Destiny's POV
I woke up to my alarm blazing through the room, its sharp beeping cutting through the silence like a knife. I groggily reached out, fumbling for the snooze button, desperate for a few more minutes of peace. But just as I was about to drift back into the comforting embrace of sleep, a jolt of realization hit me—today was my interview. My eyes flew open, and I sprang out of bed, my heart already racing.
I stumbled into the bathroom, my mind a whirl of thoughts. The pressure of the day weighed heavily on my shoulders, and I moved with the urgency of someone who knew the stakes. As I brushed my teeth, I stared at my reflection in the mirror, trying to summon confidence from the depths of my anxiety. The water from the shower was a welcome relief, washing away the last remnants of sleep, but it did little to calm my nerves.
When I finally stepped out of the bathroom, I was dressed in the outfit Ava had carefully picked out for me the night before—a sleek, professional dress that exuded confidence, even if I didn't quite feel it yet. I ran my fingers through my damp hair, trying to smooth out the unruly strands as I made my way to the kitchen.
On the counter, a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice sat next to a plate of toast and eggs. My stomach growled in response, but it was the sticky note beside the plate that caught my attention. I picked it up, reading Ava's familiar handwriting.
Destiny,
I know you're probably wondering why I wasn't there when you woke up, so I changed your alarm to let you sleep a little longer and relax your mind. I called our boss and took the day off for you. Good luck with your interview today! I made breakfast, but I've already eaten and had to run. Love you, girl!
Your best friend, Ava.
A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I read her note. Ava always knew how to take care of me, even when I didn't know how to take care of myself. I released a breath I hadn't realized I was holding and let the warmth of her gesture settle over me. Checking the time, I saw that it was 9 a.m. sharp. I still had fifty minutes before I needed to leave.
I ate my breakfast quickly, savoring each bite as I mentally rehearsed the answers to potential interview questions. The butterflies in my stomach were relentless, but I tried to push them aside. With my belongings and necessary documents neatly packed in my bag, I double-checked everything before locking the door behind me and stepping out into the bustling morning.
The city was already alive with activity, and I hailed a cab, my thoughts bouncing between excitement and nervousness as the car sped through the streets. The drive took about half an hour, and with every passing minute, the building came closer into view, towering above the other structures like a monolith. As we pulled up to the entrance, I paid the driver, took a deep breath, and made my way inside.
The lobby was sleek and modern, filled with glass and steel that reflected the sunlight streaming through the windows. At the reception desk, a middle-aged woman sat, her fingers flying over the keyboard. I approached her, trying to keep my voice steady despite the nerves threatening to betray me.
"Hello, madam," I said with a polite smile. "I'm here for the interview for the assistant to the CEO."
She looked up from her work and returned my smile warmly. "Hello, dear. Yes, you can take the elevator on the right. Head up to the 60th floor. There will be a secretary there to guide you. Good luck, and you're very beautiful, dear."
Her unexpected compliment made me blush, and I smiled shyly, "Thank you so much. I hope the same. Maybe we can meet again if I get the job."
With a small wave, I headed towards the elevator, my heart thumping louder with each step. Once inside, I pressed the button for the 60th floor and moved to the back, trying to calm my racing mind. The elevator was filled with a few other people, but I barely noticed them. The closer I got to the top, the more the weight of the situation settled on my shoulders.
All the best, girl, my inner voice whispered, trying to cheer me up.
Where have you been till now?* I mentally replied, annoyed that it had chosen this moment to make an appearance.
I was having my beauty sleep, unlike someone, it quipped back.
Shut up, I muttered under my breath, not realizing I had spoken out loud until I noticed a few people in the elevator turning to stare at me.
Oops, looks like you said that out loud, my inner voice chuckled.
My cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and I quickly lowered my head, letting my hair fall forward to hide my face. "Sorry," I mumbled to the others, feeling utterly mortified.
Really, girl? It hasn't even been ten minutes in this building, and you've already embarrassed yourself, it taunted.
Will you please shut up? I'm nervous enough as it is, and you're not helping, I mentally snapped back.
As you wish, but I'll be back, it teased before finally going quiet.
I sighed in relief as the elevator stopped, and the doors slid open. The people in front of me filed out, and I followed, stepping onto the 60th floor. My breath caught in my throat as I took in the surroundings. The space was stunning, with polished marble floors and walls adorned with modern art. A large desk dominated the center of the room, where a woman was busy typing on her laptop.
I approached her, clearing my throat to get her attention. She looked up, her expression shifting from concentration to surprise when she saw me. "Hello, I'm Destiny Sky Walker. I'm here for the interview for the CEO's assistant," I said, offering her a small smile.
For a moment, she just stared at me, her eyes wide as if she was trying to process something. I waved my hand in front of her face, a bit concerned. "Hello?" I prompted.
She blinked rapidly, snapping out of her daze. "Oh, sorry for the inconvenience," she stammered. "I was just... surprised to see someone like you here. You're so polite! Most of the people who come here for the interview are, well, let's just say not very pleasant."
She leaned in closer, dropping her voice to a whisper. "The ones who usually come in here are bitchy and think they own the place. They don't even bother to acknowledge me when they walk by. But you're different."
Her candor caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but laugh. She joined in, and for a moment, the tension in my chest eased. "I'm Alexis, by the way. I'm the CEO's secretary," she said, glancing at her watch. "And you've arrived right on time. The interview will start in a few minutes. I'll call your name when it's your turn. In the meantime, please have a seat in the waiting hall. Best of luck! I hope you get the job because I'd love to have someone like you around."
I thanked her and made my way to the waiting hall, feeling a little lighter after our exchange. The hall was spacious, with plush chairs arranged in neat rows. As I glanced around, I noticed that it was filled mostly with women, all dressed in tight-fitting skirts and blouses. One woman had even opted for a crop top that barely covered her chest. I couldn't help but wonder how they felt comfortable wearing such revealing outfits to a professional interview. Shaking my head, I tried to focus on myself, reminding myself that I was here for a reason.
Some of the women gave me disdainful looks, their eyes narrowing as they whispered among themselves. I pretended not to notice, keeping my gaze forward. After all, it wasn't their approval I was after.
A while later, Alexis reappeared, standing in the middle of the hall as she called out the first name on her list. "Olivia," she announced, and a girl stood up, heading towards the CEO's office. The next hour passed slowly, with name after name being called. Most of the women returned from the office looking flushed or angry, their frustration palpable. I couldn't help but find it a little amusing, though I kept my reactions to myself. Eventually, it was down to just one other girl and me. I tried to strike up a conversation, but she ignored me, and I decided to remain quiet.
Finally, her name was called, and she went in. A few minutes later, she stormed out, her face red with anger. Alexis walked into the office, and when she came out, she called my name. My heart skipped a beat, and I wiped my sweaty palms on my dress, trying to calm myself. Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the door but heard nothing in response. I waited a moment before knocking again, still no answer.
Feeling a mix of curiosity and trepidation, I slowly turned the knob and stepped inside. The office was empty, and I hesitated, unsure of what to do. The room was spacious, with a massive desk in front of a wall of windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city. To my right, a large bookshelf stood, flanked by two small plants. On my left, glass walls enclosed a balcony, furnished with a comfortable-looking couch and a small table.
I wandered over to the glass window, drawn by the mesmerizing view of the city below. From this height, the people on the streets looked.