chapter 9

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This was my first time in the library. He better have a good reason, because of him I was breaking my oath.
When I reached the door, it was locked. I sighed, ready to turn back—then froze.

He was standing right behind me.

Mia: “What the hell, Jacob! You scared the life out of me.”

Jacob: “Sorry, I didn’t mean to. I just got here.”

Mia: “Forget it. Let’s go. The door’s locked.”

Jacob: “Not anymore.”

Mia: “What do you mean?”

He held up a key—the library key.

Mia: “How on earth did you get that?”

Jacob: “Don’t ask.”

He unlocked the door, and as I stepped inside, my breath caught. The library was stunning—shelves that reached the ceiling, warm golden light spilling across polished floors.

Mia: “Wow. That’s…”

Jacob: “I know.”

Mia: “Still, they should’ve spent more money on students instead of this place.”

Jacob: (smirks) “Maybe. Sit down.”

I noticed his bag.

Mia: “What’s in there?”

Jacob: “Coffee.”

Mia: “Coffee?”

Jacob: “I promised you, remember?”

I laughed softly. “Not fabulous, but thank you.”

We sat.

Mia: “So, why exactly are we here?”

Jacob: “Because you want to win. Remember?”

Mia: “Yeah, but don’t tell me you brought me here to study. That’s not really my thing.”

Jacob: “Relax. I just wanted a quiet place to talk.”

Mia: “Fine. Talk.”

Jacob: “They’re going to judge us on multiple levels.”

Mia: “What levels? And how do you know?”

Jacob: “Because I’ve got sources. Informers.”

Mia: “And what do your informers say?”

Jacob: “That only three students will be chosen, based on daily interactions, stress management, and other hidden factors. And the CEO himself will make the final decision.”

Mia: “Only three?”

Jacob: “Yep. And they’ll be here for one week, starting tomorrow.”

Mia: “Wait—tomorrow’s session isn’t about giving us tips? It’s about analyzing us?”

Jacob: “Exactly.”

I frowned.

Mia: “You said the CEO himself? Who’s selecting us?”

Jacob: “That’s the tricky part. The company is MIKELSON’s. And the person coming… is Mr. Mikelson.”

Silence. My heart stopped.

Mia: “Him?”

Jacob: “Yes.”

I forced a laugh. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Jacob: “Mia, calm down.”

Mia: “Calm down? He’ll never choose me.”

Jacob: “Most likely, he’s forgotten you.”

Mia: “Maybe.”

Jacob: “Don’t panic. He won’t be partial. And even if you’re not one of the three, who cares? I’m here, your family’s here—they’ll be proud you tried.”

I exhaled. “Thanks.”

Later, in the cafeteria

Mia: “Hey guys, I’ve got tea.”

Jeeya: “Spill the tea, actually.”

Lizzie: “Good to see you again.”

Mia: “Not here. At our spot. Now.”

Lizzie: “Our spot?”

Jeeya: “Secret place. Let’s go.”

Harry: “Through the back door. Stella’s in the hallway asking about us.”

Jeeya: “Are we playing hide and seek now?”

Lizzie: “We’re just… avoiding her.”

Mia: “She doesn’t deserve our time.”

Jeeya: “Another Stella-hater, huh?”

Mia & Lizzie (together): “We don’t hate her, we just don’t like her.”

Jeeya: (laughs) “Fair enough.”

At the secret place, I told them everything Jacob had said.

Harry: “I heard the same thing. No grades, no attendance. Three unknown parameters. CEO plus one colleague will pick.”

Jeeya: “Then you’re doomed.”

Mia: “I know. I’m not even participating. I’ll show them my medical report and walk away.”

Lizzie: “Why?”

Jeeya explained. Lizzie shook her head.

Lizzie: “That’s not possible.”

Mia: “Do you know him?”

Lizzie: “No. Just heard a lot about him.”

Something about her tone… she was lying.

Jeeya: “So you’re quitting?”

Mia: “Yes. I hate failing.”

Lizzie: “Then don’t fail. Win. Show him you’re stronger than what he remembers.”

Her words echoed in me.

Harry: “It’s worth a shot.”

Mia: “Fine. But if I lose, I’m killing him.”

Harry: “I’ll plan it.”

Jeeya: “I’ll bring the weapon.”

We laughed.

At home, I told my sister everything.

Sis: “So… coffee with Jacob, huh?”

Mia: “Really? That’s what you caught?”

She teased me, then grew serious.

Sis: “I’m proud of you. Win or lose.”

We hugged.

Later, in my room, I froze. My window was open. I had shut it earlier.

On my desk lay a black envelope with a bouquet.

Inside, only three words:

SEE YOU SOON.

The flowers meant new beginning.

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