The Door to My Past

Bella’s POV

The lobby smelled faintly of coffee and polished wood. Employees crossed the marble floor, talking quietly as digital displays showcased the company’s latest products.

Everything about Ashford Technologies looked expensive, but not in the flashy way I was used to seeing at family events. It felt modern, efficient, and alive.

I wanted to be part of it.

At reception, I gave my name and received a visitor badge.

“Executive recruitment is on the twenty third floor,” the receptionist said. “Someone will meet you there.”

“Thank you.”

I headed for the elevators, tightening my grip on my bag. Two employees stepped inside with me, discussing a presentation as the doors closed.

I tried to appear relaxed, but my mind was already running through possible interview questions. I had prepared my answers, researched the company, and revised my résumé until I could practically recite it.

Still, the closer I got to the interview, the more nervous I became.

When the elevator opened, a woman holding a tablet approached me.

“Arabella Marlowe?”

“Yes.”

“I’m Tessa. Welcome to Ashford Technologies.” She glanced at her screen. “Your interview is with the CEO. He’s running a little behind, but he should be ready shortly.”

“The CEO?” I repeated before I could stop myself.

Tessa smiled. “That’s right.”

I swallowed my surprise. “No problem. I can wait.”

She led me down a corridor lined with glass offices. Inside, employees worked around large screens, discussing designs and figures. I found myself watching them as we walked.

This was what I wanted. A place where ideas mattered, where people could challenge each other and build something worthwhile.

I didn't want to spend my life in the jewelry business simply because my family had already decided it was where I belonged.

“Impressive, isn’t it?” Tessa asked.

“Very. I’ve followed the company’s work for a while.”

“Then you probably know our CEO has high standards.”

“I’d expect nothing less.”

She gave me an amused smile before leading me into a waiting area overlooking the city.

“Take a seat. I’ll come get you when he’s ready.”

“Thanks.”

I sat down, placing my bag beside me. The view stretched across the city, with traffic crawling between towering buildings.

For a moment, I allowed myself to imagine leaving this building with a job offer. I could call Margot, tell her the interview had gone well, and finally have something to celebrate that belonged entirely to me.

My phone buzzed.

Mum: Call me when you’re finished. Your father wants to discuss the new collection.

I stared at the message, then turned my phone face down.

There was always something waiting for me at home. A meeting, a family obligation, or another reminder that my future had already been planned.

Not today, I told myself. Today was mine.

A knock interrupted my thoughts.

Tessa stepped inside. “Miss Marlowe? He’s ready for you.”

I grabbed my bag and followed her into the corridor. We stopped in front of a pair of dark wooden doors.

“One thing before you go in,” she said. “He prefers direct answers. If he seems cold, don’t take it personally.”

“I’ll remember that.”

“He can be intimidating.”

“I’ve handled intimidating people before.”

The words came out confidently enough, though I wasn't entirely sure I believed them.

Tessa gave me a quick look before knocking twice.

“Come in,” a deep voice called.

She opened the door and stepped aside.

I walked into a spacious office with a broad desk near the windows. A laptop, several documents, and a cup of black coffee were arranged neatly on its surface. Beyond the glass, the city glittered in the morning sunlight.

A man stood by the windows with his back to me, one hand in his trouser pocket and a cup of coffee in the other.

I couldn't see his face, only his dark suit and straight posture.

“Mr. Ashford,” Tessa announced, “Arabella Marlowe is here for her interview.”

He continued looking out at the city.

I waited, shifting my bag from one hand to the other. The silence stretched just long enough to make me wonder if this was some deliberate test.

I'd prepared for difficult questions. I hadn't prepared for an interview that began with being ignored.

“Thank you, Tessa. That will be all.”

The door closed behind her.

I was alone with the man who could decide whether I got the job.

“Good morning, Mr. Ashford,” I said. “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me.”

My voice sounded steadier than I felt, and I held on to that small victory.

He took a sip of coffee before setting the cup on his desk.

I reminded myself why I was here. I had earned this interview. I knew my qualifications, and I knew what I could bring to the company.

I wasn't going to let his silence shake me.

I lifted my chin and waited for him to speak.

Then he began to turn.