HIS CONTRACT HER DESTINY

Alina's pov I stepped out of the scorching sun and into a dimly lit office, racing with another anticipation, this would be the third job interview I am going for, and I keep getting rejected. Another job interview, another chance to secure a future for myself and my mother, I clutched my resume to hide my nervousness. “ I'm here for the interview”. The receptionist smiled kindly and handed me a form to fill out. As I scribbled down my details, my mind wandered to my mother's hospital bills piling up. She has a brain tumor, and the surgery she needed was expensive, but I was determined to find a way to pay for it. I took a deep breath, and focused on the task at hand. As I filled out the form, I tried to calm my nerves down, I'd prepared for this moment, researching for companies, practicing my responses but nothing seemed to calm the butterflies in my stomach. The receptionist called my name, and I stood up, smoothing out my clothes. I followed her to a conference room where all the panel of interviewers waited . “ Good morning Alina”,one of them said, extending a hand. “ We would be discussing your qualifications and experience today”. I nodded, trying to make eye contact with each of them. As we began the interview, I stumbled over my words, my shyness getting the better of me, but as the questions went on, I found my confidence growing and I started to answer more smoothly. Just as I thought it was going well, one of the interviewers asked, “ What makes you think you're the best fit for this role”. I hesitated, my mind going blank, I needed to stand out but how?. I opened my mouth but nothing came out. My mind was blank, and I couldn't think of anything to say. The interviewers looked at me expectantly, waiting for a response, I felt my face heat up with embarrassment. “I.. I think..”, I stammered, trying to gather my thoughts. “ I have the qualifications and.. am a quick learner?”. The interviewers nodded politely,but I could tell, I hadn't impressed them. One of them scribbled a note on my resume, and I wondered if I'd just sealed my fate. As the interviewers went to a close , I felt a sense of disappointment wash over me, I hadn't done well, I knew it. The interviewers thanked me for coming , and I left the conference room feeling defeated. As I walked out of the office building, I couldn't help but wonder if I'd ever find a job that would help me pay for my mother's surgery. As I stepped out of the office building, I collided with a tall imposing figure. I looked up to see a man with piercing eyes and chiseled features. He wore an expensive suit and his presence commanded attention. “ Watch we're you're going”, he said rudey, his voice firm. I felt a surge of embarrassment “I'm so sorry”, I said, my voice barely above a whisper. He looked me up and down, his expression unreadable, “ You're the one who just had the interview, aren't you?”. I nodded, feeling a sense of unease,” How did you know”? . “ I have my ways”, he said , his voice still strict.” You're not cut out for that job You need something else”. I felt a spark of curiosity “ what do you mean?”. “ I mean, I can offer you a solution to your problems. Meet me at this address tomorrow by 5pm if you're interested “. He handed me a card with an address and a single word “ Lorenzo”. With that , he walked away leaving me intrigued and intimidated. The next day, I stood outside the address on the card, feeling a mix of fear and curiosity. The building was sleek and modern, with a private security guard at the entrance. I showed him the card, and he nodded, allowing me to pass. I rode the elevator ,where I was greeted by Lorenzo himself. He was even more imposing in his office with a commanding view of the city. “ So you're here”, he said, his voice still firm, "I see you're desperate enough to listen to my proposal”. I nodded, feeling a sense of unease,” I'm listening” Lorenzo leaned back to his chair, tapping his finger on the fine desk, “ I can offer you a solution to your financial problems. A contract marriage in exchange for your mother's surgery and financial support “. I felt like I had been punched in the gut, “ A contract marriage?, what do you mean?”. Lorenzo's expression changed “I mean exactly what I said, You'll marry me,in return I'll pay for your mother and provide for you financially. Should I accept the offer or reject it ?, I asked myself.