CHAPTER 1: THE INTERVIEW
The sun filtered through the tall glass windows of the office building, casting a warm glow on the polished floors. Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with the energy of busy professionals, each absorbed in their tasks. Among them was Mia, an introverted young woman with a heart full of dreams and a mind clouded with anxiety. Today was a pivotal day for her; she was about to interview for a position at one of the most prestigious marketing firms in the city.
Mia had always been shy, preferring the company of books to that of people. But after months of searching for a job, she had finally landed an interview. She had spent the previous night rehearsing her answers in front of the mirror, her stomach twisting in knots as she imagined the worst-case scenarios. What if she stumbled over her words? What if they didn’t like her?
As she entered the sleek conference room, her heart raced. The walls were adorned with modern art, and the long table was surrounded by a few stern-looking interviewers. But it was him—the man sitting at the head of the table—who captured her attention. Ethan Cole, the company’s CEO, was everything she had imagined and more. With his sharp jawline, tousled dark hair, and piercing blue eyes, he exuded an air of confidence that was both intimidating and alluring.
“Good morning, Mia,” he said, his voice smooth and inviting. “Thank you for coming in today.”
“Thank you for having me,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She could feel her cheeks flush as she took a seat, trying to focus on the questions being asked.
Ethan’s gaze was intense, and she could sense a playful spark in his demeanor. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, and asked, “What makes you passionate about marketing?”
Mia took a deep breath, her mind racing. “I believe marketing is about storytelling. It’s about connecting with people and understanding their needs. I want to create campaigns that resonate and inspire.”
Ethan nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “That’s a refreshing perspective. I like it.”
As the interview progressed, Mia found herself relaxing, drawn in by Ethan’s charm. He was strict yet flirtatious, challenging her with tough questions while maintaining a light-hearted banter that made her heart flutter. She couldn’t help but notice the way his eyes sparkled when he smiled, and for a moment, she forgot about her nerves.
After what felt like an eternity, the interview came to an end. Ethan stood up, extending his hand toward her. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Mia. I’ll be in touch soon.”
As she shook his hand, a jolt of electricity coursed through her. She quickly pulled away, her heart racing. “Thank you for the opportunity,” she managed to say before exiting the room, her mind still reeling from the encounter.
Days passed, and Mia tried to push thoughts of Ethan from her mind. But when she received the call offering her the job, her heart soared. She had landed the position, and with it, a chance to work alongside the man who had captivated her from the very first moment.
Little did she know, this was just the beginning of a complicated journey filled with passion, heartache, and the kind of love that could change everything. As she stepped into her new role, she couldn’t shake the feeling that her life was about to take a turn she never saw coming.
