Chapter 3 The Proposal

Finally, it was Monday. Joanna woke up with a sense of purpose, ready to face the challenges of the day. She jumped out of bed, took a quick refreshing shower, and then carefully selected her outfit for the important presentation. A black skirt suit paired with a vibrant red blouse and matching red stilettos exuded confidence and professionalism. Having visited the hair salon the day before, Joanna unwrapped her hair from the silk hair bonnet. She teased her hair a little, creating a stylish yet professional look. Applying light makeup to enhance her features, she looked at herself in the mirror. Satisfied with her appearance, she felt a surge of confidence and readiness for the day ahead. Before leaving for work, Joanna took a moment for her morning devotion, finding solace and inspiration for the challenges ahead. After a wholesome breakfast, she grabbed her laptop bag and held her phone firmly in the other hand, knowing it might play a crucial role in her day. As she stepped out, Joanna was determined to make the best impression during the presentation at Magnum's headquarters. Little did she know that challenges awaited her, but her resilience and preparedness would guide her through. Suddenly her phone rang, and she looked at the caller ID and realized it was her father calling. “Hello Dad,” Joanna said. "Hello Joanna," he responded. Their relationship was fragile since Maria started telling lies about her. "I need you to come home this weekend; we have guests coming over for your sister’s hand in marriage. Please show up on Saturday morning; the man's family will come around 12 noon." As per the customs of Albania, the man's family needed to come to the woman's home to ask for a hand in marriage. The weight of the request hung in the air as Joanna processed the information. She couldn't help but wonder who Tasha, her younger sister, was getting married to. Without giving Joanna a chance to answer, he had already cut the phone. Joanna pondered the dynamics of her family, especially considering Tasha's reputation for dating and playing around with wealthy young men. Tasha always seemed to get her way, and it appeared she had their father wrapped around her finger. The prospect of attending the family event brought a mix of emotions for Joanna, adding another layer to the challenges she was already facing in her professional life. Joanna got to the office at 8 am in the morning, went straight to her cubicle, sat down, checked her emails, and worked on a few documents while she waited to be picked up. At 8:55, she stood by the entrance, ready for the ride to come and pick them up. Racheal emerged from the office shortly after. Racheal was dressed in a stylish grey pant suit paired with a crisp white shirt, exuding a professional and confident demeanor. The two women exchanged greetings and shared a sense of camaraderie, knowing they were both heading to headquarters for a significant presentation. She had noticed Joanna wearing a grey suit and white blouse during the previous presentation, and she thought it was a good choice to stand out. Racheal looked presentable and felt confident about her appearance. Racheal, of average height and weight, had applied a generous amount of makeup to her face, creating a polished look. However, when she saw Joanna outside, Racheal did a double take, unable to resist admiring Joanna's natural beauty and impeccable self-care techniques. Racheal greeted Joanna with a wide smile, "Hi Joanna, are you ready for the presentation?" Joanna turned around, saw Racheal, and returned the smile, "Oh hi Racheal, yes, I am ready," she said. "Are you ready?" she asked Racheal. Racheal smiled and replied, "Yes, I am ready. I know you had a shorter time to prepare since you only found out from me on Friday." Joanna smiled at her and expressed her gratitude, "Seriously, thank you for letting me know; otherwise, it could have been a disaster." Just then, the company van came to a stop in front of them, and they quickly got in, finding seats. The van took about 30 minutes to get to the south end of downtown due to traffic; otherwise, it was a 10-minute drive. When they got out of the van, they entered the tall Magnum Group of Companies building. It was a 35-storey building, an impressive structure that housed the headquarters of the company. The security guards checked their bags and scanned them in. They were headed to the 34th floor to meet with the COO and his team. Led into the elevator, which ascended swiftly, they reached the 34th floor where the doors opened to reveal a breathtaking office space. Joanna and Racheal were both amazed at the luxurious setting. The lobby overlooked the massive expanse of the city of Providence, with large windows providing an open view of the scenery. The river Euphrates snaked its way through the city, visible in all its beauty. "Wow… what a view," exclaimed Rachel, capturing the sentiment. Joanna, too, looked out in amazement. They were ushered into the conference room to prepare for their presentations. The anticipation and nerves were palpable as they realized the significance of this opportunity. Meanwhile, Renda Jennings, the CEO of Magnum Group, sat in his office sipping a cup of coffee that his assistant, Mathew Daka, had just brought in. He casually browsed through the morning news on his laptop, preparing to kickstart his day. Renda, at the age of 30, held the distinction of being the youngest CEO in the city of Providence. His reputation for an aggressive