenties. More than being angry I was amazed at her arrogant behavior. Who was she? A commoner? And what was her height? 5'2? With that height and a weight of about 130 lbs she was misbehaving with me? The Robert Hudson, the unbeaten king of the business world. How on earth could she even think that she could get
away with her life after behaving indecently with me?
My fists clenched automatically to give it right on her face, and then I controlled myself. No Robert, wait for the correct time, I said to myself.
On taking a close look at her face, I realized that she was shaking. But her brown eyes had no hint of fear in it. Strange! By now I had expected to see her falling on my feet begging desperately for my forgiveness. But she was standing right in front of me, looking straight into my eyes. I could not ignore the fact that her face had the light of innocence that could melt almost anyone. It was pure and the simplest kind of gorgeousness I had ever seen.
Man! Are you out of your mind? You are counting the features of a person who just insulted you right on your face! My alter ego asked to me.
"Sir, I am sorry, it was a mistake," she finally spoke up breaking my trance.
Then she stepped close to me and attempted to touch a bunch of tissue with the skin of my face. I stepped backward and stopped her by showing her my right hand.
I took out a handkerchief from the left pocket of my navy blue suit pants and gently wiped out the insult that she had thrown in my face as the form of some droplets of water.
I looked away so that she could not see the rage that was burning in my eyes. Don't worry sweet face, very soon you will not be in a position to utter anything, I said to myself.
"Can we get the interview done ASAP? I don't have all day?" I barked.
"Sure, sir please come with me," said the director, I met him at the entrance and he was the one to bring me inside the studio.
"Freya, get ready" said the director.
I see, she would take my interview, now it's gonna be fun. I smirked.
We took our seats and she scooted close to me "sir, thanks for not making a big deal out of it and I am extremely sorry. I had no idea you were standing right behind me," she whispered softly.
"Maybe you said it too soon" I whispered back with a wink.
Instantly the clouds of nervousness filled her beautiful face, but before she could say anything the director announced that he was ready for the live telecast.
Freya immediately got into her professional mode and started speaking her lines. At first, she welcomed the viewers; she introduced herself, and then started reading out the usual bouquets of appreciations that my ears were tired of listening.
I thanked her and then lied about me being happy for being invited to the new program of the best news channel. I noticed how she had perfectly hidden her nervousness. No one could ever say that her feet were shaking under the table. I found that quite impressive. I laughed at myself for getting impressed at a person whom I was about to destroy.
Then the question answer session began. I was told that the show was about to air for 45 minutes. I kept an eye on the watch as a plan kept reeling in my mind.
"Mr. Robert Hudson, first of all, congratulations. This is the third time you have won the business man of the year award. Considering that you are one of the youngest contenders out there, our viewers would like to know whom do you consider as your mentor? And to whom would you like to thank for this big achievement?" Freya read out the question from her tab. She had a ring in her voice.
"It's just me" I replied casually.
She appeared confused "umm...sorry I did not get your answer"
"I am my own mentor and I would only like to thank myself for my success. Miss Freya, I run hundreds of businesses in several sectors all by myself so you only tell is there anyone else to thank?" I winked.
She blinked her eyes at my blunt answer and shot her next question "many people say ‘Hudson industries is a tree that was planted by your father and you are just enjoying the fruit'. I would like to know your reaction to this statement"
I laughed for a while, then leaned close to her. And immediately her breathing became irregular.
"Miss Freya, suppose you went to the supermarket, bought eggs, flour, sugar etc. Then walked back to your home and baked a cake. And when you are eating the cake someone mocks at you and tells you that this cake was a gift from someone. How would you react to that?"
She stumbled for a moment; "I would get angry and tell the person to oil his own machine instead of commenting on me" her reply was almost instant.
I smiled, her tone was adorable. "Exactly, I feel the same way when someone tells me that the business that I have set up with my blood and sweat is the fruit of someone else's tree"
This time, she smiled it was a genuine one and I could say that by seeing the spark in her eyes and for a moment we gazed into each other’s eyes without speaking anything.
She shook her head and looked away "moving ahead, many of your female admirers would like to know about your relationship status"
"I am single, I don't have the time and energy to be in a relationship" I snapped.
