TURNING 30

ugh her veins. Today was the day of her interview at Prime, the company she had

and tailored trousers. Standing in front of her mirror, she adjusted he

ed footsteps. Daniel had insisted on picking her up to make sure she arrived on time. As th

they drove through the bustling city streets.

f breathtaking. Towering windows reflected the morning sun, lending an air of sophisti

ed her experiences and aspirations. As she left the office, a s

her part-time jobs, each hour felt lighter knowing that she m

ering newspapers, her phone rang. Glancing at the sc

e answered

eplied, making her stomach flutter. "I'm pleased to inform you that we would like to off

e replied, trying her best to sound composed despite

was the prospect of working under Nicholas, the enigmatic man who ran Prime. She had read and seen about

made her way to the Prime office, her nerves bubbling inside her. As she entered the

jolt of adrenaline through her body. She took a deep breath and knocked light

ame Nicholas

e imposing glass desk. Nicholas was even more striking in person-broad shoulders, sharp jawli

t with a hint of consideration in his eyes. "Congratulations on

they talked about the details of her role, Victoria felt a strange tens

e poking out from under the desk, nearly tumbling into a cabinet. Nicho

voice steady but with a hint of

alance. "Just...trying to show off my impeccable coordination

t her sheepish demeanor. "Well, it's good to k

ice-cold exterior was just a mask, one tha

the brief connection with Nicholas. Just as she spotted her familiar street, she noticed a black car idli

ning against the car, his gaze lingering on her. She hurried inside her house, heart pounding

illed with brainstorming sessions and fleeting moments where she caught him observing her intently as they discussed strategies o

documents. As she rifled through the paperwork, she stumbled upon a file marked "Review," and upon opening it, her stomach dro

ere? And why was he connected to her new workplace? Was Nich

he was sure no one was watching. In that moment, the air around her shifted, and she

onversation that had been brewing for months. Her mother, s

You're avoiding dating and focusing too much on work. I've arranged

on a blind date!" Victor

ng any younger, you know!" her mother snapp

ecause of your expectations!" Victoria shot

are?" Juliet question

ings and unspoken anxieties until, in a moment laden with hurt, her mother r

this!" she threatened, her emotions spilling over, and before she knew it,

s fight might just push her daughter away permanently,

d the mystery surrounding her new job flooded her mind. Her heart raced not only from the conflict at home but from

done?" she whispered to herself, unsure of the path she was heading down, but powerful