Shattered Illusion

Chapter Two

Olivia Jackson halted right in front of the magnificent building with a golden inscription on it; McKinley & Company. Her heart hammered against my chest like it would find its way out of it. A thousand thoughts ran through her mind and the little confidence she had gathered evaporated into thin air.

“Do not be scared. Take your chances. I assure you that you will get the job.” Her father had encouraged her that very morning before she left home. Those few words he had muttered to her had uplifted her spirit and had given her a new kick of confidence, but she had lost it all when she halted at the doorway. She imagined herself forgetting all the carefully prepared talking points and answers. She visualized the interview going wrong, and she was embarrassed.

Her mind raced with a gazillion ‘what ifs’; what if she failed? What if she was not qualified enough? What if she was not liked? The list of what-ifs running through her mind at that moment was endless.

The nervous flutter in her belly threatened to explode as she approached the imposing glass doors of the office building and pushed it open. Needless to say, the outer part of the building was incomparable to the beauty the insides exuded. It was way too beautiful and for a couple of seconds, she caught herself gawking against her will.

Her hand clutched her portfolio tightly. A sigh escaped her lips as she took each step gracefully, hoping not to falter or fail. She had to get it right. The interview had been the culmination of weeks and sleepless nights as well as early mornings.

Her expectations were however, diminished with each step she took. She had expected the building to ooze stress and worry, but instead, in opposition to her thoughts, all she could feel was serenity. The scent of freshly brewed coffee hung in the air. It was a cold morning after all.

Approaching the reception desk, her heart hammered even more like a caged bed. She didn’t know what to expect from the woman who was sitting behind the desk.

“Hello!” The woman’s soft and sonorous voice caused an immediate uplift in her spirit. Perhaps, it was indeed going to be a very good day at the office if she got the job or not. The woman’s voice emitted warmth and her smile..... it was like a hyena on helium, impossible to ignore and strangely infectious. She could not avoid catching the virus, hence she smiled too.

“You must be....” she started, trailing off.

“Olivia Jackson... and I am here for the interview.” She spoke with all the confidence she could muster even while maintaining a smile. The nervousness within her had slowly begun to wear off.

“Lovely to meet you.” The receptionist extended a hand. “I am Evelyn. Come with me.” She responded and like a little child, Olivia nodded, walking after her. The friendly greetings she noticed among the staff members eased the last vestiges of anxiety within her. Perhaps it was not that difficult.

“Do hold on here,” Evelyn responded, halting at the waiting room. “You will be attended to soon.”

She still had the same positive energy brewing within her. Olivia nodded and mouthed a ‘thank you’ before watching her walk away.

It had been days since his visit, yet Alex could not get over what his friend had told him. He constantly could not help but stare at the little girl’s photo. Although he had criticized his friend that day for agreeing to such an offer, he had, however, decided to help.

Somehow, Alex believed he could help Ben IF the lady still existed and if she was still alive. Her little green eyes were mesmerizing, and he could not help but stare at them. If she did exist, he was certain she must have grown into a young beautiful woman.

His eyes lingered on each detail of her face with intensity. Her beautiful button nose crinkled at the edges, hinting at a giggle. The reflection of the sun on her hair emitted a ray of golden warmth. Her wide and beautiful eyes spoke innocence. He had stared at the picture for the umpteenth time yet he could not help but steal glances at it, during his leisure time, when he was stressed.

No, he wasn’t interested in the little version of the girl. He hated pedophiles. He just could not help but form a picture of how the little girl would have grown and wondered how lucky she would feel when she got to know the future that awaited her.

A knock on the door suddenly brought him out of his reverie and he was quick to quit staring lest he be identified as who he wasn’t.

“Mr. Alex.”

The receptionist’s crisp and professional voice sliced through his reverie. She stood in the doorway, a bright smile on her face. He hadn’t ordered her in yet, but she had come in.

“The interview is about to start. Would you require them to proceed without you?”

“Ah, yes.” He managed to say, shoving the thoughts of the ‘lucky’ woman aside. “I will join you in a couple of minutes.” He informed her and tried to gather himself. Although he was a business consultant in the company, he was directly involved in the hiring process in the company.

Picking up all he needed, he proceeded to the interview room. The interview had already begun without him and although he tried so hard not to draw attention as he pushed the door open, every eye diverted to his direction and he.... he froze on the spot. No, he wasn’t shocked at the stares that gawked at him as he got into the room. Instead, it was that of the lady who had come for the interview.

For a couple of seconds, he stared at her in disbelief. The lady in question fitted his imagination; the older version of the picture he had been staring at for days.

“You are hired.”