Eva genuinely hadn't expected an invitation from Sinéad O'Connor.
Sure, it was just an interview. Sinéad had a whole shortlist of potential directors for her new music video, and Eva was just one of them.
But for Eva, this was a golden opportunity.
She knew enough about the famous Irish singer. Sinéad was unique—she shaved her head, she famously refused her Grammy award, and she spoke her mind.
Her music was high quality, and in Ireland, she was practically a national treasure.
Most importantly, Sinéad was an artist with depth. Her music videos were often avant-garde, daring, and conceptually rich.
That meant creative freedom for Eva.
As soon as she received the invitation from Sinéad's agent, Eva prepared her portfolio and headed to the designated office building.
When she arrived, Sinéad wasn't there. Instead, Eva was met by Sinéad's agent.
Eva introduced herself briefly, but the male agent spent the entire time looking her up and down with an indescribable, unsettling gaze.
Finally, he spoke. "Hello, Eva. Sinéad saw your short film on TV. She was surprised by your control of color. However, you're just one of several candidates. Sinéad has high hopes for this single, so she wants to choose the absolute best fit."
Eva nodded. "I understand. Sinéad is a national icon; she has plenty of options."
The agent smiled, and it made the hair on Eva's arms stand up. "Tomorrow is the formal interview. Today, I'm just meeting with you beforehand to explain the situation."
Eva's sixth sense was screaming that something was wrong, but she kept her face neutral. "Thank you for the consideration."
It was the weekend. The office building was empty. The entire floor seemed deserted except for Eva and the agent.
"If there's nothing else," Eva said, "may I leave?"
"Wait," the agent said, a weird smile plastering his face. "You know, a singer of Sinéad's status has many choices. And she trusts me. If I put in a good word for you... I can guarantee she'll hire you."
Eva heard the subtext loud and clear. She sneered coldly. "No thanks, sir."
The agent persisted. "Eva, the moment I saw you walk up to that podium on TV, I was captivated... You have such a flavor. So wild. It makes me itch."
Eva stood up abruptly and headed for the door. "Sir, I hope you realize what you're saying. I'm not interested in hearing any more."
But before she reached the door, the agent lunged in front of her, reaching out to grab her hand. "Eva, listen to me. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you..."
Just as his hand was about to touch her, in a split second, Eva pulled a dagger from her boot and pressed the tip against his palm.
The movement was fluid, practiced. It was as if the dagger was a part of her.
The agent froze, dumbfounded.
What the f— Is this woman insane? What normal woman carries a dagger in her boot?
Is she sick in the head?
Eva glared at him, pouring every ounce of her disgust into her voice. "Get the hell away from me, you piece of trash."
The agent, realizing he was inches from being stabbed, quickly retracted his hand. "Are you crazy? I wasn't going to do anything! Do you have to be so dramatic?"
Eva acted as if she hadn't heard him. She slid the dagger back into her boot. "I am disgusted by scum like you. If you come near me again, I will cut your heart out."
Her tone wasn't joking. Her eyes were so fierce the agent actually shivered.
God, this woman is terrifying...
He was convinced now: this woman had psychological issues. She wasn't normal.
Eva didn't spare him another glance. She turned and walked out of the office.
She completely agreed with the agent's assessment. Yes, she had issues. Severe psychological issues.
She wasn't really an innocent eighteen-year-old girl. She knew exactly what dangers a beautiful woman faced—situations exactly like today.
She loathed men. She had androphobia. She couldn't handle physical contact. That was why, since her rebirth, she carried a dagger every single day.
See? Does that sound like a crazy person?
She didn't care. She never claimed to be sane.
Crazy people had their own ways of surviving, and she was just following hers.
As for the agent... well, the moment she stepped into that empty office, she had turned on her phone's voice recorder. She'd bought the gear the day after her rebirth for situations exactly like this.
It was a symptom of her total distrust of men. Alone in a room with a man? Record everything.
That was her survival strategy. If people didn't mess with her, she wouldn't mess with them.
But with men, her guard was up 100% of the time.
She didn't reveal the recording then and there. If she did, she might not get to see Sinéad tomorrow. She needed to see the singer to expose this disgusting agent and prevent him from harming other girls.
After Eva left, the agent worried briefly that she might badmouth him to Sinéad.
But he figured Sinéad wouldn't believe her. Who would she trust? Her agent of many years, or some unknown rookie director?
Sinéad wouldn't take Eva's word over his.
He decided he needed to see Eva at the interview. He wanted to watch Sinéad reject her. He wanted Eva to know the price of offending him.
Thinking about that made him feel a little better.
That girl... daring to treat me like that. She has to pay.
The next day, Eva arrived at the venue on time for the formal interview.
The agent was waiting at the registration desk. When he saw Eva, he gave her a nasty look. "Eva Codi. Surprised you dared to show up. What, think you can tattle on me? Think anyone will believe you? You're going to eat your words today."
Eva gave him a cold, mocking smile. "We'll see who eats what."
The agent threatened her viciously. "You're a psycho. Seriously, go see a doctor. You're mentally ill."
Eva signed in and ignored him completely, walking to the waiting area without another word.
Meanwhile, before Eva entered the room, the agent had been whispering in Sinéad's ear.
"This girl has zero experience. I really don't think she's suitable. Apart from that one contest short, she's got nothing. The other candidates are much more experienced."
Sinéad glanced at Eva's resume and hesitated. "True, the resume is thin. But that short film was quite good. I still want to see her."
Sinéad waved Eva in.
As Eva walked in, she saw the agent glaring at her, silently promising retribution.
Eva ignored him and turned her attention to Sinéad.
Sinéad, sporting her signature shaved head, smiled and looked Eva over. "Hello, Eva. Honestly, when I stumbled upon your short film, I was conquered."
Eva bowed her head modestly. "You're too kind."
"It wasn't the long take, actually," Sinéad continued. "It was the color. The kaleidoscope of colors moved me. I think you're a master of color."
She went on, praising the specific palette Eva had used. "I feel like you're the ideal director for the tone I want in my new video. Tell me, if you were to shoot a video about 'apocalyptic destruction,' how would you approach it?"
Eva spoke up suddenly. "Absolutely, I can answer that. But before I do, there is something I hope you will listen to first, Ms. O'Connor."
When Eva played the recording of the agent's voice from her phone, his face turned green.
Fuck. Eva Codi really was crazy.
What normal woman records everything? Who carries a knife?
This was a scorched-earth tactic. By doing this, she was also proving she was unstable. Why would Sinéad hire a psycho as a director?
This woman... her personality was extreme, and she was clearly disturbed.
What kind of demon did I just provoke?