Ms. Kim wants me!

CHAPTER 1

LISA'S POV

"Alright, class! New project! You have to interview someone very successful. It doesn't matter who, just interview someone. You have a month, and this will be a major grade," my teacher announced, her voice echoing slightly in the quiet classroom.

The bell rang right after, sending a wave of excitement and chatter through the room as everyone rushed to pack their things and leave.

As for me, my mind was already running at full speed. Who was I going to interview? I needed someone impressive, someone who could blow my teacher's mind.

When I got home, I didn't waste a single second. I dropped my bag in my room, sat at my desk, and opened my laptop. My fingers tapped the keyboard nervously as I searched for potential candidates. After a few minutes, I stopped and thought hard. Then it hit me.

Ms. Kim.

I decided I should interview her. Why? Because, to me, she's the most successful person in the entire world. The thought of it made my chest tighten with both nerves and excitement. Maybe if I chose her, my teacher might even give me extra points for going above and beyond.

With determination, I found the email of her secretary listed on her official website. My hands trembled a little as I typed out a polite request. I proofread it at least five times before finally hitting send.

What I didn't expect was to receive an immediate response. My eyes widened as I clicked it open.

"Congratulations! Yes, you can interview Ms. Kim. I'll set you up an appointment tomorrow, Saturday at 3 p.m."

I gasped, covering my mouth with my hand in disbelief. A giant smile spread across my face.

Yes! My project was going to be the best in class, hands down. But then, as quickly as excitement filled me, another thought struck

"What am I going to wear?" I practically ran to my closet and started flipping through my clothes.

I needed something professional, something that would make me look like I belonged in a skyscraper office, not like a clueless high schooler. After a few minutes of indecision, I pulled out a pencil skirt, a crisp white blouse, and a black blazer. I held them up in front of the mirror.

"I guess I should wear this," I whispered, trying to picture myself looking mature and confident.

Education is something I take very seriously. I'm known as the smartest one in my class, maybe even the whole grade. But because of that, I never really had time to focus on friendships. I only have one real best friend, and that's enough for me. Still, being "the nerd" came with its own struggles.

Yes, I get bullied, whispered insults in the hallway, occasional shoves at my locker, mean-spirited jokes that everyone laughs at but me.

But honestly? I don't mind. I've learned to tune it out. They can laugh all they want, but I know where I'm headed. My future will be brighter than theirs, and no amount of bullying will take that away from me.

Pushing those thoughts aside, I sat at my desk and pulled out a notebook. I started scribbling down potential questions for the interview, trying to think of things that would impress my teacher but also make Ms. Kim open up. The more I wrote, the more nervous I got.

What if she thought my questions were stupid?

What if I froze during the interview?

Still, I kept writing until my hand cramped, determined to make this the best project of my life.

THE NEXT DAY

It was noon, only three hours left until the interview. My stomach churned with a mix of anticipation and fear. I still didn't know exactly what Ms. Kim looked like in person, so out of curiosity, I decided to Google her.

Dozens of images filled the screen. My eyes lingered on each one, and I found myself whispering, "Wow..." She was stunningly beautiful, sharp features, flawless skin, and an aura that screamed power and authority.

But there was something else too. In every photo, she looked serious, her lips pressed into a firm line. She didn't smile. Not even once.

That only made me more nervous.

By 2 p.m., I was finally ready. I curled my hair softly, applied a little bit of light makeup to make myself look older, and slipped into the outfit I picked last night. I checked myself in the mirror one last time before grabbing my purse and heading to the car.

My parents were out of town for a wedding. They had begged me to come with them, but I refused. I had an important test the following day and, of course, this interview. Priorities were priorities.

As I drove toward the building, my jaw dropped the moment it came into view. It towered into the sky, sleek and intimidating, with glass windows that sparkled under the afternoon sun.

My palms began to sweat on the steering wheel. This was no ordinary building, this was the headquarters of someone truly powerful.

When I stepped inside, it felt like I had entered a different world. The lobby was massive, filled with people in suits and elegant dresses rushing about with briefcases and phones pressed to their ears. Everyone looked like they belonged there.

I, on the other hand, felt like a nervous kid playing dress-up.

Taking a deep breath, I approached the front desk and signed in. The receptionist handed me an ID badge and smiled.

"You'll find Ms. Kim's office on the top floor. The 25th."

The 25th floor? My nerves skyrocketed. Still, I thanked her, clipped on the badge, and made my way to the elevator. Each ding of the elevator passing another floor only seemed to echo louder in my ears.

By the time I reached the top, my heart was practically racing out of my chest.

The front desk on the top floor greeted me again. "Hi, I'm Lalisa Manoban. I'm here for Ms. Kim's interview," I said, forcing a smile even though my voice shook slightly.

"Oh! Right. Ms. Kim will be available shortly, so please take a seat," the assistant said kindly, returning my smile.

I nodded and sat down, tapping my foot nervously against the polished marble floor. A few minutes passed when suddenly I heard raised voices from Ms. Kim's office.

It wasn't just raised voices, it was shouting.

Angry shouting.

The sound of her voice was sharp, cold, and commanding, slicing through the silence of the waiting area. My stomach dropped.

A few seconds later, the door burst open, and a middle-aged man stumbled out. His eyes were red and watery, and to my absolute shock, he was crying.

He caught sight of me and walked over, shaking his head.

"You're here for the interview?" he asked, his voice still trembling.

I nodded hesitantly.

"Be careful," he muttered darkly. "She's mean and cold-hearted." Then, without another word, he rushed toward the elevators and disappeared.

My nerves doubled. I gripped my notebook tighter in my hands, wondering if I had made the right decision choosing her.

"Ms. Manoban?" The lady at the desk called out gently. I looked up, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Ms. Kim is ready to see you now."

I stood up slowly, smoothed down my skirt with shaking hands, and took a deep breath. This was it, the moment that could change everything.