We loved before the truth

“Are you serious?!” I yelled, my voice cracking as the dirty , muddy water splashed over me from head to toe. I stood there, soaked, my clothes clinged uncomfortably to my skin. I touched my clothes and anger filled me. The morning had already started badly. I had woken up late, my heart racing the moment I checked the time. Today wasn’t just any day, it was the day. The interview I had prayed for, hoped for, and prepared endlessly for. I dressed carefully, choosing my clothes with shaking hands, trying to look confident even when I didn’t feel it. As I stepped out, I told myself over and over again: This is your chance, Whitney. Don’t mess it up. I was almost there when it happened. For a second, I couldn’t move. The shock pinned me to the spot. Mud dripped from my hair, slid down my arms, stained the fabric I had carefully chosen that morning. People around slowed, some stopped completely, staring like I was part of some street drama. The flashy black car had slowed reversed back directly to me. The driver lowered his window, revealing a man with cold eyes. My chest burned as I stared at him, my fingers trembling at my sides. “It was just water,” he said , he wasn't remorseful, his voice low and full with disgust. The casual way he said it made something snap inside me. “Just water?” I repeated, the anger rising in my chest. “Do you even understand what you have just done? I’m on my way to a job interview. The one chance I have to get a job . And you treat me like this?” This wasn’t just about the clothes anymore. It was about humiliation. About being treated like I didn’t matter. He smirked, not moved by what I said . “Life’s messy. Handle it.” he whined his window and zoomed off. The car disappeared down the road, leaving behind muddy water, whispers, and my shaking body. I wanted to scream, slap him, drag his hair until he understood the gravity of what he had done. Instead, I clenched my fists and walked away ignoring the stares and the looks from strangers. Not today,I must get this job, I told myself. Whitney, you are stronger than this. Every step felt heavy. My clothes stuck to my skin, cold and uncomfortable, but I kept walking. I wiped my face with trembling hands, refusing to cry. Crying would mean he won. Crying would mean today defeated me. I reached the company where I was supposed to have my interview. The glass building was tall and intimidating, shining in the dull morning light like it was judging me. I entered the building and made my way towards the entrance of the warm, polished lobby, to shake off the cold I was feeling. Inside, the contrast was cruel. Clean floors. Soft lighting. People in neat suits. I felt out of place, muddy and wet, but I lifted my chin anyway. Inside, the receptionist barely looked up as she handed me a visitor’s badge. I clipped it on with stiff fingers, my heart beating loudly in my ears. Minutes later, a woman in a sharp suit led me through the hallways to a conference room. I sat, the chair cold against my wet clothes. My heart raced fast. “You will be attended to soon,” the woman said and she left. The silence in the room pressed down on me. I folded my hands together, praying quietly. Please. Let today still work out. This job is my last hope. I prayed silently. A few minutes later, the door opened. A man stepped in , wearing a sharp suit. His hands in his pocket. As I saw him, my breath caught instantly. Wait a minute! Isn't this the man who had splashed me with dirty water and ruined my clothes?? I said to myself. My stomach twisted as anger and disbelief collided inside me. He looked sharp in his tailored suit, eyes sharp and calculating. He said down on his desk , the name plate was at the top of the desk. Alexander Hart, that was his name. The name felt heavy. Important. Our gazes met for a second. You!!, again?? His eyes scanned me from head to toe. we meet again, he said while going through my resume. The audacity of him sitting there so calm, so powerful, like nothing happened, like he didn't try to ruin my interview some hours ago, made my blood boil. When the interview began, he asked me professional questions. But every glance he gave me was a challenge. I answered carefully. I wanted him to see I wasn’t shaken. I spoke clearly. Confidently. Even when my hands trembled beneath the table, I didn’t let it show. We got to the end of the interview. Then Alexander leaned back, his expression unreadable. “You’re hired,” he said, his voice low but certain. For a second, the world stopped. I blinked, shocking. “You… you’re serious?” I asked, not believing what I just heard. He nodded once. “You impressed me. You didn’t break under pressure.” Looking at her , with his cold eyes. “ I wish you knew what you are getting yourself into, you would have preferred you never got this job” Alexander said to himself then stretched his hand towards her for a handshake “welcome to hart group. My fingers hesitated before meeting his. His grip was firm. Cold. I felt something inside me, a mixture of relief, disbelief, and something else I wasn’t ready to name. I gathered my things, my heart pounding from excitement. As I stood up , our eyes met again. There was something unreadable in his gaze. Something that told me this wasn’t over. “See you tomorrow, he said. I walked out of the room, exhaled hard , the weight of the day settling on my shoulders, not just the soaked clothes, and embarrassment.. but I felt happy because I got the job. Outside, the sun peeked through the clouds, warming my cold skin. I stood there for a moment, letting it sink in. I got the job. And even as I smiled to myself, I knew the real battle was only starting. There was more coming.