Dragon King's Human Mate

Ella - POV

My cab driver dropped me off at the interview venue amidst the rush and bustle of the streets and the towering skyscrapers. I stood at the entryway, feeling palpable nervousness as I prepared for the interview with a major corporation. After working for a subpar firm for four years, I finally had the opportunity to interview for a top position at a high-profile company.

Just as I arrived, my phone rang, and I saw my father's number on the caller ID. I answered the call before entering the interview.

"Princess, it seems you have reached your destination," my father said.

"Dad, please stop referring to me as a princess. I am 25 years old, for goodness' sake," I grumbled.

"It doesn't matter how old you become, you will always be my princess. Did you get anything to eat? I'm sure you didn't, so I put some sandwiches into your bag," he responded.

"Dad, until I finish this interview, I won't be able to eat, and I'm determined to get a job with this firm," I replied. This job was crucial for me. Since my mother passed away when I was young, my father has supported me throughout my life. Now that my father is unwell, I need to be financially secure to pay for his medical costs and survive in the city.

"This is not good for your health, Princess. So, don't skip your breakfasts. I know how much you want this job, and I am certain that my Ella will ace the interview," he said, his words having a favorable impact on me. "I believe in you, Ella. You are the greatest in your line of work. Have trust in yourself."

"You always know how to calm me down and understand me better than I know myself," I spoke in hushed tones, a grin flickering.

"Of course, your father has the finest judgment. Best of luck, Ella," he replied. "I'm certain you'll get this job." The jitteriness I had been experiencing during my journey didn't seem to weigh me down anymore. I savored the sandwich my father had prepared for me; it was delicious. Even though I longed to be in California, I had to leave work and return to New York because of my father's deteriorating health.

To avoid going bankrupt, I had set aside enough money to keep me afloat and cover all of my expenses for the time being. The following month, I would need to transport my father to a reputable medical facility to treat his rare condition. Unfortunately, I was so engrossed in my thoughts that I didn't notice when the front desk called my name.

"How may I assist you, miss?" she stated.

"I am here for an interview for the position of Assistant Secretary, and the contact person is Miss Avery Reyes," I responded as I double-checked the contact person's name for my interview on my phone.

"The interview will take place on the fifth floor, and here is the paperwork you must complete before being scheduled for an interview," the lady at the front desk remarked.

I grabbed the paperwork and filled out all the information before proceeding to the fifth floor of the corporation. I waited outside Miss Avery Reyes' cabin, observing the others who were also waiting. Just then, my phone alerted me to a new message.

"I wish you the best of luck, darling. I am certain that you will get this position," my fiancé James' message made me smile as I read it. Even though he was still in California, he supported my decision to go to New York to be near my father.

The entire interview process took me the entire day, and all the rounds were exhausting. I felt relieved that it was down to just myself and another

 lady, Sofia Collins, who appeared to be a model-type woman. My heart raced as Miss Reyes shifted her gaze from Sofia to me, creating a sense of anticipation. Her brown eyes revealed nothing about her feelings, making figuring out what she was thinking challenging.

"Congratulations, Miss Hart. The CEO has chosen you based on all the screenings," Miss Reyes responded with a business-like expression. "You will be the secretary of the corporation, Miss Ella Hart, rather than the assistant. That position will be assigned to Miss Sofia Collins here." I was taken aback by this news while Sofia managed to hide her despair. Hearing the news delighted me, and I was even more thrilled to be offered the well-paying position.

"When can I start working?" I smiled, concealing my happiness beneath a solemn mask.

"You may begin working today," came a chilly voice behind me. As I turned to look, I saw a figure with a Herculean physique, hazel eyes glaring at me with coldness. His untidy black hair matched his chiseled jawline, which looked great against his tan complexion. My heart rate began to rapidly increase.

"Miss Hart, this is Mr. Darcus Miller, the company's CEO," Miss Reyes introduced. My excitement over landing this job shattered when I discovered that this guy was my ex-boyfriend and my college love.