Chapter 1

~Kimberly's POV~

~~~

Today was definitely not going to be a good day. First I wake up late, and now I couldn’t find my freaking wallet.

I had an interview at a very huge company, Maxwell Telecommunications Empire in town. All Thanks to my aunt who found a source to this job.

I recently graduated from college and life has been tough for us so I really needed this job to help out my family.

“Bailey, Bryan...have you guys seen my wallet anywhere?” I called out to my younger siblings, who were spooning cereal into their mouths at the kitchen table. “I’ve looked everywhere.”

“Have you checked the couch?” Bryan asked. “You were sitting there last night.”

I dashed over and, sure enough, my wallet lay right where I’d left it.

Since our parents died, my aunt took it upon herself to take care of my siblings and I. And I will forever be indebted to her. But now it was my turn to take care of them.

“Okay, I’m all set,” I said, mentally ticking items off my list. “Documents and files...check. Corporate outfit...check. Wallet...check. Am I missing anything else?”

“You’re not,” my Aunt Judy said, glancing at the clock. “But you’d better leave now, or they’ll turn you away for being late. The interview’s at nine, it’s already seven-fifteen, and you know how far the company is. It’ll take you almost two hours to get there.”

“I know, I know. You’re right.” I grabbed my bag and flashed them a nervous smile. “Wish me luck, everyone. We really need this job.”

Aunt Judy and my siblings reached out and patted my head for good luck. I waved one last time.

“Bye, guys!”

I stepped outside, closed the door behind me, and immediately broke into a run. I had to reach the bus station fast enough to catch the seven o’clock bus into the city.

Thankfully, I was a fast runner. Back in high school I’d run track, and the team had nicknamed me Zoom for a reason.

After a few breathless minutes, I caught up with the bus just as the doors were about to close. I swiped my card, found a seat by the window, and leaned my forehead against the cool glass, letting the air dry the sweat trickling down my face.

The ride felt endless, but we finally rolled into the main city. I hopped off at the bus stop and flagged down the first taxi that slowed.

While the driver wove through traffic, I flipped through my documents one more time. Everything was still in order. Good.

When we reached the company gate, I paid the fare and continued on foot only authorized vehicles were allowed inside. I explained my purpose to the security officers, filled out the visitor forms, had my photo taken, and submitted to a thorough check for weapons.

Talk about tight security.

Once I cleared the checkpoint, I stepped into the main building and stopped dead.

It was gigantic. Breathtaking. I had never seen anything so beautiful in my life.

If the outside was this stunning, what would the inside be like?

My eyes drifted to my wristwatch. 9:45 a.m.

Oh no.

I was late..very late. I sprinted inside, and the moment I crossed the threshold my breath caught again.

I was in heaven. This had to be it.

I tilted my head back, staring up at the soaring ceiling and the elegant architectural details. My gaze swept slowly from one corner to the next, mouth slightly open in awe. A smile spread across my face; the sheer beauty of the place made my eyes sting with unexpected emotion.

I kept looking up, drinking it all in one last time before forcing myself to keep moving until I noticed someone watching me.

My eyes locked with a very handsome man standing on the upper-level balcony, looking straight down at me. His gaze was steady, intense, and more than a little intimidating.

I broke eye contact and glanced around, wondering if he was actually staring at someone behind me. But everyone nearby was hurrying in different directions, too busy to notice.

When I looked up again, he was still watching me. He arched an eyebrow. I arched mine right back.

Who is he? An employee? An executive?

After a long moment of mutual staring, I decided I had wasted enough time. I turned toward the elevator, pressed the call button, and gave the stranger one final glance before the doors slid shut.

The interview waiting area was packed. I stood there feeling like a lost puppy until I spotted the reception desk.

“Excuse me,” I asked the secretary, “is this where the interviews are being held?”

She looked me up and down, adjusted her glasses with a condescending flick, and answered coolly, “Yes. And you are?”

“I’m here for the interview,” I said, offering my brightest smile.

She scoffed. “You’re late. We aren’t accepting any more candidates.”

My stomach dropped. “What? No please. I’m so sorry about being late. It’s entirely my fault, and I take full responsibility. But I’m begging you… please let me in. Please.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t help you. Good day.” She turned back to her computer, dismissing me completely.

I stood there, stunned. My famous pouty face had never failed me before. Apparently, today it had met its match.

Defeated, I walked to the far end of the row of chairs and sat down. My mind spiraled. How was I supposed to go home and tell Aunt Judy I had blown the one opportunity she had pulled strings to get me? This was a once in a lifetime chance, and I had wasted it because I couldn’t wake up on time.

I watched candidate after candidate disappear into the interview room and reappear a short while later. Eventually, only one girl remained.

“Hey,” she said, noticing me tucked away in the corner. “Aren’t you here for the interview too? Why are you sitting so far back?”

“I got here a little late,” I answered quietly. “They said they’re not taking any more people.”

“Oh… that’s too bad. I’m sorry.”

She gave me a sympathetic smile. A minute later her name was called. Her interview was quick, and when she came out she was accompanied by a man in an impeccably tailored suit. He had to be the interviewer. She pointed in my direction, and he looked straight at me.

My heart leaped.

The man motioned for me to come forward. I jumped up and practically ran over.

“I believe you’re the last one?” he asked.

“Yes, sir,” I said, nodding eagerly.

“All right. Come in.”

“Thank you, sir!”

We stepped into the office and sat across from each other at a large conference table.

“Hand me your files, please.”

I passed them over. He scanned the pages, then looked up.

“So, Miss Kimberly… why should we give you this job?”

I took a steadying breath and answered honestly. “Because this is my dream job. I’ve wanted to work in a company like this since I was a little girl. I know I’ll be diligent, enthusiastic, and completely committed. This position means everything to me, and I will take it very, very seriously.”

He made a note on my résumé. “How will you manage the commute? According to your address, it’s quite a distance.”

“The distance won’t be a problem,” I said firmly. “This job is important enough to me that I’d wake up at three in the morning if I had to. Motivation like that gets you anywhere.”

He studied my documents for another moment, then closed the folder.

“That’ll be all. Thank you.”

I blinked. “We’re done already? Oh—okay. Thank you so much for the opportunity, sir. Even if I don’t get the job, just being inside this building today… it feels like I’m one step closer to my dreams. So thank you.”

I stood, gave him a small bow of gratitude, and left the office.

Once the door closed behind me, I let out a long, shaky breath.

What on earth was that speech? Stupid, Kim.

I waved at the secretary on my way out even though she ignored me again and stepped into the elevator. The moment I left the building, I allowed myself one last admiring look at the stunning architecture before heading toward the gate.

I walked a short distance before spotting a taxi. The second I slid into the back seat, I exhaled again, heavier this time.

I couldn’t wait to get home.

Now all I could do was wait and see what tomorrow would bring.