Chapter Four: The Interview

Ruby’s POV

One week later.

I sat on my bed with my laptop open, refreshing my email over and over again. My heart was beating faster than it should. Ever since that night at the bar, my life had felt like it was hanging by a thread. I needed something good to happen. Anything.

Then I saw it.

The subject line made my breath catch.

Congratulations – You Have Been Selected for the Position at Blackwood Holdings.

I stared at the screen for a few seconds, almost afraid it would disappear if I blinked. My hands started shaking as I opened the email and read it carefully. I had been hired. Not just for any random job, but for a position at one of the biggest companies in the city.

Blackwood Holdings.

A soft laugh left my lips before I could stop it. For the first time in days, I felt something other than pain. After everything with Ethan… after walking in on him and Lisa… after that reckless night with a stranger I still couldn’t stop thinking about… maybe things were finally starting to turn around.

God really knew how to take a broken situation and turn it into something better.

I barely slept that night. My mind kept racing with thoughts of the next day. I woke up before my alarm even rang, my stomach tight with a mix of excitement and nervousness. I stood in front of my wardrobe for a long time, carefully choosing what to wear. I needed to look professional, but not like I was trying too hard. After changing three times, I finally settled on a simple but neat outfit.

I took extra time with my makeup and hair. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I almost didn’t recognize the girl staring back. She looked hopeful again.

I left the house early and took a taxi. As the city passed by the window, I kept telling myself not to get too excited. But it was hard. This job meant stability. It meant I wouldn’t have to keep drowning in the memories of Ethan’s betrayal. It meant I could finally start using the degree I worked so hard for.

When the tall glass building came into view, my heart skipped a beat. Blackwood Holdings looked even more impressive in person. Clean. Powerful. Expensive. I paid the driver and stood outside for a moment, taking a deep breath before walking in.

The lobby was quiet and elegant. Everything about the place screamed money and success. I walked up to the receptionist with a polite smile, trying to hide how nervous I actually felt.

“Good morning,” I said. “I’m here for an interview.”

She looked up from her computer and checked something on her screen. “Miss Ruby?”

“Yes, that’s me.”

She smiled politely. “You’re right on time. Please take the elevator to the second floor. The interviewer is already waiting for you.”

I thanked her and walked toward the elevator, my heels clicking softly against the polished floor. As the doors closed, I pressed a hand against my stomach, trying to calm myself. This was it. One good interview and my life could start moving forward again.

When I reached the second floor, I found the office easily. I stood in front of the door for a second longer than necessary, then knocked.

“Come in.”

I stepped inside.

A young man was sitting behind a large desk. He looked to be in his late twenties or early thirties, well-dressed and professional. For a second, his face felt vaguely familiar, but I quickly pushed the thought away. There was no reason I would know anyone who worked in a place like this.

“Have a seat, Miss Ruby,” he said politely.

I sat down carefully, placing my hands on my lap so he wouldn’t notice they were slightly trembling.

“My name is James,” he continued, offering his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

I shook it. “Thank you, sir. It’s nice to meet you too.”

He glanced at the papers in front of him. “I’ve already gone through your CV. You have a solid background, and you seem like a strong fit for the position we’re looking to fill.”

I blinked, a little surprised. I had expected more questions. Harder ones.

“If you have any questions in the future or need anything while settling in, feel free to ask,” he added with a small smile.

That was it?

No long interview. No difficult questions about my experience or strengths. Just like that… I was hired?

I forced myself to stay calm and professional even though excitement was already bubbling in my chest.

“Thank you so much for this opportunity,” I said. “I look forward to working with you.”

“Your first day starts tomorrow,” James replied. “We’re looking forward to seeing what you can do.”

“I’ll give it my best,” I promised.

He nodded. “We’re done here then. Thank you.”

I stood up, thanked him again, and walked out of the office. The moment the door closed behind me, I let out a quiet breath I didn’t realize I had been holding.

I had done it.

I kept my expression neutral as I walked back through the lobby and stepped outside the building. But the second I was far enough away, a wide smile broke across my face.

“I did it,” I whispered to myself, almost laughing. Then a little louder, “I really did it!”

For the first time in a long while, something good had finally happened. I walked down the sidewalk with light steps, my mind already filling with thoughts of tomorrow — my first day, the work I would do, the new life I was about to start.

I was so caught up in my happiness that I didn’t notice the pair of eyes watching me from a black car parked a short distance away.