business approach had made him well-known, not only locally but also across regions. In the four years since joining the company after completing his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Harvard University in Boston, Renda had propelled Magnum to new heights. With a net worth in the billions, he stood out as the most sought-after bachelor in Albaria. Despite his wealth and status, Renda maintained a low-profile lifestyle. Having experienced heartbreak during his university days when his girlfriend left him for another man, he decided to channel all his energy into building his career. Relationships took a back seat as he dedicated himself to the success of Magnum Group. The only girl Renda tolerated in his life, aside from his sister Lauri, was Posha Cummings, his childhood friend. The Cummings and the Jennings were family friends, and their children played together. Renda saw Posha as a sister and nothing more, but Posha harbored a determination to become more than just friends. In the past, she had managed to discourage any potential ladies who appeared to be interested in Renda. Renda didn't pay much attention to Posha's actions, as he wasn't particularly interested in those who seemed to be after his wealth. He vividly remembered a post-graduation incident when his ex-girlfriend, upon learning about his family background, attempted to reconcile, but Renda was not swayed. He found her actions repulsive and developed a general mistrust toward women, considering them all to be gold diggers. This experience marked a significant shift in Renda's attitude towards relationships with the opposite sex. There was a sudden knock at his door, “come in,” he said. Mathew walked in to give him a brief rundown of today’s schedule. “Mr. Jennings, if you are free, let me run down through today’s schedule.” Renda turned his chair around to face Mathew and said in a rather serious tone, “Go ahead.” “Today there is a presentation at 10am in regard to the proposals for the vacations homes by the Euphrates River, Project 101.” Renda looked at Mathew and asked, “ Who is doing the presentation?” 2 individuals from the operations and production department from the north end branch.” “Hmmm, ok, remind me when it 15 minutes to the meeting, so I make my way down there.” “Yes sir,” Mathew responded. “ You have a Virtual Meeting today with the Sausan Group at 2pm to finalize business collaboration with them. That is all for today sir.” Renda then said, “Thank you, if that is all, you may leave now,” Renda dismissed Mathew. After Mathew left, Renda took a moment to glance at the clock on the wall. It was almost time for the presentation on Project 101, the vacation homes by the Euphrates River. He wondered about the individuals presenting from the operations and production department. Renda was always keen on the details of various projects, and this one had caught his attention. As the minutes passed, he gathered his thoughts and prepared to head down to the conference room. The success and efficiency of Magnum Group were paramount to him, and he was determined to ensure that every project met the company's high standards. Joanna, with the upcoming presentation in mind, decided to use the restroom about 15 minutes before the scheduled time. Wandering through the hallways in search of the restroom, she, unfortunately, wasn't paying much attention to the signs and accidentally walked into the men’s restroom. Oblivious to her surroundings, she entered a stall. Moments later, a man entered the restroom, and Joanna, noticing her mistake, looked at him with wide eyes. This man, standing at about 6 feet 3 inches tall, possessed a charming dark chocolate complexion and was impeccably dressed in a grey slim-fit suit that spoke of wealth and authority. "Excuse me, sir, but you must be in the wrong restroom. Didn't you see the sign on the door indicating it's for females?" Joanna confidently pointed out. Renda raised an amused eyebrow and calmly responded, "I believe it's the other way around. You're in the wrong restroom. Please excuse me; I need to use the facilities." Concerned, Joanna warned, "You need to leave and go to the male’s restroom before I scream." Amused by the situation, Renda decided not to argue with her, opened the restroom door, and overheard Joanna muttering to herself, "damned perv." Standing outside, Renda allowed her to finish washing her hands. As Joanna turned to leave, she suddenly noticed the urinals on the other side of the restroom stalls. Panicking, she slowly opened the door, hoping to slip away unnoticed. To her surprise, Renda was standing there, leaning against the wall with crossed arms. Interrupting her escape, he said, "Wait a minute; you forgot something." Confused, Joanna asked, "What did I forget?" Renda, raising an eyebrow, pulled her arm gently, insisting, "Now, please apologize for being rude and calling me a pervert, because now we know who is the real perv, huh!" Feeling guilty, Joanna looked up and apologized, "Sorry for being rude and calling you a pervert; I am actually the pervert since I entered the male’s restroom." Renda, intrigued but composed, released her arm and entered the restroom without a second glance. Joanna, feeling embarrassed, rushed back to the conference room, grateful that she wouldn't have to face the handsome man again. As Joanna settled back into her seat, the door swung open, revealing last week's delegation. In their midst stood the man she had encountered in the restroom. A sudden fidget and a