The Unbroken But Impure

CHAPTER 62 THE FALL OF BERLIN WALL

The interview took place inside a towering corporate building, the kind that made her feel both small and ambitious at the same time. Mae's palms were damp as she held her folder tightly, waiting for her name to be called. When it was finally her turn, she gathered all her courage, walked into the room, and faced the panel with steady eyes.

The questions came fast, one after the other, but Mae found herself surprisingly calm. Her answers flowed naturally, her confidence blooming with each response. The years of studying, the hardships she endured, the lessons she picked up from people who shaped her, all seemed to converge in that very moment.

By the time she stepped out of the room, her heart was racing, but she knew she had given her best. An hour later, a staff member came out with a smile and handed her a slip. "Congratulations, Mae. You passed."

Mae's knees nearly buckled with relief. Tears filled her eyes, and she whispered to herself, "Finally... finally."

As she walked outside, her phone suddenly rang. She checked the screen, and her heart skipped a beat. It was Troy.

"Hello?" Mae answered, still breathless from the news she had just received.

"Mae," Troy's familiar voice came through, warm and teasing, "How did the interview go?"

"I... I passed," she said, her voice trembling with happiness.

"That's amazing! I knew you'd do it," Troy replied cheerfully. Then, after a short pause, he added, "Can I pick you up now? Let's celebrate."

Mae hesitated for a second. Memories of their last meeting flashed in her mind. They hadn't spoken much since then, both embarrassed by the intensity of the moment. But something inside her told her to say yes.

"Alright," she said softly.

By late afternoon, Mae saw Troy's familiar car parked outside the company building. When he stepped out, wearing a crisp shirt and a nervous smile, Mae felt her stomach twist. They locked eyes for a second, both of them shy, both remembering what almost happened between them before.

"Congratulations," Troy said as she approached, his voice warm yet careful.

"Thank you," Mae replied, her cheeks flushing slightly.

They got into the car, the silence at first thick with unspoken words. But as Troy drove, the tension eased. He took her to a high-end restaurant, a place Mae had only seen from the outside. The lights were warm, the music soft, and the waiters greeted Troy with familiarity.

Over dinner, they slipped back into the comfort of their college days, laughing over old stories, teasing each other about professors and group projects. For a moment, it felt like nothing had changed, like they were just two carefree students again.

In the middle of their laughter, Troy leaned closer, his voice dropping into a more serious tone. "Mae, can I ask you something?"

"Sure," she replied, sipping from her glass of water.

"Do you... have a boyfriend now?"

Mae blinked, surprised by the sudden question. She shook her head gently. "No. I don't."

Relief washed over Troy's face, though he tried to mask it with a casual nod. They moved on to lighter topics again, but Mae couldn't help noticing how his eyes lingered on her, softer, more intent.

When the late afternoon sun dipped into shades of orange, Troy offered to drive Mae home. But as they passed a certain intersection, Mae realized Troy was taking a different turn.