**Chapter 4**
**Elenie's Point of View**
Weeks had passed since I had submitted my application to **Maison Bellaflorence**, that prestigious, renowned textile company so rich it could make the greatest envy pale. Every morning, I tried to push from my mind the memory of the disdainful looks from the employees who had greeted me on my first visit. Sharp glances, mocking smiles, as if my mere presence tainted their flawless world. The company spanned several floors, with luxurious offices, a grand reception hall, glass elevators, and artworks hanging on the walls. Everything radiated power and opulence.
I sighed, exhausted and defeated. The position didn't seem meant for me. A tear slid down my cheek, burning and silent, and I still wondered why life was so relentless against me. Every failure made me feel weaker, more fragile, as if my strength had evaporated along with the hopes I had invested in each application, each attempt.
My father placed a gentle hand on my shoulders.
— Don't give up, my darling, he said tenderly.
I shook my head, unable to hold back my sobs.
— I… I can't take it anymore, Dad… I'm so tired… I have no strength left… I don't even know why I keep fighting…
He pulled me into his arms, holding me gently as if his love could protect me from this cruel world. His words resonated with a warmth that contrasted with the harshness of life.
— Listen to me, Elenie. You are strong. You have always been strong. Every obstacle you face is preparing you for something greater. Don't let fear or pain dominate you.
I nodded, trying to believe his words. I thanked him, stifling a sob, feeling a mixture of gratitude and despair wash over me. My father was about to say more, I was sure, but at that moment, my phone vibrated in my hand.
I furrowed my brow, hesitating a moment before answering. The voice on the other end told me I was called for an interview at **Maison Bellaflorence**, in exactly one hour. My heart leapt.
— Really? I exclaimed, incredulous.
— Yes, ma'am. Please be there in one hour.
I let out a cry of joy and hugged my father, unable to contain my happiness.
— Dad… I'm going! Thank you! Thank you for everything!
He blessed me, a proud and warm smile on his face, and I rushed to the bathroom for a quick shower. Coming out, I frantically searched through my wardrobe for a suitable outfit for the interview. But I bitterly remembered that I had sold my most expensive clothes to pay for my father's medications. I had almost nothing to wear.
— If I get this job, I told myself, I'll buy new clothes with my first paycheck.
After rummaging through a chaotic pile of hastily folded clothes, I found an old pleated skirt and a wrinkled blouse. It wasn't ideal, but it was all I had. I dressed quickly, slipped on my flats, and tied my hair into a ponytail. Before leaving, I kissed my father and hailed a taxi.
The next hour passed in a mix of nervousness and hope. When the taxi stopped in front of **Maison Bellaflorence**, I stood up, taking a deep breath. The building loomed before me, majestic and intimidating, its glass reflecting the afternoon sun. The lobby was luxurious, with gleaming floors, exotic plants, and a pristine reception desk.
As soon as I entered, all eyes turned to me. I felt their judgment pressing on my shoulders. Several women, elegant in tailored suits and chic dresses, watched me with a mixture of curiosity and mockery. They laughed, whispering to each other, openly. My heart trembled, but I straightened. I had to hold on. I couldn't let myself be broken.
The receptionist at the front gave me a mocking, almost cruel smile.
— Ah… you must be Elenie, she said in a honeyed but sarcastic tone. You'd better turn back. This position isn't for you.
I stayed silent, refusing to be intimidated. My gaze shifted toward the supervisor arriving at that moment, a man with a stern face and piercing eyes. He stared at me for a moment before moving on.
My heart raced, but I forced myself to speak calmly to the secretary.
— I'm here for the interview.
She stared me down before pointing me toward the waiting room.
I walked to the waiting area, aware of the laughter that accompanied me. Around me, other women waited. They were beautiful, elegant, perfectly coiffed, and I… I felt out of place, like an intruder in a world not meant for me. They laughed, whispered among themselves, and threw disapproving glances. I suddenly felt tiny, insignificant.
Hours seemed to pass. Finally, my name was called. My legs shook as I stood. I followed the secretary down the hallway and entered the interview room.
The man behind the desk immediately sized me up, a sneer of disdain on his face.
— You may not sit, he said harshly. And you have no business being here. Look at me… you aren't even presentable. A poor person like you has no right to work at Maison Bellaflorence.
My heart tightened. My hands grew sweaty and my face burned with shame. The other women, watching from the waiting room, burst out laughing. Every word hit me like a dagger.
— I… I… I stammered, unable to defend myself.
— Silence! he continued. You are ridiculous. Never dare to dream of something greater. People like you… don't exist here.
Tears stung my eyes. My fragile world collapsed entirely under the weight of humiliation. I clenched my fists, trying to hold back my sobs, but it was too much. Shame, pain, anger, and frustration swirled together in a suffocating whirlwind.
— Why… why me? I whispered silently to my heart. Why does life always torment me like this?
I stood, unable to stay in that room any longer. Every step toward the exit was a huge effort, every glance from the other women made me falter. Once outside, I collapsed onto a bench in the hall, silently sobbing. I felt broken, humiliated, lost.
My father had been right: life was harsh. But sometimes, the harshness was so overwhelming that one wondered if there was still a light at the end of the tunnel. I rubbed my eyes, trying to catch my breath, trying to remind myself that this ordeal did not define my worth.
I knew I had to move forward, but at that precise moment, I had no strength left. Every humiliation, every laugh, every scornful glance had etched itself into my mind like an indelible scar.
And yet… deep inside, a small flame refused to die. This flame reminded me that, despite the mockery and failures, I was not completely defeated. One day, I would rise again. One day, I would show everyone who had laughed at me that I could be strong, that I could succeed against all odds.
But for now, I let the tears flow, letting the pain escape me like a torrent of memories and despair.
Finally, I left **Maison Bellaflorence**, my heart heavy but determined. Life would not knock me down twice. I promised myself I would never forget this humiliation but turn it into strength. For one day… one day,
they would see Elenie as she was meant to be seen: strong, brave, and unstoppable.