01 - Emily Harris

Emily Harris

I glance once more around the classroom and notice everyone is focused on the exam in front of us. I've already finished mine a few minutes ago and didn’t find it as difficult as Emma had been complaining about all morning. But I understand she doesn’t have the same amount of time to dedicate to studying as I do.

I review all the questions again just to double-check and catch myself thinking about how I managed to get into college and how grateful I am for my friendship with Emma, which has lasted since childhood. Recently, I turned twenty-three, and we’re in the final semesters of our business administration program.

Unfortunately, I’m still not working, but my dear father, James, always sends me some money to get by. While it’s not much, I’m lucky to have Emma, who covers most of the expenses for the small apartment her family provides for us.

Emma has already secured a job thanks to her prestigious last name, Scott. Meanwhile, I’ve been trying to get a recommendation letter to at least land an internship, so I can help with our household expenses. Even though Emma insists it’s not a problem, I feel uncomfortable not contributing.

Tired of staring at my finished exam for so long, I decide to gather my belongings and head over to my Logistics Processes professor. When I hand him my exam, I notice his eyes light up with joy.

“Emily, please come to my office later so I can give you the recommendation letter for a future internship. You’re one of the few in your class who will graduate with honors.” At that moment, my heart bursts with happiness.

All my professors have always encouraged me to seek more knowledge and aim to become a high-level professional. That way, golden opportunities would come my way more easily.

“Professor, I deeply appreciate your help. This recommendation letter means so much to me right now,” I reply with a grateful smile.

Not wanting to show my gratitude too openly in front of other students, I let him know I’ll stop by his office after class to pick it up. I take one last glance at Emma and leave the classroom.

In recent days, Emma has been trying to arrange an interview for me at the company where she works. She mentioned pulling some strings within her family to help me out.

I sit near the green area where we usually hang out and wait for her to finish class so we can talk. I know she’ll head straight to work afterward, while I plan to spend some time in the library preparing for my next subject.

I was so focused that I didn’t notice Matt Jones approaching, the jerk who loves to annoy me.

“Hey, Emy, my sister said she’d be happy to take you shopping for some new clothes!” he says, and I roll my eyes, trying to focus on the book in front of me.

“Matt, why don’t you go find your crew?” I try to stand up, but he holds me in place beside him.

I may not consider myself stunning, but I put effort into my appearance. I inherited my mother’s genetics-a beautiful figure, dark hair, and green eyes-which I think draws attention. Because of this, I’ve often been harassed, and it scares me. So, I’ve started wearing looser clothing to go unnoticed.

Unfortunately, Matt and his group seem to enjoy picking on me whenever I’m alone on campus, trying to humiliate and belittle me.

“Don’t be so uptight; just let my sister help you,” he says sarcastically, only irritating me further. Suddenly, I see him hit the ground. I smile as he scrambles to his feet, only to realize Emma is now sitting beside me.

“Next time he gets close, slap him,” she says, a sly smile on her lips.

“I think I might start doing that, be a little more aggressive because being polite clearly isn’t working with you, Matt. Now get lost before I call campus security and report you for harassment,” I say, raising my voice and drawing attention from a few students passing by.

I notice the anger flash across his face, and before he can get any closer to me or Emma, I see the campus security officers approaching. I smirk slightly and watch him retreat in the opposite direction.

“What happened here?” Emma asks. I just shrugged, letting her know it wasn’t a big deal.

“Alright, tell me what the professor said when you handed in your exam,” she says. This time, I smile and turn to her, full of excitement, grabbing her hands.

“Emma, he said he’s giving me the recommendation letter for an internship!” We both get giddy with excitement, and she hugs me as we celebrate the good news.

“Oh, girl, I think now we’ll finally get you working with me, even if it’s in a different department,” she says, just as excited as I am.

I’ll always be grateful to have Emma as my best friend. I couldn’t ask for anyone better to stand by my side.

“You’re heading home, or are you going to the library to read a book?” laughs out loud.

“I’m going to the library…” I say, managing to control my own laughter. “I still need to pick up the letter from the professor.” I notice as she nods and hugs me tightly.

“Well then, since you’ll be there, I’m off to work now, and I’ll talk to my boss again. I’ll ask him about your interview. Just cross your fingers, my friend.” Emma gives me another kiss, and we say goodbye.

I watch her walk away and head toward the library. I want to read a bit more for the next class.

While in the library, I take some notes and glance at my phone to check the time. I believe my professor is already in his office. Feeling the rush of excitement, I leave the library and walk through the hallways toward his office. I’m certain this letter will change my life for the better.

