Chapter Three

The Interview

Valenticia's POV:

My entire body ached, but it was nothing compared to the burning need to make it to Sledger Inc. 

I had to secure this job because it was my only chance to rebuild my life. When the driver stepped out of the car, his eyes wide with concern, I forced myself to stand.

“Are you okay, miss?” He asked, his voice a mixture of worry and disbelief.

I nodded, clutching my throbbing arm. “I’m fine. I... I just need to get to my interview.”

“Are you sure? You might need a hospital.”

“No, please. Just help me up.” I pleaded. “I can’t afford to be late.”

He hesitated, then extended a hand. His grip was firm as he pulled me to my feet. “You’re bleeding.”

I wiped my scraped knee. “Thank you.”

Without another word, I resumed my race, ignoring the protests of my body.

When I finally reached Sledger Inc., I was a few minutes late. My chest heaved as I pushed through the glass doors.

Relief flooded me when I saw a few more interviewees waiting, and I sank into a seat, my breaths ragged.

“Yikes.” A voice beside me sneered.

I turned to see a young woman, her lips painted red, her dress more suited for a runway than an interview. She looked me up and down, a cruel smile curling her lips.

“Did you run here?” She whispered, just loud enough for the others to hear. “Or did you get hit by a truck?”

I bit back a retort, drawing in a calming breath. This was not the time. I needed to focus.

I closed my eyes, mentally rehearsing answers to potential questions. 

Strengths, weaknesses, where I saw myself in five years. Anything to keep my mind off the judgmental stares.

“Valenticia Galden.” A voice called.

My eyes snapped open. I stood, smoothing down my crumpled blouse, and walked into the interview room.

The panel consisted of three interviewers—a middle-aged woman with sharp glasses, a man with salt-and-pepper hair, and a younger woman who tapped her pen rhythmically against a notepad.

“Good morning.” I greeted, forcing my voice to remain calm.

The woman with the glasses offered a tight smile. “Take a seat, Ms. Galden.”

“Thank you.” I sat, clasping my hands in my lap.

The man leaned forward. “Tell us a little about yourself.”

I drew a breath. “I’m Valenticia Marielle Galden. I recently relocated to Seryne and am eager to contribute my skills in administration and organization. I believe my ability to adapt and my dedication would be an asset to your team.”

“What drew you to Sledger Inc.?” The younger woman asked.

“I admire the company's consistent growth and its reputation for valuing employees. I want to be part of a team that not only challenges me but also helps me grow.” I replied.

The middle-aged man’s question followed. “Your resume shows a one-year gap. Can you explain what happened during that period?”

“Of course. During that time, I was dealing with a personal setback. Instead of letting it define me, I focused on self-improvement. I took online courses in business administration, volunteered at a local community centre, and honed my organizational skills. It was a humbling experience, but it reinforced my resilience and adaptability.”

The man seemed persistent because his questions were unending. “Sledger Inc. values innovation and forward-thinking. Have you ever had to think outside the box to solve a problem?”

“Certainly. In my previous role, our team faced a critical issue with inventory management. Traditional methods weren’t providing the efficiency we needed. I proposed integrating a low-cost inventory tracking software and trained the team to use it. Within a month, we reduced processing time by 30% and minimized errors significantly.”

“We often work under tight deadlines and high pressure, so how do you plan to handle stress?” He continued.

“I believe in structured approaches to manage stress. I prioritize tasks, break them into manageable steps, and keep a cool head.”

“What if you were assigned a task you had no prior experience with? How would you handle it?” He inquired.

“I see unfamiliar tasks as opportunities. My first step would be to research thoroughly and learn as much as possible. I’d also seek guidance from colleagues or supervisors if needed.”

He was about to ask me another question but the older woman raised her hands up, halting him. “Sledger Inc. is a competitive environment. What makes you stand out from other candidates?” She asked.

“My story.” I began. “I’ve faced adversity, but instead of allowing it to hinder me, I’ve used it to drive me forward. I’m not only adaptable but also deeply empathetic, which helps me connect with people and understand diverse perspectives. I bring not just skills but a perspective that blends perseverance with a fresh, innovative approach. I believe that every challenge is an opportunity, and I’m ready to bring that mindset to Sledger Inc.”

The panel exchanged glances. For a moment, my heart thudded painfully, but then the woman with the glasses nodded.

“Welcome to Sledger Inc., Ms. Hale. You can start tomorrow.”

Relief washed over me. “Thank you! I promise I won’t let you down.”

When I returned to my tiny apartment, I undressed, intending to wash off the dirt and grime of the day. That’s when I noticed it—my necklace was missing its pendant.

“No,” I whispered, my fingers brushing the empty chain.

I scoured every corner of my room, but deep down, I already knew where it was. The accident. It must have fallen off then.

Tears welled up in my eyes. It wasn’t just a pendant. It was the only link to my past. I had no memory of my life from when I was six years old, only the necklace and a name behind the pendant: Valenticia.

But as much as it hurt, I had to let go. 

My present was what mattered now. And I shouldn't dwell on a past that didn't matter anymore.

Exhausted, I slipped into the cold shower. There was no food in the house, and my empty stomach twisted painfully. But I was too tired to care.

The next morning, when I arrived at Sledger Inc., I was directed to my department, and the moment I walked in, a cold shiver ran down my spine.

“Valenticia Galden.” The voice was too familiar.

My breath caught as I faced Claudia Monroe. Her platinum blonde hair was pulled back into a bun, and her red lips twisted into a smirk. She used to be my senior in high school, and she loved to bully me.

“Welcome.” She said, with a smirk.

“Thank you.” I managed.

She turned to the room, her voice a sickly-sweet melody. “Everyone, meet our new clerk, Valenticia Galden.”

The introductions went by quickly. Some faces lit up with curiosity, while others wore thinly veiled disdain. 

After that, I was shown to my desk when two women approached me. “So... you’re really Dmitri’s ex-wife?” One of them asked.

I forced a smile. “I’m not obligated to discuss my personal life.”

Their expressions soured, and they stalked off, their whispers now laced with malice.

Days passed, each one a new trial under Claudia’s watchful eye. She assigned me impossible tasks, criticized my work openly, and often made me redo simple files.

Today, however, I was determined to prove myself. I entered the office, with my head held high, only for a slap to explode across my cheek.

My hand flew to my face as my gaze landed on Claudia, whose hands were still raised. “Where is the Urban Development Blueprint, Valenticia?”

I blinked, confused. “I... I don’t know. I placed it on your desk as demanded.”

Her lips curled. “Are you calling me a liar?”

“N-no, but—”

She stepped closer. “Pack your things and leave.”