My heart pounded as I stared at the notification on my phone.
Without thinking, I opened it immediately, my breath hitching as my eyes scanned the message.
But the excitement faded almost as quickly as it came.
It wasn't from HC Group.
Just another irrelevant email.
A quiet sigh escaped my lips as I dropped my phone beside me. For a moment, disappointment settled in. Maybe I had expected too much too soon.
I decided to take a stroll and walked towards Liam's room
I stepped out of my room and walked toward his door, which was slightly open. Pushing it gently, I paused.
And froze.
Liam sat on the bed, his phone in one hand, a small stack of cash in the other. On the screen, I caught a glimpse of a betting app before he quickly tried to hide it.
"Liam?"
He jumped. "It's not what you think."
"Then what is it?" I asked, stepping in.
He didn't answer.
That was enough.
"You're gambling?" My voice dropped, more disappointed than angry.
"It's just small money," he muttered.
I took a slow breath, trying to stay calm. "No. This is exactly how problems start."
He stayed quiet.
I moved closer, my tone firm. "Don't do this again, Liam. We're already struggling—I won't watch you make it worse."
He nodded reluctantly, avoiding my eyes.
"I mean it," I added before walking out.
Three days later, my phone buzzed again.
This time, I didn't rush.
Slowly, I opened the message.
HC Group.
My heart skipped.
We are pleased to inform you…
I didn't need to read further.
I got the job.
A breath of relief escaped me as everything suddenly felt lighter. After all the doubt, all the pressure—I had actually made it.
You are expected to resume on Monday.
Monday.
A new beginning.
Standing in front of the HC building again, I adjusted my outfit slightly. The same building that once intimidated me now felt… different.
I wasn't just trying to get in anymore.
I was already in.
Inside, everything moved just as fast as before, but this time, I walked with purpose.
"Freeda!"
I turned and immediately recognized the voice.
"Becky."
She walked toward me with that same bright smile.
"I knew you'd make it," she said.
I gave a small nod. "Looks like you did too."
"Of course," she replied lightly.
We walked together for a bit, exchanging small talk, but I noticed it again—that subtle shift in her expression. Like she was observing more than she was saying.
"There really aren't many of you here," she said casually.
The words were light. But I heard it.
"I'm here to work," I replied calmly.
She smiled again, but this time, it didn't quite reach her eyes.
After orientation, a supervisor handed me a file.
"Operations Support Unit," he said. "You'll be assisting different departments and helping maintain workflow across sections."
I nodded.
It wasn't a top position—but it was a start.
As I followed the hallway to my assigned area, I noticed how different this part of the building felt. Quieter. More structured. Slightly removed from the main executive offices.
Which meant one thing.
I wouldn't be seeing the boss often.
And for now… that was fine.
As I stepped into the department, I paused slightly.
Something shifted.
A presence.
And then I saw him.
Harrison.
He stood a few feet away, speaking to someone in a calm, controlled tone.
Blonde hair, neatly styled. Blue eyes that seemed sharp—observant, almost calculating.
There was nothing exaggerated about him. No unnecessary movements. Just quiet authority.
The kind that didn't need to announce itself.
He turned slightly, and for a brief moment, his gaze met mine.
It wasn't long.
Just a second.
But it was enough to make me straighten unconsciously.
There was no warmth in his expression. No curiosity. Just a brief acknowledgment—like he had already assessed everything he needed to know.
Then he looked away and continued his conversation.
And just like that, the moment ended.
I didn't stare.
I didn't react.
I simply noted one thing.
This was a man who expected results.
Nothing less.
As the day went on, I tried to settle into my role, learning quickly, observing quietly.
Everything here felt precise. Controlled. Like one mistake could shift everything.
Later, as I organized some files, my phone buzzed softly in my bag.
I frowned slightly.
Another message.
From Liam's teacher
My brows furrowed as I read through
And as I read the message, my expression slowly changed.
Something wasn't right.