Chapter Five: The Turning Point
"Yes, but when I tried to enter, the two waiters wouldn't let me in. They even insulted me,"
Jaden said, his voice edged with anger.
"What the hell? What kind of waiters behave like that? Please don't be upset—I'll send someone to you right away!" Vanessa snapped, then ended the call abruptly.
One of the waiters turned to Jaden with a smirk.
"You're quite the actor. I don't believe you called anyone—you're just pretending."
The second waiter chimed in.
"Exactly! That call doesn't change anything. I still won't let you in. Let's wait and see if anyone actually shows up."
They both laughed mockingly.
Jaden said nothing. He didn't have time to waste on them. Deep down, he knew they would regret their behavior soon enough.
A few minutes later, Vanessa appeared at the company's main entrance.
"Jaden, where are the so-called waiters who wouldn't let you in?" she asked as she approached him.
Jaden was stunned. He had no idea Vanessa worked at the company—let alone as the manager. Her presence caught him completely off guard. Apparently, her mother had called to report what happened. Vanessa already knew Jaden was coming to apply for a job.
Jaden pointed at both waiters, then looked directly at the second one.
"This man said he would call the police on me if I didn't leave."
Vanessa's expression darkened.
"What? You threatened to call the police on an innocent man? On my guest?" She shook her head in disbelief. "I don't need to say much—both of you are fired."
She didn't refer to Jaden as her husband, even though her mother was trying to force the relationship because of an ancient family law. While Vanessa hadn't accepted the union, the tradition had long benefited her family's lineage—one of the reasons it hadn't yet been abolished. Her family took pride in passing those customs down to future generations.
Jaden felt a wave of satisfaction, while the two waiters stood there nearly in tears, begging for forgiveness. But Vanessa ignored them. She called for James and asked him to escort Jaden inside. The waiters remained at the gate, blaming themselves for what had happened.
As Jaden entered the building, he couldn't help but admire the elegant interior. He walked beside James to avoid any further confrontation, feeling proud of the woman who had defended him. In his mind, he imagined working in such an environment, managing a team of employees in a well-furnished office.
They climbed the stairs to the top floor. Vanessa led him into the first office—her own. It was stylish and beautifully arranged, with blue tones dominating the walls and furniture. Clearly, Vanessa had a strong preference for the color. Even the car she had bought the year before was blue, and she often wore blue outfits, especially to work.
Vanessa walked confidently to her chair and sat down. Jaden followed her lead, sitting without waiting for permission. Normally, she might have disqualified someone for such boldness—but with Jaden, she let it slide.
Jaden looked around, impressed.
"Wow, your office looks amazing," he said, feeling more at ease.
"Thanks," Vanessa replied, pulling out a document. She handed him a list.
"These are the available job roles. You can choose the one you're interested in."
Jaden scanned the list, then smiled.
"I'd like to be the manager of the company."
Vanessa's eyes widened.
"What? You want to replace me? Don't you know I'm the current manager?"
"Sorry, I don't know," Jaden replied, his voice uncertain.
Vanessa sighed. If he hadn't been her husband by family tradition, she likely would've asked him to leave. But here he was—standing in front of her office—unprepared, unsure, and clearly hoping for favor.
She glanced at the list in his hand. "Let me see that."
Jaden handed it over, watching her expression closely.
"These positions," she said, pointing to the starred roles, "have already been filled. Only the ones without stars are still open. Didn't you read the instructions?"
Jaden lowered his gaze. "I... I didn't see that part."
Vanessa shook her head, more disappointed than angry. She handed the list back. "Choose again."
This time, Jaden scanned the list more carefully. "I'll take the Security Supervisor position."
Vanessa raised an eyebrow. "You need qualifications for that. Where are your credentials?"
He hesitated. He had none. He had made it partway through college before dropping out due to financial hardship. His only credential was a primary school certificate—and he wasn't even carrying it.
"I don't have them right now," he admitted quietly. "But I was hoping I could still get the job. I thought... maybe…"
"You thought being my husband would be enough?" Vanessa asked—firm, but not unkind.
Jaden said nothing.
Vanessa studied him for a moment. This man her family had insisted she marry—though her heart had never fully agreed. Still, there was something in him. Not qualifications or experience, but a quiet resilience.
"Alright," she said at last. "Come back tomorrow. You'll start work. But make no mistake—this is a professional company. You'll be treated like every other employee. You'll receive the rules in writing. Follow them."
Jaden's face lit up. "Thank you. Really. I don't know what to say."
He left her office with a grateful smile, thinking how far he'd come since the humiliation at Joy's birthday—when her family had barely acknowledged him.
Becoming a man isn't a day's job, he thought. Orphaned, broke, and unqualified—still, he believed he could rise.
"This is just the beginning," he told himself. "By God's grace, I'll climb higher with time."
Back home, Jaden retrieved the check Gift had given him. He'd hidden it for weeks, unsure when—or if—he'd need it. Now, with a job secured, it was time to present himself properly.
He cashed the check at the bank, then visited a nearby shop and bought a few smart clothes—nothing flashy, just enough to look presentable and feel like he belonged.
****
Margaret sat on the couch beside her husband, Richard. Their daughters, Vanessa and Isabelle, were also present, casually chatting about the next day's plans.
"Mum, tomorrow is James's party. Are you coming with us?" Vanessa asked, her tone hopeful.
Margaret shook her head. "No, not this time. She did invite me, but I have something important to take care of at the office."
She had been working on a major project for weeks, and with only a few days left until the deadline, she was determined to complete it. Though she had promised to attend the party, the project took priority.
"Okay, Ma," Vanessa said softly, accepting her mother's decision.
Richard leaned forward. "Which day did you tell Jaden to start work as the new security supervisor?"
"I told him to start tomorrow," Margaret replied.
"Well," Richard said thoughtfully, "maybe he should go to the party with you all after work."
Vanessa frowned. "But Jaden doesn't even have anything decent to wear. He only owns two old, worn-out outfits."
"Don't worry about that," Richard said with a smile. "I'll buy him a suit—something nice. I just want him to feel included."
"What? Dad, you don't need to do that," Isabelle protested. "He just got the job. Let him work and earn his own money. By the end of the month, he'll be paid."
Richard looked at her, slightly annoyed. "Are you the one spending the money? Just this once, let me do it."
"But suits are expensive," she continued. "Why not just buy him a simple shirt?"
"No," Richard said firmly.
At that moment, Jaden walked in, interrupting the conversation. The room went quiet. He had been singing softly to himself as he approached the door and hadn't heard what they were discussing. His mind was still caught up in the tune.
He bowed slightly. "Good evening, everyone."
"Where are you coming from?" Vanessa asked, noticing the bag in his hand.
"I went to buy a few clothes I'll be wearing to work," Jaden replied.
Margaret raised an eyebrow. "Let me see them."
Jaden placed the bag on the center table, unzipped it, and brought out the clothes he had bought. They were neatly folded—and looked expensive.
Isabelle's eyes widened. "Where did you get these? You can't afford clothes like this."
She turned to her mother. "Mum, I'm sure he stole them. There's no way he paid for these himself."