4 years had passed since after graduation. The thrill of graduation had faded quickly. The excitement of stepping into the real world was now overshadowed by the crushing weight of reality.
Christy sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the stack of bills on her nightstand. Rent. Medical expenses. Grace's school fees. Each one a reminder that she couldn't afford to slow down.
She had spent weeks sending out job applications while working part time at madam maggy's, hoping for a stable position, but the competition was fierce. Every rejection email chipped away at her patience.
Her phone buzzed beside her. Kate.
Kate: Hey, any luck yet?
Christy sighed and typed back.
Christy: Still nothing. I'm starting to think the job market hates me.
Kate: It doesn't hate you. It just doesn't appreciate your greatness yet. But don't worry, something will come up. You always make things work.
Kate's words were encouraging, but Christy wasn't sure how much longer she could keep waiting.
Her mother's health wasn't improving. The medical bills were piling up. And if she didn't find something soon, they'd be in serious trouble.
A knock at her door made her jump. Grace peeked in, her expression hesitant.
"Mom's asking for you," she said softly.
Christy nodded, pushing aside her worries as she followed her sister to their mother's room.
Her mother looked tired, but she still managed a warm smile when Christy entered. "Still up looking for jobs, sweetheart?"
Christy sat beside her, forcing a smile. "Yeah. Something will come up soon."
Her mother reached for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I know you're worried. But don't let the pressure steal your peace. You'll find the right path, just like you always do."
Christy swallowed the lump in her throat. "I just… I need to find something fast, Mom. For you. For Grace."
Her mother sighed. "And for yourself too, Christy. Don't forget that."
Before Christy could respond, her phone buzzed again.
Another email.
Her heart pounded as she opened it.
Subject: Interview Invitation – Gold Star Enterprises
Her eyes widened.
Gold Star Enterprises?
Wasn't that the biggest company in the country right now? She barely remembered applying, thinking she'd never stand a chance.
But here it was. An interview invitation.
Christy stared at the email, her heart racing.
Was this finally her break?
Or was she about to walk into something she wasn't prepared for?
The Day of the Interview finally came by.
Christy stood in front of the towering glass skyscraper, gripping her resume tightly.
The building was massive, sleek and modern, stretching high into the sky like a symbol of power. The Gold Star Enterprises logo gleamed above the entrance.
She took a deep breath and stepped inside.
The lobby was even more intimidating. High ceilings, polished floors, employees in sharp suits moving with purpose. Christy suddenly felt very small.
She checked in at the front desk and was directed to the 20th floor.
As she rode the elevator up, her nerves kicked in. She was very nervous.
She needed this job. But was she really cut out for it?
The elevator doors opened, and she stepped into a pristine hallway. A woman in a professional suit greeted her with a polite smile.
"Miss Christiana, right? Mr. Adams is ready to see you."
Mr. Adams, the hiring manager.
Christy followed her into a well-furnished office. A middle-aged man with sharp eyes and neatly combed hair sat behind a desk. He gestured for her to sit.
She handed over her resume, trying to appear confident.
"I see you've worked several part-time jobs," Mr. Adams said, scanning her application. "No previous corporate experience?"
Christy swallowed. "No, sir, but I'm a fast learner. I'm hardworking and dedicated. I believe I have the skills to excel in this role."
He leaned back, studying her. "You applied for an administrative role, but we have an urgent vacancy. The CEO just fired his secretary, and we need a replacement immediately. You fit the criteria."
Christy blinked. "So… I get the job?"
Mr. Adams nodded. "You start tomorrow."
Christy barely stopped herself from gasping.
Just like that?
"Thank you! I won't let you down," she said quickly.
"Good. Be here at 8 AM sharp," he said, standing up to shake her hand.
She left the office in a daze. It had happened so fast.
She had a job.
A real, stable job.
The relief that flooded through her was overwhelming.
That evening, Christy practically ran home.
"Mom! Grace!" she called as she burst through the door.
Grace peeked out from the kitchen, and their mother sat up in bed, looking concerned. "Christy, what's wrong?"
Christy grinned. "I got the job!"
For a moment, there was silence then Grace shrieked in excitement, running over to hug her. "No way! You did it?"
Her mother's eyes filled with happy tears. "Oh, sweetheart… I knew you would. I'm so proud of you."
Christy hugged them both tightly.
They sat together, talking and laughing, as Christy shared everything about the interview, how huge the building was and how the employees looked. For the first time in a long time, she felt hopeful.
Later that night, she called Kate.
"Kate! You won't believe this. I got the job at Gold Star Enterprises!"
Kate screamed through the phone. "What?! Oh my God, Christy! That's amazing! We need to celebrate!"
Christy laughed. "I don't even know what to feel. I'm just… relieved."
"You deserve it. I told you something good was coming," Kate said proudly. "First day tomorrow, right?"
"Yeah. I just hope I don't mess it up."
"You won't. Just do your best, and everything will work out and don't forget to dress your best."
As Christy lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, she finally felt at peace.
She had done it.
She had landed a job at the best company in the country.
She had no idea who the CEO might be.
And that her life was about to change forever.