Lola adjusted her glasses for what felt like the thirteenth time. She stood in front of the towering hotel building and could only try to stop herself from keeping her jaw open. She had only seen the building on papers, magazines and on TV- even international news television. Now that she is here, now in front of it, she could not believe it. It didn't feel real.
" Here goes nothing" she said as she tightened her grip on her bag and envelope. She then proceeded to enter the building. As she stepped into the hotel lobby, the hum of activity enveloped her
If she referred to the building as ' jawdropping ' just by seeing the outside, she then have no word for the inside.
The hotel lobby buzzed with life. Guests drifted in and out, rolling their suitcases across the polished floors. The bellhop greeted newcomers with a warm smile, while others hurried toward the elevators, eager to reach their rooms. In the corner, a couple sat chatting quietly over steaming cups of coffee, while the receptionist handled check -ins and check -outs with practiced ease.
Outside, the city bustled — taxis pulled up, and guests departed with laughter and waves. Inside, the atmosphere remained a delicate balance of calm and excitement, a haven for travelers and adventurers alike.
Guests bustled past, and the air was filled with the soft murmur of conversations and the clinking of glasses at the café. She paused for a moment, taking it all in, when a friendly voice broke through the din.
"Excuse me, are you here for the interview?" a staff member asked, approaching her with a warm smile.
"Yes, I am." she replied, a hint of nervousness in her voice.
"Wonderful! Please follow me." the staff member said, leading her through the lobby. They passed the bustling check- in desk and the cozy lounge area, weaving through the crowd until they reached a quiet, serene conference room tucked away on the second floor.
"Here we are." the staff member said, opening the door. "The interview panel will be with you shortly. Feel free to make yourself comfortable."
As she stepped inside, the door closed behind her, and the bustling world of the hotel faded into a calm anticipation, leaving her ready for the next chapter.
As she settled into the waiting area, she scanned the room. She noticed a handful of other candidates, each absorbed in their own preparations. Some were flipping through their notes, mouthing key points under their breath, while others sat quietly, lost in thought.
A young woman in the corner glanced up and gave her a reassuring smile, and another candidate was practicing a firm handshake, clearly determined. The atmosphere was a mix of nerves and excitement, each person mentally preparing for the challenge ahead.
As she watched them, she felt a sense of camaraderie, knowing they all shared the same goal. It helped ease her nerves, reminding her that she wasn't alone in this journey.
But she is here, at QUINN'S HOTEL . It has been her dream to work here at the top luxury hotel in the country. She took a slow breath, tapping her heel softly against the floor.
This is it, she thought. Don't mess it up now.
Minutes later, the door opened and the room fell silent.
Six people walked in — the interviewers, Lola quickly counted. Each was dressed sharply, papers in hand, their expressions unreadable.
Lola straightened in her seat, her palms growing damp. She drew in a sharp breath and whispered a quiet prayer under her breath, hoping her voice would not tremble when her turn came.
She swallowed hard. Her palms had gone damp again. She wiped them gently against her skirt, hoping the movement was not too obvious. Breathe, she told herself. Justbreathe.
They began taking their seats behind the long glass table at the front of the room. The air felt suddenly heavier, and the sound of the chairs scraping against the floor echoed too loudly. Lola's stomach twisted with nerves.
She could not help sneaking glances at them — trying to read their faces. One woman in the middle was flipping through the pages of a file, another whispered something to the man beside her. Someone chuckled softly. Lola felt smaller and smaller by the second.
And then the last person walked in.
The door had already begun to close when she appeared — tall, composed, moving with the kind of grace that made people instinctively turn to look. Her heels clicked softly against the floor, not rushed, not hesitant, just… sure.
Lola did not recognize her right away. But the way the other interviewers straightened in their seats told her enough. Whoever this woman was, she was someone important.
Her hair was pulled back neatly, a few strands escaping to frame her sharp, beautiful face. The light from the window caught the edge of her cheekbone. She wore a black suit — simple but cut so perfectly that it spoke more about her status than any words could.
The woman moved to the center seat. The others waited until she sat before they did. And that's when Lola's breath hitched.
She knew that face.
Zara Quinn.
The Zara Quinn.
CEO of Quinn's Hotel.
The very name printed across the glossy envelope in her hands. The woman she'd dreamed of working for — the one whose story she'd read in magazines, the one she'd admired from afar.
And now, she was right here.
Lola's throat felt dry. She tried to sit up straighter, to keep her expression calm, but her heart was beating too fast, and her fingers were starting to tremble.
Zara glanced briefly at the room — not long, but enough for her eyes to pass over each candidate. When her gaze brushed over Lola, it was only for a second, yet it felt like time stilled. Her eyes were cool, unreadable, but sharp enough that Lola felt exposed.
"Good morning." Zara said finally, her voice smooth and steady, carrying easily through the room. "Thank you all for coming."
It wasn't loud, but it held power. The kind that did not need to shout to be obeyed.
The other interviewers began shuffling papers, asking the first questions. Lola tried to focus, to remember the answers she'd practiced the night before, but her thoughts kept drifting.
Zara Quinn.
She was right there. Talking, leading, every movement precise.
Lola's nerves buzzed in her chest like electricity. She did not know if she was terrified or in awe — maybe both. All she knew was that this moment, this very room, would stay with her forever.