Chapter Two

AMELIA’S POV

A week later:

It’s been exactly a week since I lost my job… and the unfortunate encounter I had on my way back, and it was safe to say that I was still more than a little paranoid.

I couldn’t go around without watching my shoulders as everywhere I went, I felt like I was being watched. I had tried to hide in the shadows, to hide and to wallow in self pity until today.

I combed out my hair, humming a song under my breath as I prepped myself for a job interview. After I lost my previous one…

I took another look at myself at the mirror, and a small smile crept on my lips. I was pretty.

I was cladded in a sleek black corporate gown, which was tailored fitly. The dress was above my knees and It had a little embroidery on the Neckline. The sleeves were also long and fitted.

I sighed slightly, as I packed my hair in a bun. I took out time to admire myself in the mirror, and I must say— I was captivated by my own beauty….

After gazing at myself in the mirror, I knew it was time to leave.

I picked up my white handbag and took a final glance at myself before leaving for the company.

“I hope this one goes well,” I muttered underneath my breath as I left my house in a hurry.

It took some time before I got to the company, but the moment I got to the company…I felt my breath got hitched for a second.

I quickly alighted from the taxi as I stretched my hands giving the driver the money, my eyes were still focused on the building.

A&M BUILDERS GROUP was boldly written at the top of the company.

“This is huge,” I chuckled nervously, as I clutched my bag tightly.

I began to take slow strides towards the building, and went straight to the receptionist.

“Please, I’m here for the job interview….” I was interrupted with her pointing towards the elevator.

“The second floor,” She said, and directed her attention to what she was doing before I got there.

“Thank you,” I said, and walked towards the elevator. I was worried, hoping silently that I got the job I came in search for.

But as soon as I got to the hall, my heart fell!

The applicants were more than I was expecting, and at that moment—I lost hope in getting the job.

We were over 300 applicants seated in the big hall, waiting to be called upon.

Suddenly, a door creaked open and there was a pin drop silence. A lady wearing a red dress walked out with a file in hand, as she glanced over everyone in the hall.

She took another look at the file before saying out loud, “Amelia Cooper,”

That was me!

I felt shivers run down my spine, as I stood amongst the people in the hall.

“Follow me,” She said, and turned entering the room she came out from.

I felt my legs stuck to the ground, as I felt the gaze of everyone on me, and I became quite shy unlike me.

I strode behind her and entered the room after her, just to see three more strict looking ladies at the table.

“You can have your seat,” I sat down slowly, but with a confident look. I couldn’t afford to let them know that I was nervous—instead, I wanted them to see me as a confident young woman.

“We are pleased to have you here Amelia,” The woman who I followed into the room said as she had her seat.

“Thank you,” I flashed her a smile, as I waited for the questions they were going to ask me.

I made sure to prepare for this interview, but what I still couldn’t understand was why I felt unprepared that moment.

I just couldn’t believe I was the first person they were interviewing among almost 300 applicants.

“Amelia, if I may ask—What’s your approach to maintaining Confidentiality,” The lady asked, with a very serious and strict look on her face.

A wave of fear washed over me, as I gulped down nothing.

“Discretion is key, I handle sensitive information with care, adhering to protocols and respecting privacy,” I replied, still wondering why this question happened to be the first one they asked me.

I narrowed my eyes at them the moment I noticed that the three of them shared an eye contact, making me worried if I didn’t answer the question well.

“Are you willing to take on additional responsibilities and support other teams as needed?” A woman who has been seated there without saying a word suddenly asked, but with a snark on her face.

Oh no, I didn’t prepare for this question… “But it would be better to try my best than saying nothing at all.” I thought deeply.

“I’ll be more than willing to support other teams and take on new challenges,” I answered with a smile.

The lady scoffed, as she stared at me with a jeering look.

Just as she was about to talk, the door swung open and a young man entered—swiftly walking up to the woman who wore a red dress.

He leaned closer to her left ear and whispered something, making her eyes widen in shock. She stood up, signaling to the rest of the women who understood what she meant. They got to their feet immediately and bowed their heads leaving me to wonder what was actually going on.

The footsteps were light and cautious but as he drew closer, it became clearer till it stopped as soon as he got close to me.

“It has begun?” His deep baritone voice was heard, and as I looked up to take a glance at his face, my countenance fell.

To my utmost shock, it’s the man from those nights ago. The face which had plagued my dreams, giving me nightmares.

Memories of how he had murdered that man replayed itself in my mind’s eye and just when I was beginning to deceive myself into believing that it was my mind playing tricks on me, he winked.

The murderer freaking winked at me!

My heart fell!