Chapter two: The Door to Another World

The city felt different when you had a problem you couldn’t ignore.

Ammie noticed it immediately.

The same streets she had walked so many times now seemed louder, faster… almost impatient. Cars rushed past, people moved with purpose, and towering buildings stretched endlessly into the sky—as if reminding her just how small she was.

And how far she had to go.

She tightened her grip on her bag as she stepped through the glass doors of the company building, her reflection briefly staring back at her.

Neat blouse. Simple skirt. Low heels.

Not expensive.

But presentable.

That was enough.

Or at least… she hoped so.

“Good morning,” the receptionist said politely, though her eyes flickered with quiet assessment.

“Good morning,” Ammie replied, her voice steady.

“I’m here for the interview.”

The woman nodded and gestured toward a waiting area. “Have a seat. You’ll be called shortly.”

Ammie sat down, smoothing her skirt as she glanced around.

Everything was… polished.

Marble floors. Soft lighting. People walking confidently in tailored suits, speaking in low, professional tones. Even the air felt expensive.

She exhaled slowly.

You belong here, she told herself.

Even if a small part of her didn’t believe it yet.

Minutes passed.

Then—

“Miss Ammie?”

She looked up quickly.

A man in a dark suit stood before her. “They’re ready for you.”

Her heart skipped once.

“Thank you.”

She stood, following him down a quiet hallway. Each step felt heavier than the last, but she kept her head high.

This mattered.

More than anything right now.

They stopped in front of a door.

“Go in.”

Ammie nodded and pushed it open.

Three people sat inside.

Two women. One man.

Formal. Observant.

Judging.

“Good morning,” she said, offering a polite smile.

“Good morning. Please, have a seat.”

The interview began.

Questions came—about her studies, her skills, her experience.

She answered carefully. Honestly.

She didn’t try to sound like someone she wasn’t.

And maybe that was what made them listen.

Or maybe…

It was something else.

Because halfway through her answer to a question, Ammie felt it.

A shift.

Subtle.

But real.

The air in the room changed.

One of the interviewers straightened slightly.

Another glanced toward the door.

Then—

A quiet click.

The door opened.

Ammie turned.

And everything seemed to pause.

He walked in like he owned not just the room… but everything connected to it.

Tall. Composed. Effortlessly commanding.

His presence alone demanded attention.

The kind of man people didn’t ignore.

The kind of man people adjusted themselves for.

Ammie’s breath caught slightly.

Not because of how he looked—

But because of how he felt.

Powerful.

Dangerously calm.

“Sir,” one of the interviewers said quickly, standing up.

The others followed.

Ammie remained seated for half a second too long before realizing—and immediately stood up as well.

“I wasn’t informed you’d be joining us,” the man continued.

The newcomer said nothing at first.

His eyes had already settled on her.

On Ammie.

Sharp. Observant.

Unreadable.

Then, finally—

“Continue,” he said calmly, his voice low but firm.

He took a seat at the far end of the table, his gaze never leaving her.

Ammie swallowed.

Something about this wasn’t normal.

This wasn’t just another observer.

No—

This man was something else entirely.

She could feel it.

The interview resumed, but it didn’t feel the same anymore.

Every answer she gave now felt… weighed.

Measured.

By him.

“Why do you want this position?” one of the panelists asked.

Ammie hesitated for a fraction of a second.

Then she spoke.

“I need it.”

Honest.

Simple.

The room went quiet.

One of the women shifted slightly, as if expecting more.

But Ammie didn’t add anything.

Because that was the truth.

And for some reason—

The man at the end of the table leaned back slightly, a faint, almost invisible interest flickering in his eyes.

For the first time since he walked in…

He looked intrigued.

“Interesting,” he said softly.

Ammie’s heart beat faster.

She didn’t know why.

But something told her—

This moment…

This exact moment…

Had just changed the direction of her life.