The smell of fresh ink was still on my fingers as I held the contract, my hands shaking a little. It was real. A real job. My name is signed at the bottom. I wanted to jump up and celebrate, but a part of me—the part that had faced so many rejections—kept me grounded. This wasn't the end. It was just the beginning.
I slid the contract across the table, meeting Mr. Greg's sharp gaze. He was a serious businessman, always thinking, always calculating. But there was approval in his nod.
"Congratulations, Miss Celeste," he said, his voice firm and experience. "I expect great work."
"I won't disappoint," I replied, keeping my voice steady. But deep inside, fear lurked.
As soon as I stepped outside, the cool air hit me. I pressed the contract against my chest and exhaled. One step forward. One win. After so many struggles, I finally had a chance.
Then came the voice behind me. "Didn't think you'd actually do it."
I turned, already knowing who it was. Caden leaned against the wall, arms crossed, smirking. That annoying, knowing smirk—the one that made me want to prove him wrong.
"Neither did you," I shot back.
He chuckled. "Fair point." His eyes flicked to the paper in my hands. "So, what's the job?"
"A marketing campaign for a mid-sized brand. Nothing big, but—"
"It's a win," he finished for me. This time, he actually sounded impressed.
I narrowed my eyes. "Why do I feel like you're waiting for me to fail?"
Caden shrugged. "Not waiting. Just watching." He stepped away from the wall. "Hope you're ready. This world isn't easy."
Neither am I, I thought. But I just lifted my chin and said, "I'll manage."
He laughed, then disappeared into the crowd.
The next few days flew by in a blur—meetings, research, late nights working until my head ached. The pressure was heavy, but I welcomed it. If success meant hard work, I was ready.
Then, the setback hit.
"Celeste, this isn't working." Mr. Greg's voice was sharp. "We need fresh ideas. Your pitch is... uninspired."
My stomach twisted. "I can fix it."
"You have 24 hours."
This world had no room for mistakes. No second chances. Just results.
I barely made it home before panic set in. My hand hovered over my phone. I could call Caden for advice. But no—I wasn't going to run for help at the first sign of trouble.
Instead, I pushed myself harder. I studied every bit of feedback, broke my ideas apart, and rebuilt them from scratch.
By morning, I had something new. Something bold.
I walked into the office, my heart pounding. Mr. Greg read through my revised proposal, his expression unreadable. Silence stretched between us. My nails dug into my palm.
Then—
"This is what I wanted."
Relief washed over me. He nodded. "We'll move forward with this."
I stayed calm and professional. But inside, I wanted to scream with joy.
That night, I stood on a rooftop bar, looking at the city lights. I did it. I made it past the first challenge.
A familiar presence appeared beside me.
"You didn't fail."
I smirked. "Disappointed?"
Caden sipped his drink. "A little."
I laughed—a real, lighthearted laugh. Maybe this world wasn't easy. But I was still standing. And I wasn't going anywhere.
Not until I had it all.