**Sienna's Point of View**
I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my tired eyes as I glanced at the clock on my desk. The office was quiet, save for the occasional hum of the heating system and the distant tapping of keyboards. The snowstorm outside had intensified, blanketing the retreat in a thick layer of white. The serene beauty of the snow-covered landscape provided a stark contrast to the flurry of activity inside.
Tonight, I was working on the final touches of the project proposal Elena had assigned me. The task had been challenging, but the satisfaction of seeing my ideas take shape on paper made the long hours worthwhile. I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as I reviewed the completed design, knowing that Elena would be evaluating it soon.
As I saved my work and prepared to head home, my phone buzzed with a message from Sebby, my brother.
**Sebby:** *How's it going, sis? Still working at the office?*
**Sienna:** *Yep, just finishing up the proposal. It's been a long day, but I'm almost done.*
**Sebby:** *Don't work too hard. Remember, there's a snowstorm outside. Be careful on your way back.*
**Sienna:** *Thanks, Sebby. I'll be careful. See you soon!*
I closed my laptop and gathered my things, taking a moment to appreciate the progress I had made. As I prepared to leave, I caught sight of Elena's office door slightly ajar. Elena was still working, her figure illuminated by the soft glow of her desk lamp. I hesitated for a moment, then decided to drop by and give her a heads-up about the proposal.
I knocked gently before pushing the door open. "Ms. Harper? I'm just about done with the proposal. If you have a moment, I'd like to go over it with you."
Elena looked up from her desk, her expression serious but not unkind. "Of course, Sienna. Come in."
I entered the office and set the proposal on Elena's desk. She reviewed the document with a focused gaze, her brow furrowing slightly as she analyzed each detail.
"This is well done," Elena said after a thorough review. "You've addressed the client's needs effectively and incorporated some innovative design elements. I'm impressed."
I felt a rush of relief and happiness. "Thank you, Ms. Harper. I worked hard on this, and your feedback was invaluable."
Elena nodded. "You've shown a lot of growth since you started here. Keep this up, and you'll continue to make a significant impact."
I smiled, my heart lifting at the praise. "I appreciate that. I'm looking forward to tackling the next project."
As I left Elena's office, I felt a sense of accomplishment. The recognition from Elena was a testament to my hard work and dedication. I gathered my coat and prepared to brave the snowstorm, my spirits buoyed by the positive feedback.
**Elena's Point of View**
I watched Sienna leave my office, a contemplative expression on my face. The proposal she had worked on was impressive, demonstrating not only technical skill but also a fresh perspective that I had come to value.
Despite my professional demeanor, I found myself growing increasingly appreciative of Sienna's contributions. Her enthusiasm and innovative ideas were a welcome contrast to the often rigid expectations of the architectural industry.
My own career had been shaped by years of relentless pursuit of excellence, but working with Sienna reminded me of the passion and excitement that had once fueled my journey. It was refreshing to see someone approach their work with such vigor and creativity.
As I reviewed the proposal again, my thoughts drifted to the challenges ahead. The firm's upcoming projects were ambitious, and I knew they would require not only my expertise but also the collective effort of my team. Sienna's performance had been a bright spot, and I was beginning to see her as more than just an intern.
My reverie was interrupted by a knock on the door. Amelia entered with a warm smile, carrying a cup of coffee.
"I thought you might need a break, Elé(pronounced as Eli)" Amelia said, placing the coffee on my desk. "How's the proposal review going?"
"It's going well," I replied, taking a sip of the coffee. "Sienna's work was impressive. She's been a valuable addition to the team."
Amelia's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "You seem to be in a good mood. Did something specific stand out about her work?"
I considered my response. "Her approach was innovative and thorough. It's refreshing to see someone bring a new perspective to the table."
Amelia nodded thoughtfully. "Sienna's enthusiasm is infectious. It's been great to see her growth over the past few months."
I glanced out the window, watching the snowflakes swirl in the storm. "Yes, it has Lia (Amelia). I think she has a bright future ahead of her."
Amelia smiled and gave a knowing nod. "Well, don't forget to take care of yourself, too. It's easy to get caught up in work, especially during a snowstorm like this."
I acknowledged Amelia's concern with a nod. "I'll make sure to head home soon. Thanks for the coffee."
As Amelia left, I took a moment to reflect on my own life. The demands of my career had always been a driving force, but lately, I found myself re-evaluating what truly mattered. My engagement to David and the pressure to maintain my professional reputation were sources of stress. Yet, amidst the challenges, I found solace in the small moments of recognition and accomplishment.
---
**Sienna's Point of View**
I braved the snowstorm as I made my way to my car, my breath visible in the cold air. The snow had created a picturesque scene, but it also made navigating the icy roads a bit treacherous. I carefully made my way, my thoughts still lingering on the positive feedback from Elena.
My phone buzzed with another message from Sebby.
**Sebby:** *How's the drive? Any issues?*
**Sienna:** *It's a bit snowy, but I'm driving carefully. I'll be home soon.*
**Sebby:** *Good. Remember, if you need any help, just call me. Stay safe.*
**Sienna:** *Thanks, Sebby. I appreciate it.*
As I navigated through the snow-covered roads, I reflected on my journey. The path to becoming an intern at Harper Architects had been filled with challenges, but each step had brought me closer to my goals. The encouragement from Elena and the support from my brother fueled my determination to succeed.
The drive home was slow but uneventful. When I finally reached my apartment, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. The day's work had been rewarding, and I was eager to continue contributing to the firm's success.
---
**Elena's Point of View**
I finally packed up my things, preparing to leave the office. The snowstorm outside had intensified, and I was ready to head home. The day had been productive, and I felt a sense of accomplishment in having addressed the various tasks on my agenda.
As I stepped outside, I was greeted by the crisp, cold air and the sight of the snow-laden landscape. The retreat looked almost magical under the snowfall, a stark contrast to the intense pace of my work.
I made my way to my car, my thoughts on the upcoming projects and the challenges they would bring. The storm's beauty was fleeting, and I knew that the real work lay ahead in overcoming obstacles and achieving my goals.
Driving through the snow, my mind wandered to Sienna. The intern's work had exceeded my expectations, and I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of admiration. Despite my own reservations about mixing personal and professional boundaries, I recognized the value Sienna brought to the team.
As I reached home, I resolved to find a balance between my demanding career and personal life. The snowstorm was a reminder of the world outside my office—a world where beauty and challenges coexisted, and where connections could be forged in unexpected ways.
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