3 The Big Day.

Alisha took a deep breath and looked up at the towering building in front of her. It was a modern skyscraper made of steel and glass, with reflective windows that magnified the morning sun.

The company's name, "Fashionista Couture," was in bold silver letters across the top, reminding her of the pressure she faced.

As she walked towards the entrance, a security guard greeted her with a warm smile. He asked if he could help her, she mentioned that she was there for an interview with Fashionista Couture.

The guard checked her name on the list, confirmed her appointment, and directed her inside.

She entered the revolving door and stepped into the lobby. The space had white marble floors and walls and was quite spacious.

A receptionist greeted her with a friendly hello.

"Welcome to Fashionista Couture. How can I assist you?"

She took a moment to compose herself before replying, "Hi, I'm Alisha. I have an interview with the HR manager today."

The receptionist nodded and checked her name on the list. "Yes, Alisha. Please take a seat, and someone will come to escort you shortly."

Alisha nodded and took a seat on one of the velvet sofas, her mind racing with thoughts of the interview. She felt a bit more at ease now that she had been greeted warmly by the guard and the receptionist, but the fear of competition still lingered in her mind.

As She waited, her nerves began to grow, and doubt and insecurities flooded her mind. She regretted applying for the job and looked around the lobby, noticing the other candidates waiting for their interviews.

Some appeared self-assured, while others appeared just as nervous and uncomfortable as she felt. She tried to calm herself down, but the passing minutes felt like an eternity.

As she sat there, she felt like an imposter, out of place in the fancy lobby surrounded by successful people. She fidgeted nervously, adjusting her clothing and second-guessing every choice that led her to this moment.

Her gaze drifted to a woman across from her, dressed in a sleek black pantsuit and high heels, calmly reading a magazine. The woman exuded confidence and poise, making her feel small and insignificant. She wondered if she could ever be as confident as the other woman.

Another man stood near the coffee machine, wearing a beige blazer and black pants with a portfolio under his arm. He seemed nervous and checked his watch every few minutes, giving off an air of anxiety and uncertainty.

She couldn't help but feel the negative energy from his nervousness, her mind kept going back to the rude comments Ashley had made. The thought of her past mistakes and Ashley's words made her feel unqualified and inadequate.

She looked down at her clothes, she suddenly felt self-conscious. She wondered if her outfit was stylish enough for the fashion company. 

She took another deep breath, but her nervousness only increased. She reminded herself to be confident and do her best, but it was hard to ignore the negative feelings that kept creeping up.

Just then, a well-dressed man approached her. He was tall and well-built, with short, slicked-back hair and a well-groomed beard. He was wearing a sharp, black suit that fit him perfectly, and his confident demeanor exuded an air of authority.

The man greeted her with a warm smile and asked if she was Alisha. When she confirmed that she was, he instructed her to follow him.

As they walked through a long, winding corridor with large windows that offered a stunning view of the city, Alisha couldn't help but feel intimidated by the impressive decor of the building. Her sense of inferiority grew with each step.

"Welcome to Fashionista Couture, Alisha. I'm Harry Jackard," the man said, putting her at ease with his friendly demeanor. "You're here for a position in our Fashion Designing Department, correct?"

She nodded nervously, her palms beginning to sweat. However, her anxiety intensified when Harry Jackard added, "But I have to warn you, the person you'll be interviewing with is known as the 'Dragon Lady.'"

"The 'Dragon Lady'?" Alisha repeated, her voice shaking.

Harry Jackard nodded, but there was a twinkle in his eye. "Yes, she can be tough, but she knows talent when she sees it. And, my dear, I think you have a lot of talent."

As he spoke, Alisha's nerves began to subside, and she felt a glimmer of hope. Perhaps this was the opportunity she'd been waiting for. She took a deep breath and tried to push aside her doubts. Whatever lay ahead, she was ready to face it head-on.

She couldn't help but feel a flutter of pride at his words, but her nerves continued to mount as they stepped into the elevator.

The silence inside the lift was palpable, and the only sound was the dull hum of the elevator's machinery. The closer they got to their destination, the more Alisha's heart pounded in her chest.

Harry Jackard noticed her unease and offered her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, just be yourself, and you'll do great. Remember, you're here because you deserve to be, we don't call people who we think don't belong here."

Her nodded, grateful for his words of encouragement, but the fear of facing the infamous "Dragon Lady" still made her stomach churn.

As they entered the reception area, she saw a group of people bustling about, each looking busy and preoccupied with their work. The atmosphere was electric, and She could feel her excitement rising despite her nerves.

She watched as Harry retreated and muttered to herself, "He was so weird. But funny." She took a deep breath before knocking on the door in front of her.

"May I come in?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper.