Chapter 3

Jewel ran.

   For the second time in two days, she was turning up late to an interview. Standing in front of Armstrong headquarters, Jewel's nerves started catching up with her.

Entering the building, she felt really out of place due to how polished the men and women looked. 

She walked up to the reception, and was greeted by the receptionist who directed to the 10th floor where the CEO's office was situated.

On getting to the 10th floor, she was welcomed by the secretary, Jewel was asked to go in, she was the first to be interviewed, wishing her luck with a kind smile on her face, the secretary turned her attention back to her computer screen.

With shaky hands, Jewel knocked on the door twice, she was about to knock a third time when a voice from inside asked her to come in.

She entered and shut the door behind her. The CEO was standing with his back to her, he was very tall she observed, unsure if she should sit or not, she decided to apologize first, "I'm really sorry for showing up late, it wasn't intentional, I promise, what happened is…" she was about to explain further but was interrupted by the CEO.

"Punctuality has never been your strongest suit, Jewel" Liam said, turning and facing her.

Walking to his seat and sitting down "You've always had an excuse ready though, I guess I should have expected it even after all these years' He said.

Jewel couldn't believe her eyes, she was more than surprised, she was in shock, she stood there, unable to say a word even though her mouth was wide open.

For the second time in two days, she stared into that unique pair of sea green eyes that used to steal her breath away.

Taking a good look at him now, she could see so much had changed. He was no longer the boy she remembered, he had grown into a man.

"Liam?" She finally managed to say

"Hello Jewel" Liam said, a smile on his handsome face "Please take a seat" he said politely. He recognized her the moment he heard her voice.

Sitting in front of him, she still couldn't believe her eyes, "Wow, it's been a while. I guess I have to do a thorough research before heading off to an interview next time" she said, laughing nervously.

Raising an eyebrow "If you had known it was my company, would it have affected your decision"? Liam asked

"No, not really. What I'm trying to say is, I wish I was better prepared for the situation. I'm not saying seeing you again is a bad thing but, it feels kind of awk…" she tried explaining but Liam interjected.

"It's good seeing you again Jewel" Liam said putting an end to her rambling

"It's good to see you too Liam" Jewel said smiling

After getting past the awkwardness and small talks, they got down to business.

"So, Jewel, tell me, why did you apply for the job? After going through your CV, it says you only have your high school diploma, so what makes you think you're better than the other applicants?" Liam asked.

Jewel had prepared before leaving the house, but at that very moment, she felt tongue tied, her mind couldn't even form an appropriate answer.

"Honestly, I can assure you that I am not better than the others applying for this position, in fact, I may be the most unqualified person you'll interview.

I have just my high school diploma, I never got to finish college, I dropped out my freshman year, Jewel said. The last statement really surprised Liam, but he did his best to hide it.

Inhaling deeply, she continued.

"I have never let that fact stop me though, I'm a hard worker, I'm well organized and I have never slacked in my duties in all the several places I've worked, but right now I need stability, It's not just about me anymore, I have a… realizing what she was about to say, she stopped.

"You have what?" Liam asked

She was about to tell him about her son, but she didn't want his pity, she didn't want it to seem like she was telling him a sob story to gain favor from him.

"You know what? This is a waste of time. I'm sorry", Jewel said, getting up. Liam was about to interrupt her but she continued

"No, please don't bother, this will not work, a tear sliding down her cheeks, it was really nice seeing you again Liam", she said and attempted to leave but Liam rushed towards her and held her back.

"Jewel, I know we didn't part ways on the best of terms, but you can tell me anything" Liam urged.

Jewel decided there and then that she would tell him about their son, but not in his office.

"You're the one who bumped into me yesterday, right? Why did you run away?" Liam asked

"I'm sorry I ran. I really can't say why I did that though. Can we meet up somewhere later? I promise, I'll tell you everything". She said

"Sure. But, would you like to…" he was interrupted by the sound of his phone ringing.

"I'm sorry, I need to take this". He said

"Hello" he answered. There was a moment of silence and then he said "I won't forget, I promise. I Love you too". He then hung up

"Was it your mum?". Jewel asked

"No. It was my fiance. So, shall we continue with the interview?". Liam asked.

When she heard the word "fiance" she was shocked to her bones. There and then, she decided there was no point telling Liam about her son.

He already had a woman he was in love with. She would soon be his wife and telling Liam about Joel would do no good to their relationship.

"There's no need. Goodbye Liam". She said and just like the previous day, she ran away.