Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Lana

We finally made it to the reception area. Seeing the number of people waiting, I almost gave up.

I stood still, staring at the crowd. If this were the past, I would have turned around and gone back home. But this time, I'm not going to make the same mistake of underestimating myself.

I am lucky to have been given another chance at life, and this time I'll fight with everything in me. In this lifetime, I'm giving myself everything I deserve. I refuse to shrink myself or hide.

"Sit down."

He gently pulled me down beside him, and we both took our seats. I could literally hear my heart pounding. Almost everyone here was carrying a CV. It was no surprise that half of them were probably highly educated.

"Is everything okay?" he whispered.

At that moment, my eyes drifted to his hands, and I realized he wasn't carrying any file or documents.

"Where's your CV?" I whispered, covering my mouth.

"No. Why?"

"Because almost everyone else here has one."

Hearing my words, his eyes roamed around the room.

"That's true. Where's yours?"

"I don't have one, but I'm hardworking. I don't know if that counts."

"Seriously? You're searching for a job in a place like this without a CV, and all you can say is that you're hardworking?"

"I'm smart too. You can trust me. I dropped out of school."

"Why?" His eyes searched mine.

"Forget about me. Where's yours?" I gestured to his empty hands.

"Oh, about that... I have the same reason as you."

I almost burst out laughing, but remembering we weren't alone and this was a workplace, I quickly muffled it.

"What position are you applying for?"

"CEO."

"Tell me you're joking." I bit back another laugh.

"Yeah, you're right." He sighed.

"I actually don't have any specific position in mind. Anything is okay with me, as long as I'm getting paid."

"Are you that unambitious?"

Trust me, this is the highest I've ever aimed, I muttered to myself.

"Mmm... not really. I just want to prove myself. I want to take things one step at a time. I want to learn, grow, and eventually go back to school."

"Really?"

"That's why I'm taking it slow. My dream is actually to become a hotelier. I made a huge mistake in the past that cost me so much. This feels like the last chance I have to make everything right. I can't afford to be greedy. I don't want to mess it up. This is the only lifetime I have to rewrite my past."

"This is 2026, yet you sound like an old soul."

"Really? What kind of vibe am I giving?"

"Probably a millennial... or even older."

"That's not bad."

"I didn't say it was. You just sound like someone carrying a lot of regrets."

"Hmm..." I paused. "You're not right, but you're also not wrong. I did have regrets, but not anymore. This time, I can make everything right. So instead of saying I still have regrets, I'd rather say I've learned a lot of lessons."

"Ohhh."

"Yeah."

A woman dressed in a perfectly tailored Italian suit walked in. Her gaze immediately landed on us, and for some reason, I felt like she was staring at me for far too long.

"I'm going to use the restroom."

"But the interview is about to start," I whispered.

"I know. I'll be back. I'm nervous. I just need a moment to pull myself together."

"Be fast."

"Sure."

He flashed me a smile before walking away.

I sighed worriedly. Of all times to go to the restroom, why now?

The staff soon began calling numbers, and panic settled inside me. It was then that I realized I didn't even know his name.

I kept looking toward the entrance, hoping to see him walk back in, but he never did.

I couldn't just sit there doing nothing.

I stood up and hurried out. It was my first time in this building, so I had no idea where the restroom was. I wandered through the hallways in circles until I came across a female staff member dressed in a black suit.

"Excuse me, can I..."

I hadn't even finished speaking before she glared at me and walked away.

"Always the female ones, thinking the world revolves around them just because they work in places like this."

I needed to go back already.

I couldn't find the restroom, and now I was completely lost. I didn't even know the way back to the reception room.

"Oh my goodness, what do I do?"

I rubbed my sweaty palms together, pacing back and forth in panic.

"Hello, ma'am."

I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder and turned around.

A man stood behind me. He was dressed in a black suit, but for some reason, I didn't think he worked here. He was broad and muscular, like one of those security guards who protect wealthy people. A clear security earpiece disappeared behind his ear, and dark sunglasses covered his eyes. He stood perfectly composed and alert.

"Are you looking for directions? Do you need any help?"

I knew I probably shouldn't be talking to a complete stranger who clearly didn't look like a staff member, but this wasn't the time to worry about what was right or wrong.

"I need to get back to the reception room. I can't miss my interview."

"This way, ma'am."

He immediately led the way while I hurried after him.

As soon as we pushed through the familiar door, I heard my number.

"Number 109."

"Right here!" I answered immediately.

"You can go in for your interview," the female staff member said, pointing toward another door.

Just as I was about to enter, a thought crossed my mind.

I stopped and turned to the man who had guided me.

"Thank you so much. I came with a friend who went to use the restroom. I think he might have gotten lost too. If you happen to see him, could you please guide him here? I'd really appreciate it."

"Sure, ma'am." He nodded.

I smiled gratefully before walking toward the door.

The door that marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

I'm changing my story for good.

I need to pass.

No...

I MUST PASS.

My son lowered himself to be with you

You're the reason why my son’s life was destroyed 

You're the worst mistake my son made

Today, I'm going to become a new version of Lana Mayas,