D-day

In her closet, she carefully selected an outfit that would help her stand out. A navy blue suit with a white blouse, a matching skirt, and black heels. She added a pearl necklace, earrings, and a watch as accessories. Dressed and poised, she checked herself in the mirror once more. She looked elegant and smart – perfect for the position she was aiming for.

Lucia gathered her purse and laptop bag, where her resume, portfolio, and other documents were neatly organized. It was now 7:45 am, and she decided to leave a bit early, just in case there were traffic or any unexpected delays. Punctuality was essential; she couldn't afford to be late for her interview, as it would leave a bad impression.

As she walked to the living room, she glanced towards her roommate Rose's room. She wasn't sure if Rose had made it back last night. Opening the door, she found Rose sprawled out on the bed, still asleep.

Lucia knocked on the door gently. "Wake up, sleepyhead. I'm off; wish me luck."

Rose was jolted awake but couldn't keep her eyes open. "Lulu, my head hurts."

Lucia shook her head, slightly amused. "That's what you get for getting drunk. Get up, freshen up, or you'll be late for work."

Rose rolled over in her bed, groaning, "I hate going to work. I don't want to go."

Lucia coaxed, "If you don't go, how are you going to afford those shoes you've been dying to have?"

Rose's eyes widened, and she slowly sat up, looking toward the door. "You look nice," she said, offering a sleepy compliment.

Lucia, checking her watch, replied, "Well, thank you, kind miss. I really can't make breakfast this morning, or I'm going to be late. See you, Sleeping Beauty."

"Good luck, beauty Lu!" Rose yelled from her room.

With a pleasant smile on her face, Rose made her way downstairs and hailed a taxi outside. She told the driver the address of the company, and they began their journey.

Lucia was nervous about the interview, but she also felt optimistic. She had worked hard to get this opportunity, and she believed in herself. She hoped that the interviewer would see her potential and give her a chance.

After a 30-minute taxi ride, they reached MK Group. Lucia felt her heart race as the taxi stopped in front of the MK Group building. It was a towering skyscraper, way taller than the other nearby offices. The building's shiny glass walls reflected the sunlight and clouds, creating a dazzling effect. Lucia quickly paid the taxi driver and stepped out of the car. Her high heels made a clicking sound on the pavement. She tried to calm down her racing heart as she walked toward the entrance of the building. This place was home to the biggest company in the country. Lucia had been dreaming of working here ever since she graduated from the university. She knew it was a competitive field, and that hundreds of applicants had applied for the same position as her: a personal assistant to the CEO. 

Lucia had worked hard to get this opportunity, spending hours on polishing her resume and cover letter, researching on the company and its projects, and practicing her interview skills. She wanted to be well-prepared and confident, as she knew that this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to prove herself and launch her career. Besides, the pay was huge, and that was exactly what she needed to pay off her student loans and support her family.

Lucia whispered to herself, "Don't worry. Even if I'm not selected, at least I gave it a shot. I have nothing to lose, but everything to gain."

Lucia checked in at the reception desk, where a woman with a stylish short haircut and bright red lipstick greeted her with a forced smile. The woman's eyes widened as she saw Lucia's stunning face, which looked like it belonged to a masterpiece painting. She cleared her throat and quickly scanned Lucia's ID, then handed her a visitor badge.

"You're here for the interview, right?" the receptionist asked, her tone lacking enthusiasm.

Lucia nodded and replied, "Yes, I am."

The receptionist, glancing at her clipboard, asked, "What position are you applying for?"

"I'm applying for the personal assistant to the CEO," Lucia answered.

The receptionist looked somewhat taken aback. She knew it was a challenging position that many were vying for. She nodded and gestured toward a row of seats located near the elevator.

"Wait over there until someone comes to escort you. And, well, good luck," she added, with a hint of sarcasm.