2. Fate's Cruelty

Sarah 

My eyes opened early the next morning. I got up and stretched to shake off the remnants of sleep. Then the events of yesterday dawned upon me and the realization hit me like a bulldozer, I was an unemployed woman. After two years of living a busy life, I suddenly had nowhere to go this morning. No phone calls to any production houses, no scheduling meetings for press and interviews, no yelling match with Cole, and asking him to be ready on time, nothing. 

I felt hollow, an emptiness settling in my stomach. I exhaled slowly to calm myself otherwise I knew I was not far from having a panic attack. C'mon Sarah, get your shit together, I tried to encourage myself. I realized that Freya had left. I got out of bed and went to the washroom. After freshening up, I went to the kitchen to see that she had prepared breakfast ad had left in on the table, a note was attached to it as well:-- Good morning sleepyhead, eat your breakfast and then call me, 'kay?

Love you, Frey xx

This made me smile. One positive in all this mess. Freya was like an elder sister I never have. Actually, she came close to being family. My actual family did not even care about my wellbeing. I scoffed internally. I proceeded to devour the delicious food and realized that I was, in fact, hungry. I was done in a few minutes. 

I settled on my bed once again and picked up my phone from the nightstand. I had two messages: one from Cole and the other one from a journalist. I opened the first one, it read: I'm so sorry for yesterday. Don't think I fired you. I have sent a recommendation letter to your Agency and told Graham about the situation. He was understanding about the matter. So don't be worried. Call me if you need anything. Cole. 

My jaw clenched as I glared at the screen. I was already pissed at him for pulling that stunt yesterday and now he went ahead and told Graham, my boss about the fallout? I did not bother to reply and called Freya.

"Hi", she picked up on the second ring. "Hey", I greeted tiredly. Honestly, even though I had a good night's sleep, I still felt emotionally drained out. 

"Listen, I had called Johanson last night. We chatted and the issue has been cleared. You don't need to worry about losing your job at the Agency, Okay?" She informed me and stunned me in the process. So it was her and not Cole. I felt slightly relieved. "Thanks a lot, honey", I replied with gratitude. She always managed to make things right. "You have done so much for me", I continued, sniffling. "There, there. Don't start crying now. Hurry and go to work now. I'll talk to you in the evening", she replied and ended the call.

~~~`

As I stepped in the office, Lara, an intern who also happened to be an idiotic and selfish woman, came to a stop in front of me, "I heard Cole fired you", she started in her obnoxious voice, looking smugly at me. 

"Ah, we had a fallout", I replied curtly and stormed towards Graham's cabin. 

"Good morning", I greeted him as I entered. "Ah, my favorite employee", he said dryly in lieu of a greeting. I smiled sheepishly and took a seat, "I guess, you know what happened..." I began but he stopped me, "Yes, I know and I really don't want to say this but thank you for not leaving this agency", he said somberly, looking rather flustered. "I didn't know you liked me so much", I teased. He gaped, "Shut up! I also want to say, How dare you?" he narrowed his eyes and I flinched.

"You thought I will sack you". He said accusingly, "You know you are one of our most valued employees". I grinned sheepishly at him, "I mean...no, but, you know I was too worried to see the logic in the whole thing".

He sighed, "You are not fired, Sarah. In fact, you are quite in demand. You have been appointed as a manager to another guy". My interest piqued immediately. I sat up straight, "what? Who?" I hardly could believe what I heard. It was like a miracle. I never dreamed that I would get a job so soon and as a manager's position. 

"Now she looks less gloomy", Graham teased good-naturedly. I chuckled. "Yes, here's the profile of the actor, have a look", and handed me the file. I took it from him and opened it. I froze. My mind had suddenly come to a stop. The profile was none other than that of Xavier Romanov's. 

My hands trembled slightly. I was dragged back to the past...

"I will be your manager when you become an actor", I murmured as I kissed him. His eyes were hooded, his hands tightened around my waist, "Yeah, you will be mine and no one else's, my manager, my girl", he rumbled possessively. I shivered, I placed my head on his chest, his heart beat steadily. I closed my eyes as he stroked my hair. I would rather be here than anywhere else. I never wanted to let him go. 

"Sarah....Sarah!" Graham was waving a hand in front of my face. I was startled back to the present. He gave me a flat look before settling back in his chair, "I know he can have that effect on any girl. But you too?" he asked incredulously. My cheeks heated at that. I ducked my head and gave back the folder.

"Can I take some time to think?" I asked nervously. He looked astonished, "What? You want to think?  Sarah, wat's there to think? You know he is the most sought after actor nowadays? It could have a good impression on our Agency. Sarah, he contacted me yesterday, personally and asked me to appoint you, yes you Miss. Sarah Olsen as his manager. Sarah, anyone else would jump on this offer without a second thought!" He tried to make me see reason, tried to convince me but my mind had stuck on the words; he wanted me to be his manager? He knew I was here? In LA?

I couldn't breathe. I sat there, numb and stunned. How could fate be so cruel? What am I going to do now?