June 28, 2026.
The email arrived on a Monday morning, while I was at Damien’s kitchen island, coffee in hand, scrolling through design inspiration on my tablet.
Subject: Offer of Employment – Junior Designer at Apex Creative
My heart stopped.
I read it once. Twice. Three times.
Full-time. Starting salary higher than I’d dared hope. Full benefits. Creative freedom on major accounts. Option for hybrid work—three days in office, two remote.
Start date flexible—August 1 or September 1.
I set the tablet down.
Hands shaking.
Damien walked in from his home office, tie loose, sleeves rolled.
Saw my face.
“What?”
I turned the screen.
He read.
Smile started slow.
Then wide.
He pulled me off the stool, into his arms, spun me once.
“This is it,” he said against my hair. “Your dream jo
