Chapter 18 Not now
1762 Words
Aria’s POV
I stood still in the empty room, staring at the door.
The sound of the lock clicking into place still echoed in my head.
Nora. My chest tightened slightly, so this was planned. I exhaled slowly and walked back to the door again. My hand pressed against it. “Nora,” I called out, trying to keep my voice steady. “Open the door.”
I knocked again, harder this time. “Nora, don’t do this. Please.” My voice came out lower now. But I was already aware of something important. This wasn’t an accident. I took a small step back and pressed my forehead against the door for a second.
My fingers tightened on my bag strap. Think, think.
If Sophia is involved… then this is not random.
I closed my eyes briefly. Then I spoke again, softer this time. “Nora… don’t let her use you like this. You don’t have to do this for her.”
For a second, I thought she might respond. But then I heard footsteps. Moving away. “Nora?” I called again quickly. The footsteps faded completely. And then… silence. I stayed there for a moment, listening.
I checked the time on my wrist. My eyes froze, 20 minutes left. My stomach tightened immediately.
“No…” I whispered. I pulled out my phone quickly.
My battery was dead. My thumb pressed the screen again. Nothing.
I leaned against the door slowly. My breathing became a little heavier. Think, Aria. Think. I started pacing the small room. One step.Two steps. My shoes made soft sounds against the floor.
I stopped again and pressed my palm to my forehead. If I miss this interview… everything ends here. My bag slid slightly down my shoulder, and I caught it quickly.
“No,” I said again, firmer this time. I walked back to the door and started knocking again. “Hello! Can anyone hear me?” I shouted. My voice bounced off the empty hallway outside.
Nothing. I hit the door again. “Please! I’m inside!”
Silence. My throat tightened. I stepped back and looked around the room. No windows, just walls.
And a door that refused to open. I pressed my back against the wall slowly and slid down a little.
My knees bent slightly, but I didn’t sit fully. My fingers dug into my palms. I won’t miss this. I can’t.
Minutes passed slowly. Each second felt heavier than the last. I stood again and started knocking once more. “Please! Someone hear me!” My voice cracked slightly this time. I stopped and swallowed hard. No. I won’t break like this.
I pressed my ear against the door. And then I heard footsteps. My eyes widened immediately.
I pressed harder. The footsteps got closer.
“Help!” I shouted again, banging the door. “I’m locked in here!”
“Aria?” My body froze. That voice. Chris. “Chris!” I shouted quickly. “I’m here! The door is locked!”
I hit the door again, relief and urgency mixing in my voice. “Can you open it?!” I heard movement outside immediately.
“Step back,” Chris said firmly. I quickly moved away from the door. Seconds later, a loud metallic sound. The lock shifted. Then the door opened sharply. I almost stumbled forward. Chris stood there, his expression tight, eyes scanning me quickly. Behind him were two security men.
“Are you okay?” he asked immediately. I nodded quickly, breathing unevenly. “Yes… I’m fine.”
He frowned slightly, looking past me into the empty room. “Who did this?” he asked.
I opened my mouth. Nora’s face flashed in my mind. Then Sophia. But I swallowed it back.
Not now. “No time,” I said quickly. “I have the interview.” Chris blinked.
“You were locked in here,” he said, still confused. “We need to report” “Later,” I cut in softly. I looked at him directly. “Please.” A short silence. Then he nodded once.
“Go.” I didn’t wait again. I rushed out. My heels hit the floor faster now. Corridors passed quickly as I moved. My breath was still uneven, but I forced myself to steady it.
I reached the elevator but didn’t wait. I took the stairs instead. Faster. Each step felt like time chasing me. My hand gripped the rail tightly as I moved down. When I finally reached the interview floor, I slowed for half a second. I adjusted my clothes. Took one deep breath. And walked in.
The interview hall was already active. Candidates were seated. Papers were on desks. Pens moving.
The exam had started. My heart dropped slightly.
But I kept walking. The moment I stepped inside, heads turned slightly.
Whispers began faintly. But I ignored them. I walked straight to the examiner’s desk. He looked up at me. His expression didn’t change. Just calm observation.
I stopped in front of him. “I’m sorry I’m late,” I said clearly. My voice was steady. Even though my chest wasn’t. He didn’t respond immediately.
Just looked at me for a few seconds longer than necessary. Then he nodded once. And pointed to an empty seat. I exhaled quietly and walked to it.
I sat down. Picked up my pen. And started the exam. My hand moved slowly at first. Then steadier.
Focused.
Even though my mind was still catching up with what just happened.
Across the hall, I felt it before I saw it. I looked up slightly. And there she was. Nora. Seated properly.
Pen in hand. But her head turned slightly toward me. And for a brief moment… Her expression froze. Shock. Pure shock. She wasn’t expecting me. Not now. Not here. Our eyes met. Mine stayed steady. She flickered. Just for a second. Then she quickly looked away. But I had already seen it.
I lowered my gaze back to my paper. And continued writing.
- Writer
