Chapter 2

Sara stood nervously outside the sleek glass façade of NovaTech's headquarters, her eyes fixed on the large digital clock above the entrance. She was running perilously late, thanks to the unreliable bus that had dropped her off several blocks away with barely enough time to sprint to her destination.

As she checked her watch for what felt like the hundredth time, Sara's anxiety spiked. She had been preparing for this interview for weeks, researching the company and practicing her responses to every possible question. But now, as she stood outside the building, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was about to blow it.

With a deep breath, Sara pushed open the door and stepped into the gleaming lobby, her heels clicking on the polished marble floor. She made her way to the reception desk, where a friendly-looking woman with a warm smile greeted her.

"Hi there, can I help you?" the receptionist asked, eyeing Sara's flustered expression.

Sara took another deep breath and composed herself. "Hi, I'm Sara. I'm here for an interview with the Senior Business Analyst team."

The receptionist nodded and checked her computer screen. "Ah, yes. You're running a bit behind schedule, aren't you?"

Sara nodded sheepishly. "I'm so sorry. The bus was late, and... well, here I am."

The receptionist smiled sympathetically. "Don't worry, we've all been there. Let me just check with the team to see if they're ready for you."

Sara stood patiently in the lobby, fidgeting slightly with her purse strap as she waited for the receptionist to confirm her appointment. A few minutes ticked by, and the receptionist finally looked up from her computer screen with a friendly smile.

"Okay, Sara, you're all set. The team is ready to see you, but actually, the boss would like to meet with you personally. His office is on the 4th floor."

Sara's eyes widened slightly as she processed this unexpected twist. She had been preparing to meet with a team, not the boss himself. But she quickly composed herself, nodding professionally.

"Thank you," she said, smiling at the receptionist. "I'll head up to the 4th floor now."

The receptionist nodded and handed Sara a visitor's badge. "Just take the elevator to the 4th floor. The boss's office is the only one up there, so you can't miss it."

Sara took the badge and clipped it to her jacket, then turned to make her way to the elevator. As she walked, she couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves in her stomach. What did the boss want to meet with her about? Was this a good sign, or a bad one?

She pushed the button to call the elevator, and a few seconds later, the doors slid open with a soft whoosh. Sara stepped inside and pressed the button for the 4th floor, feeling the elevator begin to rise smoothly.

As she ascended, Sara took a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves. She had prepared for this interview, and she was ready to showcase her skills and experience. Whatever the boss had in store for her, she was determined to make a good impression.

Sara stepped out of the elevator and onto the 4th floor, her eyes scanning the sleek, modern decor. She spotted a single door at the far end of the hall, adorned with a polished brass nameplate that read "CEO.". She took a deep breath, smoothed her jacket, and made her way to the door.

She raised her hand and knocked softly, her eyes fixed on the door handle. A deep, resonant voice called out from within, "Enter!"

Sara's smile brightened as she pushed open the door and stepped inside. But her smile faltered, and her eyes widened in shock as she took in the figure seated in front of the massive wooden desk.

It was Franklin Jenkins, her old boss from her previous job. The same man who had made her life miserable with his constant criticism and unrealistic expectations. The same man who had ultimately driven her to quit her job and search for a new opportunity.

Sara's eyes darted to the figure seated behind the desk, and she saw that it was a woman with a kind face and a warm smile. The nameplate on the desk read "Nova Carter, CEO.". Sara's gaze returned to Franklin, who was watching her with a mixture of amusement and curiosity.

Sara's smile had dropped, replaced by a mixture of shock, dismay, and a hint of fear. She felt like she had been punched in the gut, and she struggled to catch her breath. What was Franklin doing here? And why was he sitting in the CEO's office?

Franklin's face broke into a wide smile as he saw Sara, and he leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together in a gesture of satisfaction. Nova, the CEO, smiled warmly at Sara and gestured to the empty chair beside Franklin.

"Please, Sara, have a seat," Nova said, her voice friendly and welcoming.

Sara felt like she had been punched in the gut. She had been so hopeful about this job, and now it seemed like it was slipping through her fingers. She knew she couldn't work with Franklin again, not after everything they had been through. She felt a sense of despair wash over her as she sat down, her eyes fixed on the floor.

Nova leaned forward, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. "I have to say, Sara, I was very impressed with your profile. You have a fantastic skill set, and I think you would be a great fit for our team."

Sara's eyes snapped up to Nova's face, and she felt a surge of surprise. How could Nova possibly think she was a good fit for the team, not after Franklin had...?

But before she could finish the thought, Nova dropped a bombshell. "I'm also happy to see that you used to work at my fiancé's company," Nova said, smiling at Franklin.

Sara's eyes widened in shock as she turned to Franklin, her mind reeling with the implications. Franklin was Nova's fiancé?