"Meet the CEO"

When Brielle finally made it back to her apartment, she collapsed on the couch, still reeling from what had just happened. She felt disoriented and a little bit dazed. She tried to make sense of what had just happened, but it was like a puzzle with missing pieces. Why had he been at the interview? And why had he looked at her with that knowing look? It was all too much to process, and she felt exhausted.

As Brielle thought about her journey home, she realized that she had been operating on autopilot. She had somehow managed to navigate the city streets and get back to her apartment, but she couldn't remember any of the details. It was as if her body had taken over while her mind was still reeling from the interview. Now that she was home, she started to feel the physical effects of the experience. Her heart was racing and her hands were shaking.

The sound of the phone ringing made Brielle jump, and she reached for it with shaking hands. She saw that it was her friend Nevaeh calling, and she felt a wave of relief. She knew that Nevaeh would be able to help her process what had just happened. She answered the phone and said, "Hi, Nevaeh. It's so good to hear your voice."

Nevaeh responded, "Hey, Brielle! It's so good to hear from you. How are you doing? So, how did your interview go?" Nevaeh asked, her voice full of concern. "I'm so curious to hear about it. Were they nice? Was it what you expected?"

Brielle hesitated, not sure how to answer. "Well, it was... unexpected," she said. "I don't really know how to explain it. It was just... a lot." Nevaeh could sense that something was off, and she pressed a little further. "Did something happen? You can tell me anything, you know that."

Brielle took a deep breath and began to tell Nevaeh about the interview. "I was doing okay at first, but then... then I saw someone I wasn't expecting to see."

Nevaeh's voice was full of curiosity. "Who was it? What happened?" Brielle took another deep breath and said, "It was Xavier." Nevaeh's response was immediate. "Wait, what?! You saw Xavier at your interview? How is that even possible?"

"I don't know how he was there," Brielle said, her voice still trembling. "But he was. He was one of the interviewers. And when he saw me, he had this smug look on his face, like he knew something I didn't. It was like he was enjoying watching me squirm."

Nevaeh was trying to make sense of what Brielle was saying. "Wow, that's... that's really strange. I can't imagine what his motives were for being there. Do you think he had anything to do with you getting the interview?"

"I have no idea if he had anything to do with it," Brielle said. "But I can't help but feel like he was there for a reason. Like he was trying to mess with me somehow."

Nevaeh was trying to remain calm and supportive. "I know this is really upsetting for you, but let's try not to jump to conclusions. Maybe it was just a strange coincidence." Brielle sighed. "Maybe. But it's hard not to wonder what he was doing there."

"I feel like I blew my chance at this job," Brielle said. "I know I was thrown for a loop when I saw Xavier, but I can't help but think that my performance in the interview suffered because of it. I just can't stop thinking about it."

Nevaeh was sympathetic, but she also wanted to offer some words of encouragement. "It's totally understandable that you're feeling this way. But don't be so hard on yourself. You don't know how you did in the interview, and you can't change the past. The best thing you can do now is try to move forward."

"I can understand why you're feeling that way," Nevaeh said. "The whole situation is very strange. But maybe you shouldn't give up on the possibility of getting the job. After all, you might be letting Xavier win if you let him scare you away from it."

Brielle thought about this for a moment. "You're right. I can't let him ruin this for me. But I'm still feeling really shaken up."

"I'll be there to cheer you up and keep you company when I'm done at work, no matter what happens," Nevaeh said. "I want you to know that you're not alone in this, no matter what. I'll be there for you, no matter what."

Brielle felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. "Thank you so much, Nevaeh. I really appreciate your support. It means a lot to me." Nevaeh's voice was warm and reassuring. "You're welcome, Brielle. I'll always be here for you."

The line went dead, and Brielle was left sitting alone with her thoughts. She still felt shaken by what had happened, but she was also grateful for Nevaeh's support. She knew that she couldn't dwell on the interview, no matter how it had gone. She had to focus on the future and try to move forward. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, letting go of the anxiety that had been building up inside her.

***Two days later***

Brielle's heart jumped when she saw the caller ID as her phone rang. It was the company that had interviewed her a few days ago. She took a deep breath and answered the call.

"Hello?" she said.

"Hello, Brielle," a woman's voice said. "This is Katherine from the company you interviewed with. We wanted to let you know that we'd like to offer you the position."

Brielle was stunned. She had been sure that her interview had gone badly, but now she was being offered the job?

Brielle couldn't wrap her head around what was happening. She had been so sure that her hasty departure from the interview had cost her the job. But apparently, she had been wrong. She had to know more.

"I'm so honored and grateful for the offer," she said. "But I have to admit, I'm a little surprised. I thought that I had messed up the interview when I left early."

There was a pause on the other end of the line. "We understand your concern," Katherine said. "But we were very impressed with your qualifications and your answers to our questions."

Katherine went on to explain the details of the job offer, including the starting date and the salary. Brielle was elated, but she still had one more question. "I'm really grateful for this opportunity," she said.

The call ended, and Brielle sat back in her chair, letting the reality of what had just happened sink in. She had gotten the job, despite her hasty departure from the interview. She knew that she had made the right decision in being honest and leaving when she felt uncomfortable. Now, she had a new job to look forward to. She couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction and pride. She had done the right thing, and it had paid off.

***

Brielle arrived at the office on her first day of work, feeling confident and ready to take on the world. She had put a lot of thought and effort into her outfit, choosing a professional yet stylish ensemble. She walked into the office with her head held high, ready to take on whatever the day had in store for her. She was determined to make a good impression and show that she was the right person for the job. She was going to avoid any sight of Xavier in case she ran into him again at work that day.

The receptionist greeted Brielle warmly and handed her a badge with her name and photo on it. She explained that Brielle would need to wear the badge at all times while in the building, and showed her how to use it to access the different areas of the office. Then, she pointed Brielle in the direction of the elevator that would take her to the office she was expected at.

Brielle thanked the receptionist and made her way to the elevator, her heart pounding with anticipation. The elevator doors opened and Brielle stepped out onto the floor where she'd be working at. She took a moment to take in her surroundings. The office was sleek and modern, with glass walls and bright lighting. People were bustling about, carrying files and laptops, clearly busy with their work. She took a deep breath and tried to steel herself for the new challenge ahead. She was ready to make a great first impression.

At the end of the hall, Brielle saw a large door with the CEO inscription on it. It was the door to her new office maybe, and she felt a sense of trepidation as she approached it. She took a deep breath and opened the door. Inside, the office was spacious and well-appointed, with a large desk and comfortable seating. But what caught her eye was the view - the office had a wall of windows, overlooking the city skyline. She could see for miles, and she felt a sense of awe and wonder.

And there, sitting behind the desk, was a familiar face she knew a bit well. He stood up from the desk with a very thin smile on his face.

"Hello Brielle" he said walking towards her.

"Xavier" Brielle managed to say as she hiccuped.