No Love Greater

CHAPTER TWO

"beep beep beep", the sound of the alarm was buzzing in my ears and in a minute, Kayla and I were wide awake.

"How are you feeling?" she asked.

"Happy I'm done with school but still in doubt about my future", I answered with a gloomy face.

"I honestly wish things were sorted out without any need to worry".

"Let's hope for the best", she said as she got up. "We're not done with this day yet".

Kayla was going to work in her parents' company in Greece with their IT department. They ran an Investment company and had a popular holiday resort frequently visited by celebrities. I was offered a job with their establishment but declined the offer because I wanted to remain in London.

We got ready in thirty minutes and headed out to meet our loved ones in the hotel not far from our hostel.

"Mi princesa", said my grandad seated in the reception as he set his eyes on me, "you look so beautiful". I moved to hug him and my grandma joined us. In that moment I was happy they were here with me.

Kayla was still waiting for her other relatives and talking rather animatedly with her parents, aunt and two of her sisters.

I was sat with my grandparents constantly checking my email for any employment offers, while nodding my head to what they were saying.

"We are ready," her brother and cousin yelled while coming down the flight of stairs.

Everyone got up and moved to the three hired vehicles parked at the entrance waiting to convey us to the venue. My grandparents and Kayla's parents went in one vehicle while we went along with her brother and cousin. Her two sisters went with their aunt in the third vehicle.

We got to the Universities' auditorium in about an hour due to traffic on the roads in London. While our family members were ushered to their seats, we both showed our Identification cards to the ushers controlling the event and as a result, they directed us to our seats in the front row.

The graduation ceremony started and there were cheers from the crowd while names of graduating students were called.

"Daniel Woods", my ex-boyfriend got up and the cheer from the crowd was deafening. His parents and family stood up clapping continuously till he received his scroll and handshake from the school's Chancellor. Kayla and I exchanged looks with hers appearing to appease me with a sad smile while she mouthed "sorry".

"Kayla Zanip", she got up with excitement and shouted, "this is it Selena". A graceful walk she took while occasionally turning to wave to the crowd.

"Selena Reiss", the moment I got up the nerves left me, it felt good. I was truly done with my undergraduate studies. Cheers and whistles from the crowd lingered as I walked to pick up my scroll and receive that handshake.

The event went on unhindered and eventually came to an end. People were scattered around different places on the campus taking pictures with both friends and family. The Zanip's and Cuenca (Reiss) were in a secluded area with good shade talking about fun things to do later that day and how the ceremony was fun till I heard someone call my name.

"Selena Reiss", I turned back to see a man dressed in a black suit, probably in his early fifties walking my way. I wasn't initially sure if I should meet him but eventually turned back and said to my grandparents "excuse me for a minute please", to which they nodded their heads.

I turned back and walked to his direction then stopped.

"Paul Mills", he looked at me, "Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team", he said stretching his right arm for a handshake an I took his arm.

"So how may I help you", I said feeling unsure of what to expect.

"I'm sorry I arrived late", "I was supposed to be here before your graduation ceremony started but was held up in traffic", he said.

"We thought it would be better to contact you at your graduation ceremony", he said with a smile on his face. "I had been in touch with your Head of Department Professor Givens regarding your performance in school for two years now". I was surprised but already had a feeling this discussion was a favorable one.

I nodded my head as he continued to speak waiting for him to tell me exactly why he was here and then he did.

"Mercedes is impressed with your abilities and will like you to be part of our Data Analytics and Strategy team", he said with a grin on his face.

"You are not kidding right', I said with the bubble of excitement gradually becoming evident. He shook his head.

"YES', I screamed and jumped up with glee, I didn't even realize I had started to tear up.

I was happy. I had gotten an offer to work with one of the top Formula 1 Companies in the world. Mercedes. Yes, I loved Ferrari but working with Mercedes was certainly top of the list.

"The next Formula 1 season will resume in March next year", "so you have ample time to get acquainted with the way we operate". "Your contract is for five years and will be subject to renewal but we are certain you will exceed our expectations".

"We expect you at our Headquarters in Brackley on Monday to sign the contract", "A vehicle will be sent to your residence by 8am to pick and convey you to the office on Monday morning".

"Okay, I will be ready", I said in acceptance to what Mr. Mills said.

"I need your mobile contact". He quickly brought out his phone and punched the digits in as I called them out, dialed my line and told me to save it which I did. He also took my address and nodded his head which was a cue that he would be leaving.

When we got to the car he stopped, turned to look at me and said, "You are only nineteen but it is a good age to begin to understand the technicalities in racing", "the Mercedes racing family is a very close one and I'm sure you will benefit a lot by working with us".

He was telling the truth. A young graduate with Mercedes on her resume has to be a wonderful way to start. I was going to meet new and important people and my life was going to change.

"Have a nice day Selena and see you on Monday", he said as his driver opened the door for him to get in. I waved and was about to turn around excited to give my grandparents the good news as they prepared to drive away. He wound down and said, "Check your email", I nodded as he waited.

I hurriedly scrolled to the email icon on my phone and saw a new mail which read, "OFFER LETTER – SELENA HARPER REISS". I looked up at him with a wide grin on my face and mouthed, "Thank you". His next words, "Welcome to Mercedes".