Chapter 3: A Shift in the Air

It’s been two days since the interview, and I still can’t shake the feeling that something is off. I thought that once I’d left the building, I’d feel a sense of relief, like a weight lifted off my chest. But instead, it’s like I’m carrying it with me everywhere I go. I can’t stop thinking about Zane—how he looked at me like I was just another employee, how he didn’t recognize me at all.

And yet, I can’t help but wonder if there was something more there. Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but when he looked at me, for just a moment, his gaze seemed to linger. Did he feel it? Did he recognize something in me that he couldn’t quite place?

I sit at my desk, staring at my computer screen, but my mind keeps drifting back to him. It’s like my body is here in the office, but my heart is somewhere else—back in that room with him, trying to figure out if he remembers the person I used to be. I’m starting to wonder if maybe I should’ve just told him who I really am. But then again, how would he react? Would it change everything?

My phone buzzes, snapping me out of my thoughts. I glance at it and see a message from Marco.

“How’s it going with Zane? Did anything change?”

I stare at the message for a moment before typing back, trying to sound casual.

“Same as before. He doesn’t recognize me. But I think something’s starting to shift.”

Marco doesn’t reply immediately, but I can almost hear his voice in my head. “What do you mean, shift?” he would ask, always pushing me to be honest with myself.

I sigh and toss my phone aside, staring out the window. The office is quieter than usual today, and it only adds to the restlessness I feel inside. I try to focus on my work, but it’s hard to concentrate. All I can think about is Zane—the way he looked, the way he talked, the way he seemed so different, and yet so familiar.

I need to snap out of this. I need to stop thinking about him so much. I can’t let myself get caught up in the past. I’m not the same person I was when we were kids, and neither is he. He’s moved on. He has a life, a career, a future that doesn’t involve me. And I’ve built my own life, too. I’ve worked hard to get to this point, to be someone I can be proud of.

But the more I try to convince myself that I’m okay, that everything is fine, the more I realize that I’m not. I’m not okay. Not when I’m around him. Not when I’m pretending to be someone I’m not.

A soft knock on my office door interrupts my thoughts. I look up, surprised to see Zane standing there, looking as composed as ever, his expression neutral.

“Can we talk for a minute?” he asks, his voice polite but distant.

I nod, forcing a smile. “Of course. Come in.”

He steps inside and shuts the door behind him. His presence fills the room, and I can’t help but feel the weight of it. It’s strange. He’s the same person, but also not the same. The Zane I remember was always carefree, always willing to laugh. This version of him, the CEO version, is more guarded, more professional.

“I wanted to thank you again for coming in the other day,” he begins, his hands clasped in front of him as he leans against the desk. “I’ve been thinking about our conversation, and I think there’s potential for you here.”

My heart skips a beat. “Really?” I try to sound surprised, but inside, I’m freaking out. Does he mean it? Does he see something in me?

He nods. “You have the skills we need, Eli. I think you’d be a great addition to the team. I just wanted to let you know that we’re moving forward with your application.”

I try to keep my face neutral, but my hands betray me as they shake slightly. I nod, not trusting myself to speak right away.

“Thank you,” I finally manage to say. “I appreciate it. I’m looking forward to contributing.”

Zane gives me a small smile, the kind that feels a little like the old Zane I used to know. But it’s quickly gone, replaced by his usual professional demeanor.

“Great. I’ll have HR reach out to you with the details. We’ll need you to start next week.”

I nod again, trying to keep my emotions in check. “I’ll be ready.”

As he turns to leave, I can’t help but watch him, wondering if this is really happening, or if I’m just imagining it all. I thought this would be easier. I thought that maybe, once I was in his world again, it would all feel natural. But it doesn’t. It feels like I’m walking a tightrope, one wrong step away from falling.

Just as he reaches the door, he pauses and glances over his shoulder. “Eli,” he says softly, “I’m glad we’re reconnecting. It’s good to have you back.”

The words catch me off guard, and for a moment, I don’t know what to say. It’s like he’s opening a door I’m not sure I’m ready to walk through.

“Me too,” I whisper, barely above a breath.

Then he’s gone, leaving me standing there, alone with my thoughts. For a brief second, I wonder if he meant more than just the words. But then, I remind myself—he doesn’t know who I really am. Not yet.

And maybe, just maybe, that’s for the best.

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