ログインElara's POV“They actually chose me.”I was still smiling at the offer letter when Kai entered the study. Caroline had called yesterday morning, and the written offer had arrived that afternoon. I'd accepted the proposed terms earlier today, but I couldn't stop reading them.The salary was better than I'd expected, with medical coverage, paid leave and a housing allowance. I'd have to live in Westhaven for at least six months, but the position itself wasn't limited to that period.“Are you going to frame that letter?” Kai asked, leaning over my chair.“Maybe. I worked hard for this, Kai. Even when I forgot those transportation costs during the assessment, I managed to explain how I'd fix the budget.”“And they clearly liked your answer.” He kissed my cheek. “Now, can I borrow my wife for the weekend?”The foundation still needed to complete its employment checks, and my proposed start date was several weeks away. I closed my laptop and stood.“Give me twenty minutes.”“You said that t
Kai's POV“You're sure you won't be bored waiting for me?”Elara checked her handbag again as our driver stopped outside the Westhaven Community Development Foundation. It was Thursday morning, and she'd spent most of the journey rehearsing answers to questions nobody had asked her yet.“I have enough work to keep me occupied until tomorrow,” I assured her. “I've arranged a private workspace at a hotel nearby.”“You could have stayed in Blackmoon.”“And let you explore Westhaven without me?” I took her hand before she could check her documents again. “Everything you need is in that bag, Elara. You've checked.”“Four times.”“Five, actually. I was counting.”She laughed, although I could feel how cold her fingers were.“You'll be fine,” I told her. “And if something goes wrong, don't panic. You've handled worse situations than an assessment.”“That's easy for you to say. Nobody's asking you to prove you deserve your job.”I smiled. “You'd be surprised how often that happens.”She leane
Elara's POV“Mrs. Draven, I think your microphone is muted.”My stomach dropped. I'd barely begun answering Caroline Reed's first question when she interrupted me. I quickly clicked the microphone icon, embarrassed that I'd made such a mistake before the interview had properly started.“I'm sorry, Caroline. I should have checked that.”“Don't worry about it,” she replied with a reassuring smile. “I was asking how you would manage a community assistance programme when applications exceed the available funding.”I glanced at the notes beside my laptop before answering.“I'd review the applications according to their urgency and the programme's eligibility requirements. But financial assistance shouldn't be our only response. Some families might benefit more from employment referrals, childcare support or access to existing services.”Patricia, another member of the interview panel, leaned forward.“Suppose a mother has been waiting three weeks for assistance, only to discover that your
Elara's POV“Are you going to eat that toast, or are you hoping it'll answer the interview questions for you?”I looked up from my plate. Kai sat opposite me, looking entirely too pleased with himself for a man who had watched me practise answers until midnight.“I'm thinking,” I said. “Some of us have important things to do today.”“And some of us have checked the clock five times since breakfast arrived.” He slid the jam toward me. “Eat something, Elara. Caroline won't judge you for being nervous.”“She might judge me for forgetting everything I know.”“Then tell her you were distracted by your extraordinarily handsome husband.”I laughed despite myself. “That would certainly end the interview quickly.”Kai reached across the table and squeezed my hand. “You know your proposal better than anyone. Answer what they ask, and don't pretend to know something you don't.”Later, I sat before my laptop in the study. Kai kissed my cheek and left me to take the call alone.Caroline introduced
Elara's POVI looked at Kai, unsure how to answer. He had asked the question so calmly, but the way he held my hand told me he cared about the answer. Until tonight, I had assumed we both understood that our marriage would end eventually.“Do you want me to leave?” I asked.“No.” His answer came without hesitation. “But I want to know what you want, Elara. You've spent months worrying about everyone else's expectations. I'm asking about yours.”I glanced at the employment conditions on the desk. A few hours ago, I'd been excited about the possibility of working in Westhaven. Now I was wondering whether taking the job meant risking the happiest part of my life.“I wanted to leave when we first married,” I admitted. “Not because you treated me badly. I just couldn't imagine staying somewhere I wasn't supposed to belong.”“And now?”“Now I look forward to having breakfast with you. I wait for you to come home, and I get annoyed when your meetings run late.” I gave him an embarrassed smil
Elara's POV“Someone wants to interview me?” I asked, looking up from my breakfast.Kai nodded. “Gideon received a call from the Westhaven Community Development Foundation this morning. Their director saw the family assistance proposal you prepared for Blackmoon and wants to speak with you.”“Who sent it to them?” I asked, setting down my fork. I had never approached an organisation outside Blackmoon about employment.“Mrs. Bennett. She said you'd given her permission to share it with other community organisations.”I remembered agreeing when Mrs. Bennett asked whether she could circulate my proposal. I'd expected suggestions or feedback, not an invitation to apply for a job.“They're interested because of my work?” I asked, hardly believing it.“That's what their director said. Gideon gave them your number, but he made it clear that you would decide whether to pursue it.”My phone rang before I could respond. The caller introduced herself as Caroline Reed, director of the Westhaven C







