Chapter 3 COULD THIS BE FATE

Hazel smiled as she shut the door of the cab, saying, "Thank you." Her smile faltered as she realized where she was. 'Why do I feel so uneasy?' she thought to herself, trying to shake off the feeling. Hazel was capable of doing everything and anything.

It was her first in-person job interview, and she was determined to do well. Before this, she'd only worked online, and the thought of mingling with people or turning into a "corporate girlie" made her nervous.

As she walked into the reception, a receptionist looked up and asked, "Good morning, ma'am. How can I help you?" Hazel's voice trembled slightly as she replied, "I'm here for the interview."

Just then, a man exclaimed, "What! Is that Hazel I see?" William's eyes lit up with amusement as he approached her. "William Arthur, it's been what? Ten years now if I'm not mistaken," Hazel said, smiling warmly.

William, an old friend from high school, walked towards her with open arms. They had been inseparable in high school, but a two-week awkwardness had followed when William confessed his feelings to Hazel. Though she had politely turned him down, their friendship had endured.

"Come on, give me a hug," William requested, his voice filled with warmth. As they hugged, he couldn't help but notice how much Hazel had changed. She had grown into a beautiful woman, and those piercing eyes still sparkled with kindness.

As they pulled back, William's gaze lingered on Hazel's face. He had always been drawn to her, and seeing her again after all these years felt like fate. He thought back to his high school days, when he had first developed feelings for her. He had tried to win her over by being her friend, but things hadn't gone as planned.

Hazel's voice brought him back to reality. "So, what are you doing here?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. William replied, "I'm the manager here. Harold owns this place. Are you aware?"

Hazel's eyes widened as she processed the information. Suddenly, she felt like she'd been punched in the gut. She broke out in a sweat despite the air conditioning, and her legs trembled beneath her. She managed to stagger to a nearby seat, her voice shaking as she asked, "Harold, as in Harold Orion?"