knot in her stomach betrayed her nervousness. The group entered, took their seats, and Mr. Morgan Banda extended a warm welcome to everyone present. Joanna was stunned to discover that the man from the restroom was none other than the CEO himself. An internal panic threatened to unravel her composure, but gratitude swept over her as she realized she had just visited the restroom, keeping her bladder in check. When Renda glanced in her direction with a smile, Joanna responded with a nervous chuckle. To Joanna's surprise, the CEO, Mr. Renda Jennings, joined the gathering. He addressed the audience, assuring them of his role as a mere observer. "Please do not be bothered by my presence; I'm here to observe. Morgan is in charge of this project, so do not mind me," Renda declared. "Morgan requested, "Ms. Rachel, please proceed and showcase your proposal." Racheal confidently rose, delivering her proposal with clarity and conciseness. She provided comprehensive explanations, supported by examples, illustrated graphs, and diagrams. The delegates responded with applause and approving nods, acknowledging the quality of her presentation. Joanna's heart raced, realizing that Racheal presented a formidable challenge. The applause signaled a well-received proposal, heightening the pressure for Joanna as she prepared for her turn." Morgan then turned to Joanna with a lighthearted remark, "last but not the least," he chuckled. "Please make your way to the front and give us your presentation. Joanna, it's your turn now." Joanna stood up, a bit clumsily, almost tripping over her computer bag laid on the floor. She carefully walked to the front after connecting her presentation, taking a moment to gather her thoughts before beginning. "I want to take you on a journey along the Euphrates River. One of the world's most famous and historically significant rivers, it has been a popular tourist attraction for centuries," she said, seamlessly incorporating a video of the Euphrates River into her presentation. "Running through Albaria, it offers a wide range of experiences and sights for tourists to enjoy." Capitalizing on her soothing voice, Joanna detailed the historical and cultural significance of the river, emphasizing the potential for cruises. She showcased the scenic beauty, painting a vivid picture of lush vegetation, rock mountains, and picturesque landscapes. "We can offer outdoor activities ranging from fishing, sailing, and water sports. Additionally, adventure tourism opportunities, including white-water rafting and kayaking in certain sections," she continued. Taking a moment to gauge her audience, Joanna proceeded to present the budget, timeline, evaluation, and monitoring aspects, all while discussing the sustainability of the project. "In conclusion, the Euphrates River is a tourist attraction that offers a blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and adventure. Whether tourists are interested in exploring ancient civilizations, cruising in luxury, or embarking on an adventure, the Euphrates River has something to offer for a wide range of travelers." As Joanna concluded, the room fell silent for a few seconds before erupting in applause. She returned to her seat somewhat clumsily, not accustomed to being the center of attention, and a shy smile played on her lips. While Joanna presented, Renda listened attentively, finding unexpected enjoyment in her proposal. Surprisingly, he found himself drawn to this woman he considered eccentric just an hour ago in the restroom. The attraction puzzled him, and unsure of what to make of it, he opted to ignore it altogether. Dealing with women was not his preference, and he preferred to keep his focus on the business at hand. Mr. Morgan Banda rose from his seat, expressing his gratitude, "I want to extend my thanks to both of you for your outstanding proposals. I can see the effort and dedication that went into your work. The presentations were impressive. Our delegation will convene and provide feedback on the direction we choose to take by the end of the week." Joanna, still reeling from the meeting, hurriedly approached Mr. Banda before the delegation dispersed. She felt a mix of nervousness and determination, recalling the previous week's incident. Addressing Mr. Banda, she apologized for the interruption and explained her situation, requesting that any emails regarding the results be sent to her directly. Mr. Banda, slightly surprised, agreed and took her business card. Walking away, Joanna didn't linger for the customary departure of the delegation, including the CEO. This caught Renda Jennings' attention, and he couldn't help but do a double take as Joanna passed. The men in the group also seemed captivated, and Renda's subtle cough brought them back to attention. Once in his office, Renda instructed Mathew to look into Joanna Johnson's background. Perplexed, Mathew asked if there was a specific reason, and Renda, maintaining an air of nonchalance, replied, "None of your business. Just get me that information." Mathew chuckled, intrigued by his boss's sudden interest in a woman. Agatha entered the office at around 10 am, having obtained permission from her superior for what she claimed were personal matters. Her main intention, however, was to strategically avoid any encounter with Joanna. Convinced that Joanna was oblivious to the meeting at the headquarters due to her deliberate omission of sending the email, Agatha assumed Joanna was seated in her cubicle, blissfully unaware of the crucial