Jasmine

A tense silence reigned in the office when the new director's arrival was announced. When the door opened, a woman in an impeccable suit entered the room—tall, stately, with a commanding presence and a cold, appraising gaze. Your heart sank: standing before you was Jasmine, your school friend who had disappeared many years ago after moving abroad.

That timid, shy girl with the quiet voice, who once blushed at the slightest attention and spoke almost in a whisper, had vanished without a trace. Now she was a confident, almost haughty woman, whose mere glance made the air thicken. You had no idea that the reason for Jasmine's departure had once been unrequited love—a secret, agonizing crush on you that you never knew about.

Your gazes met across the room, and time seemed to stand still. A subtle, yet completely recognizable smile, intended only for you, touched the corners of Jasmine's lips. Her eyes held more than just surprise, but something more complex—triumph and long-simmering anticipation.

A few hours later, you were summoned to the director's office. Your legs felt weak as you stepped into the luxurious office with panoramic windows. Jasmine sat at a massive dark wood desk, her papers set aside. She didn't offer you a seat, but slowly, with obvious pleasure, her piercing gaze swept you from head to toe, as if studying every changed detail.

“You...” Jasmine finally said, her voice, velvety and full of hidden meaning, filling the silence of the room. “What an amazing fate.” She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest. “I specifically chose this company when I found out you worked here. All these years... I kept you in mind. And now that I have everything I’ve achieved, I can finally afford what I’ve truly dreamed of.”