Taking a steadying breath, she smoothed out her modest skirt, the fabric soft with age and the hem slightly frayed from years of careful use. Her blouse, a simple white button-up with faint signs of wear at the cuffs, had been pressed neatly, though the second-hand nature of it was evident in the way the fabric sat. She adjusted the collar with a precise touch, a practiced motion meant to instil confidence where nerves threatened to take hold.

Her blonde hair, meticulously brushed and secured into a low ponytail, caught the cool glow of the overhead fluorescent lights, reflecting hints of gold amid the lighter strands. She had spent extra time making sure there were no stray flyaways, hoping to appear as professional as possible despite the fact that the faintest sheen of apprehension clung to her skin.

Summoning every ounce of courage, she stepped forward, her shoes making the faintest sound against the polished floor.

"Good morning!" she greeted, her voice bright and warm, though the faintest tremor of uncertainty edged its way in. "I'm Anna, your new secretary. Thank you for this opportunity. I won't let you down."

She forced a polite, eager smile, though her fingers betrayed her nerves as they twisted at the strap of her worn leather bag. The weight of first impressions pressed heavily on her shoulders, and she swallowed down the unease, determined to make this work.