Chapter 1: Nightmare

Screaming for help as her feet carried her through a thick forest she was unfamiliar with.Selena's heart beat could be heard clearly as she tried to escape what was chasing after her.

What was really chasing her? She had no idea, all she knew was that she wasn't safe and she would keep running as long as she could. Running deeper into the forest, she stumbled on a gnarled trunk and fell. Trying to pick herself up inorder to continue running but her body gave her away.

She stayed on the unforgiving floor as sound of footsteps started approaching her. Thinking of what to do with no clues she decided for fate to take it's cause but just as the footsteps sounded more clearer to her ear, she also heard a beeping sound and she woke up.

Selena woke up around 6:15 a.m in the morning due to her alarm ringing. Covered in sweat, she let out a relieved sigh as she clenched her hands tightly with her clothes.

"It was all a dream..." Relief and worry building on her face.

"What's this dream all about? It felt real" she mused as she remembered today's event.

Even though she had an uneasy feeling about this dream, she was determined not to let anything spoil her day. Shifting the Nightmare to the back of her mind, she let out a yawn as she stretched herself before slipping into her fluffy blue slippers and going into her bathroom to take a morning shower.

Hurriedly putting on her clothes, she walked out of her room, arriving in the living room. The aroma of freshly baked bread flooded her nose, but no, she couldn't wait to eat.

Her father, Mr Riley, a calm and composed man, was sitting on his red couch facing the television screen with a newspaper in his hand. Selena gave him a quick kiss on the cheeks and screamed the usual good morning to her mother who was in the kitchen.

Today was Selena's big day. She had just been called upon by one of the top notch companies in New York. A week ago she had applied for her internship in the 'mega world company (M.W.C)' and today she was going for her interview. Though she knew she still had time to eat and chat a little with her parents, but no, she wanted to arrive early. Her excitement knew no bounds as she dashed out of her house. Even with her quick preparation, Selena still looked beautiful in her way.

She wore a blue flare gown that fitted perfectly with her hazel, hypnotizing eyes, her black hair, thick but soft, cascaded down her back, revealing a natural beauty. Her neck and wrist were adorned with matching blue pearls that gave out simplicity and she crowned her dress with black high heels.

In the heart of New York city stood the M. W. C headquarters, a company where dreams are achieved and achievement are earned. Paying the cab driver for his service, Selena walked gracefully into the building and her mouth fell in awe.

She was greeted with a sight to behold. The first floor was a large open space with high ceilings and a modern design. The reception desk was made of sleek black granite, and at the other end there were several comfortable chairs for people to sit in while they waited. The walls were painted in a light neutral color, and it was adorned with a few pieces of modern art. The floor was made of polished stone, and there were large floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of natural light.

"Hello miss!" Selena was brought down from her amazement as she heard the voice.

She straightened herself and walked to the direction of the receptionist's space. Just behind the counter, the receptionist stood smiling at her politely.

"Good morning, I'm Selena Riley." Selena greeted with a smile.

"Good morning miss Riley, I'm Tricia. Are you here for the interview?"

"Yes, I'm here for the interview." Selena replied cheerfully and that earned her a smile from Tricia.

"Okay, just take that elevator..." Tricia said and pointed to the direction of the elevator, "Press the 28th floor and enter the first room by your right." She added.

"Thank you so much." Selena replied and headed towards the elevator. Opening it, she pressed the 28th floor and when she got to the floor, just as directed, she entered the first room on her right.

"Did I hear the description clearly?" She whispered as she saw no one inside the room. It was filled with a long table and chairs at each side. Thinking whether to leave or not, she walked round the room in anticipation.

After a few minutes of waiting, she decided to leave but just as she walked towards the door, it flung open and a man entered. He was dressed in a grey tuxedo suit that exuded confidence and professionalism, his hair neatly combed gave him a gentleman's appearance.

With a smile on his face, he extended his hand to Selena for a shake. "I'm sorry for keeping you waiting, I had something to do before coming here." Receiving his hand shake,

"It's okay. Thanks for coming."

"Let's have our seat and begin the interview. By the way, I'm Jorge Graham. The CEO won't be able to meet you due to urgent matters, so he sent me in his stead."

Jorge Graham, a man of averagely 6.5 feet tall, his demeanor gave out cheerfulness and calmness which attracted people to him. His short black hair gave a perfect match to his eyes and his well built body fitting his suit gave many a sight of wonder.

Seated on the chair at one end of the table with Selena sitting at his right, he began the interview.

"Miss Riley, am I right?" He asked, looking at her. He knew he wasn't wrong since he was already provided with basic information about her, but yet it was only professional for him to ask, since she never told him her name.

"Yes, how silly of me to not introduce myself. I'm sorry, I'm Selena Riley." Selena said with a soft smile which he chuckled in return.

"You're really from a well-trained background, I like that. Well, without wasting anymore time, tell me Miss Riley, why do you want to join the Mega World Company?" Jorge said, looking at her intently.

Selena, bracing herself up for this type of question, replied effectively. "I've always wished to work with the best company in New York and that was part of my drive to pursue a career in business management, and the main reason I know this company is fitted for me is because I want to make an impact not just in New York but the world at large."

Jorge studied her all through her answer. He was pleased with her answer, but yet he needed to make sure she had that potential to make an impact like she said. Throwing her another question, he waited for her reply. Selena's response was measured and confident, a testament of her unwavering determination. The interview continued, a dance of questions and answers that would determine the course of her professional life.

"Miss Riley," Jorge said, leaning back on the chair,

"You certainly possess an impressive academic record and a passion for business. But tell me, how do you handle pressure and tight deadlines?"

Selena, her eyes unwavering, described her experience during her college days. The late night study session, leading the business club and simultaneously managing multiple projects successfully. Her eyes remained steady as she detailed her ability to thrive under pressure, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

With a smile plastered on his face,

"Congratulations Miss Riley, Your application just got accepted. Welcome aboard." Jorge said and extended his hands, which she appreciated in joy.

"Thank you so much. I promise to put my best in this company and not let you down." Selena said while shaking his hand.

"I trust you will do so. I have a meeting to attend minutes from now. Just wait here, I'll send someone to help you get familiar with the company." Jorge said and stood up, leaving the room. He nodded as she said thank you to him.