Ava woke up early, the sunlight gently streaming through the window. Today was important, her interview at Blackwood Company. She moved quietly, careful not to disturb her sister, Chloe, who was still asleep in the next room.
In the small kitchen, Ava prepared a simple breakfast for Chloe, warm toast and herbal tea, careful to make sure everything was just right. She placed the tray beside Chloe's bed, watching her sister stir awake with a faint smile.
Back in her own room, Ava stood before the mirror. She chose a crisp white blouse tucked neatly into a high-waisted black pencil skirt. Her black heels clicked softly as she paced, smoothing out the fabric. She pinned her dark hair into a neat bun, subtle makeup enhancing her determined eyes. Today, she was a professional, a secretary ready to take on the world.
Just as she finished adjusting her blazer, a soft knock came at the door. It was Tory, Chloe's nurse, arriving right on time. Despite Ava's mounting debt, Tory had never faltered in her care for Chloe, and Ava greeted her with a grateful smile.
"I'll be gone most of the day," Ava said, "Please take care of Chloe"
Tory nodded, checking Chloe's oxygen monitor with practiced ease. "She's stable. Don't worry, Ava."
Taking one last look at her sister, Ava took a deep breath and stepped out, nerves and hope swirling inside her. Today could be the turning point, if only she could make it count.
As Ava hurried down the crowded sidewalk, nerves prickling at her skin, she barely noticed the sleek black car speeding toward the curb. In a flash, the vehicle swerved sharply, nearly clipping her. She stumbled back, heart pounding.
"Hey! Watch where you're going!" Ava snapped, glaring at the driver who shot her a reckless, unapologetic look through the open window.
Before she could say more, the tinted glass of the back seat rolled down slowly. A deep voice cut through the air. "Maybe you should stop being so rude."
Ava's eyes narrowed as she looked inside. A sharply dressed man sat there, his cold gaze fixed on her.
"Next time," she said coolly, "tell your driver to watch his driving." She hissed under her breath and turned on her heel, refusing to be rattled by the strange encounter.
The moment felt odd, but Ava pushed it aside. Pulling out her phone, she quickly booked a ride to Blackwood Company, her mind focused on the interview ahead.
As the car pulled away from the curb, Ava leaned her head against the window and quietly whispered a prayer. "Please let this work out," she murmured, clutching her small purse like it held her entire life, because in many ways, it did.
Moments later, the car slowed to a stop in front of a towering glass building that seemed to scrape the sky. The bold, black letters at the top read: BLACKWOOD CORPORATION. Ava's breath caught.
Sleek, expensive cars lined the private parking area, luxury sedans, polished SUVs, and the occasional sports car gleaming under the morning sun. Businesspeople in tailored suits strode confidently through the revolving doors, heels clicking, phones pressed to ears, briefcases in hand.
She stepped out of the ride, smoothing down her knee-length pencil skirt and adjusting the collar of her fitted white blouse. Her modest heels clicked against the pavement as she walked toward the entrance, doing her best to match the confidence that surrounded her.
Inside, the air was cool and smelled faintly of expensive cologne and leather. The interior was sleek, black marble floors, chrome accents, and modern art hung against glass and granite walls. It screamed power and precision.
Approaching the front desk, Ava offered a polite smile. "Hi, I'm here for a 10 a.m. interview. Ava Morgan."
The receptionist, a sharp-looking woman in a navy-blue suit, glanced at the schedule and nodded. "Of course, Ms. Morgan. You're a bit early, please take a seat. Someone will be with you shortly."
Ava nodded, murmured a soft "thank you," and settled into one of the leather chairs nearby. Her heart thudded with every passing second.
A few moments later, a neatly dressed assistant appeared, clipboard in hand. "Ms. Morgan? This way, please."
Ava stood, smoothed her skirt again, and followed her down a long, quiet hallway…
She was led into another part of the building, an executive suite that looked even more luxurious than the main lobby. The space opened up into a wide, glass-walled office floor with sleek desks, workstations, and neatly dressed employees moving about purposefully. The atmosphere was intense but efficient, the hum of quiet conversations and ringing phones filling the air.
"Please have a seat," the assistant said, gesturing to a small waiting area with modern couches and a coffee table stacked with business magazines. "You'll be attended to shortly."
Ava nodded and sat down, her nerves beginning to tighten again. She adjusted her skirt, clasped her hands together, and tried to appear calm even though her heart thudded against her chest.
Moments later, she heard the unmistakable sound of approaching footsteps, multiple pairs, and then came the soft chorus of people greeting someone with polite urgency.
"Good morning, Mr. Blackwood."
"Sir."
"Morning."
She tilted her head up, her curiosity piqued, only for her eyes to meet a familiar face that made her stomach drop.
It was him.