June's POV
I was glad lunch with Samantha had gone better than I expected. Stepping out of the café a few minutes after Samantha left, I walked out with my coffee in hand, heading back to my car. I pulled out my phone to check the time and noticed a few missed texts from my mom.
My steps faltered, and my heart sank a little as I realized I hadn't seen them earlier.
Mom: Hey sweetheart, I was able to squeeze in an appointment with KC Agencies today at 3:30 PM. Here's the address: 5925 Westfield Ave, 7th floor. Just ask for Mr. Don at the reception. I think you'll like this place!
I checked the time on my phone—3:40 PM. My stomach dropped. I stood frozen for a moment, debating whether I should even bother trying to make it. I could easily call it a day, head home, and reschedule, avoiding the embarrassment of showing up late. Plus, I was sure Mom would understand.
But then, the thought of Aiden's threat and my mom's insistence echoed in my mind. Maybe this was a sign to take a leap of faith in the "Everything will be okay" direction.
With a deep breath, I decided to go for it, jumping into my car and driving faster than I probably should have through the busy streets of California.
When I finally pulled up to 5925 Westfield Ave, it was already 4:00 PM. My frustration at being late melted away as I looked up at the tall building. It was a towering structure, all glass and sleek lines, reflecting the golden light of the setting sun. The modern architecture and grandeur of the place left me momentarily in awe. It felt far removed from the cozy familiarity of my mom's bakery, a reminder that I was stepping into a different world.
Stepping inside the lobby, I hurried straight toward the elevators. I decided not to ask the receptionist at this level anything; I knew where I was headed. At least, I thought so.
A crowd had gathered in front of one elevator, the indicator light showing that it was making a slow journey down from the top floor. As I glanced around, I noticed another elevator standing open just a few feet away, with no one in front of it. Without thinking twice, I darted toward it, squeezing in just before the doors closed. The relief of having a space to myself for a moment was immediate.
I leaned back against the cool metal, catching my breath, when I realized I wasn't actually alone. Standing across from me, scrolling through his phone with a distant expression, was a man in a sharp suit. Recognition hit me like a jolt—Michael Stahom, the same man who had crashed into my mom's bakery sign.
The elevator had become silent, so silent you could hear a pin drop.
I kept my gaze focused on him as he looked up from his phone, his eyes landing on me, and for a moment, I saw the flicker of recognition pass through his features before it slipped, and he studied me with a curious look. It lasted just a few seconds, but it was enough to make me feel slightly self-conscious under his scrutiny. Then, just as quickly as he had noticed me, he shifted his gaze back to his phone, as if dismissing me entirely. The air between us felt thick with unspoken words, but I shifted and kept my eyes fixed on the glowing numbers above the elevator door, counting down the floors.
I couldn't help but feel a flicker of annoyance. The memory of him driving into the bakery sign flashed in my mind, and it was hard to ignore the irritation bubbling up. I glanced at him again, taking in the sharp lines of his suit and his casual demeanor. He must work here, I thought, probably in some high-paying position if he could afford the car he wrecked that day.
Trying to take my mind entirely off him, I focused and hoped that he wouldn't be the one I was supposed to meet today.
When the elevator finally dinged at the seventh floor, I quickly stepped out, grateful for the excuse to leave the awkward silence behind. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Michael giving me a lingering look as the doors closed again, but I brushed it off, deciding to place nothing to it.
I took a deep breath, straightened my jacket, and headed toward the reception. It was time to find out if this appointment could help me finally get some peace of mind.
I immediately noticed a girl with blonde hair and striking eyes at the reception—she was strikingly beautiful. I suddenly felt nervous, glancing back down at what I wore. I felt very plain in comparison to what she wore and the aura she had around her.
I cleared my throat, deciding to get this process over with. The girl smiled and quickly ran her eyes over me. She lifted a perfectly arched brow before saying, "Hello, welcome to KC Agency. My name's Sophie. How may I help you?"
Finally regaining my voice, I replied, "Hello, my name's June Skyler. I'm here for a scheduled appointment, although I'm a couple of minutes late..."
Sophie checked her computer, then looked back up with a small, apologetic smile. "It looks like your appointment with Mr. Don has already passed, but let me see if he's still available." She picked up the phone and dialed a number, speaking softly. After a moment, she nodded and glanced back at me. "You're in luck—Mr. Don is free now. He was supposed to meet with you earlier. Just head down the hall to the last office on the left."
Relieved, I thanked her profusely, and with a renewed sense of urgency, I made my way down the hall. My heart pounded, but I felt a bit lighter with each step, hoping this meeting could finally offer some reassurance.