She looked at me in disbelief "time and energy? Mr. Hudson, I thought relationship only needed love and care"
I smiled, "that's what you think darling, and Robert Hudson does not follow anyone's thinking".
Her face went pale before she could read out the next question I spoke up, "I think I am done here, this interview is too boring" I shrugged, got up from my chair and started walking towards the door.
The whole room went into a state of panic "sir, please wait, you can't leave the interview in the midway" yelled the director.
I turned my head and smiling wickedly I said "I can do anything, watch me"
Freya and the crew members were running behind me as I made my way to the main door of the building. Then I felt someone tugging on my arm.
When I turned back, I was not surprised to find that it was none other than Freya, by then I had understood that only she could dare to attempt something like that. "Mr. Hudson, please don't leave. I know you are still mad at me, what I did to you was very wrong and I have already apologized for that, can't you forgive me?" her eyes were glassy as she requested me while holding my hand, her hand was cold and shaky. For a moment, I did not want her to remove it.
With my other hand, I reached for her face and gently brushed my fingers along the corner of her pinkish white cheek. Then I leaned down to reach my face to her level and whispered: "but sweetheart, I don't forgive".
Chapter Four
Freya
Warm tears rolled down from my cheeks, washing away the tingling sensation of his touch as I watched him moving away in his shiny black sports car. He was punishing me for a mistake that I had done unknowingly. It was a damn mistake for God's sake. And he went away, crushing my dreams, saying that he did not forgive. How could someone be so heartless? I told him so many times that it was a mistake, then also he was not ready to let go of his damn big ego.
Damn it! Why the hell was I crying like a bimbo? Maybe that's the way to react when someone's long longed dreams crushed down in front of them.
"There is no way I can take that. How could you be so careless Freya?" Kent shouted angrily I had never seen him this angry.
"I did not do it on purpose. It's not my fault that he is an ass" I tried to defend myself in a plain expressionless voice but my eyes never left the floor. I was not ready to see the I-want-to-kill-you face of my boss.
We were standing in the hall area of the office and almost all of my colleagues had gathered around us as if they were seeing a shooting.
"Kent, how can you put all the blame on her, we all know Robert Hudson is nothing less than a devil. I know Freya made a mistake, but a powerful man like him could easily forget it. But he chose to ruin her career, just for splashing some droplets of water on his handsome face" Kate spoke up in my defense, wrapping her hand around my shoulder. And I was really touched by her action.
Kent took a few deep breaths "you know what, it's not Freya's mistake. The mistake is all mine, I mistook her craziness as her hunger to achieve her goal. When she came to the annual meeting fully drenched, giving two hoots about the rain and her appearance, I thought that this girl could do anything. Thanks for provi
ng me wrong Freya, but you know what I am not going to repeat my mistake by keeping you here. You are Fired!" he snapped.
"But Kent..." before I could complete my sentence he walked away.
I broke down on my knees "everything is finished" I uttered, and the wound of my heart bled through my eyes.
My head was leaned over Rick's shoulder and Kate was holding my hand, we were sitting in the living room of Kate's apartment.
"Freya, I will talk to him, he can't fire you like this" said Kate.
"He is never going to listen to you" I sniffed.
"Now what?" Rick asked.
The shadows of frown deepened on my face "I had never imagined that my dreams would end up this way, now I am a jobless person. I bet all the news channels are going to run that disaster 24x7 and I will never get another job" I cried out.
Kate shrugged, leaving my hand "oh don't be overdramatic no one is going to run that."
Rick joined her "come on there are lots of other news to focus" and he turned on the TV.
I was doomed; every freaking channel was running the clip of that unfinished interview and the word ‘FLOP SHOW' was flashing on the screen.
"Kate, you are right, they are not going to run it anymore, because they are already running it, RIGHT NOW!" I barked holding my head and got out of the house.
It was late at night and I found myself walking aimlessly on the streets of New York. Today was supposed to be the best day of my life, but it turned out to be the opposite. All thanks to Mr. Badass Billionaire. Wait a minute, how could he ruin my life and just get away with it. At first, I wanted to smash his head with a big chopper but no, I did not want to go to jail. But I could not let him live freely like that, at least I could bash him by speaking some rude words in his proud ears. Yes, I could do that and I had nothing to lose.
