THE CEO'S UNEXPECTED BRIDE

The boardroom smelled like expensive cologne and panic. Amina clutched the stack of files to her chest and prayed her heels wouldn't slip on the polished floor. This was her third job interview this month. If she messed this up, rent was not getting paid. "Miss Amina, you're late," the secretary said, not looking up. "Traffic in Kampala. You know how it is," Amina lied and pushed through the big glass doors. That's when she saw him. Dressed in a black suit that probably cost more than her monthly rent. Tall. Serious face. The kind of man who frowned for fun. Mr. Daniel Okello. The CEO. He was talking to investors, back turned to her. Perfect. She could sneak to her seat. One step. Two steps. Her elbow hit the coffee tray. Time slowed down. The hot latte flew through the air in slow motion and landed... right on the back of his 800,000 UGX suit. The room went dead silent. Mr. Okello turned around slowly. Coffee dripped from his shoulder onto the floor. His eyes found hers. "Are you okay?" he asked. His voice was calm. Too calm. Amina wanted the floor to swallow her. "I-I'm so sorry sir. I'll pay for the dry cleaning, I promise. Please don't fire me. I really need this job." The investors looked at each other. This was going to be a story for w******p groups. Mr. Okello grabbed a napkin and dabbed at his suit. Then he did something weird. He smiled. "A job?" he said. "Actually Miss Amina... I have a different proposition for you." Amina blinked. "Sir?" "Meet me in my office in 10 minutes. Alone." He walked out, leaving coffee footprints behind him. Amina's heart was pounding. Was she about to get fired... or something worse?