Chapter One : Discovery
Lincoln had just graduated from high school with good grades and a heart full of excitement. He had originally considered applying to State University, but his friend Ben persuaded him to aim higher—perhaps Cambridge.
That idea lingered in his mind until one morning, he ran into two of his old schoolmates. Their cheerful reunion was brief, but something about that hug stirred old feelings—especially thoughts of Whitney.
As Lincoln sat on the bus, his mind was filled with memories of her. Coincidentally, the guy sitting next to him, Eric, had also noticed the girls earlier.
"You know Whitney and Debbie?" Eric asked casually.
Lincoln blinked. "Whitney and Debbie? How do you know their names?"
Eric smirked. "I saw you hug them. Recognized them right away."
Lincoln's mind drifted, picturing Whitney's eyes, glittering like gold. He smiled without realizing it.
Eric noticed. "You're thinking about them, aren't you? Which one got your heart—Whitney or Debbie?"
Lincoln chuckled. "It's Whitney. Definitely Whitney."
Eric pulled out his phone and scrolled through his contacts. Before he could say anything, a call came in. Lincoln's heart raced—he wanted Whitney's number now, not later.
When the call ended, Lincoln leaned forward. "So... can I get her number?"
Eric raised an eyebrow. "Just like that? You think it's that easy?"
"I'd rather call her than regret not doing it," Lincoln replied, pulling out his phone.
Eric hesitated. "Alright, fine." He recited the number, and Lincoln typed it in eagerly.
"Hold on," Eric said, stopping him just before he could hit the call button. "You can't rush this."
"Why not?"
"Because you need to be strategic. Girls like Whitney aren't won over with a single call."
Lincoln sighed, but nodded. Eric was probably right.
A few minutes later, the bus reached its final stop. Lincoln planned to talk more with Eric, but his friend quickly disappeared into the crowd.
"Wait! Eric!" Lincoln called after him.
Eric turned briefly. "Call her—but be smart about it. I've got another bus to catch."
Lincoln stood there, feeling deserted and frustrated. "Just wait a minute!" he called again, but Eric was gone.
Still standing in the same spot, Lincoln decided calling might not be enough. He needed to see Whitney face-to-face. That thought led him to a nearby mall where he had planned to meet Dr. Cook, the CEO.
When he arrived, Dr. Cook's SUV was parked outside—confirmation that he was in. This was Lincoln's second time entering the mall.
The first time had been last year, when fate brought him and Dr. Cook together. Cook's black SUV had broken down in the middle of the road. Lincoln had offered help, quickly locating a loose wire and fixing it. Impressed, Cook gave him his business card.
Today, Lincoln was hoping that card might lead to a job.
At the front desk, the receptionist asked him to wait while she contacted Dr. Cook's office. Lincoln was impatient, but agreed.
Eventually, he was told to go see the secretary, Miss Carol.
She was around his age—and stunning. Lincoln was struck by her beauty. Suddenly, he wasn't sure who was more beautiful—Whitney or Carol.
Carol smiled warmly. "How may I help you, sir?"
"Uh... I'm here to see Dr. Cook."
"Do you have an appointment?"
"Yes, I do," Lincoln replied, struggling to keep his composure.
"I'm sorry," Carol said sweetly. "He just stepped out."
Lincoln felt crushed. "I guess... I'll wait a little."
Carol noticed the disappointment on his face. She felt a surprising pull toward him, and her voice softened. "Maybe he hasn't gone far. You could wait a few minutes, just in case."
Lincoln leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes. His thoughts drifted again—to Carol, to Whitney, to what his heart really wanted.
Not long after, Dr. Cook returned. Carol gave Lincoln a nod, and he rose, heart pounding, to meet him.
Dr. Cook welcomed him kindly but explained he didn't have much time. He offered Lincoln a different opportunity—one that left Lincoln disappointed. It wasn't the mall job he hoped for.
Lincoln left with a heavy heart, still weighing the offer.
.