I approach the entrance of a massive building that radiates power and success, taking slow steps towards its grandeur.
Today is my interview schedule about the company that Vonn told me about. I decided to wear a sleek, charcoal gray suit paired with a crisp, white button-down shirt. I meticulously adjusted my tie, ensuring it was perfectly centered and knotting it with precision.
Inside, the building's interior is tastefully designed and screams elegance. It has a clean and minimalist aesthetic, with carefully chosen details that add to its sophistication. Expensive paintings adorn the walls, complementing the refined atmosphere. Indoor plants are strategically placed, bringing life and a touch of nature to the surroundings.
The lounge area is particularly inviting, featuring plush seating and stylish decorations. It is a space where visitors can relax and reflect, surrounded by carefully selected furnishings that combine both aesthetics and comfort.
As I explore further, I notice the seamless blend of meticulous design and luxurious elements. The polished marble floors gleam under the soft glow of well-placed chandeliers, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance.
I approached the receptionist in the lobby, the atmosphere felt reminiscent of a high-end hotel.
"Good morning, miss," I greeted with a warm smile adorning my face. "Could you kindly inform me of the location for the marketing team interviews?"
Returning my smile, the receptionist respond graciously, "Good morning, ma'am. It is a pleasure to assist you. The interviews are being conducted by Mr. Nouvel himself. However, he is not presently available. Would you mind waiting in the lounge area for a brief period? He is expected to arrive any moment now."
I thanked the receptionist for her assistance and found a comfortable spot in the lounge. Excitement filled me as I took in the impressive surroundings, eagerly exploring every detail of the building. While admiring the company's architecture, my eyes were drawn to a large sign hanging on the lobby wall.
The sign proudly displayed the name "Nouvel Vehicle Operations and Services (NOVA)." I had noticed the sign upon entering, but now, as I absorbed the grandeur of the building, I began to grasp the significance of the company itself.
Prior to the interview, my friend Vonn had shared some details about the company, prompting me to do some research online. I discovered that this building served as a branch, constructed only three years ago, yet it had already achieved remarkable success. It stood proudly alongside the company's main headquarters in the country's capital.
Isaac Amos Nouvel, the company's owner and CEO, had inherited the business from his father, who had since retired. Remarkably, despite his youthful appearance in the pictures I found online, Isaac had swiftly risen to become one of the youngest CEOs in our country, likely in his mid thirties.
As I contemplated my interview responses, my attention was abruptly drawn to a man entering the building through the main doors. It was Isaac, the company's owner, accompanied by his secretary, as my previous research had revealed.
The man possessed a captivating face, with striking blue eyes that shone with depth and intensity. His presence commanded attention, emphasized by his broad shoulders that exuded strength and confidence. He moved with purpose through the bustling lobby, his impeccably groomed hair adding a refined touch to his overall appearance. Dressed in a sleek dark blue suit, it accentuated his stature and highlighted his features.
There was an undeniable air of self-assurance and grace in his demeanor, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who caught a glimpse. It was evident that his presence captured the attention of those around him. Although everyone greeted him, he proceeded with composure, offering no response. He walked straight to the elevator, and as the doors slowly closed, the people returned to their tasks, resuming their previous activities.
Man, what a jerk. Didn't even give a nod or anything? Whatever, it's his company, but seriously, is it that hard to be nice?
Shrugging off the encounter, I refocused my attention on reviewing my materials. I wanted to be well-prepared, ready to handle any tough questions that might come my way. I made sure to bring along important documents like my resume and portfolio, ensuring I had everything I needed.
I thought I had everything under control until I realized when I got to the parking lot of the company that my coat was all creased up. Damn, I tried so hard to hide it. I had no time to go back home 'cause I thought I was already late so I gotta make the best of it now.
A few minutes later, the receptionist approached me and kindly informed me that the interview was about to start. She guided me to the 40th floor, where the boss's office was located.
