Elena's POV
10 years ago
"Mama, look! Cotton candy!" I chirped, tugging at my mother's hand.
She glanced down at me and smiled, the kind of smile that made me feel like the luckiest girl in the world. We headed toward the stall, and for the rest of the day she spoiled me with all the treats she usually said no to.
By the time we got home, my eyes were already drooping. She carried me upstairs, tucked me into bed, and kissed my forehead.
"Goodnight, Princess. Happy birthday. I love you." She kissed me again, lingering for just a second before straightening up.
At the door, she turned off the light and locked it behind her. I drifted off almost instantly, a smile still on my face.
The sound of shattering glass and loud, heavy noises ripped me out of sleep. My heart pounded against my ribs, and sweat clung to my skin. Rain hammered against the window, but over the storm I could still hear movement downstairs-sharp, deliberate.
My door swung open.
"Mama?"
She stepped in, turning on the light. Her eyes were full of tears, her hands trembling as she crossed to me. The noise below had quieted, but I knew someone was still down there.
"Baby, take this." She pressed something into my palm-a small key on a necklace.
I frowned at it, confused.
"You remember Aunty Lily?" she whispered.
I nodded.
"Good. You'll take this with you when you go to her. Never, ever let it out of your sight. Understand? When I tell you to run, you run-and you don't look back. I'll find you. But you have to go."
"Mama, please don't let me go alone," I cried, clutching her.
"You're not alone, sweetheart. I'm always with you."
She packed my backpack quickly-clothes, a water bottle-then handed me some cash and an address scribbled on a card. Lifting me in her arms, she opened my window.
"Run, sweetheart. To Aunt Lily. I love you."
And then I was in the rain, tears blurring the world.
And a name I heard my mother scream 'Enzo'
And then
Gunshots cracked behind me-three in a row.
I ran faster, flashlight clutched tight. I didn't need to look back to know the truth. Mama wasn't coming.
Just like Papa.
---
Present day - 10 years later
I squinted against the sunlight streaming through my bedroom window.
8:00 a.m. The interview was today.
The job-assistant to the CEO of one of the most prestigious companies in New York-was a long shot. They usually promoted someone from the inside. But when I saw the opening, I sent in my application and all the required documents. A week later, the email arrived: You've been shortlisted.
Now here I was-nervous as hell and about to put my "fake it till you make it" skills to the test.
I took a long, warm shower, brushed my teeth, and stood in front of my closet. After some deliberation, I chose a white blouse with faint blue patterns visible only up close, a knee-length black skirt, and my red-bottom heels-last summer's gift from my best friend.
Hair in a low ponytail. Makeup soft but polished. When I finally looked in the mirror, I smiled. Simple. Elegant. The makeup brought out my blue eyes, arched brows, and long lashes. Confidence? Still missing. But we'd wing it.
By 9:15, I was on the road. The weather was kind, traffic light. I sipped the last of my coffee, parked, and stepped out of the car.
The building loomed over me, all glass and steel, with MARIANOS spelled across the top in bold gold letters. It screamed money.
"Pull it together," I muttered, palms damp as I walked through the revolving doors.
The lobby gleamed. Behind the reception desk, a redhead with a messy bun and glasses perched on her nose typed away, red acrylic nails clicking against the keys.
"Hello, miss. How can I help you?" she asked kindly.
"I'm here for the interview. I was emailed to come in today."
She typed something into her computer, then motioned for me to follow her into a waiting room.
"You'll wait here, and when your name is called, you can go in."
I thanked her and sat. Twenty minutes passed-each one stretching longer than the last. My hands wouldn't stop sweating.
"Elena Rosa, please step inside," a blonde woman finally called.
I stood, forced a smile, and walked in. Three people sat across the table-two women, one man-all watch
ing me closely.
I sat, took a steadying breath, and the interview began.
This is it.