"Today's interview is going to be perfect. I know I deserve this job."
Liana smoothed her skirt and glanced at her best friend. "Jinx, what do you think?"
Jinx adjusted her glasses, her fingers trembling slightly. "Liana, this job isn't exactly a piece of cake. I—I really can't say."
Liana rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on. I will get this job."
"Don't jinx it," Jinx muttered under her breath.
"Okay, fine." Liana sighed dramatically, then paused. "Wait. Who's that?"
Jinx followed her gaze. A tall man in a charcoal suit had just walked past the waiting area. He didn't even glance their way.
"I think he skipped the reception," Liana whispered. "Is he—?"
"Probably just another applicant," Jinx offered.
Liana shook her head. "No way. That's got to be the CEO. I mean—look at him."
"Maybe."
Before Jinx could say more, a sharp voice interrupted them.
"Miss Liana Madison?"
Liana stood quickly. "Yes, ma'am!"
"You're next."
"Thank you," Liana said confidently, grabbing her file. As she walked toward the office, she whispered, "Watch me ace this."
The door clicked shut behind her.
Inside, the man from before sat at a desk, flipping through papers.
"May I come in, sir?"
He didn't look up. "Yes, come in."
"Liana Madison," she said, stepping forward and offering her resume.
The man finally glanced up, his expression unreadable. "Take a seat, Miss Madison."
The interview went smoothly. He was polite ; professional ,but distant. Not once did he truly look at her. Liana tried to hold his gaze, to charm, to connect but he remained stone-cold.
When she walked out, Jinx was waiting.
"I knew it!" Liana whispered. "That's the CEO—Damien-Damien Vale. . Ugh, he's so cold."
"I'm just here for the job, Liana," Jinx replied, brushing invisible dust off her skirt.
"Miss Jinx St. James," the assistant called out.
Jinx stood up, inhaling slowly. "Here goes nothing."
She stepped inside. Damien was still on the phone, motioning her to wait with a flick of his hand. A long minute passed. Then he hung up and looked at her.
"You may come in."
"Good morning, sir," Jinx said softly, placing her file in front of him.
He scanned it in silence. "Your grades… not impressive. Only 51%. Care to explain?"
Jinx's voice caught for a second. "That was the year my parents died in a plane crash."
He looked up slowly. "Were you their only child?"
"No. Two sisters and a brother."
"And what do you do for a living now?"
She hesitated. "My uncle was helping… but he passed away last week. That's why I need this job."
Damien said nothing. But something in his face changed. Slightly.
He noticed her anxious eyes. Hazel, flickering like they carried too much weight. Her glasses couldn't hide the exhaustion. Or the strength.
"You applied for the supervisor position?" he asked, finally.
"Yes, sir."
He nodded, and she left the room, clutching the file tightly to her chest.
Outside, Liana was waiting. "Did he even look at you?"
Jinx shrugged. "He said something about my grades."
"That man is hot," Liana said with a smirk. "I'm telling you—he's picking me."
Jinx gave her a soft smile. "We'll see."
Liana's car pulled up. "Bye, nerd. Good luck!"
"See you," Jinx replied as Liana hopped in.
Jinx walked home, her hands buried deep in her coat pockets. The air was cold, but she didn't mind.
The next morning, her phone rang.
"Miss Jinx St. James?" said a voice.
"Yes?"
"You've been selected. CEO Damien Vale would like you to join as his personal secretary."
She stood by the window, phone pressed to her ear. The city outside was waking up. And Jinx… was finally smiling.