event. After placing her bag in her office, Agatha intended to confront Joanna directly about her absence from the meeting, accusing her of intentional avoidance. Upon entering the office, she found everyone engrossed in their work, with no sign of Joanna at her cubicle—her computer turned off. Agatha, puzzled, asked, "Where is Joanna?" Salome looked up and responded, "She's gone to attend the meeting at headquarters." Agatha, feigning surprise, quickly composed herself. "Oh, yes, I remember she had a meeting this morning," she chuckled awkwardly. Returning to her office, Agatha seethed with anger, contemplating how to handle Joanna. Recognizing Joanna's competence as a threat to her own job, Agatha harbored personal motives beyond the pressure from Mrs. Johnson to deal with her. Upon returning to the office, Joanna swiftly placed her bag down and hurried downstairs for her 1 pm review with the doctor in the adjacent building. The checkup unfolded positively, with the doctor noting that the blisters had dried up. Pleased with Joanna's healing progress, the doctor remarked, "You heal well; I believe you won't have any scars once it heals." Joanna left the doctor's office with a contented smile, practically skipping back to her own office. As Thursday evening unfolded, the awaited email finally arrived. Opening it revealed warm congratulations for presenting the best proposal. Joanna was elated to learn that she was scheduled to return to the office the following Tuesday at 10 am to present her proposal to the board. The itinerary included meetings with the CEO and COO at 9 am, followed by the presentation to the board at 10 am. Overwhelmed with joy, Joanna exclaimed, "Mama, I wish you were here with me today; I am so happy." Her excitement bubbled over, prompting her to skip around her modest apartment and sing with such gusto that her neighbor on the right knocked on her door to quieten the cheerful melodies. The following day at work, Joanna's friends, including Salome and Fred, along with a few others, decided to treat her to a celebratory dinner in honor of her successful presentation. They extended an invitation to their boss, Agatha, as well. Meanwhile, in the afternoon, Agatha received a call from Mr. Banda, who officially informed her that Ms. Johnson would be working at the main office the following week. This arrangement was to facilitate collaboration with him and the CEO to kickstart the chosen project. Upon hearing the news, Agatha responded, "Oh, that is great news. We're actually planning to take her out for dinner today to celebrate Joanna's victory and the selection of our team's project." Morgan suggested, "Why not take them to the Four Seasons luxury Hotel and casino on the department's tab? I'll inform them to expect you." Although Agatha feigned happiness, a subtle undertone hinted at her true sentiments. That evening, coincidentally, Renda had a meeting at the Four Seasons with the Sausan Group to finalize the cooperation agreement. The gathering took place in a private room, with Mr. Sausan, his secretary, and personal bodyguard in attendance. Renda entered alongside Mr. Morgan Banda and his personal assistant. After the contracts were successfully signed, Renda and Mr. Sausan exchanged greetings, emphasizing solidarity and the prospect of a positive future working relationship. Following a brief discussion, they bid each other farewell. Mr. Morgan recalled that some members of his department were having dinner at the Four Seasons, prompting him to make a detour to greet them before heading home. He informed Renda of his plan, and Renda, as a goodwill gesture to be viewed positively by his employees, decided to join him. Approaching the group, the lively chatter suddenly quieted as they noticed the presence of their superiors. Morgan reassured them, saying, "Please, enjoy yourselves. We happened to be in the hotel for a business meeting and thought to just stop by and say hello on our way out." The group, eager to host their bosses, insisted, "Please join us; it would be an honor to dine and drink with you tonight." Joanna, feeling a bit shy, particularly recalling her encounter with Mr. Jennings that memorable Monday morning, couldn't believe her luck that he hadn't fired her for her earlier recklessness. Mr. Morgan Banda signaled for two additional chairs to be added to the group, and by chance, the one next to Joanna was designated for Mr. Renda Jennings. Joanna shifted uncomfortably in her seat as Renda uttered, "Ms. Johnson." “Hello Mr. Jennings, we meet again.” Renda looked at her amused. Congratulations on your proposal being selected. I must say the proposal was well done,” Renda commented. He was having a good time watching Joanna fidget in her chair from embarrassment. “Thank you sir, she said. Suddenly, Joanna stood up and excused herself to visit the restroom. Approaching the lavatory, an unsettling feeling crept over her, as if someone might be following, though she couldn't be certain. After all, this was a 7-star hotel, predominantly frequented by affluent individuals who generally kept to themselves. She entered the restroom, heading straight to a cubicle for a moment of privacy. Upon exiting the stall, she was met with the stern gaze of a rough-looking man, his arms folded. Initially, she feared she had mistakenly entered the wrong restroom again, causing her acute embarrassment. Attempting to walk past the man, she found him blocking her way. Alarmed, Joanna questioned, "What do you think you are doing?"