Lahat ng Kabanata ng The Ceo's Unexpected Choice : Kabanata 51 - Kabanata 60

By Monday morning, Zara had read the interview invitation so many times that she could practically recite it from memory.She had checked the date, the time, the documents required, and the address. She had even searched for the admissions office online to make sure she understood the process.None of that had stopped her from worrying.What if the interview went badly?What if they asked her something she couldn't answer?What if she got accepted and discovered that the dream she had carried for years was no longer something she could realistically pursue?That last question bothered her most.At work, she was beginning to build something of her own. The Consumer Strategy Unit was growing, her colleagues were taking her seriously, and Amara had started giving her responsibilities that would have frightened her a few months ago.She wasn't the desperate young woman counting the money left in her account and wondering how she would pay rent.She was still that woman, in some ways. She

Zara read the appointment confirmation twice.The examination body's office could only see her on Wednesday morning. Her university registration deadline was Thursday.One day.She had one day between getting the issue resolved and completing the registration."You're looking at that email as though staring at it will change the date."Evelyn's voice pulled her out of her thoughts.Zara turned her laptop towards her."Look at this."Evelyn read the message, then frowned."Wednesday? That's cutting it close.""Exactly.""Have you called them?""Three times. They said that's the earliest appointment available."Evelyn pulled a chair closer."What's the actual problem with the result?""I don't know. The details are correct. The portal just isn't recognising them.""Could it be a technical issue?""Possibly. But they want to see the original documents."Zara rubbed her forehead.She had spent the last few days imagining what life would look like after admission. Now she was worried that

By Monday morning, Zara had already changed her mind about what to wear three times.The team meeting with Amara was scheduled for ten, and although she had attended more important meetings without blinking, this one felt different.It wasn't just another presentation. It was the first time she would be discussing a change that directly affected her position in the department.She finally settled on a cream blouse and black trousers, tied her hair back, and picked up her laptop.Evelyn was waiting near the lift.“Look at you,” she said. “Dressed like someone who has her life together.”“That's the idea.”“Does the outfit come with a guarantee?”“Unfortunately, no.”They entered the lift together.Evelyn glanced at her. “Are you nervous?”“A little.”“Why? You're not being fired.”“Thank you. That's very reassuring.”“I'm serious. You've done the work. You're allowed to have a life outside this building.”Zara looked at her. “Have you been discussing me with Amara?”“No. I simply have

By Wednesday morning, Zara had received three reminders about her registration.One was from the university, another was from the examination office, and the third was from Moridiyyah.The last one simply read:Doctor, don't forget you're supposed to buy me something when you become successful.Zara replied:Your medical expenses will be handled by your future salary.Moridiyyah responded with a series of offended emojis.Zara put her phone away and returned to the report on her screen.The transition at work had begun. Daniel was already handling the daily coordination of the Consumer Strategy Unit, and Zara was reviewing the first set of updates before forwarding them to Amara.It was strange not being the person everyone came to for every small decision.It was also rather refreshing.“Zara?”She looked up. Daniel stood by her desk, holding a folder.“Do you have a minute?”“Of course.”He placed the folder in front of her.“I've reviewed the customer feedback from the latest pilot

Zara woke up on Saturday to find a message from Adrian.Be ready by two. And please don't ask where we're going.She read it twice before replying.You do realise that telling me not to ask makes me want to ask even more?His response came almost immediately.I had anticipated that.She smiled and dropped her phone onto the bed.For once, she had no office reports to review, no handover meeting to prepare for and no urgent email waiting for her attention. She still had university registration tasks, but she had promised herself she wouldn't spend the entire weekend buried in paperwork.At least, not until Sunday.By one-thirty, she was ready.She chose a simple dress, comfortable shoes and a small handbag. She had barely finished checking herself in the mirror when her phone rang.“I'm downstairs,” Adrian said.“Already?”“You said you'd be ready.”“I am. Give me a minute.”“You said that five minutes ago.”“Adrian, I'm coming.”He laughed before ending the call.---The destination t