Chapter 1: The Interview
The towering glass structure of O Enterprise gleamed under the Manhattan morning sun. Veronica Benson adjusted her blazer for the fifth time that hour, her nerves dancing like fireflies in her stomach. Clutching her leather folder tightly to her chest, she inhaled deeply and pushed open the pristine glass doors.
The reception area was like a page out of an architectural dream—sleek, modern, coldly beautiful. A large emblem that read O Enterprise glistened on the marble wall behind the front desk.
“Hi, welcome to O Enterprise,”
a soft, cheerful voice called out. Veronica turned and met eyes with a smiling brunette seated behind the front desk. Her nametag read Sarah.
“Hi, I—I’m here for the junior architect interview. Veronica Benson ”
Sarah’s smile grew. “Yes, you’re on the list. Mr. Ortega is expecting you. Please take the private elevator to the 20th floor. Just scan this badge.”
Veronica accepted the visitor badge with a grateful smile, her heart hammering as she stepped into the private elevator.
The elevator doors slid open, revealing a hallway drenched in golden light and quiet luxury.
She stepped out, guided by subtle signs until she reached an oak door labeled: E. Ortega.CEO. She knocked.
“Come in,”
a voice said from inside. Veronica flinched. Here we go. The office was enormous. A floor-to-ceiling window revealed a breathtaking view of the city. Sculptures, blueprints, and design awards decorated the pristine space.
And there he was, standing behind a glass desk in a fitted black shirt, sleeves rolled up to reveal strong forearms. His dark hair was tousled, jaw clenched as he scanned a file. He looked up, and their eyes met.
“You’re late,” he said coolly. Veronica blinked. “No, sir. My appointment was for ten o’clock. It’s... exactly ten.”
“Exactly ten is still late in my book,” he muttered, circling around his desk. “Veronica Benson.“He asked and She nodded, trying to find her voice.
“Yes, sir.”
He collected the folder from her hand with one elegant motion , scanning her resume like a menu he didn’t want to order from .
“Let’s see if your work speaks louder than your nerves.”
As he flipped through her drawings, silence stretched between them like a taut wire.
Veronica resisted the urge to clean her sweaty hands on her clothe. Finally, he snapped the folder shut. “Not terrible. But you have no experience with skyscraper-grade projects. No major internships. Why should I hire you?”
She drew herself up. “Because I may not have had opportunities, but I have talent. I learn fast. I work harder than most. I just need someone to give me a real chance.” He tilted his head, studying her.
" Do you always sound this desperate in interviews?”
“Only when I want something badly enough,” she answered, her voice firce .
“This company doesn’t babysit , hard work hours and no usesless gossip about what silly trends are involge.“are you able to do that Miss Benson”
" One hundred Sir ”
" In that case your hired ” her haw dropped.
" Really —Sir ”
“Don’t make me change my mind, Ms. Benson. You’ll start Monday. 6:30 AM sharp. Try not to disappoint me.”
As Veronica exited the office, heart racing and mind whirling, Sarah greeted her with an expectant smile. “Well?”
Veronica beamed. “I got the job.”
“Oh girl , congratulations ”
Veronica exhaled, barely containing her excitement.
Veronica pushed through the front door of her modest apartment in Queens with a grin stretched across her face. She kicked off her shoes the moment she stepped in, letting them thud against the hallway wall as she tossed her purse onto the couch.
Her blazer was next, flung onto the armrest with dramatic flair. “Finally,” she whispered to herself, breathless from both nerves and excitement.
Her feet ached, her stomach was empty, but none of it mattered—not today. She had done it. She had gotten the job.
Still buzzing with adrenaline, she grabbed her phone and immediately dialed her mother’s number. It rang twice before her mother’s warm voice answered, “Hey baby!”
“Mama! I got it—I got the job!”
Veronica beamed, flopping down onto the couch.
“What? The architecture firm? Baby, that’s amazing! I’m so proud of you!”
“Thank you,” Veronica laughed, leaning her head back against the cushion. ”O Enterprise—it’s official. I start Monday.”
“You’re about to be working in a big-time skyscraper in Manhattan! Look at God.”
They both laughed, and Veronica felt a wave of relief wash over her. It had been a long journey since graduation, with more rejections than she could count .
“Hold on—Monica wants to talk to you,” her mother said, and a few seconds later her younger sister’s voice came through.
“Vee!” Monica squealed.
“Tell me it’s true.”
“It’s true. Your big sister is officially employed.”
“Yesss! This is perfect timing! You can help me buy college stuff now, right? Please don’t let me end up with one of those depressing campus meal plans.” Veronica laughed.
“I got you. I mean, I’m not rolling in money just yet, but I promise I’ll help however I can. No loans for you, kid.”
“You’re the best! I’m so proud of you, Vee. For real.” Veronica’s smile softened.
“Thanks, munchkin. I love you.” After more chatter and a few emotional goodbyes, Veronica ended the call and headed into the kitchen.
She quickly threw together a simple dinner—just pasta and vegetables, but it felt like a feast. She ate in silence, letting the weight of the day settle in her bones. A hot shower later, she stood in front of the bathroom mirror, patting her face dry with a towel. Her reflection looked tired, but peaceful.
She walked back into her room, crawled into bed, and stared up at the ceiling. Monday would come with new challenges. A new job. A new world. But for the first time in a long time, she didn’t feel lost. She felt ready.
