Moving to a new city felt like stepping into an entirely different rhythm — one Jeanna wasn't sure she could keep up with, yet something inside her said she had to try.
After graduation, life didn't wait. Her father had always reminded her, "We don't get to rest too long, Jea. The world doesn't slow down for anyone." Those words echoed in her mind as she helped her sister Mira settle into the small two-bedroom apartment near the city's business district.
Mira had been transferred to a local branch of her company, bringing her daughter Ellie, and suggested Jeanna come along for a fresh start. It wasn't an easy choice, but Jeanna needed one — a new place, new air, and a new reason to keep moving.
She left behind not only her hometown but also the remnants of her connection with Zane. The chats, the nights spent waiting for his messages — all of it had faded like background music she no longer replayed.
---
The city buzzed with energy — honking cars, coffee shops packed before 8 a.m., people walking briskly with purpose. For someone who once spent mornings quietly scrolling through her phone, watching the world from a screen, Jeanna found herself suddenly in it.
After weeks of sending out résumés, she landed an interview with Orion Systems, a growing software and technology company that specialized in retail solutions. Her degree in Business Administration and her internship background in marketing caught their attention, and she was offered a position in the Sales Department.
Her first day felt like the first page of a new chapter — both exciting and nerve-wracking.
---
"Welcome to Team Delta," said her supervisor, Erin Santos, a sharp yet approachable woman in her early thirties. "We're one of the top-performing teams in the department, but we don't keep that title by chance."
Jeanna smiled politely. "I'll do my best, ma'am."
"Please, call me Erin," she said with a warm grin. "You'll meet the others soon. Oh, and you'll need this."
She handed Jeanna a lanyard with her ID — her name printed neatly below her photo. Somehow, seeing it made everything real.
---
Team Delta had five members:
Kai, the energetic acting team leader whenever Erin is not available, with endless charisma and persuasive charm — the type of salesperson who could convince anyone to sign a deal.
Rina, the friendly yet competitive analyst who always had her spreadsheets ready.
Jude, quiet but sharp, known for closing last-minute sales.
Macy, the cheerful mood-maker who loved small talk and coffee breaks.
And now, Jeanna, the new recruit — calm, observant, and admittedly unsure of what to expect.
During her first few days, Jeanna mostly listened. She watched how each team worked — the way Kai led presentations, how Rina and Jude debated strategies, how Macy made clients laugh during meetings. She admired their confidence but also noticed how exhausting it could be to keep up with the pace.
Still, she didn't back down.
---
Every morning started with a team huddle, and every week ended with a department-wide announcement of sales rankings. The competition was friendly but fierce — the top team would receive bonuses and recognition, while the lowest would face an intense "retraining session."
"Looks like we're in third place this week," Kai announced one Friday afternoon. "Not bad, but I don't like not being first."
Macy groaned playfully. "Oh, come on, Kai. Let the others shine once in a while."
"Not when there's a bonus on the line," Rina countered, adjusting her glasses.
Kai smirked. "Exactly. So, new recruit — Jeanna, right? Think you can help us get to number one?"
Caught off guard, Jeanna smiled nervously. "I'll try my best."
"That's all we need," he said with a wink.
---
Over time, Jeanna learned the art of persuasion — how to listen more than talk, how to understand a client's hesitation, and how to turn that into opportunity. She wasn't flashy like Kai or fast-talking like Macy, but her sincerity and patience made people trust her.
It didn't take long before her sales numbers started climbing.
Her first successful deal came from a hesitant client — a small café owner unsure about trying Orion's digital POS system. Jeanna spent time understanding their needs, creating personalized proposals, and explaining how the system could actually help simplify their business.
A week later, the deal was closed.
Kai clapped her shoulder during the team meeting. "That's our rookie! Not bad, Jeanna."
Rina smiled, slightly impressed. "You're good at earning trust. That's rare in sales."
Jeanna blushed. "I just… listen, I guess."
And from there, she began to find her rhythm.
---
Outside work, her life was simple. She often spent evenings with Mira and Ellie, sometimes watching anime or Korean dramas to unwind. Her love for music never faded — she still sang softly while doing chores or doodled characters from her favorite shows in her spare time.
Sometimes, her coworker Macy would tease her. "You should join our office karaoke night, Jeanna! I heard you have a good voice."
"Oh no, I'm not that good," Jeanna would protest, laughing.
But one night, she did. And her clear, emotional tone left everyone speechless — even Kai, who joked, "Well, now I know why your clients can't say no."
---
Months passed, and Jeanna grew confident. The shy graduate was now a reliable saleswoman. Team Delta even hit the top spot once — and celebrated over dinner where everyone cheered for her.
Still, life wasn't without tension. The competition between teams sometimes sparked rivalry, especially with Team Orion, led by a perfectionist named Chester, who didn't like losing.
"Seems like your newbie's doing great," Chester said one afternoon, his tone half-teasing, half-condescending. "We'll see if she can keep it up."
Jeanna simply smiled. "We'll see."
Kai grinned beside her. "Oh, she will."
---
Despite the pressure, Jeanna never lost her balance. She learned when to speak up, when to stay quiet, and when to trust her instincts. The office became her new stage — not for singing, but for proving herself.
One evening, as she packed up, she caught sight of a social media post that made her pause.
It was Zane again — this time performing live, holding Lyra's hand as they sang together. The caption read: "Thank you for believing in us."
For a moment, Jeanna just watched. No ache, no jealousy — just quiet pride for someone she once knew, even from afar.
She smiled faintly, whispered to herself, "You made it, Zane."
And then she closed her phone, turned off her computer, and left the office — her heart light, her life full, and her future finally hers.