Chapter 2: Interview
1125 Words
The morning sun bathed the streets of Milan in a warm glow as Cleyia Cesteras stepped out of her cab. She glanced up at the imposing building of Phoenix Ceita Industry, its sleek glass facade reflecting the bustling city around it. The grandeur of the structure was a far cry from the quaint barangay she had left behind in the Philippines. Today marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, and she was both excited and nervous about what lay ahead.
With her resume and a folder of documents neatly tucked under her arm, Cleyia walked into the grand lobby of the company. The reception area was modern and impeccably maintained, with polished marble floors and stylish furniture that hinted at the company's elite status. A large reception desk, made of dark wood with a glossy finish, stood at the center of the room. Behind it sat a young woman with a friendly demeanor, typing away on her computer.
**Cleyia’s POV**
Cleyia approached the desk and gave a warm smile. "Buongiorno! Posso chiedere dove si trova l'ufficio delle candidature? E vorrei anche sapere il nome del mio reclutatore." (Good morning! May I ask where the applicant office is? And I would also like to know the name of my recruiter.)
The receptionist looked up, her face lighting up with a welcoming smile. "Good morning! You're Cleyia Cesteras, correct? I’ve been expecting you. The recruitment office is on the 15th floor. I’ll call ahead to let them know you’ve arrived. Your recruiter is Mr. Lorenzo. He’ll be meeting you there."
**3rd Person POV**
The receptionist's efficiency and warmth helped ease Cleyia’s nerves. She made a quick phone call to inform the recruitment team of Cleyia's arrival. After a few minutes, she handed Cleyia a visitor's badge and directed her to the elevators. Cleyia nodded gratefully and made her way to the elevator banks, her excitement palpable.
**Cleyia’s POV**
As she waited for the elevator, Cleyia reflected on her recent experiences. Moving to Italy had been a bold decision, driven by her desire to provide a better future for her family. Her background in languages, especially Italian, had been invaluable in making this transition smoother. She felt a surge of confidence as the elevator doors opened, and she stepped inside, her mind focused on the upcoming interview.
**3rd Person POV**
The elevator ride was brief, and soon Cleyia found herself on the 15th floor. The area was bustling with activity, as employees moved about, their conversations a mix of Italian and English. Cleyia approached the receptionist at this floor, who greeted her with a polite nod.
"Buongiorno! Mi chiamo Cleyia Cesteras. Sono qui per l'intervista con il signor Lorenzo." (Good morning! My name is Cleyia Cesteras. I am here for the interview with Mr. Lorenzo.)
The receptionist, who was fluent in both English and Italian, responded warmly. "Good morning, Ms. Cesteras. Mr. Lorenzo is expecting you. Please have a seat, and I’ll let him know you’re here."
**Lance’s POV**
Lance Cietaquez, seated in his office on the top floor, was engrossed in a stack of documents when he received a call about a new applicant. He glanced at the name—Cleyia Cesteras. A sudden flash of recognition crossed his mind. He couldn’t quite place her, but the name seemed familiar. The encounter at the airport had been brief but memorable, especially her striking presence.
As he prepared for the meeting, he couldn’t shake the feeling that their paths had crossed before. The curiosity about the coincidence lingered in the back of his mind.
**3rd Person POV**
Moments later, Cleyia was ushered into a sleek, modern conference room where Mr. Lorenzo awaited her. The room had a large glass table and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of Milan. Lorenzo, a distinguished man with a professional demeanor, greeted her with a firm handshake.
"Ms. Cesteras, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Please, have a seat," he said in a refined accent. "I’ve reviewed your application, and I must say, your qualifications are impressive."
**Cleyia’s POV**
As Cleyia took her seat, she felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness. The interview began with Lorenzo asking about her experiences and aspirations. Cleyia answered confidently, drawing on her background and her reasons for wanting to work with Phoenix Ceita Industry.
The conversation flowed smoothly, with Lorenzo’s questions probing into her skills and how she would fit into the company. Cleyia’s Italian language skills proved to be a significant advantage, allowing her to communicate effectively and build rapport.
**3rd Person POV**
After the interview, Cleyia was informed that she had been selected for the trainee secretary position. Her excitement was palpable as she thanked Mr. Lorenzo and left the room. As she exited the conference area, she found herself in the lobby once again.
Suddenly, she bumped into a familiar face—Lance Cietaquez. Her eyes widened in surprise. Lance, equally startled, looked at her with a mixture of recognition and curiosity.
**Lance’s POV**
Lance’s heart skipped a beat as he saw Cleyia. The encounter at the airport flashed back in his mind. Her presence was unmistakable, and he couldn’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu. Their accidental meeting had left an impression on him, and seeing her here in the office was both surprising and intriguing.
**Cleyia’s POV**
“Lance?” Cleyia exclaimed, her eyes widening in recognition. “We met at the airport, didn’t we?”
Lance nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “Yes, that’s right. It’s quite a coincidence meeting you here. I didn’t realize you’d be joining the team.”
**Lance’s POV**
Lance chuckled, his curiosity piqued. “Well, it’s a pleasure to see you again. I’m glad to see you’re starting here. I hope you find the position rewarding.”
**Cleyia’s POV**
“I’m sure I will,” Cleyia replied, her smile warm. “It’s a fantastic opportunity, and I’m excited to be part of the team.”
As they exchanged a few more pleasantries, Cleyia felt a sense of comfort in Lance’s presence. The unexpected encounter had a positive impact, and she was looking forward to the journey ahead.
**3rd Person POV**
With their brief conversation concluded, Cleyia made her way out of the building, her spirits high. She was eager to begin her new role and embrace the challenges and opportunities that awaited her. The coincidence of meeting Lance again added an intriguing twist to her new chapter, and she couldn’t help but feel that this was just the beginning of an exciting adventure.
As Cleyia stepped out onto the bustling streets of Milan, she felt a renewed sense of determination. The city was full of possibilities, and she was ready to seize them.
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- Writer
