Bonds

Chapter 16

-Maya’s POV-

I sat on the plush chair, hating how distracted I felt knowing that Natalia must have put in a lot to get me this interview. My father’s words echoed in my head, each syllable tumbling through my mind. He’d shoved the papers at me, anger burning in his eyes, and demanded I sign them. My mother followed him out, a silent apology in her eyes that did nothing to soothe the storm raging inside me.

“Amaya Stone? Is Amaya Stone here?”

The voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I jumped to my feet, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. The other candidates watched me, probably judging me for not being focused.

“Yeah, that’s me,” I mumbled, shoving the stray hair from my face.

The woman who called my name gave me a warm smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners. She looked about my age, but carried herself with a confidence I envied. Her tailored black suit hugged her curves perfectly, her dark hair sleek and polished.

“No worries,” she said kindly, her voice like honey. “Nerves got the best of everyone sometimes. Follow me, Ms. Stone.”

I opened my mouth to correct her- it was Mrs. Stone technically, and McCall anyway – but the words wouldn’t come out. We stopped in front of a heavy wooden door with a brass nameplate that read “Ms. Edwards.” My guide took a deep breath, smoothing her already flawless outfit.

“Just a heads up,” she murmured, her voice losing a bit of its earlier cheer. “Ms. Edwards can be a bit… direct. But she’s fair, and she appreciates

honesty.”

I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. “Direct?” 1 echoed, already picturing a stern woman in a power suit grilling me like a criminal.

She offered a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. Just be yourself.”

nodded, trying to muster some confidence. The woman

usual confident tone.

desk. She was older than I expected, maybe in her late fifties, with silver streaked hair pulled back in a tight bun. Her eyes met mine, and I felt

“Thank you.

said, her voice a low tone that commanded attention. “Please, close

me a quick wink and a thumbs-up before shutting the door softly behind her. The knot in my stomach tightened, and the questions about my father swirled

smile.

Edwards,” I said, extending a hand. “It’s nice to meet

Instead, she stared at my hand for a

Stone,” she said, her gaze still locked

desk. It didn’t feel like just an interview anymore. It felt like a test, an interrogation. And I wasn’t sure

she finally said, “Bold use of

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Chapter 16

to push boundaries,”

happy

practiced answers, the slick comebacks I’d prepared- vanished, “Well, …” I

“Interior design isn’t just about expressing yourself, Ms. Stone,”

My father’s harsh voice echoed in my head, “Because they took everything from me.” Taking a deep. breath, I sat up straighter. “You’re absolutely right, Ms. Edwards,” I said, my voice surprisingly firm. “Understanding the client is key. But sometimes, a designer can help them see beyond limitations, push them outside their comfort zones, create something truly unique. Something that speaks to their soul, not just their

narrowed, then softened a fraction. A flicker of something, maybe even interest, crossed her

I

hand, her grip surprisingly strong. Thank you, Ms. Stone,” she

gone as planned, but something had shifted in the room. Maybe it was the way my voice gained strength, the

out of the imposing office building, I squinted against the sudden glare of the afternoon sun. Car horns blared,