I wasted no time and headed straight for the elevator. As I reached the highest floor of the building, I was greeted by an incredible sight. Through the floor-to-ceiling glass wall, I could see a beautiful view stretching out before me. There was a cozy lounge area, and a set of doors caught my attention, giving off an air of importance and exclusivity. It was evident that these doors were reserved for the company's executives, as there were only a few of them.
Out of the blue, the owner's secretary popped out of the room at the end of the hallway and signaled for me to step inside. A sudden wave of nerves washed over me, causing my heart to thump like crazy, as if it wanted to break out of my chest.
I acknowledged the secretary with a nod, trying to mask my apprehension, and proceeded to approach the door. As my hand reached for the doorknob, I couldn't help but feel a surge of doubt and anxiety. The uncertainty of what awaited me inside intensified my hesitation, making me ponder the potential consequences if I were unable to satisfactorily respond to the forthcoming questions.
As I turned the doorknob, the door swung open, revealing a seriously impressive office. I mean, we're talking top-floor vibes here, with a killer view of the city. The boss sure knew how to make a statement.
The first thing that caught my eye was the massive desk, made of rich, polished wood. It practically screamed "I'm in charge." And the chair? Oh boy, it was one of those fancy leather ones that just screams comfort and authority at the same time.
But that's not all. The walls were decked out with some seriously cool artwork, giving the place a touch of class. And let's not forget the carpet—so plush and luxurious, I couldn't help but want to sink my feet into it.
For guests, there were some cozy seating options like a fancy sofa and comfy armchairs. And of course, the boss had all the latest tech gadgets. A big ol' high-definition TV or computer monitor was mounted on the wall, perfect for presentations or catching the game during lunch break. They even had video conferencing equipment for those fancy virtual meetings.
"Please have a seat"
I was caught off guard when I heard a deep, masculine voice behind me that nearly made me scream. I turned around, knowing full well it had to be the boss—I mean, who else could it be?
"Good morning, sir," I greeted him, but to my shock, as I spun around, the cup of coffee he was holding slipped from his hand and crashed to the ground, leaving shattered pieces and a wet stain on his pants.
"Oh my God, are you okay, sir?" I panicked, rushing over to him to clean up the coffee and prevent any burns.
"Who are you?"
"Who are you?" he asked, clearly surprised and curious about my unexpected presence. "Oh, I'm here to apply for a position in the marketing team, sir," I replied, smiling politely to put him at ease. He scrutinized me with a puzzled expression, as if he was trying to figure out whether I had misunderstood his question. His gaze seemed focused on examining my response, searching for any signs of confusion or misinterpretation. Isaac attempted to regain his composure, suddenly adopting a serious and composed demeanor. A wave of sophistication seemed to emanate from him, filling the room with an awkward silence. "Please, have a seat," he said, making his way to his desk. He promptly reached for the company landline and called someone to clean up the wet floor. I approached his desk, taking a seat in the chair opposite him. I patiently waited as he finished his call, taking the opportunity to glance around his office. On one side of his desk, I noticed a shelf adorned with numerous t
"Welcome to NOVA, Zara," Lily Daniels greeted, the head of the marketing department, as she warmly introduced herself. She took me on a tour of the company, ensuring I familiarized myself with the building's facilities. Our team's floor was well-stocked, equipped with essential supplies and convenient workstations to support our tasks.Ms. Daniels proudly showcased the printing room, which housed large printers and computers. The shelves were meticulously organized, holding neatly stacked ink cartridges and paper supplies. The part that I'm most excited about, there was a cozy coffee corner in the pantry, where everyone could brew their caffeines and indulge in snacks. The floor also featured vending machines offering a variety of food options.Continuing the tour, Ms. Daniels led me to a spacious office area, adorned with clean lines and modern aesthetics. Within this space, there were ten generously-sized cubicles. The office boasted a professional and productive atmosphere, accentu
I got busy with work these past few days. I feel so tired but maybe it's just because I haven't touched any paper works for a while now. I was preparing the whole week for the presentation. Mrs. Daniels picked me and Danna to do the presentation. She originally picked Danna and I was so shocked when she asked Mrs. Daniels if it is okay for me to help her. To our surprise she agreed. Danna and I made sure that everything will be smooth and there'll be no hindrance to our presentation. Big people will attend the meeting so we couldn't afford to mess this up. "Is everything ready?" Danna asked as she entered the meeting room. I was busy preparing the projector while she's doing some final touches. "Yup, it's all set," I said and gave her a thumbs up. It's been a few weeks since I started to work here. I didn't have a hard time adjusting because everyone was so professional and friendly. Plus the fact that Danna is always by my side to guide me, everything is just perfect. A few
"Hey, everything's going to be alright." I consoled Farrah as she cried into my arms. After hearing the news, my heart sank, and I immediately rushed to her condo, knowing she needed someone to lean on. The room was filled with scattered papers and knocked over appliances. It was chaos. I found her in the corner of her room with a pregnancy test on her hand. I gently held her, allowing her tears to flow freely. In that moment, the weight of her sorrow transferred onto me, and I willingly carried it, determined to lighten her burden. If I only could. We stayed like that for an hour. I didn’t say anything. I let her cry until she couldn’t. It hurts me seeing her like this. She’s always been strong. The last time I saw her cry was when her mom left them. We were just middle schoolers at that time. “Zara, I’m not ready,” that was the first thing she told me. Farrah is old enough to have a child. We’re both in our late 20’s that’s why I know there’s something deeper why she is no
The days that followed were incredibly hell. Each day, I would visit Isaac's office and seek his approval, only to be met with constant requests for changes.Before showing my work to Isaac, I would always consult Lily—she told me to call her Lily, the head of the marketing department, to ensure its quality. However, despite our efforts, Isaac consistently rejected it and asked for further modifications.Feeling exhausted, I leaned back in my office chair, hoping to relieve the strain on my back. I had been sitting in front of my computer all morning, making the requested "changes." It seemed like a never-ending process. Closing my eyes briefly, I tried to relax for a moment. My eyes felt tired and strained from staring at the screen for hours, carefully examining every detail to meet Isaac's ever-evolving expectations.Startled by the sensation of something being placed on my desk, I slowly opened my eyes to find Danna standing there. She had brought me a cup of coffee, a gesture of
Sitting across from Isaac at the high-end restaurant, I couldn't help but feel like a fish out of water among the sophisticated crowd. As the waiter handed us the menu, instructing us to call him when ready to order, I stole a glance at Isaac. Avoiding direct eye contact with Isaac, I surreptitiously stole glances at him. But the moment his gaze turned towards me, I quickly averted my eyes, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks.The awkwardness of the situation was unbearable, and I wished, like a sci-fi fantasy, that the ground would swallow me whole. As I sat there, squirming in my seat and feeling the embarrassment creeping in, I couldn't help but imagine the roof of the building opening up and a spaceship abducting me, rescuing me from this awkwardness.But alas, it was only a fantasy, and I was stuck there, sitting across from Isaac, feeling like a complete fool.Suddenly, a discreet yet unabashed laugh reached my ears from the person seated beside me. It was audible enough for me
During the lunch meeting, I chose to stay quiet because I didn't know how to talk to Isaac. Instead, I nodded, agreed, and only spoke up when they needed my input. It was easier for me to observe and listen, as I grappled with the uncertainty of engaging in conversation with him. Fortunately, the lunch unfolded with a surprising ease, much to my relief. The conversation revolved mostly around the intricate details of the upcoming launch, with Danna and Lily taking the lead in the discussion. I found myself silently observing, grateful that the focus wasn't entirely on me. As the meeting progressed, we collectively finalized the crucial details and expectations that Isaac had set forth. A part of me couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude that he had organized this gathering, as it allowed us to clarify and align our objectives. However, I couldn't ignore the other half of my emotions, the lingering unease that stemmed from the earlier awkward encounter. I indulged myself in the
