Chapter 4 SURPRISING TURN OF EVENTS CALLIOPE

The email blares from my phone screen bathing my small apartment in a warm glow:

Hi Calliope, thank you for your time today. We were all impressed with your interview. We'd like to offer you the position! Please come in tomorrow to discuss the details.

I blink, rereading the words several times before the reality sinks in. It's true-I did it. After months of grueling applications, endless rejection emails, and moments of self-doubt, I did it. The opportunity I've worked so hard for is finally within my grasp.

A grin spreads across my face as my hands tremble slightly while typing my response.

Thank you so much for this opportunity! I accept and will be there tomorrow.

The moment I hit send, a giddy laugh escapes me, and I almost jump out of my seat. I glance around the apartment, eager to share the news, but Julia isn't back yet from her evening shift. My fingers itch to text her, but I decide against it. This kind of news is better shared face-to-face.

Unable to sit still, I start pacing. Excitement floods my veins, but so does a flicker of anxiety. It's the kind of nervous anticipation that comes before a life-changing moment. Tomorrow is going to be monumental.

The clock ticks slowly, and the apartment feels too small to contain my emotions. I grab my coat, deciding that a walk might help me clear my head. The crisp evening air greets me as I step out into the bustling city streets, the faint hum of traffic blending with the chatter of pedestrians.

The park is quiet this time of night, illuminated by soft streetlights and the occasional glow of fireflies. I take a deep breath, letting the fresh air fill my lungs. The towering trees and open sky make me feel grounded, but the anxious flutter in my chest remains.

"Why am I so nervous?" I mutter to myself.

This is what I wanted-what I've worked tirelessly for. Still, change, even the good kind, has a way of unsettling you.

When I return home, Julia is already in the kitchen, reheating leftover pizza. Her dark hair is tied back in a messy bun, and she's humming softly to herself.

"Jules!" I burst through the door, my excitement bubbling over.

She looks up, startled, before grinning at my expression. "Whoa, what's got you all sparkly-eyed?"

"I got the job!" I practically yell, waving my phone in front of her.

Her face lights up as she rushes over, pulling me into a tight hug. "Oh my god, Callie! I knew you'd get it! Tell me everything!"

I show her the email, and we spend the next hour dissecting every detail, from the interview to tomorrow's meeting. Julia's excitement mirrors my own, and it feels good to have someone who truly believes in me. I want to tell her about Orion but decide against it; there's nothing to tell. I am sure I will never have to exchange words with him again.

"You deserve this," she says firmly, handing me a slice of pizza. "You've worked so hard."

Her words are a balm to my frayed nerves, and by the time I crawl into bed, the anxiety has ebbed.

---

The next morning, I'm at the office ten minutes early. My hands grip the strap of my new bag-courtesy of Orion-tightly as I stand in the lobby, trying not to fidget. I am wearing the blouse, skirt and shoes Orion bought for me yesterday; I feel weird and indebted to him somehow. The receptionist gives me a kind smile and directs me to Ms. Davenport's office, apparently she is my immediate boss, the Chief Senior Data Scientist.

"Calliope, welcome back," Ms. Davenport greets me warmly. Her sharp suit and poised demeanour are as intimidating as ever, but there's a hint of warmth in her voice today. "Congratulations on officially joining our team."

"Thank you so much," I reply, my voice steady despite the nerves prickling at the edges.

"You'll find that we value hard work and innovation here," she continues. "Your appointment letter is ready, but you'll need to collect it from Mr. Orion's office. He is the kind of CEO that likes to personally welcome new hires to the company."

Mr. Orion. The CEO.

Of course he is the CEO! Not only does he work in the same company, interviewed me for the job but he is my boss also? Fate must be playing a cruel joke on me. I'm mentally cringing all over again as I remember how I spoke to him.

My stomach does a little flip. I hadn't expected to meet the man at the helm of the company again so soon.

"Of course," I manage to say, my smile polite but tight.

Ms. Davenport gives me directions, and I make my way to the top floor. The elevator ride feels longer than it should, the soft hum of the machinery doing little to soothe my nerves.

The doors slide open to reveal a sleek, modern office space. Everything is minimalist and pristine, from the glass walls to the artful arrangement of furniture. At the far end of the room, a man stands by a massive window, his back to me.

"Mr. Orion?" I say tentatively, stepping forward.

He turns, and I momentarily catch his eyes run up and down my body. I think I see him smile but it is only for a minute. Does he recognize the clothes and bag?

His tailored suit fits him perfectly, and his light hair is slicked back. His piercing blue eyes meet mine, and a small smile tugs at his lips.

"Calliope," he says smoothly, his voice deep and warm. "Welcome to the team. We are expecting you next week Monday."

"Thank you, sir," I reply, my voice steadier than I feel. Sweat breaks out on my palms and above my lips.

He gestures for me to sit, and I do so, trying not to let my nervousness show.

"I've read through your file," he says, sitting across from me. "Impressive credentials. We're lucky to have you."

"Thank you," I say again, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks under his intense gaze.

He slides a crisp envelope across the desk toward me. "Your appointment letter."

I take it, my fingers brushing against his briefly. I let myself look at his long, lean fingers. His nails are trimmed short and they are clean. He wears a gold band on his left middle finger. Is he engaged? Why do I feel sad at the thought?

As I tuck the envelope into my bag, he leans back in his chair, studying me. "So, Calliope, what do you think of our company so far?"

"It's...incredible," I say honestly. "I've always admired your work and the values this company stands for. It's a privilege to be here."

His smile widens slightly. "You're very articulate. I appreciate that."

There's a pause, he tilts his head, his gaze unwavering.

"Are you single?"

The question catches me completely off guard. My brain scrambles for a response, unsure if this is a test or something more personal.

"Um...yes," I say cautiously.

His smile deepens, and there's a glint of mischief in his eyes.

"Good to know," he says lightly. "I'd like to have your number, if you don't mind."

My heart skips a beat. Is he serious?

Before I can fully process the request, the intercom buzzes, breaking the moment.

"Mr. Orion, your next appointment is here," a voice announces.

He sighs, glancing at his watch. "Unfortunately, duty calls. But we'll pick this up later."

I nod, muttering a polite goodbye before leaving his office. As the elevator doors close, my mind races.

Did that just happen?