Chapter 5 The Interview

Panic surges through her as she quickly slams her laptop shut, her pulse spiking. Her hands press against the cool metal surface, as if that alone could erase what just happened.

The door opens, and heavy footsteps echo through the hall.

Anna keeps her head down, her breath caught in her throat.

A moment later, Donald walks into the kitchen, his presence filling the space like an unshakable force. He carries the faint scent of his cologne and the crispness of the night air, as if he had just stepped out of an exhausting day.

He looks tired, but his expression remains unreadable-calm, composed, indifferent.

He sets his briefcase down on the counter, loosening his tie with one hand before finally glancing in her direction.

"You're still awake," he remarks, his voice neutral.

Anna swallows, forcing herself to nod. "Yeah. Couldn't sleep."

His gaze flickers to her laptop for the briefest second, but he doesn't comment on it.

Instead, he walks over to the fridge, grabs a bottle of water, and leans against the counter.

Anna watches him from the corner of her eye, gripping the laptop just a little tighter.

For a moment, he says nothing. He takes a sip of water, his expression unreadable, before finally breaking the silence.

"Is there a reason for that? " he asked, his voice casual but observant.

Anna's heart beat faster. What? Did he notice? Could he have known she's hiding something?

Anna swallows hard before saying anything. For what? She asked, her voice shaky and uncertain.

"You said you couldn't sleep," Donald responded calmly.

Oh, that? Anna gave a relieved breath. "Uh..... I was just...., Anna paused, trying to find the right words.

But before she could say anything further, Donald caught through her words. "its okay if you don't want to talk about it.

He sets the bottle down with a soft thud. "I'm going to shower," he says, his tone clipped. "You should get some rest."

There it is again-that distance.

The same quiet detachment he always carries around her.

Would it even matter to him if she worked at his company? Would he care? Or would he just brush it off like everything else between them? Anna wondered.

She should feel relieved that he didn't press further, but instead, her heart only beats faster.

Because now, she's even more conflicted.

"Do I tell him?"

"Or do I keep it to myself and go to the interview anyway?"

She slowly opens her laptop again, staring at the confirmation email on the screen.

This could change everything.

And for the first time in a long time, she feels like she has a choice.

But making it is terrifying.

The next morning, Anna stood outside a branch office of the Caldwell enterprise, relieved it wasn't the headquarters where she could bump into Donald easily.

She took a deep breath. As she enters, Anna reassures herself. It's just a branch. He won't notice. This is a good start. I can work, gain experience, and prove myself without any help.

She walks up to the receptionist, who greets her with a professional smile.

"Good afternoon, how may I help you?" The reception said politely.

"I'm here for an interview. My name is Anna North." Anna responded confidently.

The receptionist checks the schedule, nods, and directs her toward a waiting area. Anna smoothens her blouse, her heart racing as she waits.

A few minutes later, a confident, sharply dressed woman steps out. She appears to be in her late 40s, with an air of authority and elegance.

"Anna North? I'm Mrs. Valerie Sinclair, the hiring manager. Please, follow me."

Anna stands quickly, following Mrs. Sinclair into her office. The space is sleek and modern, with a large window offering a view of the city.

The interview starts smoothly. Mrs. Sinclair asks about Anna's qualifications, past work experience, and what she hopes to gain from the job.

Anna answers confidently, focusing on her skills and aspirations. As a young lady who has just finished college, Anna doesn't have a work experience, but her intelligence is top notch.

"I must say, I'm impressed. You have potential, and I appreciate your initiative in applying here." Mrs. Sinclair commended.

Anna couldn't help but smile. Maybe this is my chance.

After a brief pause, Mrs. Sinclair nods.

"We'd love to have you on board, Anna. Congratulations, you're hired."

Anna's heart leaps with joy. I did it! I got in on my own! She exhales, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Thank you so much! When would I be expected to start?" Anna asked.

Mrs. Sinclair glances at the clock and leans back in her chair.

"Immediately." Mrs. Sinclair responded.

Anna blinks. "Immediately?" She asked surprisingly.

"Yes, we're currently short on staff at the headquarters, and we need someone to start right away." Mrs. Sinclair responded.

Anna's jaw drops. "Headquarters?" She murmured within herself.

"I... I thought this position was for this branch?" Anna asked.

Mrs. Sinclair shakes her head with an apologetic smile.

"We initially processed your application for the branch, but after reviewing your qualifications, we believe you'd be a better fit at the headquarters. That's where we need you most."

Anna's pulse pounds in her ears. The headquarters. Where Donald is.

Her safe distance is gone.

"I assume there's no problem?" Mrs. Sinclair asked

Anna forces a smile, masking the panic welling inside her. "No, of course not."

"Great. Your official orientation can happen later, but for now, head straight to the headquarters. I'll inform them you're coming." Mrs. Sinclair said, smiling.

Still in shock, Anna steps out of the office, her mind racing.

"What do I do now?

She barely has time to think before the receptionist hands her a file with details about her new position.

"Good luck on your first day at headquarters." The receptionist said warmly.

Anna grips the file tightly, her nerves tingling.

She had only wanted a job. Now, she's walking straight into Donald's territory and he has no idea she's coming.

The headquarters of Caldwell enterprise was even more threatening than Anna had imagined. The towering glass building loomed above her as she stepped inside, the sleek, modern interior bustling with activity. Employees moved with quiet urgency, dressed in sharp business attire, their conversations brisk and straight to the point. Anna took a steadying breath, reminding herself that she belonged here-not because of her marriage to Donald, but because she had earned this opportunity.

She walked to the reception desk, where a woman with a professional yet cool demeanor greeted her.

"Hello, I'm Anna North"