As I approached the table, both men appeared visibly startled, their expressions filled with surprise and confusion. It was as if they were completely taken aback, unable to comprehend what was happening.The man accompanying Isaac glanced at him with a puzzled look, seemingly seeking clarification through subtle eye signals. I found myself similarly perplexed, unable to understand the situation at hand.There was something familiar about the man. It felt like I had encountered him before, though I couldn't recall where or when our paths had crossed. My memory failed me, leaving me grasping for answers.Before the man could utter a word, his sentence was abruptly cut off by the arrival of an elderly gentleman who entered the restaurant and greeted them. It became clear to me that this was the person Isaac had arranged to meet, serving as a signal that our departure was imminent.Lily and Danna, recognizing the cue, rose from their seats and bid farewell to Isaac. I couldn't help but n
The ride home continued in silence. I shared my address with Isaac and chose to remain quiet, hesitant about initiating a conversation. The boundaries of our professional relationship made me question the appropriateness of starting a casual chat. Uncertainty lingered, keeping my thoughts locked away.As the car pulled up to my house, indicating the end of our journey, I unbuckled my seatbelt. With a newfound surge of courage, I turned my gaze towards Isaac, feeling a sudden impulse to extend a gesture of hospitality. "Uhm... do you want some coffee, sir?" The words spilled out before I could fully process them.Inwardly, I chide myself for the unexpected invitation. What had prompted me to make such an impulsive offer? Would it be perceived as an intrusion or an act of kindness? Doubt clouded my mind, questioning the appropriateness of my words. However, a part of me hoped it could be seen as a gesture of goodwill, a way to express gratitude for his unexpected act of driving me home.
The weekend came to a close in a whirlwind of events, and now I found myself preparing to hand over the important documents to Isaac once again. Originally, Lily was tasked with this responsibility, but unforeseen circumstances arose, leaving me with no other option.Danna's out today, claiming she partied hard last night and woke up with a killer hangover. Talk about being responsible, huh?To make matters worse, it seems like the universe has conspired against me today. The toaster decided to go on strike, my car refused to start, and now I'm running late and rushing like a maniac. Just when I thought things couldn't get any better.I spotted the boss's secretary, Billy—or was it Billy? I can never remember names. He gave me a nod and opened the familiar office door that I've been in and out of countless times last week."Good morning, Sir," I greeted Isaac, the epitome of composure as he sipped from a cup of espresso and immersed himself in the contents of various documents spread
He leaned forward, genuine curiosity lighting up his eyes as he asked while driving, "So, tell me about your latest venture."She leaned back, taking a moment to gather her thoughts before delving into the details of her ambitious project. With every word, her excitement grew palpable, her gestures animated as she described the innovative tech startup she was spearheading. The vision, the goals, and the cutting-edge software they were developing spilled from her lips, painting a picture of boundless potential.The admiration in his eyes was evident, mirroring the affection in his voice as he asked follow-up questions and offered insightful suggestions. They were in sync, their minds aligning in a harmonious dance of shared ideas and shared dreams.His interest piqued, he nodded attentively, captivated by her ideas. “How do you plan to tackle the market?"Leaning in, she shared her well-thought-out strategy, her words laced with confidence. She spoke of the extensive market research th
As I approached the table, both men appeared visibly startled, their expressions filled with surprise and confusion. It was as if they were completely taken aback, unable to comprehend what was happening.The man accompanying Isaac glanced at him with a puzzled look, seemingly seeking clarification through subtle eye signals. I found myself similarly perplexed, unable to understand the situation at hand.There was something familiar about the man. It felt like I had encountered him before, though I couldn't recall where or when our paths had crossed. My memory failed me, leaving me grasping for answers.Before the man could utter a word, his sentence was abruptly cut off by the arrival of an elderly gentleman who entered the restaurant and greeted them. It became clear to me that this was the person Isaac had arranged to meet, serving as a signal that our departure was imminent.Lily and Danna, recognizing the cue, rose from their seats and bid farewell to Isaac. I couldn't help but n
