Accidental kiss [Great pretenders]

With a gentle smile, the young woman stirred from sleep. Morning sunlight streamed through her window, casting golden rays across her small room. She walked over, drawing aside the curtain to inhale the crisp, hopeful air of a brand-new day. The sky outside was painted in hues of soft orange and pink — a perfect sunrise. Cynthia stood still, staring out, lost in her thoughts. “I wish I had someone to share mornings like this with…” she whispered, her voice barely audible. A sigh escaped her lips. “Just a dream.” She shook her head quickly, snapping herself out of it. “Focus, Cynthia,” she muttered. She glanced at the wall clock. Her eyes widened. She was late! In a blur, she raced into the bathroom, took the quickest shower of her life, and stood frozen in front of her wardrobe. What should I wear? Panic surged. But then she remembered — this interview could change everything. Her whole future. Her hand landed on the red jumpsuit her best friend had gifted her months ago. With it, she wore white earrings, a simple silver necklace, her favorite wristwatch, and her most reliable pair of heels. Down the street she ran, silently praying under her breath. Just in time, a bus screeched to a stop in front of her. She climbed aboard, found a seat by the window, and sighed in relief. But that peace didn’t last long. A child in the back burst into tears, crying out for her mother. The sound pierced something deep inside her. Memories rose… Of herself, as a little girl. Lost. Afraid. Crying in the dark. Tap, tap. “Madam, your bus stop.” She blinked back to reality. “Oh! Thank you.” She stepped down and stood in awe before a towering glass and steel building. Jack Cooperation Technology Company (J.C.T.C.) “Wow…” she whispered. “I love this building — the color, the shine... everything.” But reality hit hard. You're late. She picked up speed, heels clacking against the pavement. As she pushed open the heavy glass door, she collided — hard — with someone walking out. They almost fell into each other’s arms. Strong hands grabbed her shoulders, steadying her. They both froze. She looked up. Tall. Handsome. Familiar. Him. He blinked, clearly recognizing her too. And suddenly, her memory snapped back — just a few weeks ago... She’d been walking home alone one evening, deep in thought, when a sleek black sports car pulled up beside her. Before she could move, the door flung open — and hit her leg. “Ahhh! Ow!” she yelped, stumbling backward. A tall man in dark glasses stepped out casually. “Watch where you’re going,” he said coldly. “You should apologize!” she snapped. “Your door hit me!” He raised a brow. “You should watch where you’re walking. You’re lucky I don’t sue you for scratching my car.” “Sue me?!” she gasped. “Wow. Rich people really never think they’re wrong.” He said nothing more. Just adjusted his sunglasses and drove off. Their first encounter — heated, tense, and unforgettable. And now... here they were again. Face to face. “What are you doing here?” she asked, stepping back. He gave her a look. “I could ask you the same. Are you following me?” Her mouth dropped. “Excuse me?! I’m here for a job interview!” He smirked. “An interview? Interesting.” She narrowed her eyes. “Do you work here?” He shrugged. “Not exactly.” The elevator dinged open. He stepped in first. She followed behind, arms crossed, heart pounding. At the front desk, she was greeted with a smile. “Good morning,” the receptionist said. “Your name, please?” “Cynthia Mathew. I’m here for the marketing position.” “Ah, yes! Welcome, Cynthia,” the woman beamed. “I’m Jade. Please head down the hallway — last door on the right.” “Thank you,” she replied politely. As Cynthia walked away, the man from earlier remained nearby, pretending to check his phone — but his ears were listening closely. Cynthia… he repeated silently. A few minutes later, Cynthia entered a bright office. The marketing manager stood to greet her. “Good morning,” he said with a warm smile. “Please have a seat.” “Thank you,” she replied, sitting gracefully. “I’m Mr. Kelvin, the marketing manager,” he said. “Let’s begin. Tell me about your experience.” “I have two years of experience,” she said confidently. “I’ve worked on multiple successful campaigns for small businesses.” He nodded. “What sets you apart from other candidates?” “My creativity. I keep up with trends and bring fresh, bold ideas to every project.” “Very good,” he said, smiling. “We’ll be in touch soon.” “Thank you so much.” She stood, shook his hand, and left with a hopeful smile. For the first time in a long while, Cynthia felt... light. Just minutes after she left, the man she’d bumped into stepped into Mr. Kelvin’s office. “Good afternoon, sir!” Kelvin said, standing quickly. “How was the girl who just left?” the man asked. “Cynthia Mathew? Very impressive. Smart, confident. A strong candidate.” “Good,” the man said. “Make her head of the department.” Kelvin blinked. “Sir? She’s certainly qualified, but we haven’t—” “Just do it,” the man said calmly, already turning to go. At the door, he paused. “What’s her name again?” “Cynthia Mathew,” Kelvin replied. A faint smile tugged at the man’s lips. “Noted.” And he walked out. That night, Cynthia lay in bed, tossing and turning. Why do I keep running into that man? What was he doing there? Was he also applying for a job? No… he didn’t seem nervous. Maybe... maybe he’s someone important? She shook the thoughts away. “Focus, Cynthia,” she whispered. “You’ve got work to do.” She pulled her blanket over her head. Tomorrow is a new day. Across the city, in a luxurious penthouse apartment overlooking the skyline, Jack stood by a massive glass window. Cynthia Mathew… Of all the companies in this city, she walked into mine. Twice we’ve met. And still… she doesn’t know who I am. He leaned against the window, exhaling slowly. That spark in her eyes... Why can’t I stop thinking about it? He shook his head. “Enough. Early to bed,” he muttered. Tomorrow begins.