As Clara moved through the restaurant, her gaze kept drifting toward the entrance. She searched for Mitchell, trying not to let the nagging worry show on her face. The idea that he might not show up made her chest tighten.
In the kitchen, she focused on preparing a guest's order, yet her thoughts kept circling back to him. She didn't notice as the pan began to smoke.
"Clara! The food's burning!" Bryan's voice cut through her thoughts, his tone sharp but quiet. He glanced around, ensuring nobody else noticed. Most of the female staff at Savron held Clara in disdain, jealousy simmered whenever influential men noticed her. If they knew she'd nearly burned a dish due to daydreaming, they'd seize the chance to report her to the head chef, who wouldn't hesitate to hand down a penalty.
"Clara, where's your mind today?" Bryan asked, his eyes full of concern.
"Bryan, I'm fine. It's just… my cramps." She offered a small, forced smile, hoping it would end the questions.
"Oh," he mumbled, slightly embarrassed, unsure how to respond. "Well, if you're in pain, maybe you should ask for leave."
"No, Bryan, it's manageable." She brushed off his concern with a stronger smile.
"If you're sure." He gave her a searching look but reluctantly walked away.
Thanks to Bryan's warning, the food was only slightly burnt. She dished it up quickly and headed out to the guest. She was halfway across the dining area before she realized her mistake, she'd forgotten to wear her mask. Just great, she thought, but there was no time to turn back now.
As she approached the executive lounge, her heart jumped when she spotted him, Mitchell, seated near Master Alexandro. She'd spent so much time hoping he'd come, and now, seeing him there, she suddenly felt self-conscious.
Clara, focus. Stay professional. She forced herself to breathe evenly as she walked over to serve the guest, but a voice behind her made her freeze.
"Clara."
She turned to find Mitchell watching her. Her hand instinctively went to her face, remembering the forgotten mask.
Trying to steady her racing heartbeat, she forced herself to walk back toward him, her voice a little shaky. "Mitchell… hi," she managed, her cheeks growing warm.
"You work here now?" he asked, his eyes lingering on her.
"Yes," she replied quickly, then turned to Master Alexandro, remembering her manners. "Good afternoon, Master Alexandro."
"Afternoon, Clara," Alexandro replied, his tone thoughtful. "How are you?"
"I'm well, sir, thank you."
Alexandro's gaze turned curious, studying carefully. "Tell me, Clara, what's your academic background?"
She hesitated, caught off guard by the question. "I… I have a B.Sc. in banking and finance, sir."
Alexandro's eyes lit up, and he nodded approvingly. "Very nice," he said casually.
"Thank you, sir. I'll take my leave now." She gave a small nod and turned away. But before walking off, she glanced at Mitchell, their eyes meeting briefly. For a moment, it felt as if time slowed, the connection between them lingering, before she forced herself to walk away.
When she was out of earshot, Alexandro turned to Ashley, who was watching Clara intently. "What do you think, Ashley? Would Clara consider a position at our company?"
Ashley's expression shifted almost imperceptibly. If she's working here, she'll be around Mitchell a lot more, he thought. He forced a smile, his mind spinning as he weighed the implications of Clara working at Alexandro's company. Then again, maybe this could work to my advantage.
"That's an excellent idea, boss," he replied smoothly. "Clara's smart, driven, and creative… she'd be a perfect fit."
Mitchell shot Ashley a sidelong glance, noting the slight pause before his answer. Something in his tone seemed forced, as if he had mixed feelings about the offer.
---
Back in the kitchen, Clara's thoughts spun in disarray, her encounter with Mitchell replaying in her mind. She struggled to concentrate, her hands moving automatically as she prepared another dish.
Bryan approached her again, noticing her distracted state. "Clara, are you sure you're okay? You look even worse."
"Bryan, can I ask a favor?" she replied, barely able to keep the weariness out of her voice.
"Of course. Anything for you," he replied without hesitation.
"Can you cover for me? I don't think I'm feeling too well after all."
Bryan nodded, his concern deepening. "I'll tell the senior chef you were too ill to stay."
---
Meanwhile, Mitchell, still in the lounge, ordered a cocktail, hoping Clara would bring it over. But to his disappointment, another server delivered it. He took a sip, hiding his irritation.
---
Finally home, Clara collapsed onto her bed, exhausted and drained. She managed a quick shower, then lay down, still wrapped in her bathrobe, her mind swirling with emotions. Hours later, she awoke to hunger gnawing at her. She dragged herself to the kitchen to make pasta, waiting for it to cook as she scrolled through her messages.
Suddenly, her phone beeped with a new message from Ashley.
Clara, Master Alexandro has asked you to come for a job interview at the company tomorrow. Bring your certificate.
She stared at the message, disbelief washing over her. Could this really be happening? She picked up her phone to call her grandma, her first instinct to share the news. But then she hesitated. "Better wait until it's official," she murmured to herself, her excitement tinged with caution.
A burning smell jerked her back to the present. "Not again!" She dashed to the stove to find the pasta ruined. With a sigh, she made a quick bowl of noodles, her stomach growling in protest.
After eating, Clara decided to prepare for the interview, spending hours poring over interview tips and reviewing possible questions. Finally, she sent a quick email to her manager, requesting a day off, which he approved.
---
The next morning, Clara woke early, anxiety tightening in her stomach as she got ready. She texted Bryan to let him know she wouldn't be at work.
She could almost see Bryan's face, and guilt tugged at her. I wonder how he'd feel if he knew about the interview.
After checking her appearance in the mirror, she took a deep breath and said a quiet prayer. Although nerves churned within her, she reminded herself, It's Alexandro Company, the best jewelry firm in the country. This is a rare
chance.
As she walked out the door, she felt the weight of possibilities pressing on her.