I nodded silently, accepting his conditions once again. After that terrifying night, I had to return to Julian’s penthouse in Tribeca. This time, I didn’t feel so uneasy or guilty. Lily’s safety came first, and Julian’s deep concern made me understand that accepting his help was necessary. However, my determination to find a job hadn’t changed. If anything, it had grown even stronger. I didn’t want to remain weak and protected forever.
Knowing I had my first interview coming up, Julian seemed even more nervous than I was. The night before, after Lili had fallen asleep, he called me into the living room. He had prepared two cups of chamomile tea and said something unexpected. “From now on, I’m the interviewer and you’re the candidate. Let’s do a simulation.” I was a little surprised, but I nodded. It was a good opportunity to gain confidence. Julian’s demeanor changed instantly; he sat up straight, crossed his arms, and his gaze became sharp and analytical.
He was no longer the kind and attentive Julián of everyday life. He was a ruthless executive evaluating a candidate. “Good morning, Sara,” he began, his tone firm and professional. “Thank you for coming. Let’s get started. Can you explain your resume?” I took a deep breath and tried to answer fluently, but as soon as I finished, Julián interrupted me. “Your introduction is too generic. Anyone can say that. Tell me, what sets you apart?” Then came a barrage of difficult questions. “I see a three-year gap in your resume.”
You dedicated yourself to starting a family. In the design world, three years is an eternity. Trends are constantly changing. Don’t you think you’ve fallen behind? How are you going to convince us that you can perform from day one? That question struck right at my biggest insecurity. I panicked for a second, but I pulled myself together and remembered what I had prepared. I explained how I had taught myself, the new programs I had mastered, and the projects I had developed to stay current.
Julian nodded slightly, but didn’t stop. “Why did you get divorced? An unstable personal life will affect your performance. We need employees who are 100% committed.” That question was like a knife straight to the heart. It was invasive, too personal. I froze. I felt the color drain from my face. Seeing my reaction, Julian immediately dropped his act, stood up, and approached me, his voice filled with regret. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you, but the reality is that some interviewers can be that aggressive; they might try to pressure you with those kinds of questions.”
I wanted to prepare you so you wouldn’t freeze up or get hurt in a real interview. I understood her intention. She was preparing me for the worst-case scenario. I nodded silently, appreciating her honesty. “If they ask you something like that,” she continued, sitting back down, this time in a softer tone, “you don’t need to go into personal details. Rephrase it professionally. Say that your personal situation is completely resolved, that it won’t affect your performance, and that, in fact, this new chapter gives you more motivation to focus and grow.”
Turn that weakness into proof of your strength. That night we stayed up practicing for hours. Julian taught me how to structure my answers, how to highlight my strengths, and even how to negotiate my salary. He analyzed every mistake rigorously, but without destroying my confidence. I was deeply impressed by his intelligence and experience. Thanks to him, my confidence began to slowly return. I felt ready. The next morning I put on the stylish blazer and trousers that Julian had helped me choose.
He always said that image was half the battle. He drove me to the agency in Chelsea, reminding me one last time to stay calm and believe in myself. When I entered the meeting room, I was no longer afraid. There were three interviewers, and their questions were very similar to the ones Julian had asked me, especially about my three years out of the market. Thanks to my preparation, I answered with confidence, logic, and clarity. I presented the ideas I had developed and explained how those three years as a mother had taught me time management, problem-solving, and empathy—key skills for working with clients.
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