THE INTERVIEW THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN HIS
716 Words
The next morning, Viktor looked like a disaster
He tried shaving. His hand shook.
He tried brushing his hair. It refused to behave.
He tried dressing neatly. His shirt wrinkled no matter what he did.
By the time he arrived at Lodge Enterprises, he looked like a man who had fought the night.
And lost.
The receptionist gave him one glance and forced a smile. “You’re Viktor Hernandez? The 9 a.m. interview?
Yes.
He answered Calmly, Trying all possible means to keep a smooth composure.
At some point he felt like he was a different person but he didn’t give up still and echoed his mind into achieving his dreams
Just a moment.
He waited. Ten minutes. Then twenty. Finally, someone walked him into the interview room.
Three panelists sat behind a polished glass table.
They didn’t smile.
They looked so serious that he was beginning to panic and it’s showed clearly in his eyes.
Mr. Hernandez, a bald man began, Please don’t be scared, your academic profile is impressive. Truly. So I see no reason why you shouldn’t be as confidence as I am currently with you.
Another woman nodded. But you look very unprepared. Unkept. Tired. Are you well?
I didn’t sleep much. He replied ,,,
The bald man leaned back, expression cold.
“Professionalism matters.”
Viktor inhaled sharply. “But my qualifications”
Qualifications aren’t everything, the woman said.
He felt a sting in his chest. A familiar burning.
Something inside him growled.
Low. Dangerous.
He clenched his jaw. “So because I don’t look rich or polished, you think I can’t do the job?
The bald man frowned. We didn’t say that.
“You didn’t need to, Viktor muttered.
The interview ended quickly.
Too quickly.
Outside the building, Viktor heard something he wasn’t meant to hear.
Through three walls and two closed doors, he heard the panel whispering.
Such good grades, but he looks unstable.
Did you see his eyes? Strange.
No discipline. Hiring him is a risk.
The same burning pain from midnight flickered in his chest.
His fists tightened.
His hearing too sharp.
His emotions too wild.
His anger too strong.
He stormed back inside.
They tried stopping him. He didn’t care.
He pushed the interview room door open.
How dare you judge me after one look?! he shouted.
The panelists jumped.
“Mr. Hernandez”
“No! I worked for this! I deserve a fair chance!”
His voice echoed. Too loud. Too powerful.
Like something else was speaking through him.
A guard approached. “Sir, please calm down
Don’t touch me, Viktor growled.
The guard stepped back instantly, eyes wide with fear.
Before the situation escalated, the door swung open.
A woman walked in.
Long red hair. Elegant suit. Sharp eyes. Commanding presence.
She froze when she saw Viktor.
He froze when he saw her.
Nora? he breathed.
Nora Scarlet.
His former college mate.
The girl who always stared at him but never approached.
The girl rumored to like him but too shy to say anything.
Viktor? she whispered, shocked.
He looked different. Tense. Wild. Like something was burning under his skin.
What’s going on here? she demanded.
The panel complained loudly
He burst in!
He’s unstable!
He raised his voice!
Nora frowned at Viktor. “Is this true?”
I just wanted a chance, he said quietly. Just a fair chance.
His voice broke at the end.
Her heart softened instantly.
Nora turned to the panel.
“I’m recommending him personally.
The panel gasped. Ms. Scarlet
He meets every academic requirement. His record is spotless. And I know him.
But his
She glared. Are you judging employees by appearance now?
Silence.
She turned back to Viktor. Start next week.
He blinked. You mean I got the job?”
Yes.
Something warm spread inside his chest. Gratitude. Relief. Confusion.
Thank you, he whispered.
“You’re welcome.”
But as he walked out of the building, a strange scent brushed against his nose.
Sweet.
Electric.
Familiar.
His heart skipped.
His vision blurred.
For one second just one he saw golden eyes staring back at him.
His own.
He shook his head.
He didn’t know it yet but someone had just stepped into the country.
Someone whose scent would burn him alive.
The woman fate tied him to.
- Writer
