Chapter 2

Indah glanced at him again, her face crinkling with embarrassment. The man kept watching her, wearing a wicked smile—as if he already had a plan for her. A moment later, he called his secretary over and whispered something in her ear, pointing right at Indah.

"Right away, Sir," the secretary said, returning to her desk.

"Miss Indah, please wait for our reply tomorrow. If you’re hired, we’ll contact you right away."

"Understood, Ma’am. Excuse me… who is that man sitting over there?" Indah whispered.

"Oh, that’s Mr. Radit, the owner of this company."

Hearing that, Indah’s legs went weak. "Thank you, Ma’am," she said, standing up and hurrying out of the room.

Whatever happens, I leave it to fate. Accepted or not, I’m done here, she thought, walking out. She was certain she wouldn’t get the job.

Better go back to my room than stay feeling annoyed, she told herself.

Meanwhile, Radit asked his secretary to bring Indah’s application file to his office. He opened it at once.

"So this woman wants to work here? Fine. I’ll hire you. But you’re going to pay for embarrassing me in public. Just you wait—tomorrow the game begins," Radit smirked to himself.

Indah reached her boarding house and lay down on her bed. No point hoping for that job. I’ll just prepare my documents and apply somewhere else, she thought, getting up to get ready for the next day.

Suddenly her phone rang—Karina was calling.

"Hello? What’s up, Karina?"

"Where are you, Indah?"

"Back at my place."

"Why? Didn’t you go apply for that job?"

"I did, but…"

"But what?"

"Never mind. What’s up?"

"Let’s go eat! I’ll wait for you at our usual spot."

"Okay, I’m coming now," Indah said, hanging up. About twenty minutes later, she arrived at the restaurant.

"I already ordered for you," Karina said.

"Thanks, Karina."

"You’re welcome. Eat while it’s still warm."

Indah began eating. "Oh, Indah—any news? Did you get the job?"

"Not yet. I applied, but I still don’t know if I got it because…" She trailed off.

"Because what?"

"You won’t believe this. The owner of that company? It’s the man I slapped the other day."

"WHAT?! You ran into him again? And he’s your potential boss?!"

"Mm-hmm," Indah said softly, her shoulders slumping.

"Oh no, how could that happen?"

"I have no idea. I’m sure I won’t get hired now. I really liked that company too. But after slapping the boss? No way they’ll take me."

"Be patient. Something better will come along. Just keep trying."

"Finding work really is hard, isn’t it?"

"It is. But you’ll get there. Have faith, Indah," Karina said, patting her shoulder gently.

Just then, Indah’s phone rang—an unknown number.

"Someone’s calling me. Should I answer?"

"Go ahead. It might be important."

"Hello?" Indah answered.

"Is this Indah Putri Permatasari?"

"Yes, speaking. Who’s this?"

"This is from the company you visited this morning. Congratulations—you’ve been hired. You can start work tomorrow."

"I got the job?!"

"Yes! See you tomorrow!"

"Thank you so much!" Indah hung up, beaming. "Karina, I got it! I start tomorrow! Finally—I have a job!"

"Yay! Congratulations, Indah! I’m so happy for you! And hey—don’t forget to treat me once you get paid!"

"Already planning on my salary? I just started!" Indah laughed.

"Just kidding!" Karina grinned back.

"I know, I know," Indah smiled, and they hugged each other.

"Oh, it’s getting late, Indah. I should go—time to open the cake shop," Karina said.

"Sure. I’ll head back and rest too." They parted ways. Back in her room, Indah lay down. I know I can do this. I’ll do my best. I’m exhausted though—better sleep early so I look fresh tomorrow, she thought, closing her eyes and falling asleep.

The next morning, her alarm rang. She showered, got ready, and headed to the office. Thirty minutes later she arrived, reported to the secretary, and was shown to her desk. Soon Radit walked over.

"Ms. Desi," he called.

"Yes, Mr. Radit?" Desi stood up quickly.

"Please give these reports to our new employee."

"Certainly, Sir," Desi said, taking the stack and bringing it to Indah.

"Indah, please finish these reports."

"Alright, Ma’am," Indah smiled.

So many reports! Even working day and night, I couldn’t finish all of this in one day, she thought, but began working patiently anyway.

Moments later, Desi returned with five more thick files. Indah shook her head in disbelief. Oh my goodness. Even two days wouldn’t be enough. My head is spinning… so much work to do.

Radit watched her from across the room, a wicked grin on his face. This is just the beginning. Who told you to slap me and humiliate me in front of everyone? You’ll pay for that, he thought.

Desi walked over to Radit. "Excuse me, Sir… is it really alright to give her all of this at once? I’m worried she won’t be able to finish it all in one day."

"It’s fine. Let her do it. It’s good training for her," Radit said firmly.