CHAPTER TWO: THE MOMENT EVERYTHING CHANGED
307 Words
She sat across from him in his office.
It was massive. Clean. Perfectly organized.
Just like him.
“I’m Adrian Cole,” he said. “CEO.”
“I—I know,” Hailey stammered.
Of course I know. Everyone knows. Why did I say that?!
He raised an eyebrow.
And then—
Something strange happened.
A voice.
Not out loud.
But in her head.
She’s nervous. Unprepared. This is already a waste of time.
Hailey froze.
Her eyes widened slightly.
…Did he just…?
She looked at him.
His lips hadn’t moved.
He was just staring at her.
But the voice had been clear.
Another candidate trying too hard. She won’t last five minutes under pressure.
Hailey’s heart started racing.
I can hear him.
She swallowed hard.
I CAN HEAR HIM.
Tell me about yourself,” Adrian said calmly.
Hailey’s mind was spinning.
Okay. Okay. Don’t panic. Maybe it’s just stress. Maybe I’m imagining things.
But then—
If she gives me a generic answer, I’m ending this immediately.
Her eyes widened again.
Nope. Not imagining.
“Um…” she started.
Think. THINK.
If she could hear his thoughts…
That meant she knew exactly what he didn’t want.
“I don’t have an impressive background,” she said carefully. “No fancy schools. No powerful connections.”
He leaned back slightly.
Honest? That’s unexpected.
Hailey continued, gaining a bit of confidence.
“But I learn fast. I pay attention. And I don’t quit when things get difficult—even when I want to.”
Silence.
He studied her.
Not bad… but words are easy.
Hailey clenched her folder slightly.
Okay… so he needs proof.
“I know words aren’t enough,” she added quickly. “Give me a task. Anything. Let me prove it.”
He paused.
For a moment, there was no voice.
Then—
Interesting.
- Writer
