Chapter 5 Humiliated

Ding!

The elevator doors slid open to the 45th floor. Savannah stepped out, and her breath hitched.

She had expected a quiet hallway or maybe a room with a few nervous applicants.

What she saw was chaos-polished chaos.

Rows of chairs lined both sides of the long corridor, but most were already taken. Dozens of well-dressed young people filled the space, talking in hushed tones, flipping through folders, fixing their hair in pocket mirrors, or typing nervously on their phones. Some stood because there were no seats left. Some sat on the floor. And some looked like they belonged on magazine covers.

Her feet froze.

So many people? For one position?

Her confidence slipped a little more with every second she stood there. She felt small-smaller than she ever had.

Clutching her resume tightly, she walked in slowly, eyes searching for an empty seat. The tiredness from the morning weighed on her, but her spirit was still standing-barely.

She spotted a vacant seat in the second row and rushed toward it like it was her saving grace. She sank into it with a sigh, shoulders slumping, and her palms rose to cover her face.

How is this even possible?

She wasn't even sure her résumé would stand out in this crowd. Her blouse had a small thread loose near the collar, her shoes were scuffed, and she wasn't wearing any makeup. Just mint gum in her mouth to mask the fact that she'd forgotten something as basic as brushing her teeth.

Before she could wallow deeper, a sharp tap landed on her shoulder.

She looked up, and there stood a girl not much older than her. She was dressed in a designer beige blazer, paired with sleek black pants and red heels. Her dark hair was curled and shiny, her lipstick flawless. But it wasn't her outfit that caught Savannah's attention-it was the expression on her face.

Distaste. Pure and simple.

"Umm... that's my seat," the girl said with a fake smile and a curled lip. "I just stood to take a call."

Savannah blinked.

She considered arguing, but something inside her just... gave up. Not today. She simply nodded, stood slowly, and moved away. "Sorry," she mumbled.

The girl didn't respond. She just sat down like royalty claiming her throne.

Savannah didn't look back. She spotted another seat a few chairs down and walked toward it. But just as she was about to sit, two other girls tossed their designer handbags onto the seat in perfect coordination. They didn't even look at her, pretending not to notice what they were doing.

Her lips parted slightly in disbelief.

Wow. Is this high school again?

She stood awkwardly, the weight of everyone's eyes sinking into her. It felt like everyone could see how out of place she was.

Her jaw tightened. Just endure. You've come this far.

She found an empty spot by the wall and leaned against it, clutching her file to her chest. Her feet were killing her. Her back ached. But she didn't complain. She stood there, chewing her gum slowly, trying to control her breathing.

Minutes passed like hours.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, a voice called out, "Savannah Hart!"

Her head shot up. Her name had never sounded so good.

"I'm here!" she called out, already moving forward.

She followed the assistant who led her to a grand double-door room. As she stepped inside, her breath caught.

The room was breathtaking.

Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed the sparkling skyline of the city. A long mahogany table sat at the center, surrounded by plush chairs. It looked like something out of a movie. She took a step forward, tilting her head to admire the chandelier above.

But then her eyes dropped... and locked onto him.

Liam Ashford.

Seated in one of the corner chairs like a prince on his throne.

Her stomach twisted.

No. No. Please, no. Not him.

"Sit," the interviewer said-an older man with kind but tired eyes.

Savannah quickly obeyed, lowering herself into the chair opposite him and doing her best not to look in Liam's direction.

The interview began. Mr. Brad-calm, professional, and clearly experienced-asked about her background, her interests, her goals.

Savannah focused. She answered as clearly as she could. Her voice didn't shake. She talked about her passion for design and how she wanted to be part of something meaningful. Her answers were honest, heartfelt.

But just as she was starting to relax, a familiar voice broke the flow.

"Hope she isn't stinking up your face again, Brad," Liam said with a smirk.

Mr. Brad glanced at him, uncomfortable. "No, sir."

Savannah froze. Her throat went dry.

Liam leaned back in his chair, his smirk widening. "Maybe she went home and brushed her teeth this time."

Savannah's face flushed a deep red.

Her eyes stared at the table. She clenched her fists in her lap, digging her nails into her palms.

Then he leaned forward, like he was inspecting her.

"Wait... You're the one who shouted at me at that restaurant, aren't you?"

Savannah's eyes shot up. Her mouth opened slightly.

Shit.

"I knew that voice sounded familiar," he said with a low laugh. "Tell me, did you brush your teeth before yelling at me? Or was that part of the experience?"

Mr. Brad looked at her apologetically, clearly unsure how to proceed.

"I'll... I'll get back to you," he said at last.

Savannah rose to her feet, blinking rapidly. She didn't trust herself to speak. She gave a polite nod, turned, and walked out.

And this time, she didn't look back.

---

Outside, the sun blazed.

She stepped out of the building and stood on the sidewalk, blinking at the light.

The humiliation burned in her chest. It boiled inside her like a scream waiting to escape. But she didn't cry. Not yet. Her eyes were glassy, her breaths shallow.

She reached into her purse. No cash. Not enough for a cab. Her stomach sank.

Of course.

Taking a deep breath, she pulled off her heels-her feet were blistered anyway-and began walking. One painful step at a time. The pavement was hot under her soles, but her pride hurt more.

People passed her. Cars zoomed by. But Savannah kept walking.

Her head hung low. But in her heart... something began to grow.

Not just pain.

Fire.

TBC ....