Chloe was never a lark, or an early riser, not today though. She woke  up with a mix of excitement and nerves, her heart racing with anticipation. She opened  her eyes, and the room slowly clears. A yawn passed her lips, and the cool morning air brushes against her skin as she swings her legs over the edge of the bed.

 Her eyes are clearly opened when she started smiling; the day she's been waiting for has finally arrived. Chloe finally got a real job after several interviews and working in various stores and restaurants in Lagos after she graduated from school years ago. She felt a sense of accomplishment and relief wash over her.

 She has been waiting for this day all her  life. She stood  up and walked  straight into the bathroom to take a refreshing bath, the warm water soothing her skin. She had already decided what to wear - her best outfit, a professional dress and heels.

 The rest of the family was still asleep when Chloe finished getting ready. She walked out of the room and tried to make a cup of tea in the kitchen, the aroma of tea leaves filling the air. As she waited  for the tea to brew, she heard her mom, Elizabeth's voice, warm and encouraging.

 "Chloe!" Elizabeth called from the living room.

"Mum, I'm here!" Chloe replied

"My darling, it's 6a.m. I thought you said work starts at 8 a.m.?" Elizabeth asked, 

joining Chloe in the kitchen.

 "Mum, today is my first day at work. I don't want to be late, and you know how lagos traffic can be"

"It's just 6a.m., and work is just a 30-minute drive from here. I'm not sure the bus will be available now," Elizabeth said.

 "You're right, mum. I don't think the bus will be available now and you know 30min is 1hour in Lagos ," Chloe agreed.

 "You can take my car, sweetie!" Elizabeth offered.

 "Really? Thank you, mum!" Chloe exclaimed.

 "I love you, Chloe. I'm so proud of the woman you're becoming," Elizabeth said.

"I love you too, mum. But you make me feel old when you say that," Chloe teased, narrowing her eye.

 "You're 26, Chloe!" Elizabeth replied with a laugh.

 "Mum, I'm 25, Chloe said 

 and you'll be 26 next month," Elizabeth says.

 "Mum! Bye!" Chloe pecked her mum and walked out of the kitchen.

 "You're not going with my car if you're not waiting till 7am!" Elizabeth called after her.

*******************

Chloe pulled into the parking lot of Rafiz Enterprise, her heart racing with excitement. She had dreamed of working for this company for years, and now that she finally had the chance, she was determined to make a good impression.

 As she stepped out of the car, she couldn't help but gaze up at the towering building in awe. The sleek glass and steel façade seemed to shimmer in the morning light, and the logo emblazoned on the side of the building seemed to pulse with energy.

 Chloe took a deep breath, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over her. She had made it. She was finally here.

She walked slowly towards the entrance, taking in the manicured lawns and perfectly trimmed hedges that surrounded the building. The atmosphere was peaceful and serene, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle she had expected.

 As she approached the door, she noticed a figure sitting on a bench outside, dressed in a sharp suit and tie. He was typing away on his phone, his brow furrowed in concentration