Chapter 3 Apologies

~003

The Interview

---

Bella stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of the only white blouse she owned that didn't have a coffee stain on it.

Her hands were trembling slightly, though she tried not to let it show in her reflection. Her heart had been pounding from the moment she woke up and reread the email from LV Groups.

Even now, it didn't feel real.

She had applied to the company months ago-on a whim, really. The competition was insane, and she knew her portfolio was good but not industry-shattering.

When she didn't hear back, she'd assumed it was just another silent rejection.

Now, out of nowhere, an interview.

And not just any interview. LV Groups was one of the most prestigious fashion and design conglomerates in Europe. Getting a foot in the door wasn't just career-changing-it was life-changing.

Bella ran her fingers over her natural curls, letting them fall into place the way they always did when she was nervous: tucked just behind one ear.

She took one last look at herself, grabbed her slim folder of printed designs, and slung her purse over her shoulder.

On the train ride across the city, she kept checking the time like it would somehow start working against her. Twenty minutes early. Good. She could breathe. Sort of.

She clutched her folder tighter.

You can do this, she told herself. Don't think about him.

But thinking about Xavier was like trying not to breathe.

She hadn't even known his name until late last night when she caved and searched online for photos from the gala.

There he was-tall, striking, dangerous in a tux-standing beside international CEOs and media moguls. His name kept appearing in headlines.

Xavier Louis. CEO of LV Groups.

She had nearly dropped her phone.

The man who made her forget herself with just a glance... was the very man whose company had just invited her for an interview.

And still, the email hadn't mentioned him. He wasn't copied. There was no sign he had anything to do with it.

Maybe it's a coincidence, she had told herself a hundred times since.

Now, standing in front of the towering glass headquarters of LV Groups, Bella wasn't so sure anymore.

---

The building itself was intimidating. Twenty floors of sheer luxury, guarded by suited doormen and sleek architecture that whispered power.

She stepped into the lobby and immediately felt underdressed, even in her best outfit. Polished marble floors, a waterfall wall behind reception, and art installations made the place feel like a gallery more than an office.

She gave her name at the front desk, and the woman behind the counter smiled politely. "Yes,Miss Bella. You're expected. Take the express lift to the 18th floor-HR wing."

Bella nodded and walked toward the elevators, her heels clicking with every step. Her mouth was dry. The mirrored interior of the elevator gave her nowhere to hide. She stared at her reflection, took a deep breath, and whispered, "Get it together."

The doors opened with a soft chime.

She stepped into a hallway lined with glass offices and minimalist design. Everything smelled like expensive coffee and discipline. A young man greeted her at the HR reception area and offered her water before guiding her to a sleek conference room.

She had just sat down when the door opened and three people entered: two women in smart business wear, and a man with a sharp gaze and a no-nonsense expression.

"Bella, thank you for coming," the lead woman said with a firm handshake. "I'm Clara, Head of Creative Talent. This is Andre from PR, and Lily from Brand Management."

They exchanged greetings. Bella's voice didn't tremble-thank God.

For the next thirty minutes, the interview ran like a well-oiled machine. Questions about her inspirations, her design process, her portfolio. Bella answered each one thoughtfully, confidently-even when she felt the pressure building behind her ribs.

They flipped through her printed work, nodding, occasionally exchanging glances that were hard to read.

"This piece here," Clara said, pointing to a sketch of a dual-purpose evening dress Bella had designed, "was submitted during our fashion competition, correct?"

"Yes. Last fall."

"You didn't win."

"No," Bella said carefully. "But I learned a lot from the process."

Clara looked at her over the rim of her glasses. "Some would've taken that as a reason to give up."

Bella met her eyes. "Some might. But I don't design to win prizes. I design because I don't know how not to."

For a second, there was silence. Then Clara gave a subtle nod, impressed.

It was going well. Better than she'd hoped.

Then the door opened.

Bella turned, expecting maybe another panelist.

But instead... it was him.

Xavier.

He walked in without apology, his presence swallowing the room. A dark navy suit, no tie, the top button of his shirt undone, like perfection made human.

Bella's heart almost stopped.

His eyes scanned the room, landing on her for the briefest second-but that second lasted too long. It wasn't surprise. It wasn't shock.

It was deliberate.

As if he had known.

"Apologies," he said smoothly, stepping forward. "I needed to speak with Clara, but I didn't realize there was a session in progress."

Clara stood, smiling up at him like he was a king. "Just finishing up with a very promising candidate."

Xavier's gaze slid back to Bella, unreadable.

"Miss...?"

"Bluefield," she said, voice steadier than she felt. "Bella Bluefield."

He nodded once. "I'll wait outside."

"No need," Clara said. "We were done. Bella, we'll be in touch very soon. Thank you for your time."

Bella stood, offered polite smiles, handshakes, and made her way to the door. Her steps were calm, but her pulse was wild. As she passed him, she dared not look at him. Not even a glance.

But his voice followed her, low and silken. "Welcome to LV Groups, Miss Bluefield."

She turned her head slightly. Their eyes met.

He smiled.

Small. Mysterious. Dangerous.

And in that moment, she knew-this wasn't a coincidence at all.