After she went out to look for a job, Ariana knew it wouldn't be easy to find one.
She had just finished her studies, but without any training or prior experience, securing a position seemed nearly impossible. Yet, she refused to give in. Giving up would mean surrendering to bad luck, and she wasn't ready to accept that.
She decided to try anything, starting with small businesses and public spaces. Her first stops were pharmacies and small companies—anything that could offer her a chance to gain independence.
She sat down with the manager of a small company, her heart heavy with both hope and dread. As usual, the question about experience came up. When she admitted she had none, his expression immediately soured, making her feel small and inadequate. The rejection was becoming all too familiar, and it was starting to chip away at her confidence.
The next encounter was even worse. The manager, an unpleasant and arrogant man, let his gaze linger on her uncomfortably. Her stomach churned as he leaned in closer, his words dripping with malice. He offered her money in exchange for a night with him. Disgust and anger swirled within her, but she forced herself to remain composed, refusing to let him see her vulnerability. She left, her hands trembling and her resolve shaken.
Her final stop was at a well-known company. By then, she felt defeated, her mind clouded with self-doubt. But even as despair gnawed at her, a flicker of determination remained. She promised herself that no matter how many doors closed, she would keep pushing forward. She couldn't give up—not now, not ever.
Ariana stood at the reception desk, her head bowed in defeat. Her long blonde hair cascaded over her face, shielding her from the judgmental glances she imagined others casting her way. Exhaustion and frustration weighed heavily on her, and for a moment, she considered walking away.
"Excuse me, miss."
The deep voice startled her, and she looked up. Standing before her was a tall man in a gray suit, his sharp features radiating authority and warmth. There was something familiar about him, and her breath caught in her throat as realization dawned.
"Adrian?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
He smiled and stepped closer, his expression softening. "Ariana… it's been so long."
Without thinking, she flung her arms around him. A wave of comfort washed over her, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she felt safe. Adrian had been her father's employer years ago, and his presence now brought back memories of better days.
"I can't believe it's you," she said, stepping back but still smiling. "How… how have you been?"
Adrian chuckled, the sound rich and reassuring. "I was passing by when I saw you sitting here, looking so lost. I had to check if it was really you."
"It's been six years," she murmured, her voice tinged with disbelief.
He nodded, his smile faltering slightly. "Yes. Six years. I was overseas, moving from place to place because of work. I didn't even hear about your father's passing until months later. I came back to Switzerland as soon as I found out, but…" He trailed off, shaking his head apologetically. "I'm so sorry, Ariana. I should have been here."
Her eyes stung, but she forced herself to hold his gaze. "There was nothing you could have done, Adrian. Life just… moved on. I had to sell everything to cover his debts—the house, his treatments. I even moved into a small apartment with my aunt."
Adrian's expression darkened with regret. "I didn't know your father was ill. If I had known—"
She cut him off with a wave of her hand, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. "It's fine, Adrian. Really. I've managed somehow."
For a moment, they stood in silence, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them. Then Adrian said, "You've grown strong, Ariana. But you don't have to do this alone anymore. Let me help you."
She hesitated, her pride clashing with the warmth in his voice. "Help how?"
"Let's talk over coffee," he suggested, gesturing toward the building's café. "I think there's a lot we need to catch up on."
Ariana sat across from Adrian in his sleek, modern office. The spacious room carried an air of authority and power, much like the man himself. She felt small but determined, knowing this opportunity might be her chance to prove herself.
Adrian leaned back in his chair, his piercing gaze softening slightly. "Ariana, I am the department heads of this company," he said, his tone firm yet familiar.
She blinked, stunned into silence.
"We have a program for trainees," he continued. "Nothing is guaranteed. After the training period, we select only the best to stay on permanently." His words were direct, professional, yet she sensed a hint of encouragement in them.
Ariana's heart skipped a beat. Could this be her chance? "Does this mean I have a place here?" she asked, her voice tinged with hope.
Adrian allowed himself a small smile. "You'll have the chance to prove yourself. But it won't be easy, Ariana. The competition is fierce. Do you think you can handle it?"
She squared her shoulders, determination blazing in her eyes. "Yes. I'm ready to compete."
For a moment, Adrian's expression softened further, a flicker of something more personal crossing his face. "You remind me so much of your father," he said quietly. "He worked for me for ten years. He was more than just an employee—he was a trusted friend. And to me, you were like the daughter I never had."
The mention of her father made her throat tighten, and for a moment, emotions overwhelmed her. "You were always like a second father to me, Adrian," she said softly.
His gaze warmed, and he nodded. "That's why I'm glad I can help you now, in some way. You're family to me, Ariana, and I'll always look out for you."
She smiled faintly, but then her expression darkened slightly. "Thank you, Adrian, but… things are complicated. I'm married."
Adrian raised an eyebrow, his expression concerned. "Married?"
"Yes." She bit her lip, her voice dropping. "But we're separating soon."
His concern deepened, and his voice softened. "I'm sorry to hear that, Ariana. If you ever need advice or support, you know where to find me. My door is always open for you."
He handed her a stack of forms, explaining the next steps for her training. As she filled them out, she felt a renewed sense of purpose.
When she stood to leave, Adrian personally walked her out of the office. "Remember, Ariana, this is just the beginning. You're stronger than you think."
She nodded, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Adrian. For everything."
As she stepped out of the building, the weight on her shoulders felt a little lighter. Adrian's unwavering support reminded her that, she wasn't alone.