After the interview, Aurora left the workplace, still feeling dazed. She stepped out into the bustling street and began walking, hoping to catch a cab. Her thoughts were a tangled mess as she moved past honking cars and hurried pedestrians.
Today was such a strange day. I still can't believe I'll be working for Greyson's accounting firm.
She paused at a corner, scanning the road for an empty cab, still mentally replaying the interview.
He didn't even go to university to get a degree in accounting, and yet he owns a massive accounting firm. That's incredible… How did he even manage to pull that off?
Aurora's eyebrows furrowed in genuine curiosity. She had spent four long, sleepless years at university studying accounting, buried in books and attending late-night lectures. Even after all that, she had been rejected twice by other firms due to lack of experience. And Greyson, who hadn't even pursued higher education—at least not that she knew of—was now someone she had to call "boss."
Life is really unfair… Or maybe this is karma getting back at me.
She clenched her jaw at the memory of her high school days—the way she and her friends treated Greyson like he was beneath them.
We used to mock him. We told him he'd never amount to anything… That he'd probably end up collecting our garbage.
Aurora looked down at her feet, shame filling her chest like concrete. And yet, he chose to hire me. Why? Out of all the candidates he could've picked… Why me?
Her stomach turned at the thought. Does he have some kind of plan? Could this be some elaborate revenge scheme? If I were him, I wouldn't even glance at my resume, much less interview me…
A cab finally pulled up. Aurora climbed in, still lost in thought.
"Where to, miss?" the driver asked.
"32nd Street and Mulberry Avenue," Aurora replied, glancing out the window.
Her phone vibrated in her purse. She dug it out and saw Hazel's name on the screen. She hesitated a second before answering.
"Hey, Hazel," she said, trying to sound upbeat.
"Hey girl! How did the job interview go? Did you get hired? Wait—what am I even asking? Of course you got in!" Hazel's voice was full of confidence and excitement.
Aurora gave a small laugh. "Well, sort of… I got the position, but I have to go through a bit of training first to get familiar with their operations before I start getting paid."
"That's the least of your worries," Hazel said. "The important thing is that you got the job! I'm so proud of you, Aurora. We need to celebrate—get a few drinks, laugh, catch up. Where are you now?"
"I'm in a cab," Aurora said, smiling faintly. "Send me your location and I'll be there in a few minutes. Actually… I'm glad you called. There's something important I need to talk to you about."
"Ooh, now I'm curious. Alright, I'll drop you a pin. See you soon!"
The call ended, and a moment later her phone buzzed again with Hazel's location. Aurora directed the driver, "Turn in that lane up ahead."
"Yes, miss," he replied, taking the turn.
Fifteen minutes later, the cab pulled up in front of a cozy outdoor café with string lights and soft music. Aurora stepped out, paid the fare, and barely had time to look around before Hazel ran up to her and wrapped her in a warm, excited hug.
"Oh my god, it's been so long since I saw you!" Hazel exclaimed, squeezing her tightly. "You've grown into such a sophisticated woman—but seriously, you don't look like you've aged a day."
Aurora laughed. "Right back at you. It's been, what, three years since we last saw each other? You're still as beautiful as ever."
Hazel rolled her eyes with a grin. "Why are we talking like a couple of old ladies? We're only 22. Of course we look beautiful!"
"You're right," Aurora chuckled.
"Come on, sit down. I'm dying to hear what you wanted to talk about," Hazel said, motioning to a table with two chairs.
A waiter approached as they sat. "Can I get you ladies something to drink?"
"Hey mister, can you get us some shots?" Hazel asked with a wink.
"Sure thing, coming right up," the waiter replied.
"Water will do just fine for me," Aurora added.
"One glass of water, coming right up—beautiful," he said with a wink, then walked off.
Hazel raised an eyebrow as soon as he was out of earshot. "Okay, he is clearly into you. He's kinda cute too. Why don't you give him a chance?"
Aurora shook her head. "I'm still trying to figure out what I want out of life. I don't really have time for a relationship."
Hazel smirked. "Still not over James, huh?" she said in a lower tone.
Aurora's eyes narrowed slightly. "I'm not diving into that. That's not why I wanted to see you today."
Hazel sat up straighter. "Okay, okay, serious mode. What's up?"
Aurora took a deep breath. "So… remember the accounting firm I interviewed at?"
"Yeah?"
"The position I got is for their internal auditor," Aurora said. "And you won't believe who owns the firm."
Hazel leaned in. "Don't keep me in suspense—who?"
Aurora hesitated a second before answering. "Greyson."
Hazel's mouth dropped open. "No way. Greyson—as in Greyson from high school Greyson?"
Aurora nodded slowly. "Yes. That Greyson."
Hazel blinked in disbelief. "Shut. Up."
"I'm serious," Aurora said. "I walked into that interview and there he was, sitting at the head of the table, confident, professional… like a completely different person. I couldn't believe it."
"Wow. What are the odds?" Hazel muttered. "That must've been so awkward."
"It was," Aurora admitted. "I kept thinking he was going to use the opportunity to humiliate me. But… he didn't. He was professional. Calm. Even told me he wouldn't let the past affect his judgment."
Hazel leaned back, still processing the news. "Okay, I gotta admit… I did not see that one coming."
"Neither did I," Aurora said quietly, stirring her straw in the glass of water the waiter had just set down. "I just can't shake the feeling that there's more to it. Like—why did he really hire me?"
Hazel narrowed her eyes playfully. "Maybe you're just overthinking it. Or maybe… just maybe… this is your chance to make things right."
Aurora looked down at her glass, reflecting on those words. Maybe Hazel was right.
Maybe it was time to start making amends.