I have this feeling that things are about to start falling into place in a way that will surprise me. I reach his office, ask for permission to enter, and am welcomed by a few of my other professors.

“You may come in, Emily.” I hear my name being called.

I notice another professor sitting on the small sofa that my professor keeps in his well-organized office, filled with books at his disposal. I smile at everyone present as they motion for me to take a seat.

“Well, dear, we know you’ve been applying for some jobs or internships, and as your professors, we see how hardworking you are. Your grades are among the best on campus,” my professor says, and I smile at the compliment.

I keep my eyes on all my professors, feeling the urge to cry when I realize it won’t just be him signing the letter. I’m touched by their gesture-it’s a sign that I’m on the right path.

“Thank you so much for what you’re doing for me. I promise I won’t let you down,” I say, thanking each of them before deciding to head home.

Before I even unlock my door, my phone rings, and Emma’s name flashes on the screen. I answer as soon as I place the key in the lock, feeling deep inside that it’s good news.

“Emily, are you home yet? I hope so because you need to get ready and come to the company right now. I got you an interview…” She doesn’t even finish her sentence before I let out a squeal of excitement.

It’s probably loud enough to shake the entire building we live in with my happiness. I rush inside, drop my things on our small couch, and head straight to my room, moving toward my tiny closet.

“Emma, what should I wear?” I ask, looking at my wardrobe and realizing I don’t have anything fancy enough for a job interview.

“Check my closet. There’s a blue skirt below the knee, look for a sleeveless white silk blouse with a ruffled neckline, and the cardigan that matches the skirt. I think it’ll look perfect and very professional.” I examine the outfit she mentioned and feel satisfied with what I see.

“Thanks, Emma. I’ll get there as quickly as I can. I just need to fix my hair,” I say, already imagining her laughing at my comment about my hair.

“Call me as soon as you arrive. I’ll take you to your interview,” Emma says, sounding even more excited than I am.

We hang up, and I start getting ready to leave. I curl my hair a bit, giving it some style and definition. I put on everything Emma suggested, adding a pair of dark tights and heels.

I stop in front of the mirror, feeling genuinely pleased with what I see.

With everything ready, I call a car to take me. I'm nervous and a bit anxious about everything. This interview is important to me for several reasons, and I hope everything goes well.

I arrive in front of the grand empire of Walker Corporation. It's a towering, fully mirrored building. I try not to focus on its sheer magnitude and step into the enormous lobby. I begin to notice some employees staring at me. Feeling a bit uncomfortable, I grab my phone and text Emma, letting her know I’ve arrived.

I smile as I see her stepping out of the elevator with a surprised look and walking toward me. Her smile is genuine, and she moves closer to hug me.

“Who are you, and where’s my friend Emily?” I laugh at her joke, and we head to reception to sort out my authorization to enter the building.

“Stop joking around. Where will the interview be?” She pulls me toward the elevator and presses the button for the top floor.

“Your interview will be with the company administrator. He fired his last assistant, and since the company is closing many deals, he urgently needs a new intern.” I wipe my now-sweaty hands on my skirt. “I really hope you get it, friend.”

We exit the elevator, and she leads me to a room with a stunning view of Chicago. Emma knocks on the door, and I see a man seated behind an elegant and imposing desk-befitting the CEO of a vast empire. This suggests he might be my potential future boss.

“Excuse me, sir, I was asked to bring this young lady for an interview.” She looks at me and, with a smile, takes her leave.

“Good afternoon, sir. My name is Emily Harris. I’m here for the internship interview…” I don’t finish my sentence as we’re interrupted by a man entering the room unceremoniously, cutting off my introduction.

I glance at the man who just entered. He has a piercing gaze, and I feel as though he’s studying me intently. To my surprise, the stranger takes the seat where the other man had been sitting.

With an air of mystery and his piercing blue eyes, I watch as he extends a hand, gesturing for me to take the chair in front of him. I can’t deny that he’s an incredibly attractive man. Dressed in a dark suit, with full lips and impeccably groomed lashes, it’s clear he’s someone who takes great care of himself.

I’m so focused on observing him that I clumsily trip over my own feet and fall into the chair. Embarrassed by my clumsiness, I realize that if he hadn’t noticed my interest before, he certainly must have now.

“Good afternoon, Miss…” I hand him the envelope containing my references and recommendations.

“Harris, Emily Harris.” He looks at me, and there’s something different in his gaze.

“Pleasure to meet you, Miss Harris. I’m Noah Walker.”

Oh my God, I’m in an interview with the CEO of the company where I’m hoping to be just a humble intern.

“Let’s begin your interview.”

At that moment, I feel all the blood drain from my face.