Recap
Julie received a call from Finn Jonas, “Hello Julie, after discussing with our team, we have decided to offer you 1% of profit from the project and 1% of company’s shares for your service, I know it’s very meagre, but as a start up firm, we face tight budget, he said apologetically. Julie smiled, “Mr. Jonas, as I said earlier, I did not do this for monetary benefits, as it’s my first freelance project, I do not name any price, we can go with your offer for all your upcoming projects and services”
“Thank you good night”
Julie slept well that night after a long time.
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Henry was flipping the limited edition, Blue book collection from Tiffany and Co in his office. He called someone and ordered for a diamond studded butterfly charm. In next one hour, a staff from the luxury brand brought few charms along with his order. But Henry was fixed on the one. He observed it’s intricate details.
Reference picture
The staff asked, “Sir, would you like to get this packed?”
“No, just add it to this bracelet” he extended his hand.
“It’s definitely a beautiful addition” the staff smiled after fixing it.
Ms Jones, his secretary came in to inform that it is time for his photo shoot. To announce the collaboration between the Kingstons and the Wilsons, the team has decided for a soft launch of some exclusive collections with both the CEOs on the banner.
When Henry entered the set, Clara was already there prepping for the shoot. She had excitedly welcomed him and discussed the concept. The stylist approached them to ask for their suggestions on the costume and jewellery.
Henry got into his vanity room to change. The stylist brought the jewellery in a velvet tray, with a diamond brooch, bracelet and a platinum ring.
“Sir, we would have to remove your bracelet”
****
Within a week, Julie had received two other clients, one for budgeting and the other for investment decisions. Julie’ moonlighting (taking up two jobs) must be an exhaustion, but keeping her occupied and working on her passion, gave her a big satisfaction. She was trying to fight her loneliness by keeping her busy in work and reading. She sometimes missed her old life and would break down.
Eva had observed that Julie was aloof and had a feeling that she is not completely happy here as she had caught her zoning out quite a lot and refuse to go out.
Julie received her first month salary, she had wanted to treat Jim and Eva for helping her out since day one. She also had a good rapport with Norah, so she asked her to go out for dinner too. Only a few days back, she came to know that Jim’s mother and Norah are friends, so they all know each other well.
Jim suggested a nice open grill place by the Riverside. They all had good time as the weather was very pleasant. Julie had gone back in time when she took a walk with Henry on the Riverside when she was staying in the penthouse. All she had was beautiful moments with him. She reminisced them with a smile, she had started missing him, so she casually checked for his updates.
The soft launch pictures of Henry and Clara have started circulating on the internet. Julie was upset seeing the couples pictures. Something caught her eye, she checked various pictures that was took in different angles to clarify something, but she was devastated at the end to find his right wrist empty, instead he had a diamond bracelet on the left. He had taken off her bracelet? Julie could not control her tears, she wanted to go home and cry out loud.
As they had finished eating, she quickly settled the bill and they all started back home. Eva asked, “Julie are you okay? You seem dull all of a sudden”
“Just tired” she gave a weak smile. Once they reached, Julie entered and locked her door. She got into the shower and let the water wash away her tears and pain. She was disappointed, she never thought how would Henry felt about her unannounced quitting. At least out of courtesy, she should have informed him, but did she had the courage to face him? He would definitely asked her for reasons, also Sr Kingston wouldn’t appreciate that. She was wondering how he would have reacted to her resignation. Angered or upset? Maybe both so he must have removed her bracelet when he came to know about it.
However, she wanted him to see someone and give relationship a try, so why does it hurt when he had taken off the bracelet or posing with a woman? She hadn’t given the bracelet as a commitment Band to worry about it.
She just left without a word, did he deserve that? He had always treated her well and created a juncture for her to shine and grow in her career by making her present in a big platform, honouring her efforts by appointing her as the project head of such a large scale government project. He fought his own grandfather to prove her innocence which he did not have to. In the camp, he had an eye on her, sent her gifts and saved her from the accident, for all that he did to her, what did she do in return? For a man who is wealthy, powerful and successful like Henry Kingston, doesn’t have the need to notice or recognise a commoner like Julie still he respected her, but she was unlucky. She could not expect anything from him, if he gave her a cold shoulder, it wouldn’t be unfair. That night, she cried herself to sleep.
Next day, Mr Ross asked Julie to get signature on certain documents from his wife and mail it immediately as he would go home late. She reached Ross’ house, she was welcomed by the house help. She asked her to wait until her madam comes.
Mrs Eliza Ross is an attorney and she was held up in a meeting with a client which should have ended an hour ago. Julie heard the sound of video game, so she strolled around and found a small boy playing. She was intrigued by his quick wit as he was playing chess against the bot. It was difficult for her to keep up with the speed of the game.
“Don’t go near him” the lady warned Julie.
“Why?”
“He is an arrogant child, he don’t like people in his space, he becomes violent. He screams, he hits, bites and what not? Also, Mr. Ross wouldn’t like anyone interacting with him”
The boy turned back at the sound for a split second, he would be around seven years, he ignored them and continued playing.
“Who is he actually?”
“Their grandson I guess” she whispered.
Julie was shocked.
“The kid’s parents?”
The lady gestured ‘no idea’
“I was only working here for a year. All I know was nobody cares this boy” she then left.
Julie walked ahead and found some papers lying around. She took it and was surprised at the medium and hard level adult 9*9 sudoku puzzles done by the kid. She instantly felt the connect as she realised his love for numbers and puzzles. She moved closer and admired his prudence while playing chess. The boy felt someone’s presence closeby him, so he looked back halting his game. She was too engrossed on the screen, trying to decipher the moves. She stared at him when there was no movement on the screen.
He gestured ‘what?’ by raising his eyebrows.
She answered, “I was admiring your pace while playing, now I’m inspired to learn chess”
He motioned her to sit on the couch next to him.
“How much do you know?” he asked in a very feeble voice. Seems like he doesn’t use his voice much, Julie guessed.
“Name of the coins” she said doubtfully.
He giggled, “pieces, chess pieces” he corrected her and taught how each piece would move. Still, Julie could not understand completely.
“Play!” He tossed his wireless controller to her.
But she was hesitant and looked at him in doubt. “I’m not sure if I can do this” Julie said.
He quickly got up and went inside a room. There was some shuffling noise. Julie did not know whether he was annoyed at her slow learning. He came back with a wooden chess board to make her understand better. He neither talks much nor expresses anything, he seems like he was used to control his emotions and keep it at check.
When Julie knocked one of his pawns, she raised her hand for a hi-five, he stared at her cluelessly.
“You just have to hit my palms to share my excitement” she taught him to do a hi-five.
He was still reluctant, so she cautiously took his tender hands and clapped with her when they heard a thunderous voice screaming,
“What the hell is happening here?”
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*I would update in next 5 daysðŸ‘ðŸ»
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