Unbreakable Thread (ɢxɢ) [𝑪𝑶𝑴𝑷𝑳𝑬𝑻𝑬𝑫] [UNDER REVISION] ⚠️

Chapter 1

"Even amidst a whirlwind of responsibilities, determination stands unwavering at the pinnacle, empowering us to overcome every challenge that comes our way."

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The city pulsed with life as I weaved through the throng of people crowding the sidewalks. The late morning sun filtered through a canopy of skyscrapers, painting the pavement in dappled shades of gold and gray. My backpack, heavy with textbooks and notebooks, dug into my shoulders—a constant reminder of the responsibilities I carried as a fourth-year college student juggling academics and work. 

Ahead of me, the towering glass structure of Escover Enterprises gleamed like a beacon of ambition. The stories I had heard about its enigmatic CEO, Klineigh Escover, played on a loop in my mind. Her unmatched brilliance and fearless rise to the top were almost mythical, making the opportunity to work as an intern in her company feel like a dream teetering on the edge of reality. 

As I approached the entrance, I adjusted my blazer, smoothing out imaginary creases, and inhaled deeply. 'This is it', I told myself. The first step toward my future. 

The lobby was a symphony of sophistication—marble floors polished to a mirror shine, modern art lining the walls, and employees bustling about with purposeful strides. The soft hum of conversation and the distant clatter of heels echoed against the high ceilings. I was momentarily awestruck by the sheer grandeur of it all. 

"Good morning, miss. How can I assist you today?" 

The receptionist's voice brought me back to reality. She was impeccably dressed, her smile warm and professional, and her words carried an air of practiced efficiency. 

I swallowed the lump of nerves forming in my throat and stepped closer to the desk. "Hi, um, I'm Shai Buenavista, the new intern. I have a meeting with Mr. Anderson." 

Her fingers danced across her keyboard as she checked the schedule. "Ah, yes. Ms. Buenavista, Mr. Anderson is expecting you. Please take the elevator to the 12th floor. His office is the first one on your right." 

"Thank you," I said, my voice steadier than I felt. 

The elevator ride to the 12th floor was a quiet one, though the air was thick with anticipation. Around me, employees stood in silence, their faces masked with varying degrees of focus. I clutched the strap of my backpack, trying to steady the rhythm of my heartbeat. 

When the elevator dinged, I stepped out into a sleek corridor lined with glass partitions and minimalist décor. Following the receptionist's instructions, I found myself in front of a wooden door with "Mr. Anderson, Internship Coordinator" etched onto a silver plaque. 

Knocking gently, I waited, my pulse pounding in my ears. 

"Come in," came a deep voice from within. 

The office was a blend of modern design and functionality. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathed the room in natural light, and the city stretched out in a breathtaking panorama behind the desk. 

"Good morning, Mr. Anderson. I'm Shai Buenavista," I said as I stepped inside, extending a hand with a practiced smile. 

Mr. Anderson rose from his chair. He was a tall man with salt-and-pepper hair and a suit that looked like it cost more than my semester's tuition. He shook my hand firmly. "Ah, Ms. Buenavista. It's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard good things about you. Your professors speak highly of your dedication." 

"Thank you, sir," I replied, a mix of pride and humility in my tone. 

As he outlined the details of the internship, I focused on committing every word to memory. He explained my tasks, expectations, and the learning opportunities that awaited me. I nodded along, occasionally asking questions to show my eagerness. 

Still, I couldn't help but let my eyes wander to the expansive windows behind him. The view of the city skyline was mesmerizing—a constant reminder of how high I had yet to climb. 

"Ms. Buenavista," Mr. Anderson's voice pulled me back to the present. "Are you still with me?" 

"Yes, sir. Sorry, I got distracted," I admitted sheepishly. 

He chuckled, his expression softening. "It happens. Just stay focused, and I'm sure you'll do well here." 

I was about to thank him when a soft click broke the rhythm of our conversation. A door on the far side of the office opened, and in walked a woman whose presence immediately shifted the energy in the room. 

She was elegance personified. Dressed in a sharp, tailored suit that hugged her form perfectly, her every step exuded authority. Her sleek hair framed a face that was both striking and intimidating. 

Klineigh Escover.

My breath hitched as she crossed the room, her stride purposeful yet unhurried. She exchanged a few words with Mr. Anderson, her tone calm but commanding. Then, as if sensing my presence, her gaze flicked toward me. 

Our eyes met, and for a fleeting moment, time seemed to slow. Her dark eyes held a depth I couldn't quite decipher—confidence, curiosity, and something else I couldn't name. I felt an inexplicable pull, like the world had shifted its axis, and I was standing at the center of something monumental. 

"Ms. Escover, this is Shai Buenavista, one of our new interns," Mr. Anderson introduced, breaking the silence. 

She gave me a slight nod, her lips curving into a polite but distant smile. "Welcome to Escover Enterprises, Ms. Buenavista. I hope you're ready to work hard." 

"Yes, ma'am. Thank you," I managed, my voice steadier than I felt. 

She lingered only a moment longer before turning her attention back to Mr. Anderson, discussing matters that were beyond my comprehension. 

As quickly as she had appeared, she was gone, leaving the room in an unspoken hush. I exhaled, realizing I had been holding my breath. 

"She's an impressive woman, isn't she?" Mr. Anderson commented, a knowing smile on his face. 

I nodded, still processing the brief yet powerful encounter. 

When our meeting concluded, I stepped out of the office with a mix of excitement and unease swirling within me. The weight of the day's events pressed against my chest, but there was also a strange lightness—a spark of something new and uncharted. 

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