Alpha and the wallflower

Chapter 10: A New Beginning

Hayden’s POV

I was on cloud nine. By the end of Friday, I had finally received the email I’d been waiting for—a job offer from Blackwood Industries. It came with a decent pay package, benefits, and the stability I’d been craving. My heart raced as I read the email twice, just to make sure I wasn’t imagining things. I’d done it. After weeks of uncertainty, my hard work had finally paid off.

Unable to contain my excitement, I immediately called Fara to share the news. But when she didn’t pick up, I left her a voice note, my voice practically bubbling with joy. “Fara! You won’t believe it—I got the job! I’m officially going to be working at Blackwood Industries. Call me when you get this. I can’t wait to tell you everything!”

With a huge smile on my face, I rushed to my wardrobe to plan my outfit for Monday. I didn’t have to start work right away—my first day was in two weeks—but I had to drop off my ID and sign the contract with HR. I wanted to make a good impression, so I carefully selected a white chiffon blouse, wide-legged pants, and sleek pencil heels. It was professional yet stylish, the perfect look to show them I meant business.

After laying out my outfit, I organized my bag, making sure I had all the necessary documents—my ID, academic certificates, and any other paperwork HR might need. Then, I turned my attention to the apartment. I tidied up and did some household chores, knowing I’d be busy working at the café over the weekend. I wanted to start the new week with a clean slate.

As I worked, my mind buzzed with plans. I decided I would give my four weeks' notice at the café after starting my new job. I needed the income from the café to cover my daily expenses until I got my first paycheck from Blackwood Industries at the end of the month. It wasn’t ideal, but it was manageable. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I was moving forward.

The next morning, I arrived at the café early, still riding the high of the previous day. I set up the tables, brewed the coffee, and prepared the pastries, humming to myself as I worked. When Mr. Wilkinson walked in to read his newspaper, I greeted him with a bright smile.

“The usual?” I asked, already knowing his order by heart.

He nodded, but his piercing eyes studied me with an intensity that made me uncomfortable. “You seem… happier today,” he remarked, his gaze lingering as I handed him his coffee.

I shrugged, still smiling. “I got some good news yesterday. I guess it’s showing.”

He took a sip of his coffee, his gaze never leaving mine. “You are closer to what you seek,” he said cryptically.

I blinked, caught off guard. “What do you mean?”

He said nothing for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, as if nothing had happened, he changed the subject completely. “The weather’s great today, isn’t it?”

I frowned, unsure of how to respond. “Uh, yeah. It’s nice.”

He nodded, already turning his attention to the newspaper in front of him. I stood there for a moment, uncertain, but decided not to press him. Mr. Wilkinson had always been a bit odd, and I didn’t want to ruin my good mood by overthinking his strange comment. I returned to my work, pushing the interaction to the back of my mind.

The rest of the day at the café passed in a familiar blur of customers—regulars and newcomers alike. I moved through my tasks with ease, my excitement about the new job giving me an extra burst of energy. It wasn’t until closer to closing time that Fara finally appeared, rushing in with a wide grin on her face.

“Hayden!” she called out, her voice practically vibrating with excitement. “I got your voice note! Congratulations!”

My heart swelled at the sight of her. “Fara! You’re here! I was hoping you’d come by.”

She pulled me into a tight hug, nearly knocking the tray I was holding out of my hands. “I’m so proud of you! Blackwood Industries is huge. You’re going to do amazing there.”

I laughed, the weight of my worries lightening. “Thanks, Fara. I couldn’t have done it without your support.”

We chatted animatedly as we closed up the café together, Fara helping me with the final tasks. Once everything was done, we walked back to our cozy apartment, our conversation flowing easily. Fara insisted on ordering takeout to celebrate, and we spent the evening laughing, eating, and dreaming about the future.

As I lay in bed that night, I couldn’t help but think about the strange comment Mr. Wilkinson had made. “You are closer to what you seek.” What had he meant by that? Was it just a random remark, or was there something more to it? I shook my head, dismissing the thought. I had too much to look forward to now—a new job, a fresh start, and the promise of better days ahead. Whatever Mr. Wilkinson had meant, it didn’t matter. I was ready to embrace whatever came next.