Bonds

Chapter 22

-Maya’s POV-

I hadn’t expected the call. After I put my phone down, a series of questions ran through my mind but I was here now, the metal door was the only thing separating us and taking a deep breath, I knocked. A voice, crisp and efficient, called out from within. “Come in.”

Pushing the door open, I stepped inside, my gaze immediately falling on the woman seated behind the massive mahogany desk. She looked different today, less imposing somehow. Gone was the stern expression, replaced by a hint of a smile. Was it my imagination, or did her eyes hold a flicker of something akin to… respect?

“Ms. Stone,” she greeted, her voice still holding that same commanding tone, but laced with a touch of warmth that surprised me. “Please, have a seat.”

I sat down in the plush chair, the smooth leather cool against my skin. My mind raced, replaying Alex’s cryptic call over and over again but I had to focus.

If she had called me back it meant I got the job right? Right?

“You called me back,” I finally blurted out, unable to hold back the question any longer.

Her smile widened, a genuine smile this time that crinkled the corners of her eyes. “Yes, Ms. Stone, I did,” she confirmed. “You know why?”

I shook my head, my heart pounding a frantic rhythm against my ribs.

“Because,” she began, leaning back in her chair, “out of all the candidates I interviewed for the design position, you were the only one who truly impressed me.”

“You weren’t afraid to push back,” She continued, her voice losing its earlier formality. “You spoke your mind, even when you disagreed with me. That’s at quality I value highly, Ms. Stone. Most people just parrot back what they think I want to hear.”

I swallowed, my cheeks burning with a mixture of surprise and a dawning sense of validation. Had I actually… impressed her with my audacity? It seemed almost unbelievable.

She leaned forward, her gaze sharpening once more. “Now,” she said, her voice back to its usual business-like tone, “that doesn’t mean your interview was perfect. Frankly, your portfolio was a bit… unorthodox, shall we say?”

I braced myself, the warmth in my chest giving way to a familiar knot of anxiety. “I like to take risks,” I admitted, “To create something unexpected.” “And sometimes,” she countered, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes, “unexpected clients walk through that door with very specific expectations.”

towards a stack of folders on her desk. “These are proposals from some of the biggest design firms in the city. They’ve all been vying

This was a huge opportunity, something I never dared to dream of. But the

finally

you during your interview. A spark

something fresh

gaze unwavering, “are you

Chapter 22

up. But the doubts lingered. Could I compete with established firms? Did I

on me. Looking her straight in the

smile spread across her face, a smile that spoke volumes. “Excellent,” she replied, a hint of satisfaction in her voice. Then

my mind already buzzing with ideas. She challenged me with questions, testing my understanding and creativity. I answered back, fueled

conversation finally ended, I felt exhilarated and slightly exhausted. This was going to be a challenge, no doubt about it. But for the first time in a long time, I felt a sense

a lot to take in,” I

you. Now, go back and review the project details. I expect a preliminary proposal on my desk by the end

you, Ms.

a hint of a challenge still lingering in her eyes. “I wouldn’t

a nervous energy vibrated through me, a welcome change

daunting task, a pressure cooker of deadlines and demanding clients. This was my chance, my opportunity to prove myself, not just to Ms. Edwards, but

might say. A full-blown smile, genuine and warm, spread across her face, momentarily erasing the usual

as

my own face, mirroring hers. Stepping out of the office, the sterile hallway seemed to hum with possibility. My phone buzzed impatiently in my pocket, pulling me back to the present. A wave of exhilaration washed over me as

confidence in me. In the background, I could hear

Mummy?”

to see you and that stubborn twin of

awesome I was during the interview. It was a white lie but! was just too happy. It

took over the conversation, regaling me with hushed details about how she’d kept the kids occupied and how proud she was of me. When she finished, her voice vibrated

always a mood booster. “Slow down

discussed