Chasing the Flame

CHAPTER SIX

KIMBERLY

POV

By the time I finally arrived home, the night had already settled in, far later than I had intended. I stepped out of Isabelle's car, feeling completely drained but somehow full at the same time.

"Bye, Kimmy!" she shouted enthusiastically as she drove away.

I waved back at her, blowing her a few playful kisses in return. Isabelle was an incredible person—down-to-earth, fun, and we connected instantly. Despite having just met, it felt like we had known each other for ages. Finding someone with the same interests as me was a rare treat. When she offered to drive me home, I had initially declined, not wanting to be a burden. But she, being as insistent as she was kind, wouldn't hear of it. "It's too late for you to be going home alone," she'd said, and I couldn't argue with that.

We lived in a modest two-bedroom apartment on the outskirts of Virginia. It wasn't much, but it was home—a place where my family and I managed to scrape by. As I quietly unlocked the door, I noticed the house was shrouded in darkness. It seemed like everyone was already asleep, or so I thought.

"Boom!"

I nearly jumped out of my skin when my younger sister, Amelia, leaped out from behind the door.

"What the hell, Amelia! You scared the life out of me!" I gasped, my heart still racing.

She doubled over with laughter, clutching her stomach, tears forming at the corners of her eyes. "You should've seen your face!"

Still catching my breath, I managed a smile. "Why are you even up this late?"

"Assignments," she replied, the playful tone replaced with a hint of exhaustion. "I've got a project due tomorrow."

I couldn't help but smile again, proud of her dedication. Amelia reminded me of myself during my college days—hardworking, driven. But unlike her, I had been forced to drop out due to financial constraints. That thought weighed heavy on me, and I swore that I'd do everything possible to ensure Amelia didn't face the same fate. I worked any job I could find, trying to make ends meet. My mother, too, worked tirelessly at a small restaurant nearby. I often begged her to take it easy, but she always refused, saying she didn't want to leave all the burden on my shoulders.

As for my father? He left us years ago, abandoning his responsibilities and leaving us to fend for ourselves.

"What did you have for dinner?" I asked, knowing the answer would probably upset me.

"Just noodles and tea," Amelia said, trying to sound nonchalant. "Mom had a lot to eat, though. I wasn't really hungry."

I knew she was lying. She always tried to make sure there was enough for everyone else, even if it meant going hungry herself. Amelia was selfless that way—beautiful, kind-hearted, even at her young age.

"Yeah, yeah, I have news for you!" she suddenly exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she stomped her feet excitedly.

"Oh? What's the news?"

"David texted me today. He asked for your new number."

My heart sank. A flood of emotions hit me at once—fear, anger, even a flicker of longing. "Did you give it to him?" I asked, my voice strained.

"No," she reassured me, shaking her head.

I exhaled deeply, relieved. I had cut all ties with David after that night. I changed my number, deleted my social media accounts, and even made sure he didn't know about our new apartment after we relocated. David was the type of man who never took 'no' for an answer. He always found a way to get what he wanted, no matter the cost, and I knew it was only a matter of time before he tried to find me again. But why now? Was he bored? Or worse, was he looking for someone to unleash his violent temper on?

A part of me still missed him, the version of him I once loved. But I had to stay strong. It was better this way—safer.

Trying to shake off the thoughts of David, I noticed a magazine I had grabbed from a coffee shop earlier. I flipped through the pages absentmindedly until one headline caught my eye.

"10 Employers to be Recruited at JP Holdings Corporation."

My heart skipped a beat. That was the man I saw at the restaurant earlier! How could I have forgotten to ask his name? I was probably too mesmerized by his looks to think straight. I smirked at the memory. Not that it mattered; a guy like that would probably ignore me anyway.

But this job? This could be my chance. I was determined to try my luck.

The next morning, I found myself at the grand building of JP Holdings Corporation, nervous but eager. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I could only hope I was qualified for the position. I approached one of the guards, asking for directions to the interview.

"Just tell the receptionist in the lobby," he pointed. "Good luck."

I thanked him with a smile and headed inside. But the moment I reached the desk, my hopes were dashed.

"I'm sorry, miss," the receptionist said, her gaze flicking to my outfit with barely disguised judgment. "Your name isn't on the list of candidates. We didn't receive any of your documents."

I felt a rush of embarrassment. How could I have been so careless? "I have them here," I said quickly, holding up my folder. "Can I submit them now?"

The receptionist's expression didn't soften. "We have protocols to follow," she said dismissively.

Frustrated, I turned to leave, but in my haste, I tripped and collided with someone. My heart dropped when I heard the familiar voice.

"Are you alright, miss?"

It was him. The man from the restaurant.

I scrambled to compose myself, clearing my throat. "I'm here for the interview," I stammered, twisting my fingers nervously.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Has your name been called?"

"Uh... no. I haven't submitted my documents yet."

He laughed, the sound deep and rich. I couldn't tell if he was laughing at me or with me. Either way, I felt like a complete fool.

"Let me see your documents," he said, holding out his hand.

I handed them over, trying not to look like I was falling apart inside.

"Hmm," he mused, flipping through the pages. "I doubt they'll let you in. This is strictly for college graduates."

It felt like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water on me. But before I could respond, he added, "But I'll see what I can do."

My heart leapt with hope. "Thank you, sir... uh, what's your name?"

"Ethan Salvaire," he replied, flashing a brief smile.

I nodded, trying to keep my cool, but when I looked up, he was already walking away with my documents. The hours dragged by as I waited in the lounge, nerves fraying with each passing minute. I helped myself to some coffee and pastries, trying to pass the time. It was nearly 6 PM when I finally heard a familiar chime and his voice.

"You're hired, Miss Stafford."