2- Elevator Hypnosis

POV Isabella:

"Of course! How forgetful of me." I smiled, blatantly lying. "How are you?"

"Excited! You?"

I could feel his enthusiasm as he rubbed his palms together frantically.

"Yeah, really excited."

"I’m sitting right there." He pointed to the front row. "Want to join me?"

I cursed internally. The front row wasn’t part of my plan—usually, those who sit there are forced to share opinions, and frankly, I wanted to stay invisible long enough to avoid any blunders. But…

For God’s sake, Isabella, you prepared for this moment. Enough insecurity!

Okay!

"Sure, front row, here we go." I agreed bravely and followed him.

On the way, I observed my fellow trainees—ordinary people discussing various topics, all related to the big day. Lucca and I settled into the comfortable chairs, and discreetly gossiping, he nodded toward the well-dressed trio at the front.

"They’re the ones training us." He confirmed my suspicion.

I admired them—important people, excellent posture, inspiring…

"Please, take your seats!" A woman from the trio stepped forward.

People quickly found their spots. The lights dimmed, a spotlight illuminating the screen displaying WUC’s green logo.

"My name is Ellen Castiel, Executive Director of Trade Marketing. Welcome to WIS UNIVERSITY CONECT…"

Her commanding voice filled the room. Even trying not to stand out, I couldn’t help but admire her position. Ellen Castiel was a spectacle—I couldn’t resist studying her: tall, sculpted body, black hair cascading over her shoulders, framing her sharp, sexy face…

"I believe being part of this institution is your dream, right?" Her question snapped me out of my admiration trance. "I can imagine how hard you fought to be among the twenty-five best students in the country. We know the process was grueling, but you made it. Congratulations!"

A nudge on my shoulder made me turn—Lucca.

"Isabella, this is going to be amazing, don’t you think?" He asked, his bright green eyes locking onto mine—something I only noticed then.

"Yeah!" I turned back to the powerful woman upfront.

"Starting today, you’ll intern in your chosen fields at WIS CONECT. After training, you’ll receive your scholarship letters from me to enroll at WIS UNIVERSITY. Be prepared—sleep, eat well, because distractions or mistakes won’t be tolerated. Now, you breathe WUC…"

Wow…

Applause erupted. Ellen scanned the room, but for no clear reason, her piercing blue eyes locked onto me for a few seconds. I held her gaze with a smile, not understanding the direct contact until she resumed the bureaucratic explanations.

No time to dwell on the weird moment—Lucca’s excitement consumed me. Minutes later, the executive wrapped up, dismissing us for coffee. My new friend kindly rushed to the table, returning with two cups.

Such a nice guy.

"No sugar," he warned before handing me one.

"Perfect, I like it black. Thanks!"

"Knew it. Always right."

"What’s your major?" I asked, sipping the hot drink.

"Financial Management."

"Nice, a numbers guy, huh?"

"Passionate. You?"

"Advertising and Marketing."

"A future advertiser? Great choice—communication is WIS’s forte. If you need anything, count on me."

I winked, smiling gratefully.

Lucca’s good people.

"Thanks."

"Anytime, girl."

Gradually, everyone returned to their seats, and the supervisor, Maico Oliveira—rigid and focused—resumed training, covering everything we needed before starting our departments. The first part ended in a blink, and soon, we were dismissed for lunch.

"Isabella, where are you eating?" Lucca asked as we left the room.

"Grabbing a burger somewhere nearby. Know any good spots?"

"Yeah, a great place. Mind if I join?"

"Of course not!"

We waited by the elevator. The thrill of new beginnings surrounded me. I spotted a guy and a girl approaching—the most stylish pair in the room. I smiled warmly, receiving the same courtesy.

"Hi, I’m Isabella." I said spontaneously—rare for me. But something about their energy felt good. "How’s it going?"

"Great! I’m Raica." The curly-haired girl stepped closer, greeting me with a kiss on the cheek.

I liked her.

Making new friends would be nice—I didn’t have any at the moment.

Wait, not because I was unbearable. I just buried myself in studies to achieve my dream—my rebirth room. There were reasons for that, some I’d mentioned earlier, but I forgot one: a betrayal that stabbed me in the back, cowardly, painfully. Disappointment shattered my foundation, so I cut ties with everything linking me to it—including mutual friends.

People have this twisted habit of thinking a simple "sorry" can erase all the damage, suffocate the pain that changes who you are, or just soften the wounds.

Hypocrites! Selfish!

"You guys heading to lunch?" Raica asked.

"Grabbing burgers…"

"At Retrô-Chill. Know it?" Lucca chimed in.

"We’re going there too! Wanna come?" She invited sweetly, glancing at the guy who stepped away to answer his phone.

"I’m in. Lucca?" I looked at him—he didn’t seem to mind the company.

"Sure! By the way, I’m Lucca." He extended his hand, and she shook it warmly.

"Renan!" She called the distracted guy, who pocketed his phone and joined us. "This is my brother, Renan." She thumbed at him.

"Hey, guys, sorry—was talking to my boyfriend. Nice to meet you, I’m Renan."

I liked him too.

"Alright, loves, let’s go. Chill is always packed." Raica warned just as the elevator doors opened on our floor.