CHAPTER 234
Arianna walked into the bustling waiting hall, where numerous candidates had already gathered. After scanning the room, she chose a seat at random and sat down, trying to focus and calm her nerves.
Moments later, a voice called out her name.
“Ms. Johnson?”
The tone was distinct, and the voice carried a familiar ring to it. Arianna’s brow furrowed in recognition, and when she looked up, there was no mistaking the elegant figure standing before her.
It was the same striking woman she had met at the airport and again at Barrkjaer Island. Shock flickered in her eyes as she exclaimed,
“It’s you!”
People often said that fate was seldom kind enough to orchestrate multiple chance encounters, but there she was, face to face with the same woman for the third time in such a short span.
The woman smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling.
“What a small world, isn’t it? We keep meeting like this.”
She gestured towards the empty seat beside Arianna.
“Mind if I sit here?”
“Oh, of course, go ahead,” Arianna replied, scooting over slightly to make room.
The woman sat with effortless grace, her posture straight, and after a brief moment, she turned to Arianna, her gaze lingering as if she were sizing her up.
“So, are you here for the interview as well?”
Arianna blinked, surprised yet again.
“I am. What are the odds?” She laughed softly.
“Seems like we were meant to cross paths again.”
The woman chuckled, her laugh light and pleasant. "Destiny, perhaps," she mused before extending a perfectly manicured hand.
“Let me formally introduce myself this time. I’m Harmony, Harmony Jackson.”
Arianna smiled and shook her hand.
“Arianna. Arianna Johnson.”
“Pleased to meet you, Arianna.”
“The pleasure’s all mine,” Arianna responded, feeling an odd sense of connection between them, even though they had barely exchanged a few words.
Harmony’s dark, piercing eyes flickered with something unreadable as she studied Arianna’s face, and without warning, she asked softly,
“How’s your recovery coming along, Arianna?”
The question caught Arianna completely off guard. For a moment, her mind went blank. How did Harmony know about her condition?
How could Harmony possibly know about her injury when no one outside her inner circle was supposed to be aware? Arianna’s brows furrowed in confusion, and she couldn’t help but ask, “You… How do you know I was injured?”
Harmony’s expression flickered ever so briefly, a flash of uncertainty crossing her eyes before she quickly regained her composure, offering a soft, reassuring smile.
“Oh, that?” She let out a small, almost self-conscious laugh.
“I happened to be at the hospital the other day. I saw you in a hospital gown and you didn’t look well. I assumed you were unwell.”
Arianna nodded slowly, her suspicions easing but not entirely vanishing.
“I see... Well, thank you for your concern. I’m all healed now,” she replied with a polite smile before curiosity got the better of her.
“Were you there for yourself? Were you unwell too?”
Harmony shook her head gently, her smile fading into something more serious, more personal.
“No, I wasn’t the one who was unwell,” she said, her voice softening as she glanced away briefly. “Someone very important to me was injured, and I was there visiting him.”
The words hung in the air for a moment, and Arianna’s curiosity deepened. She couldn’t resist asking,
“Is he… your boyfriend?”
Harmony’s eyes locked with hers, the intensity in her gaze unmistakable. She spoke each word with deliberate precision.
“He’s someone I love dearly,” she said, her voice carrying a quiet weight. Then, her lips curved into a soft, almost wistful smile.
“And he loves me just as much.”
Arianna couldn’t help but feel a pang of admiration. To find someone who reciprocated love so purely and deeply—it was a rare and beautiful thing. Harmony’s radiant expression made it clear just how lucky she felt.
Arianna returned the smile, her voice warm with sincerity. “I hope he recovers soon.”
Harmony chuckled softly, the sound light and graceful.
“Thank you. He already has. The hospital discharged him just recently.”
Arianna’s mind flickered for a moment, her thoughts wandering briefly to Xander. He had also been injured recently, and just like Harmony’s loved one, he had been discharged after recovering.
The coincidence tugged at the edge of her mind, but she brushed it aside, focusing instead on the conversation at hand.
“That’s wonderful to hear,” Arianna replied, her voice sincere.
The fact that Harmony’s special someone had been discharged from the hospital at the same time as Xander tugged at the back of Arianna’s mind. Could it possibly be the same person?
She almost laughed out loud at the absurdity of the thought. The idea was too far-fetched to be true, yet it lingered for a moment longer than she would have liked.
Before she could dwell on it further, an announcement echoed through the waiting hall, pulling her back to the present.
“The interview is about to begin. Please be mindful of your assigned numbers. Each candidate will be called in order. Once your number is announced, make your way into the interview room immediately. Missed calls will not be entertained.”
The tension in the room shifted as every candidate turned their attention toward the upcoming interview. The air buzzed with a mixture of nerves and anticipation.
Arianna took a deep breath, pushing aside the nonsensical thoughts that had briefly distracted her. Now wasn’t the time for daydreams or wild ideas. She had worked hard for this moment, and everyone—Xander, Grandma King, and Aunt Julia—believed in her. They had been so encouraging, confident that she would succeed. She couldn’t let them down.
She glanced at the number on the slip of paper in her hand—19. Harmony, seated next to her, had 20. When the speaker called out for number 19, Arianna stood up, smoothing down her outfit and steadying her breath.
Harmony looked over and offered a polite smile.
“Break a leg, Ms. Johnson.”
Arianna returned the smile warmly. “Thank you.”
With that, she walked confidently toward the door of the interview room. She paused for just a moment at the entrance, took one last calming breath, and pushed the door open.
Inside, the room was filled with a panel of seasoned professionals, all watching her expectantly. But Arianna wasn’t intimidated. She had faced enough high-pressure situations with Xander that her nerves didn’t get the better of her.
The years of navigating his sharp remarks and composed demeanour had prepared her well for moments like this. She kept her head high, her voice steady, and her answers confident.
The interview flowed smoothly. The questions came, and she responded with grace and poise. Her preparation paid off, and soon enough, the session was over. She left the room feeling good about her performance.
As she exited, Harmony was waiting by the door for her turn. Their eyes met, and Arianna offered her a friendly smile.
“Break a leg, Ms. Jackson.”
Harmony responded with a nod and a serene smile.
“Thanks.”
With a calm elegance, Harmony made her way into the interview room, the picture of composure. Arianna watched her for a brief moment, then turned away, her thoughts once again focused on the next steps ahead.
