The next three days passed in a blur of preparations for my internship at Westbridge Corporation.
Paige helped me with everything despite being busy with work herself, while Alden practically became our personal driver, taking us wherever we needed to go.
With the induction programme approaching, every department in the company was busy preparing for the event.
The official email containing the time and venue finally arrived yesterday.
For me, however, the email was practically useless.
I had already known everything through Paige and her boyfriend long before the company decided to send out the details.
Finally, the day of the induction arrived.
Paige and Alden had already reached the company early in the morning, while the induction programme wasn’t scheduled until noon.
That gave me plenty of time to get ready and carefully choose an outfit.
Since it was my first day at the company, I wanted to look professional and put-together.
I chose a beige skirt and matching coat with a crisp white shirt underneath.
I tied my hair into a high ponytail, leaving a few loose strands to frame my face.
I kept my makeup light and simple, then completed the look with a pair of matching sandals.
I took one last look at myself in the mirror and took a deep breath.
I reached the company on time by cab.
The moment I stepped inside, I looked around, taking in my surroundings.
It was…
busy.
Far busier than I had expected.
People were rushing from one place to another, some carrying files while others spoke hurriedly on their phones.
A large crowd had gathered near the reception desk, and judging by their nervous expressions and formal attire, they were probably the new employees.
I made my way toward the reception desk.
“Hello.
I’m here to join today as an intern.” The receptionist looked up at me.
“Name?” “Meave Calloway” She quickly searched for my details on her computer before handing me a small card.
“Fifth floor, Room 506.
The programme will begin in half an hour.” I took the card from her with a polite nod.
“Thank you.” I turned toward the elevators, clutching the card in my hand as a strange mixture of excitement and nervousness settled in my stomach.
While I was on my way to the induction hall, my phone buzzed with a message from Paige.
Paige: Where are you?
I quickly replied that I had already arrived and was currently in the elevator.
Her response came almost immediately.
Paige: I’ll meet you at the induction programme.
I’m busy helping with the preparations right now.
I sent a quick Okay and slipped my phone back into my bag.
When I reached the room and stepped inside, I was taken aback by its size.
The hall was enormous, with a large stage at the front and an equally impressive podium standing at its center.
Several rows of chairs had been neatly arranged facing the stage.
Only a few people were seated, but the hall was so spacious that the small crowd made it look almost empty.
I checked my phone.
Twenty minutes were still left before the programme began, so I decided to use the restroom beforehand.
I quickly found one around the corner, took care of business, and headed back toward the induction hall.
Somehow, though, I took a wrong turn and ended up in front of a staircase.
I was about to turn around when I heard voices coming from below.
Not talking.
Shouting.
Curiosity got the better of me.
I cautiously peeked around the corner and saw a girl arguing with a man.
Heavens.
Why do I always end up seeing things I’m not supposed to see?
Before I could retreat, the girl suddenly slapped him hard across his left cheek.
The sharp crack echoed through the staircase.
I immediately covered my mouth, staring in shock as the girl stormed and descended the stairs without looking back.
My eyes shifted toward the man.
I could only see his face from the side .The man had a naturally athletic build—lean rather than heavily muscular, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and the kind of effortless posture that made even ordinary clothes look expensive.
From where I stood, I could see that he was dressed in a deep-grey suit that fit perfectly across his broad shoulders.
Even from the side, I could tell he was handsome.
Then, as if sensing my stare, he turned.
Our eyes met.
It lasted only a split second, but it felt strangely longer.
His lips curled into a faint, knowing smirk.
That was enough to snap me back to reality.
I immediately looked away, my face heating up, and hurried through the door before practically sprinting back toward the auditorium.
What the hell was that?