Chapter 17 Nora’s little scheme
1599 Words
Aria’s POV
The elevator doors slid open with a soft sound.
I stepped forward, adjusting my bag on my shoulder. The hallway outside was brighter than the floor below. Clean walls, silent steps. Doctors moving in and out with files in their hands.
This was the final stage. I took a small breath and walked out. That was when I saw her. Nora. She stood near the elevator exit like she had been waiting. Her eyes landed on me immediately. For a second, she froze. Shock flashed across her face before she quickly covered it with a cold look.
Her lips tightened. “So you actually made it,” she said. I stopped walking but didn’t respond.
Nora tilted her head slightly, eyes moving from my shoes up to my face like she was scanning something dirty. “Final stage,” she repeated slowly, like she was testing the words. “Interesting.”
I kept my face still. She scoffed and stepped closer. Her shoulder brushed mine as she passed. “Who knows what some low class did to be here,” she said under her breath.
Her words were deliberate, but I didn’t turn. I just tightened my grip on my bag strap and continued walking forward because she wasn't worth it.
My footsteps didn’t change. I walked past her completely. Behind me, I heard her heels pause for a second, like she expected me to react, but i didn’t. So she walked away instead.
Nora’s POV
My heels clicked faster the moment I turned the corner. My face was tight. She made it, Aria actually made it to the final stage.
I pushed the restroom door open and stepped inside quickly. The space was empty. Good. I locked it behind me and pulled out my phone.
My fingers moved fast. “Sophia, Aria came for the final interview.” I said the moment she picked up.
Then her voice came sharp. “What? She made it to the final stage?” I leaned against the sink, staring at my reflection in the mirror. “Yes,” I said. “She’s here. Right now.”
A loud silence followed. Then Sophia spoke again, voice rising. “How is that possible? That girl doesn’t even belong in that building.” I let out a short breath. “I don’t know,” I said. “But she’s here. And she looks… confident.” That last word came out bitter.
Sophia scoffed. “Confident?” she repeated. “She always thinks she can stand where she doesn’t belong.” I watched my fingers tighten around the phone.
“She might actually get it,” I added quietly. That got her attention. Then Sophia’s voice dropped.
“You have to stop her.” I blinked. “Stop her how?”
Her tone sharpened. “I don’t care. Just make sure she doesn’t get that job. People like her don’t just walk into opportunities like that. There’s always something behind it.” I looked at myself again in the mirror.
“I understand,” I said slowly. Sophia exhaled. “Good. Because if she gets in, it changes everything.” The call ended.
I lowered the phone and stared at my reflection for a moment. Then I smiled. “Let’s see how lucky you are, Aria,” I whispered.
Aria’s POV
I continued walking through the hallway, following the signs that pointed toward the interview rooms.
My steps were steady, but my mind was alert.
Too many people here, too many eyes.
I adjusted my bag again and slowed down slightly when I reached a junction. That was when I saw Nora again. She was standing near one of the hallway doors, arms folded, like she had been waiting for me.
“Aria,” she called casually. I stopped. “Yes?” She tilted her head slightly, her expression softer now. Almost friendly. “Chris was looking for you,” she said.
“Chris?” “Yes,” she replied quickly. “He tried calling you, but it seems your phone is off.” My hand moved to my pocket and pulled it out. The screen was dark. Dead. I sighed quietly.
“I forgot to charge it last night,” I said. Nora nodded like she expected that answer. “Where is he?” I asked. She glanced down the hallway, then pointed slightly.
“I saw him in one of the rooms over there,” she said. “He said it’s urgent.” My eyes followed her hand. A closed door halfway down the hallway.
I hesitated. Something about it felt slightly off. But I pushed the thought away. Chris wouldn’t call me for nothing. I tightened my grip on my bag.
“Okay,” I said. Nora stepped aside immediately.
“Go ahead,” she added. I walked forward. Her footsteps didn’t follow. But I didn’t notice, not fully.
I reached the door she pointed at and stopped for a second. My fingers hovered over the handle. Then I pushed it open.
The room was quiet and empty. My eyes moved slowly across the space but there was no Chris, Just chairs and a long table inside. I stepped in fully.
“Chris?” I called. No answer. I turned slightly, immediately, the door clicked. “Nora?” I called immediately.
Her face appeared for a second through the small gap. She wasn’t smiling loudly. But I saw it, that small curve on her lips.
Then, she locked the door, my breath stopped for a moment. I rushed forward and grabbed the handle.
I pulled it hard but It didn’t move. My heart began to beat faster.
I knocked once. “Nora!” I called again. Her footsteps faded through the hallway
- Writer