During the lunch meeting, I chose to stay quiet because I didn't know how to talk to Isaac. Instead, I nodded, agreed, and only spoke up when they needed my input. It was easier for me to observe and listen, as I grappled with the uncertainty of engaging in conversation with him. Fortunately, the lunch unfolded with a surprising ease, much to my relief. The conversation revolved mostly around the intricate details of the upcoming launch, with Danna and Lily taking the lead in the discussion. I found myself silently observing, grateful that the focus wasn't entirely on me. As the meeting progressed, we collectively finalized the crucial details and expectations that Isaac had set forth. A part of me couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude that he had organized this gathering, as it allowed us to clarify and align our objectives. However, I couldn't ignore the other half of my emotions, the lingering unease that stemmed from the earlier awkward encounter. I indulged myself in the
Sitting across from Isaac at the high-end restaurant, I couldn't help but feel like a fish out of water among the sophisticated crowd. As the waiter handed us the menu, instructing us to call him when ready to order, I stole a glance at Isaac. Avoiding direct eye contact with Isaac, I surreptitiously stole glances at him. But the moment his gaze turned towards me, I quickly averted my eyes, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks.The awkwardness of the situation was unbearable, and I wished, like a sci-fi fantasy, that the ground would swallow me whole. As I sat there, squirming in my seat and feeling the embarrassment creeping in, I couldn't help but imagine the roof of the building opening up and a spaceship abducting me, rescuing me from this awkwardness.But alas, it was only a fantasy, and I was stuck there, sitting across from Isaac, feeling like a complete fool.Suddenly, a discreet yet unabashed laugh reached my ears from the person seated beside me. It was audible enough for me
The days that followed were incredibly hell. Each day, I would visit Isaac's office and seek his approval, only to be met with constant requests for changes.Before showing my work to Isaac, I would always consult Lily—she told me to call her Lily, the head of the marketing department, to ensure its quality. However, despite our efforts, Isaac consistently rejected it and asked for further modifications.Feeling exhausted, I leaned back in my office chair, hoping to relieve the strain on my back. I had been sitting in front of my computer all morning, making the requested "changes." It seemed like a never-ending process. Closing my eyes briefly, I tried to relax for a moment. My eyes felt tired and strained from staring at the screen for hours, carefully examining every detail to meet Isaac's ever-evolving expectations.Startled by the sensation of something being placed on my desk, I slowly opened my eyes to find Danna standing there. She had brought me a cup of coffee, a gesture of
"Hey, everything's going to be alright." I consoled Farrah as she cried into my arms. After hearing the news, my heart sank, and I immediately rushed to her condo, knowing she needed someone to lean on. The room was filled with scattered papers and knocked over appliances. It was chaos. I found her in the corner of her room with a pregnancy test on her hand. I gently held her, allowing her tears to flow freely. In that moment, the weight of her sorrow transferred onto me, and I willingly carried it, determined to lighten her burden. If I only could. We stayed like that for an hour. I didn’t say anything. I let her cry until she couldn’t. It hurts me seeing her like this. She’s always been strong. The last time I saw her cry was when her mom left them. We were just middle schoolers at that time. “Zara, I’m not ready,” that was the first thing she told me. Farrah is old enough to have a child. We’re both in our late 20’s that’s why I know there’s something deeper why she is no
I got busy with work these past few days. I feel so tired but maybe it's just because I haven't touched any paper works for a while now. I was preparing the whole week for the presentation. Mrs. Daniels picked me and Danna to do the presentation. She originally picked Danna and I was so shocked when she asked Mrs. Daniels if it is okay for me to help her. To our surprise she agreed. Danna and I made sure that everything will be smooth and there'll be no hindrance to our presentation. Big people will attend the meeting so we couldn't afford to mess this up. "Is everything ready?" Danna asked as she entered the meeting room. I was busy preparing the projector while she's doing some final touches. "Yup, it's all set," I said and gave her a thumbs up. It's been a few weeks since I started to work here. I didn't have a hard time adjusting because everyone was so professional and friendly. Plus the fact that Danna is always by my side to guide me, everything is just perfect. A few