Chapter 5

Bethany walked to the window and picked up the call. "Have you gotten discharged yet?" Trystan's deep, magnetic voice sounded, filling Bethany with a sense of longing she hadn't realized she harbored. It had been a long time since she had heard his voice. "Yeah," Bethany replied softly. They both fell silent momentarily before speaking simultaneously, "Divorce..." "You go first," Bethany added. "I've already signed the divorce papers. I'll be out of town for a few days," Trystan said slowly. "Okay. Let me know as soon as you're back, and we'll take care of the formalities," Bethany replied. Suddenly, the call ended abruptly. Trystan didn't want to hear another word from Bethany. Bethany sighed and put away her phone. Jenny could figure out who had called and how the conversations had gone. She didn't know how to console Bethany, so she changed the subject. "What are your plans for the future?" Jenny asked. Bethany asked apologetically, "Jen, may I stay with you for a few more days?" Bethany had no money and couldn't ask Serene for it. Furthermore, she had no intention of benefiting from the divorce settlement, either. "I'll start looking for a job right away. I'll move out once I find one and have enough money," Bethany explained. "Don't be silly." Jenny hugged Bethany tightly. If it hadn't been for that incident, Bethany would surely have been a renowned fashion designer by now. "My place isn't big, but you can stay as long as you want. However…" Jenny chuckled mischievously. "I livestream three times a week, two hours each time. During those two hours..." "I vow to disappear without a trace during those two hours," Bethany responded, raising her hand as an oath. Jenny burst out laughing. She feared Bethany would lose hope in humanity after hearing what she had to say during the two-hour live stream. With their plans made, Jenny proceeded to order takeout while Bethany started to browse job listings. Bethany had last used a job search website about two or three years ago, shortly after she had graduated.. She had been ambitious then, hoping to make a name for herself and prove herself to Serene. But then... Bethany shook her head, not wanting to dwell on the past. Jenny, who was preoccupied with ordering takeout, chatted aimlessly with Bethany. "Beth, have you painted at all these past few years?" "Hardly at all," Bethany said. She'd had no time or energy left for painting after she had married Trystan. She felt discouraged and asked, "Jen, do you think I've lost my touch?" "Impossible!" Jenny's confidence in her dear friend was unwavering. "Trust me, you're a natural talent. You'll be fine." Bethany grinned. She wasn't as familiar with the website anymore and stumbled upon a few interview invitations from two years ago. They were from Baruy Studio, a renowned fashion design company she had always dreamed of working for. Excited, she clicked on the company's page and discovered they were still hiring artists. "Jen, Baruy Studio is hiring!" Bethany exclaimed happily. "Really?" Jenny shared Bethany's excitement. "Go for it. You've always wanted to work there, right?" "But..." When Bethany saw the employment criteria, she began to doubt herself. She was no longer a recent graduate, and the position required more relevant work experience. Bethany felt disadvantaged. Jenny suggested, "Send over some of your paintings from university and give it a try. You've got nothing to lose." "Okay," Bethany agreed. Though she had little hope, she sent over a few paintings. Surprisingly, that afternoon, she received an interview invitation scheduled for the next day. "Congratulations, Beth! I told you you're the best!" Jenny said, and she suggested they celebrate with some beer at home that evening. "There's no need to hurry. I'll treat you to a grand dinner if I do well in the interview." Bethany beamed, intent on giving herself plenty of time to prepare. In the time leading up to the interview, Bethany dedicated herself to preparation. She debated whether to take her sketches from Reyes Residence along or not. But the thought of Serene's disapproval made her give up on the idea. … The following day, Bethany arrived at Baruy Studio early. The HR department instructed her to wait in the conference room and informed the manager, Regina Katz, of her arrival. "She's here, huh? Well, let her wait then." Regina scoffed. As she hung up the phone, the person beside her asked, "Ms. Katz, who's coming in for the interview? What's got you so annoyed?" "Just a copycat." Regina sneered, her expression full of disdain. "Who does this brazen copycat think she is, treating Baruy Studio like some mom-and-pop operation?" Regina thought. Regina had invited Bethany to give her a piece of her mind, but she had never expected Bethany to show up. Regina was determined to see how this played out! On the other hand, Bethany waited in the conference room from morning until evening. Each of her inquiries to the administration received the same response. "Ms. Katz is occupied. Please wait a little longer." Despite the extended wait, Bethany remained hopeful about the opportunity to interview for a position at Baruy Studio. It wasn't until closing time that she finally met the elusive Regina. Regina examined Bethany from head to toe. The latter seemed to have a fair appearance and was polite enough. Regina wondered how Bethany could have resorted to such horrible behavior. "Hello, Ms. Katz," Bethany greeted, her disappointment in this self-proclaimed industry leader evident. She stood up with her bag in hand. "Let's call off today's interview. I waited here to say something to you, Ms. Katz. As an interviewer for Baruy Studio, your conduct today has been highly unprofessional. I don't think Baruy Studio is the right fit for me. Goodbye." With that, Bethany turned to leave. "Stop right there!" Regina's frigid laughter filled the room. How dare a copycat pretend to be so morally upright? Who gave her that much courage? Regina sneered. "You're absolutely right. Baruy Studio isn't the right fit for you. Baruy Studio is well-known both nationally and internationally. How could we possibly let a plagiarist like you join our company?" Bethany turned her head, a disbelief written on her face. "What do you mean?" Regina scoffed. "What do I mean? Don't you understand, Ms. Reyes? You thought you could plagiarize foreign works and go unnoticed, didn't you?" Plagiarize foreign works? How was this possible? Bethany couldn't understand a single thing Regina said. "I'm not sure what you mean. Which of these paintings do you believe is plagiarized?" "All of them!" "Plagiarized from whom?" Regina sneered. "Plagiarized from whom? You should know better than us! "Ms. Reyes, I have to admit, you have good taste. These works not only received prizes, but they also perfectly matched our company's style. However, their original painter is currently an employee at our company." "That's impossible!" It was too much for Bethany to bear. She had created all of these paintings during her academic years. How could she possibly have plagiarized someone else? "I want to meet this so-called original painter of yours." Bethany wanted to find out who had stolen her work. "You want to meet her? Who do you think you are?" Regina finished what she wanted to say before turning to leave. "If you have any decency, leave now, or I'll have security escort you out." Bethany had no choice but to leave. She felt lost. She couldn't eliminate the question of who she had supposedly plagiarized. Who had received international recognition for these paintings?