CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER ONE

““Lara Finn,” the pretty secretary called, hanging up the phone.

“Yes, I’m here,” I replied nervously.

“You’re next for the interview,” she said, eyeing me from head to toe.

I knew my outfit was perfectly appropriate for a job interview—a pair of brown wide-leg trousers, a black T-shirt, black heels, and a matching bag. I knew my fashion well.

I pushed open the brown mahogany door and stepped into the office. It was much colder than the reception—and huge.

Wait… one, two, three… six?

Six interviewers?

I’m doomed.

I was sure the shock was written all over my face. This was my third interview in eight months, and none had been like this. Then again, this was a huge company, what was I expecting?

I swallowed hard as I walked to the center of the room, facing the long table where the panel sat.

“Good day, sirs and ma,” I greeted, trying to sound confident, but my voice came out shaky.

“Please, have your seat, Miss Finn,” the only woman among them said.

“Thank you,” I replied, sitting in the lone chair opposite them.

“So, Miss Finn, I’ve gone through your CV, and it’s almost empty,” a middle-aged man said, studying me like a lecturer addressing a lazy student.

I swallowed hard. What did he mean empty?

“Sir, it’s three pages long,” I said, surprised that my voice was steady this time.

“I don’t see any job experience here,” he replied. “So yes, it’s empty. Didn’t you read the job requirements? Five years of experience in any white-collar job.”

What is wrong with this man? I'm sure he's the weapon fashioned against me today.

“Well, I believe everyone has to start somewhere…..”

“Is this your first interview?” another man cut in, and honestly, I was so glad did

“No, sir.”

“Hm.”

Am I cooked?

“Let’s begin. Since you lack experience, we’ll test your problem-solving skills. If productivity suddenly drops, how would you investigate the cause?”

“I would start by identifying where the drop is happening,” I said, more confidently now. “Then I’d review recent changes,staffing, processes, or external factors. After that, I’d gather feedback from employees and analyze performance data to pinpoint the issue before suggesting solutions.”

The panel exchanged brief glances.

“Hm. Okay,” one of them said.

Another question followed. It wasn’t as easy as the first, but I did my best, drawing from what I had learned from previous interviews.

The session lasted about twenty minutes.

As soon as I stepped out and the door clicked shut behind me, I let out a long breath I didn’t realize I had been holding.

Please let this be the one.

I was tired.Tired of depending on my parents and sister. At twenty-eight, I still hadn’t secured a job despite six years of trying.

I walked out of the seventeen-storey skyscraper, and a cool breeze hit my face. It felt like a small release from the weight I’d been carrying all day.

I turned on my phone, and messages immediately started popping up from my family, my best friend, and Chris.

I stopped a taxi.

“Aubrey Street,” I told the driver.

Then I called my best friend.

“Hey, bestie!” Sadie squealed from the other end.

“Hey, girl,” I said, smiling. Sadie and I had been friends since childhood for over twenty years now.

“How was the interview? Did you get the job?”

“I don’t know yet,” I sighed, leaning back. “It started really badly, but they said I should wait for their response within twenty-four hours.”

“Aww, babe. I’m sure it’ll be fine. Who knows? This might finally be your first job.”

I let out a small, tired laugh.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with me, Sadie. I couldn’t even get a cashier job at a pizza place. I’m honestly fed up.”

“You’re not the problem, Lara. It’s their loss,” she said firmly.

I smiled faintly, but before I could respond, my phone buzzed again.

Chris.

“I’ll call you back, Sadie. Chris is calling.”

“Oooh!” she teased before hanging up.

I shook my head, smiling, then answered.

“Hello, babe.”

“Lara,” Chris’s voice came through, warm and familiar. “How was the interview?”

“It was exhausting,” I admitted. “But I tried my best… like always.”

“Hey,” he said softly, “you’re hardworking. One of these companies will see that. And if this one doesn’t work out, we’ll keep trying until something fits, okay?”

Just like that, some of the heaviness lifted.

“I love you so much, Chris.”

“I love you more,” he replied. “We’re still seeing each other tonight, right?”

“Of course,” I said, smiling.

“Alright, I’ll call you later. I love you, Lara Finn.”

“I love you too.”

The call ended, and I found myself smiling all the way home.

When I got back, my parents were in the living room, as usual. Retirement had made them almost permanently available.

They asked about the interview casually, almost out of routine.

I gave them a brief answer and headed to my room.

It used to be shared with my sister before she got married. Now, it felt too quiet.

I dropped onto the bed, exhausted.

The next thing I knew, I was asleep.

The buzzing of my phone pulled me awake.

Chris.

I blinked, confused. How long had I been asleep?

“Babe, were you sleeping?” he asked.

“Yeah… I must’ve dozed off,” I said, sitting up. “Are you outside already?”

“No, I’m really sorry. I won’t be able to make it tonight. I have to work overtime.”

“Oh,” I said, trying not to sound disappointed. “That’s okay. I’ll just go out with Sadie instead. Don’t stress yourself too much.”

“I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”

“I know you will.”

“Goodnight, babe. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

I checked the time.

7:26 PM.

I had slept for almost four hours.

I quickly got ready. Showered, dressed, and did light makeup.

I wore a yellow halter-neck dress with an open back that stopped above my knees. The dress of showing off my smooth and perfectly shaped back. Simple, but elegant.

After styling my hair, I picked up my phone and called Sadie.

She couldn’t make it either.

Perfect.

I stared at my reflection.

I looked too good to stay home.

“Fine,” I muttered. “I’m going out alone.”

I grabbed my purse, took one last look in the mirror, and headed out.

I borrowed my dad’s Mazda MX-5 and drove into the night.

A club sounded like a good idea.