Maya stood in front of the Vane-Auber building, holding her file tightly as she tried to steady her breathing. She had just come from school, and her bag still rested on her shoulder, heavy with books she hadn't had enough time to study. Between classes and her part-time job, she was always tired, but resting was not something she could afford right now.
She needed this job.
Her mother was sick, and the hospital bills kept increasing. The money she earned from her part-time work was no longer enough, and her school fees were still waiting. The deadline was getting closer, and she had run out of options. That was why she stood there, staring up at a building that looked far beyond her reach.
The glass walls reflected the city around it, making everything look even more expensive than it already was. People walked in and out confidently, dressed in clothes she could never afford, moving like they belonged there. She didn't feel like one of them, and for a brief moment, she thought about turning back.
But she didn't.
She adjusted her bag and walked inside.
The air felt different the moment she stepped in. Everything was quiet and organized, almost too perfect. Even the sound of footsteps seemed controlled. The floor shined under the lights, and the workers moved with purpose, like they already knew exactly what they were doing.
Maya walked up to the receptionist and told her she was there for an interview. The woman asked for her name, checked her system, and then pointed her to a seat. Maya thanked her and sat down, placing her file carefully on her lap.
Other applicants were already waiting. Some of them were talking to each other, laughing like they were not worried about anything. Others were checking their phones, looking relaxed and confident. Maya stayed quiet.
She looked down at her clothes. They were clean, but simple. She had worn the best outfit she owned, but even she knew it didn't match this place. Still, she sat there and waited.
Most nights, she didn't even sleep properly. She would move from work to school and back again, trying to keep up with everything. It wasn't easy, but she had learned not to complain.
After some time, her name was called.
She stood up immediately and followed the staff member down a quiet hallway. The further they walked, the quieter it became, until they finally stopped in front of a door. She was told to go in, and after a small breath, she pushed it open.
Maya stepped inside and paused.
There was only one person in the room.
A man stood near the window, and when he turned, she recognized him instantly.
Caspian Vane-Auber.
She had seen his pictures before, but seeing him in person felt different. There was something about him that made the room feel smaller, like everything around him was under control.
He asked if she was there for the interview, and she answered yes. He told her to sit, and she did, holding her file carefully as he walked closer.
When he asked why she wanted the job, she gave a simple answer. She told him she needed a job. He looked at her for a moment and asked if that was all, and she told him yes. There was no point trying to impress him with words she didn't believe.
He went through her file and pointed out that she was still a student and that she worked part-time. When he asked why, she told him the truth. She needed to support herself, her mother, and still keep up with school.
He asked what she studied, and she told him fashion and jewelry design.
He closed the file and told her she didn't have experience. She told him she was willing to learn.
He watched her for a moment before telling her to come the next day. She blinked, surprised, and asked if he meant tomorrow. He confirmed it and told her she would start on trial. If she did well, she would stay.
Relief spread through her chest, and she thanked him.
He dismissed her shortly after.
Maya stood up, thanked him again, and walked out of the room. She kept her steps steady until she got outside, and only then did she finally let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding.
She didn't know how she would manage everything—school, work, and her mother—but at least now, she had a chance.
And she wasn't going to waste it no mater what.