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.”

some confidence. The woman gave the door a

usual confident tone. “Amaya Stone is here for

with

“Thank you.

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

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.

said, extending a hand. “It’s nice to

hand for a beat before reaching out and giving it a firm, no-nonsense

said, her gaze still locked

interview anymore. It felt like a test, an interrogation. And I wasn’t sure if I

she finally

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Chapter 16

like to push

to happy clients? Not everyone wants the

mind went blank. All the practiced answers, the slick comebacks I’d prepared- vanished, “Well, …” I trailed off, feeling like a deflated

isn’t just about expressing yourself, Ms. Stone,” she

I said, my voice surprisingly firm. “Understanding

maybe even interest, crossed her face. But before she could respond, I stood

I

surprisingly strong. Thank you, Ms. Stone,” she replied, her voice

the way my voice gained strength, the unexpected fire in my eyes. Maybe it was the connection I unknowingly made between my father’s words and my own design philosophy,

squinted against the sudden glare of the afternoon sun. Car horns blared, pedestrians hurried past in a blur of colors and faces, and the air thrummed with a chaotic