Chapter One

AN OFFER OF A LIFETIME

Sierra walked through the corridors of the research center with a knot in her stomach. It was just after midday on a Friday in the midst of summer; she was preparing to go home early after a successful week when a member of her junior staff informed her that the Chief of Staff requested her presence in his office. 

You’d think she was nervous about what he had to say, but instead, the nerves that knotted in her stomach weren’t at all work-related. Many over the years called her a workaholic which was why leaving early was a big deal for her, but the dinner with her boyfriend that evening was a big deal. 

Brent and Sierra were introduced by a mutual friend shortly after she finished college and they’d been going strong for five years. 

Sierra was happy with the direction her life was heading in, she had her dream job as a Senior Biomedical Scientist at one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, she had her dream home and dream car, everything was perfect and the only thing missing from the perfect picture of her life, was the ring around her finger. 

That’s why the sudden invite to dinner at their favorite restaurant after weeks of Brent acting strangely not only made her nervous, it excited her. She hadn’t enquired why he was acting weird, Brent was a man of few words that enjoyed his space and usually came to her when he needed to talk. 

Arriving on the top floor, Sierra gave two firm knocks on the mahogany door and entered when she heard the man answer. 

“Sierra, thank you for coming to see me at such short notice, please have a seat.” Arthur Pierce waved at the seat across his desk. 

“It’s fine, Mr. Pierce, I was done for the day anyway.” 

“How is your latest project coming along?” Sierra smiled when he leaned forward in interest. 

“I would hardly call it my project, I have handed over the reins to my team and I merely oversee the process, but they are doing an excellent job.” Arthur nodded in satisfaction and sat up straight, smoothing out his tie as he did. 

“That’s good to hear and it will make what I’m about to say a lot easier.” Sierra frowned, watching as he plucked a manilla folder from his desk and placed it down before her. She didn’t dare touch it, she wanted to hear what he had to say first.

“There’s a temporary position that opened up at our facility in Singapore for a head researcher and they have reached out to us to send them a worthy candidate. It’s a six-month-long contract doing research on an ancient plant that was used to treat diabetes.” Sierra’s ears perked up when she heard what the research would entail, diabetes was one of the world’s worst known diseases and despite the advancement in treatment over the years, millions of people still die from diabetes-related illnesses every year. 

“Wow, I’m honored that you chose me, it’s a wonderful opportunity.” She didn’t know what to say, she had made a name for herself in the industry, but she never realized that the company would handpick her to lead a groundbreaking research project across the world. 

“Indeed it is, this will not only be beneficial for your career in the long run, but if this project is a success, well I don’t have to tell you how many doors it will open.” Sierra’s heart beat faster at the prospect, it was the reason she became a Scientist in the first place. 

“Why me?” She blurted the moment the thought popped up into her mind. 

“Do you know why you’re one of the youngest senior researchers in this company?” He didn’t wait for her to respond before he supplied an answer, “Because you’re not afraid to take risks, even when something doesn’t seem like the answer you test it anyway, even at the ridicule of your colleagues. We have seen results from your methods and we want to reward that, so when I got the call from the director, it was an easy decision.” Sierra was taken aback by his straightforwardness. 

“I don’t know what to say.” Arthur leaned back in satisfaction. 

“Say yes.” Sierra laughed at his words, behind the stern, professional exterior, he was a charming man. 

“When does the project begin?” 

“It starts in September and runs through to February, we will put you in an apartment and all your moving and living expenses will be covered by the company. I know it’s a big decision to make and of course, I want you to answer immediately, but I’ll give you some time to think about it.” Sierra was relieved that he was giving her time to weigh her options, while it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, she had to consider Brent and her family in it all. 

“By when do you need an answer?” She sat up straight in her chair.

“By the close of business on Friday.” Sierra gave a curt nod and mirrored his action when he stood. 

“Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Pierce, I will get back to you as soon as I have made a decision.” Arthur nodded and gestured to the folder he placed before her earlier. 

“The folder contains all the information about the project, area and facility as well as where you will be staying.” She picked up the folder, glancing at her name on the label. 

“Thank you, I will take your leave. Have a good weekend Mr. Pierce.” Receiving a nod in return she made her way out of his office with her mind in even more of a frenzy than when she went in. 

Her mind felt like cotton wool as she walked back to her office to retrieve her stuff, with the folder burning a hole in her hand and the possibility that by the end of the night she may be someone’s fiance, she didn’t know how she was going to decide which took preference. 

The car ride home was short, she was thankful that she lived only a few minutes from work because she desperately needed a hot shower to help clear her mind. 

Sierra dropped the folder on the pedestal beside her bed and forgot about it as she busied herself with getting ready for her date that evening.