Chapter Seven: Second Meeting
1056 Words
For a heartbeat, neither of them moved.
Then Reyna wrapped her daughter in the tightest hug she had ever given her.
"I knew it," she whispered through tears. "I knew your day would come."
Davina laughed and cried at the same time.
On the glowing screen, the message read:
Congratulations, Miss Davina Brooks. You have been selected for the position of Executive Secretary at Kingsley Group. Kindly report by 8:00 a.m. tomorrow for onboarding and further instructions. Welcome to the team.
Davina read the message again, hardly believing it.
Tomorrow, a new chapter of her life would begin.
Very early the next morning, Davina woke up before her alarm could ring.
For a moment, she lay in bed staring at the ceiling, wondering if yesterday had really happened.
She had gotten the job.
She was officially going to work at Kingsley Group.
A small smile spread across her face as she sat up.
"Today is the beginning of something new," she whispered.
She quickly got out of bed and started preparing for the day ahead. She moved around the small apartment quietly, careful not to wake her mother. She prepared breakfast, packed a simple lunch, and made sure everything she needed was ready.
After getting dressed, she stood in front of the small mirror in her room.
Her outfit was simple but professional. She adjusted her blouse, smoothed down her skirt, and checked her appearance one last time.
For the first time in a long while, she looked at herself and felt proud.
Not because everything was perfect.
Not because life had suddenly become easy.
But because she had finally taken one step forward.
She walked toward her mother's room and gently knocked before opening the door.
"Mum."
Reyna stirred awake, slowly opening her eyes.
"Vina?"
"I'm leaving for work."
Reyna immediately sat up.
"My dear, it's still very early. Have you eaten?"
Davina smiled.
"Yes, Mum. I already ate."
She walked closer and adjusted her mother's blanket.
"When you wake up, remember to eat before leaving for work, okay? I covered your food on the dining table."
Reyna smiled softly at her daughter's thoughtfulness.
"You're already acting like a working woman."
Davina laughed.
"I have to start somewhere."
Reyna reached out and held her hand.
"May your day be favorable, my daughter. May this job bring you happiness and open doors for you."
Davina's eyes softened.
"Thank you, Mum."
She leaned down and kissed her mother's cheek.
"Bye, Mum."
"Bye, my dear. Be careful."
With one last smile, Davina left the room.
The morning air was fresh as she walked toward the bus stop.
Unlike previous days when she walked with worry and disappointment weighing heavily on her shoulders, today felt different.
She greeted the people she passed with a smile.
"Good morning, Mama."
"Good morning, Davina," an elderly woman replied warmly.
A few minutes later, she noticed an old woman standing at the side of the road, hesitating as cars moved past quickly.
Without thinking twice, Davina walked toward her.
"Let me help you cross."
The woman smiled gratefully.
"Thank you, my child."
Davina carefully held her hand and helped her cross safely.
"Have a blessed day."
"You too, dear."
Davina continued her journey with a happy heart.
When the bus arrived, she climbed in and found a seat near the window.
As the city passed by, she watched people rushing to work, children heading to school, and businesses opening for the day.
Everything looked ordinary.
But for her, everything had changed.
She was no longer searching for an opportunity.
She had found one.
When the bus finally stopped near Kingsley Group, Davina stepped down and looked up at the towering building.
The glass exterior reflected the morning sunlight, making the company appear even more impressive.
She smiled.
"I'm now a part of this beautiful company."
The words sounded strange but exciting.
She adjusted her handbag and walked toward the entrance.
Inside, the familiar elegance of Kingsley Group greeted her.
The polished floors.
The impressive designs.
The quiet confidence of employees walking around.
This time, she wasn't a desperate applicant hoping for a chance.
She belonged here.
She approached the receptionist.
"Good morning. I'm Davina Brooks. I was asked to report today."
The receptionist checked her information before smiling.
"Welcome, Miss Brooks. Mr. Erin will attend to you shortly. You can wait here."
Davina nodded.
"Thank you."
She sat down and looked around.
Mr. Erin?
Her eyes widened slightly.
Oh... so he is the CEO's personal assistant.
Suddenly, everything made sense.
No wonder he was part of the interview panel.
And here she was thinking he was only a driver.
She shook her head slightly at herself.
I really misunderstood the situation.
After waiting for a few minutes, she looked around curiously.
"Excuse me," she asked the receptionist. "Is it okay if I walk around the lobby while I wait?"
The receptionist smiled.
"Of course. You're now part of the company. It's good to familiarize yourself with the environment."
Davina thanked her and began exploring.
Every corner amazed her.
The carefully designed interior.
The beautiful artwork displayed on the walls.
The large glass windows allowing natural light to brighten the space.
Everything showed the level of attention and excellence Kingsley Group represented.
She stopped when she noticed a beautiful flower arrangement placed near one of the corners.
The flowers were arranged perfectly, their colors blending beautifully.
She smiled.
"Even the decorations here are impressive."
Wanting to admire it better, she slowly stepped backward.
One step.
Two steps.
Then suddenly—
She bumped into something solid.
Or rather...
Someone.
"Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry."
Davina immediately turned around.
The apology was already leaving her lips when she froze.
Two pairs of familiar grey eyes stared back at her.
Cold.
Sharp.
Unforgettable.
Her heart dropped.
Of all people...
Him.
Reese Kingsley.
For a brief second, her old reaction returned. She almost rolled her eyes like she had done the first time they met.
But then reality hit her.
This wasn't just the arrogant man who ruined her résumé.
This was her boss.
She quickly composed herself.
"Good morning, sir."
Her voice became polite and professional.
"I'm sorry for bumping into you."
Reese stared at her silently.
His expression remained unreadable.
For a moment, neither of them moved.
Then he finally opened his mouth and said...
- Writer
