One last interview, then I am done with this life. One more interview, and I'll be free.
I hope I don't look like I'm trembling at all as I sit waiting in this sleek, wide, industrial office. The top HR officer of RealTek Industries is about to give me what could be the greatest interview of my life. Actually, I've already passed all the hiring processes and tests. So, basically, I'm the only applicant left—the best of the rest, I would humbly describe. They say this interview is just a formality before they hand me my official employment contract as a technology research analyst at one of their satellite offices abroad. This is my chance to leave this hellish life behind.
"Miss Smith," a sophisticated voice called out, and I jumped from my seat.
I always find it funny when someone calls me by my last name since I don't really have one—being an orphan. The judge in a local court gave us orphans a random last name, usually one that's pretty common. And Smith is such a boring last name. The judge could've done better—like giving me Bezos, Gates, or Musk. Someone might have claimed me as their lost child. Who knows?
"And that's me," I said, standing and holding out my hand.
A very professional, sophisticated woman in a dark gray suit accepted my hand and gestured for me to sit. I sat down, straightening my pencil skirt. I also wiped my sweaty hands on it.
"I am Miss Helgard, and I handle the last stage of the hiring process," she said sternly as she sat across from me, with a glass table between us.
I offered her my best smile.
"As you know, we conduct in-depth background checks on all our employees, especially for someone like you who will be handling a very important project for this company."
Okay, I need to calm down. The worst thing they could find is my bitch twin sister who screwed up my life—something I am currently trying to fix. If I fail because of her, trust me, I will definitely kill her. Or hire someone to do it for me.
"Well, your records are pristinely clean," she said flatly, as if it's expected. I let out a big sigh—relief.
She opened a brown folder and took out a yellow paper. Is that the contract?
"Tell me, Miss Smith, are you aware that this employment requires people who are single? No familial obligations?" Miss Helgard asked.
"Of course. Um, the project is confidential and requires full focus upon completion. Any distraction is not welcome," I answered confidently.
"Are you married, Miss Smith?" she asked in the most serious tone.
I was taken aback, and I let out a laugh. What?
"No, Miss Helgard. I do not even have a boyfriend. I've never had a boyfriend," I answered defensively and honestly.
Miss Helgard didn't even react. Her poker face freaks me out. Then she held out the yellow paper in front of me.
"Can you please tell me what's in that paper?" she ordered.
I skimmed across the document—it was a marriage certificate. My heart pounded so fast I could hardly focus. The paper shook in my hands as my eyes laser-focused on the most important details.
Rite of matrimony between Josef Harlington and Mirabella Smith… affixed with my seal… at Cardin… 25th of December… I mumbled.
I put down the paper, still trembling. I think I might pass out. "That's impossible. That's not me. It was just months after my college graduation… there's no way," I explained, still somehow coherent.
"I'm sorry, but it does have your social security number. It's you."
"Well, someone must have mistaken me, since I was in a hospital on that date!"
"One more thing, Miss Smith..." she said anxiously. "I somehow believe you."
"Thank God!"
"...because it's impossible that you're married to our company's president."