Chapter 4 No brush

The moment Savannah stepped outside, the sun attacked her pounding head like a spotlight of judgment. The late-morning heat was already beginning to sting her skin. She squinted against the light, groaning softly as she raised a hand to shield her eyes. Her hangover wasn't the kind that made her weak-it was the kind that made the world feel like it was spinning sideways.

Her heart thudded in her chest as she stared at her watch. 10:30 AM.

Panic.

Her interview at Ashford Enterprises was in thirty minutes.

She didn't have time to panic. She needed a cab. Now.

She rushed to the curb, fumbling with the little cash in her purse. The streets weren't bustling yet, but she still had to wave down three different cabs before one finally slowed to a stop in front of her.

"Please," she said, sliding into the backseat, out of breath, "Ashford Enterprises. As fast as you can."

The driver, a middle-aged man with a calm face and gospel music playing softly through the radio, simply nodded and began driving.

For a blissful, hopeful moment, the roads were clear.

But as if the universe had been waiting for her to relax, a sea of brake lights suddenly lit up ahead. The cab slowed to a crawl, then a complete stop.

"No... no, no, no," Savannah muttered under her breath. She leaned forward in her seat, her knuckles turning white as she gripped the back of the front seat. "Why now?"

She grabbed her phone to check the time. 10:50 AM. She could still make it-maybe.

Then her phone flickered... and died.

"What?" she gasped. She shook it, hit the side, pressed every button. Nothing. The screen remained black.

"Are you kidding me right now?" she said louder, slamming it against her hand in frustration.

The cab driver glanced at her in the rearview mirror, raising an eyebrow. She caught his gaze and gave a tight, awkward smile.

"This day is not for me at all," she muttered.

The traffic crawled forward, then surged ahead just in time. Five tense minutes later, the cab pulled up in front of Ashford Enterprises. Savannah threw money at the driver, thanked him quickly, and rushed out.

She froze at the base of the skyscraper.

The building was massive, its glass panels gleaming in the sunlight, reflecting the entire street back at her. The silver sign-ASHFORD ENTERPRISES-glinted like a beacon, making her feel both inspired and intimidated.

"Alright. This is it," she whispered, taking a deep breath.

She smoothed down Maya's blouse, adjusted the borrowed heels she wasn't used to walking in, and rushed into the lobby.

Inside, everything was pristine. Marble floors stretched beneath a giant chandelier, and the air was cool and crisp, scented with faint lavender and luxury. Employees in elegant clothes passed her by, barely sparing her a glance. She felt... out of place.

She approached the front desk. The receptionist, a perfectly dressed woman with red lipstick and sleek hair, looked up.

"Hi," Savannah said, trying to sound confident. "I'm here for the interview."

The receptionist paused. Her eyes ran over Savannah slowly, calculating, before her nose subtly wrinkled.

Savannah blinked. Did she just...?

"You can head to the 45th floor," the woman said flatly, pointing to the elevators on the right. "Interviews are being held there."

"Thank you," Savannah replied, forcing a smile.

But then... she saw it.

As the receptionist turned back to her desk, she casually slid two items to the edge-an air freshener spray and a pack of mint gum.

Savannah froze.

She looked down at herself. Her clothes were neat, her makeup was simple but presentable. So... what?

She blinked. Wait. Her breath.

She inhaled through her nose and exhaled cautiously through her mouth into her palm.

Oh my God.

The stench of last night's drinks hit her full force. Her eyes widened in horror.

I didn't brush my teeth.

She gasped, covering her mouth instinctively, the heat rising to her cheeks.

Just as she began to step back in embarrassment, she bumped into something-or rather, someone.

She turned around and immediately froze.

Liam Ashford.

The same man from the restaurant. The same one she'd shouted at. Only now he looked even more intimidating in a sleek designer suit that fit him like it had been tailored by gods.

He reeled back the moment she turned.

"What the hell is that smell?" he asked, recoiling as he pinched his nose.

Savannah's face burned.

"I-I'm so-" she stammered, but he cut her off.

"Did you seriously walk in here without brushing your teeth?" he asked, loud enough to draw attention from others passing by. His tone was mocking, incredulous, even amused.

She couldn't speak. Her throat closed up with embarrassment. Her body stiffened.

"Wow," he muttered, shaking his head as he walked away, disgusted and clearly entertained.

Savannah stood there for a moment, wishing the marble floor would swallow her whole.

Then, cheeks still red, she turned back toward the receptionist and grabbed the mint gum from the desk with shaky hands. The woman didn't even look up.

Savannah popped two pieces in her mouth and marched toward the elevator, her heels clicking angrily against the floor.

As the elevator doors closed behind her, she let out a long, shaky breath.

Her reflection in the mirror caught her eye. She looked... small. Nervous. Embarrassed. But there was still fire in her eyes.

She chewed the gum slowly and leaned back.

"What a morning," she whispered bitterly.

But she made sure not to open her mouth when she said it.

TBC....