DESTINY'S INVITATION:

Back to Elaina's POV :

The start of a new day was signified by the shrill sound of my alarm ringing through the quiet of the morning. Groggily, I reached out to silence it, the familiar rhythm of the alarm a daily reminder of the tasks that awaited me. With a deep breath, I slowly sat up, stretching as I mentally prepared myself for the day ahead. I went through my usual morning routine brushing my teeth, washing my face, and grabbing a quick breakfast, all while my mind remained focused on the task at hand. Today was important. 

I had an appointment with the Grosvenor's, a well-established family, to persuade them into signing a two-week contract for a medical camp with our college. The success of this meeting was crucial for the upcoming project, and I knew I had to be both professional and persuasive.

I stood in front of my wardrobe, deliberating over what to wear. I decided to keep it simple but still professional, blue jeans paired with a crisp white T-shirt. Over that, I slipped on my doctor's coat, the soft fabric brushing against my skin as I adjusted the stethoscope around my neck. The stethoscope was more than just a piece of medical equipment; it was a symbol of my profession, of the dedication and knowledge I had gained over the years. It would help convey my authority and seriousness when meeting with the Grosvenor's.

After getting dressed, I took a moment to check everything: keys, phone, wallet, and any paperwork I might need for the meeting. Everything seemed in order. I grabbed my bag and headed out, booking a cab to take me to the Grosvenor's office. The cab ride felt longer than usual, my thoughts running over the details of the contract one last time, ensuring I was fully prepared for any questions or objections. 

As I looked out the window, the city slowly came to life around me, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building inside. Today would be pivotal, and I was determined to make it a success. I finally arrived at my destination, stepping out of the cab and gazing up at the enormous building before me. The sheer size of the company took me by surprise, leaving me momentarily awestruck. After a few seconds, I gathered my composure and made my way inside. Navigating through the lobby, I found my way to the reception desk. I greeted the receptionist with a polite smile and provided my details. She quickly verified my information, confirmed everything was in order, and then began leading me to my next destination.

We arrived at the elevator, and she guided me to the top floor. As the lift doors opened, a chill ran down my spine. This floor exuded an entirely different atmosphere. It was the most luxurious, tastefully designed space I had ever seen. Soon, we arrived in front of a room with massive doors, each detail exuding an air of power. She knocked softly, and we heard a cold, "Come in," from inside. The doors swung open, and my heartbeat quickened. The receptionist motioned for me to follow her inside, and we stepped into the room. "Good morning, sir. A medical student from XXX College is here to discuss the contract with you," she said. He didn't even glance at her, only humming in response before dismissing her with a wave.

As the receptionist quietly exited the room, I took a deep breath, feeling my nerves rise. I licked my lips and cleared my throat, trying to compose myself. I could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on me. With a small bow, I straightened up and walked toward him, determined to make a strong first impression. "Good morning, Mr. Grosvenor. I'm Elaina Whitlock, a student from XXX College," I said, keeping my voice soft yet steady, trying to convey both respect and confidence.

The moment the words left my lips, his gaze shot up to meet mine. Our eyes locked, and I immediately felt a jolt in my chest, almost as though I had been caught in a sudden wave of electricity. His eyes were sharp, a piercing, foxy intensity that seemed to see right through me. His hair was neatly slicked back, each strand in place, adding to the aura of controlled power that surrounded him. The silence that followed was thick and palpable, stretching longer than I expected, yet there was something almost magical about it ,an undeniable tension in the air that I couldn't quite explain. My heart skipped a few beats under his intense gaze, and I could feel my palms beginning to sweat. He hadn't broken eye contact, and for a moment, I wondered if I had said something wrong, if I had somehow been too forward. I forced myself to clear my throat once again, desperate to regain some composure, to break the tension and continue with the purpose of my visit. But his stare lingered, leaving me feeling both unnerved and strangely captivated. He finally broke the silence. "Good morning, Miss Whitlock. Please, have a seat," he said, and I mentally let out a sigh of relief. I made my way toward him and sat down across from him, trying to remain composed. 

I placed a file in front of him. "Sir, allow me to explain the reason I'm here," I said. He gave a soft hum in acknowledgment and motioned for me to continue. "Sir, our college has observed the poor health conditions in this area. They are quite alarming, so we raised funds and now plan to conduct a medical camp in this neighborhood. We've found a suitable ground for the camp, which happens to be yours. We would like to rent the space for two weeks. Please review the details in the file, and let me know if you have any concerns or objections."

After listening to me, he nodded thoughtfully and began going through the details in the file. I watched as he carefully examined each page, my heart racing with anticipation. Finally, after a moment of silence, he signed the document. "Everything looks perfect; I have no objections," he said, his tone calm and assured. A sense of relief flooded over me, and I couldn't help but flash a polite, dimpled smile in his direction. My gratitude felt overwhelming, so I quickly thanked him, my voice filled with appreciation. "Thank you so much, Mr. Grosvenor. I truly appreciate your time and consideration." My heart was still racing, " So miss, Elaina. May I have your number? I assume you are the event manager right? " he inquired and I nodded. We exchanged numbers and left the place.