(Alarm beeps loudly)
(Aurora turns off her alarm)
(Aurora yawns)
"Today is the day I get myself a job," Aurora said to herself as she sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "I'm fresh out of college, but I just can't seem to find any employer who's seeking my expertise and qualifications." She swung her legs off the bed and walked toward her closet.
"I've already been rejected twice," she muttered, flipping through hangers. "Both times because I supposedly lacked experience and was 'unfit' to handle the pressure of the roles." Her fingers paused over a sleek black dress. "Should I wear black? No, today's a Monday… that's too heavy. Then, should I go with blue? Way too bright for my liking."
Her eyes landed on a neat purple dress hanging near the back. "Then I'll go with purple," she decided aloud. "It's the color of royalty, and it shows dominance in the workplace." She laid the dress carefully on her bed, undressed, and made her way into the bathroom.
(Aurora brushes her teeth, washes her face, and then sinks into a nice, hot bath)
"This feels so good," Aurora murmured, closing her eyes as the warmth surrounded her body. After a relaxing thirty minutes, she stepped out, wrapped a towel around herself, and exited the bathroom.
"Alright, time to get ready for that interview," she said to herself, a hopeful smile spreading across her face.
(Phone ringing)
"Who's that?" Aurora asked, reaching for her phone. She glanced at the screen. "Oh, it's Hazel." She quickly answered the call.
"Hey, Aurora! It's been a while. Everything alright?" Hazel's voice rang through cheerfully but with a hint of exhaustion.
"Yeah, everything's great. How about you?" Aurora asked as she sat on the edge of her bed.
"It's not going so well on my end. I graduated from university, got my master's, and still can't seem to find a properly paying job," Hazel said, her tone a mix of frustration and tired humor.
"I feel you, girl. I've already been rejected by two companies," Aurora replied, sympathizing deeply. "They said I didn't have enough experience. It's been tough."
"I see. So it's been rough for you too," Hazel said. "But hey, you're smart and talented. You'll get something."
"Well, that might actually change today," Aurora said, the optimism returning to her voice. "I found a company that's actively seeking accountants. I've got an interview this morning."
"What? Really? That's amazing!" Hazel exclaimed. "I hope you get hired, girl! I know you will."
"Thanks, Hazel," Aurora replied sincerely.
"Anyway, I don't want you to be late for your interview. Let's talk after, maybe even hang out once you get that offer and settle in a bit," Hazel suggested.
"Deal. Talk later!" Aurora said with a smile, hanging up the call.
(Aurora puts on her clothes and applies her makeup)
"Alright, girl. You got this!" she said to herself, staring at her reflection in the mirror. She took one last deep breath, grabbed her bag, and left her apartment. Outside, she flagged down a taxi.
As she sat in the backseat, nerves began to creep in. "Stay calm. Don't be nervous. You've been practicing interview questions for a month. You need this job—for yourself and for your family. You can't screw this up," she whispered, trying to replace anxiety with determination.
"Here's your stop, miss," said the taxi driver, pulling up in front of a sleek, modern building.
"Thank you, sir," Aurora said politely as she paid the fare and stepped out. Her eyes widened as she looked up at the building. "So this is the large accounting company I've been hearing about…"
She took a deep breath and walked inside. The lobby was even more elegant than she imagined—high ceilings, glass walls, abstract art, and a clean, polished marble floor that echoed with every footstep.
"You're Aurora, right?" a calm voice asked.
Aurora turned to see a neatly dressed woman approaching. "Y-Yes, I am," Aurora replied, her nerves getting the best of her.
"My name is Amelia. I'll be interviewing you today, so come with me," the woman said with a professional smile, already walking towards a hallway.
"Okay, I'm coming," Aurora said, trailing after her.
They entered a medium-sized room with a large wooden desk and a couple of chairs. Aurora sat down and tried to mentally prepare herself, repeating calming thoughts in her head.
Just as Amelia was about to begin, a tall, sharply dressed man entered the room. His presence instantly commanded attention.
"Amelia, I have some files for you to review and verify," he said, handing her a stack of folders.
"I'm sorry, boss, I'm in the middle of interviewing this girl," Amelia said. "I'm the one who'll decide if she gets hired or not."
"It's alright. I'll interview this one myself," the man said, casting a glance toward Aurora and offering a subtle smile. "You can go ahead and look through the documents."
Amelia seemed surprised but nodded. "Okay, boss. I'll go right ahead then." She gave Aurora a quick nod before leaving the room.
As the door shut behind her, Aurora stared at the man, stunned. No way… it can't be. What is he doing here? Her mind raced. Why is Amelia calling him 'boss'?
The man turned toward her, now seated across the desk. His posture was relaxed, but his gaze was sharp and curious. Aurora's heart thudded loudly in her chest as she tried to make sense of the situation. There was no denying it.
It was him.
Someone from her past.
And now, he held her future in his hands.